Tipping really is one of the most confusing customs.
Thats because there are no real rules for tipping, and the etiquette of it can seem pretty arbitrary.
Besides varying opinions for who and how much to tip, customs vary by country as well.
Ask a dozen people when and how much they tip, and youll get a dozen different answers.
Heres what we found out for several categories where youre likely to find yourself in a tipping situation.
Buffet:Tip 10% of the total pre-tax bill.
Supermarket bagger:Many grocery store baggers arent permitted to accept tips.
A dollar or two is fine.
Home-related services
Building supervisor:Opinions also vary greatly on this.
The cable guy:No need to tip, though an offer of a drink is nice.
Home service providers(e.g., electrician, plumber, lawn service): No need to tip.
saying that contractors expect to do a job for you at a specific price.
However, if the workers do outside of whats normally expected, go ahead and tip.
Furniture/appliance delivery person:$5-20 per person, depending on the size and complexity of the delivery.
Check to confirm this isnt already on your bill, saysConsumer Reports.
If youve chosen to use a gas attendant,tip $2-3.
Mechanic:No tip needed.
Parking attendant/valet:$1 to $2, according toConsumer Reports.
Travel-related services
Concierge:$5 to $10 for reservations, says Consumer Reports.
If your request is simple (like directions), you dont need to tip.
Hotel housekeeping:$2 to $5 a night, according toEmily Post.
Put the tip in a clearly marked envelope.
Rental car shuttle driver:$1 or $2 per bag if they help with your luggage.
Casino machine attendant:$1-2 after servicing your machine, according toCasino.org.
Camp counselors:Depends on the camp.
When in doubt, call the camp to find out.
Childrens party entertainers:$15-25, depending on the performance.
Tattoo artist:15% is the minimum and 20% is the norm, according toInked magazine.
Tipping is about expressing gratitude.The above recommendations are just thatrecommendations.
Hopefully the above tip examples will ease your mind the next time a possible tipping situation comes up.
This post was originally published in 2012 and was updated on 11/27/2019 to reflect more current information.
