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Tipping really is one of the most confusing customs. In the United States, it’s one that’s had a long and troubling history and is often the subject of heated debates. That’s 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 you’ll get a dozen different answers.




That said, it is nice to have some guidelines to reduce the anxiety and awkwardness of not knowing if you should be tipping. Here’s what we found out for several categories where you’re likely to find yourself in a tipping situation.

Food-related people

Food pickup/counter person: The Emily Post Institute

Picking up from a restaurant: When you order from a diner or restaurant for pickup, a maximum of 10% tip will do, says Emily Post.

When you order from a diner or restaurant for pickup, a maximum of 10% tip will do, says Emily Post. Buffet: Tip 10% of the total pre-tax bill.

Tip 10% of the total pre-tax bill. Delivery person: Most of us know to tip food delivery people, who often use their own cars; however, do you tip a dollar amount or a percentage? Consumer Reports Do it in cash, please.

Most of us know to tip food delivery people, who often use their own cars; however, do you tip a dollar amount or a percentage? Supermarket bagger: Many grocery store baggers aren’t permitted to accept tips. If your bagger goes above and beyond—maybe they take your bags to the car and load them for you—you can ask if they can accept a tip. A dollar or two is fine. If you’re shopping in a military commissary, it’s customary


Home-related services

Building supervisor: Opinions also vary greatly on this. You might want to tip when the super does some work on your apartment, but then again, it might depend on where you live. If you’re not sure, a holiday tip of $75 to $175 may make the most sense, according to Brick Underground

Opinions also vary greatly on this. You might want to tip when the super does some work on your apartment, but then again, it might depend on where you live. If you’re not sure, a holiday tip of $75 to $175 may make the most sense, according to The cable guy: No need to tip, though an offer of a drink is nice.

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. If you have a relationship with someone who comes to your home frequently (a handyperson, for instance), you can offer a one-time tip at the holidays, according to Angie’s List

(e.g., electrician, plumber, lawn service): No need to tip. If you have a relationship with someone who comes to your home frequently (a handyperson, for instance), you can offer a one-time tip at the holidays, according to Exterminator: Because this can vary by area, call the company before you get service done to ask what’s normal.

Because this can vary by area, call the company before you get service done to ask what’s normal. Home contractors: Angie’s List says most contractors say they don’t expect a tip

Angie’s List says Furniture/appliance delivery person: $5-20 per person, depending on the size and complexity of the delivery. Check to make sure this isn’t already on your bill, says Consumer Reports

$5-20 per person, depending on the size and complexity of the delivery. Check to make sure this isn’t already on your bill, says Flower delivery person: Teleflora

Car-related services

Gas station fill-up person: No tip needed if you’re in the last lonely state where you can’t pump your own gas tip $2-3

No tip needed if you’re in the last lonely state where you Mechanic: No tip needed.

No tip needed. Tow truck: $5 to $10 if they help you when you’re locked out, $3 to $5 for a jump start/tire change; $5 or more for a tow.

$5 to $10 if they help you when you’re locked out, $3 to $5 for a jump start/tire change; $5 or more for a tow. Parking attendant/valet: $1 to $2, according to Consumer Reports


Travel-related services

Concierge: $5 to $10 for reservations, says Consumer Reports. If they go above and beyond—say, getting you as table at a popular restaurant or show—you may want to tip $20 or more. If your request is simple (like directions), you don’t need to tip.

$5 to $10 for reservations, says Consumer Reports. If they go above and beyond—say, getting you as table at a popular restaurant or show—you may want to tip $20 or more. If your request is simple (like directions), you don’t need to tip. Hotel housekeeping: $2 to $5 a night, according to Emily Post

$2 to $5 a night, according to Bellhop or airport skycap: $1 a bag or more if it’s heavy. Consumer Reports

$1 a bag or more if it’s heavy. Rental car shuttle driver: $1 or $2 per bag if they help with your luggage.

How Much You Should Tip Hotel Housekeeping Staff Tipping in hotels is one of those things that we know we’re supposed to do, but can easily get away Read more


Entertainment-related and miscellaneous services

Theater/arena usher: New York Theater Guide says

Casino machine attendant: $1-2 after servicing your machine, according to Casino.org

$1-2 after servicing your machine, according to Camp counselors: Depends on the camp. Some camps don’t let their counselors take tips, while others will send parents a letter with recommended tip amounts (e.g., $1 a day). When in doubt, call the camp to find out.

Depends on the camp. Some camps don’t let their counselors take tips, while others will send parents a letter with recommended tip amounts (e.g., $1 a day). When in doubt, call the camp to find out. Children’s party entertainers: $15-25, depending on the performance.

$15-25, depending on the performance. Dog walker: Emily Post

Tattoo artist: 15% is the minimum and 20% is the norm, according to Inked magazine


Holiday tipping

Because the end of the year is a time to show your appreciation for the people who’ve helped you all year long, many people give holiday tips. We have a whole guide just for that.


General tipping guidelines

If you are in doubt about whether or how much to tip, ask in advance. The Emily Post Institute says, for example, that asking a receptionist or delivery coordinator whether tipping is customary can save you from embarrassment when it’s time to tip (or not tip)


If you’re still in doubt and want to tip, you can’t go wrong with 15%-20%. This depends on how good the service was.

Tipping is about expressing gratitude. The above recommendations are just that—recommendations. You should follow your gut and base your decision on whether to tip or not based on how regularly you see the person, how much they help you out, and perhaps how much their job or livelihood depends on your tip.


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.