The lines between when to tip and when not to tip have become increasingly blurred these days. With tipping prompts seemingly offered up everywhere you go, it can be confusing to decide whether you should put that extra dollar in a tip jar.
“The biggest change in tipping over the past few years is that now people are prompted to tip when paying programs with POS (point of service) computers,” says Jodi RR Smith of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting.
But you don’t always have to tip. We spoke to experts about the situations and places where tipping doesn’t make the most sense, including at coffee shops and when working with business owners.
Fast-Food Restaurants
Do you feel compelled to tip when you order at places like McDonald’s or Panera? Don’t worry — experts say it’s unnecessary.
“If it is a huge order (think school trip on a bus!), a tip is a lovely gesture, but never obligatory,” Smith told Cheapism. Good to know.
Coffee and Doughnut Shops
This one surprised us, because we’ve been handing out dollars at our local coffee shop like they grow on trees.
“Handing a customer a coffee, a doughnut, or an ice cream is generally not a tippable service,” says Smith.
In counter-service establishments, such as coffee shops, bakeries, or delis that require customers to pay first, tipping isn’t necessary. (Though it should be noted that many baristas do appreciate tips, especially on complex and large orders.) Bottom line: If all someone did was hand you something, you can save your dollar.
Business Owners
You get your hair done by the owner of a salon. Do you tip them or not?
It’s actually not necessary. “Owners of the business do not require tipping and it may be viewed as inappropriate,” says JustAnswer etiquette expert August Abbott.
But sometimes, where you’re going may change the equation, making it all the more confusing.
“People are expected to tip based upon their lifestyle,” Smith says. “If you are going to fancier salons, receiving more deliveries, frequenting nicer restaurants, and traveling to posher vacations, you will need to increase your tipping budget to cover the services you are enjoying.”
Professionals
“If you’re like most people, you don’t visit your medical professional and feel the urge to slip them a ten,” Abbott says. “Some people do though, and it’s not the right thing to do.”
This also applies to teachers, professors, plumbers, carpenters, and the like. Of course, it’s doubtful anyone will turn your money down, but you shouldn’t feel expected to offer it up in first place.
Takeout Orders
Should you tip for takeout? This question has been the subject of much debate lately. But according to experts, you do not need to tip when picking up takeout — even when being prompted.
“During COVID, yes, tipping even for takeout was the norm to keep the venues open and the staff able to stay employed,” Smith explains. “Now that we are moving beyond COVID, a small tip for takeout is a kind gesture (5-10%).”
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When Gratuities Are Included
If the bill includes gratuity, you really don’t need to give more, so don’t feel guilty about it.
“At restaurants where gratuities are included in the bill, fight the urge to give even more. Just be sure to really look for that on the tab — ‘gratuity included’ — sometimes it’s not very obvious [or] easy to spot,” Abbott says.
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