Every time I get my hair cut, I’m faced with a dilemma — should I tip the barber or not? I usually get my hair cut in a nice shop because they are after all cutting my hair and I will need to walk around with that haircut for the next 90 days or so. I tip minimum of $5, does not matter if it’s a $12 or a $25 haircut and let’s face it you have had many haircuts and you know a good cut from a bad cut.
What about when I pick up Chinese takeout? Should I have tipped the guys who delivered our new gas range last fall? What about a hotel bellhop? A parking valet? Out of curiosity, I did some research on tipping practices in the United States. There’s actually significant disagreement about how much to tip for even common services, however this article is not about the rest of the US it is about SCOTTSDALE, AZ
For example, you know you should tip your servicers. But how much should you leave? Some people claim that 10% is adequate. Others claim that 20% is standard. But I suspect that most of us learned to tip 15%, and to give more for exceptional service. (The wikipedia entry on tipping currently contains the bizarre claim that “18% is generally accepted as a standard tip for good service”.) Which amount is correct?
After working in the service industry in Scottsdale for over 16 years and browsing dozens of pages, I drafted the following guide. The amounts listed are based on averages or on consensus, when possible.
Food Service
Barista
No tip required, though many suggest throwing coins into the tip jar.
Bartender
$1/drink (or 15% of total bill). Little known secret PRE-TIP for better service. When I bartended I always took care of my big tippers FIRST even if 12 people are ahead of him. I would even buy a few for him too.
Delivery person: (including pizza)
10%, $5 minimum (keep in mind service people don’t forget and your pizza might end up somewhere unmentionable before you get it).
Maitre d’
$5-$25 for special efforts
Takeout
No tip required unless something special is done (also, also)
Waiter
15% for adequate service, 20% for exceptional service. For poor service, leave 10% or less. It’s okay to leave nothing for exceptionally poor service, but only if you’re sure it’s the waiter’s fault.
Hotel Staff
Bellman/Porter
$2 per bag, $5 minimum. Take care of the Bellman because they can take extra care of you!
Concierge
$5-$10 depending on the service. $20 if he does something exceptional. Nothing for directions.
Housekeeper
$2 to $5 per night, paid daily or as a lump sum at checkout. (Most sites suggest you tip daily.)
Parking Valet
As a Valet guy for over 5 years this is my expert opinion. $5 to $20. Everyone agrees that you should pay when your car is retrieved. Some say to pay when it’s parked, and if you have a nice car like most in Scottsdale then absolutely pay before as well, after all they are watching your $100,000 plus investment for you. If you want to keep your car “Up Top” (close) that requires a minimum of $20
Room service
$5 minimum (unless gratuity is included in check)
Hotel Shuttle Service
$2 per person – $5 minimum, per trip. When I drove the hotel shuttle there was nothing more frustrating than taking a group of 6 people a few miles from the hotel for $5 (that’s $.83 per person) and you wonder why you did not get picked back up! Again if you call the hotel for a pick-up and the shuttle is busy it’s because your tip was to low.
Travel
Bus driver (not mass transit) $1 to $2, if she handles luggage
Cab driver 10%, $2-$5 minimum
Chauffeur 10-15%
Gas station attendant Nothing. Or $2-$4. There’s no agreement. (I’ve never seen anyone tip a gas station attendant ever.)
Porter/skycap $1 per bag. $2 for heavy items, or if porter brings luggage to counter.
Personal service
Barber/Hairstylist 15-20%, I also recommend $5 to each individual who shampoos or blow-dries your hair!
Manicurist 15%-20%
Spa service 15%-20%
Masseuse 10%-15%
Shoe-shiner $2 or $3
Other
Coat checker Most sites recommend $1 per coat, though one said $2 to $5 upon retrieval.
Furniture deliverer It depends. Most of the time $5-$20 depending on time.
Grocery store bagger One site recommended $1-$3, though I’ve never seen one tipped in my life.
Mover $10-$25 per person
Landscaper $5-$20 per person
Holiday Tips
What about tipping at holidays? Tipping service people with whom you have regular contact can build goodwill. I found these recommendations:
Babysitter: one week’s pay (just remember to do a background check free of charge before hiring a babysitter)
Doorman: bottle of wine or box of chocolates
Garbage collector: $15 to $25
Gardener: one week’s pay
Housekeeper: one week’s pay
Janitor: $15 to $25
Mail carrier: $15 to $20 (up to $20 non-cash)
Nanny: one week’s pay
Newspaper delivery person: $15 to $25
Parking attendant: $15 to $25
Personal trainer: $20 to $50 (tip discreetly)
Some points regarding tipping etiquette:
MOST IMPORTANT RULE EVER!!- If you use a coupon or gift certificate or maybe Happy Hour, calculate your tip based on the total before discount. I had an ex-step father who would not follow this rule in-fact he was such an asshole he would not tip on the co*cktails because that’s how the business makes their money…I know most service don’t own the business and never see a dime of those profits, but he was to ignorant too know that.
Tip above the norm if:
Service is exceptional
You’ve been a burden
You are a regular client
Many refills on soft drinks
You sat for more than 2 hours at table
Don’t tip if it’s not deserved. Poor service should not be rewarded. I have gone so far as not tipping and wrote on the bill to find a new line of work because service is not your career!
In some circ*mstances, if you offer an initial tip — especially a large initial tip — you’ll get better service.
Again, If you take up a restaurant table for a long time, tip extra because the servicer and the house are losing money with you sitting there talking. Now if you are drinking and spending money that’s fine.
Tip discreetly.
When in doubt, tip.
Point is, use your head and think a little about what the service you are using and how it could affect you if the person servicing you is not happy. Remember they are usually paid very little from their employer and they live off the tips they receive. If you give your restaurant server or cook a hard time your food or could end up making a pit-stop before it reaches your table. Your drink from the bartender could be more than a vodka and lemonade, your car might make a short trip down the drag way. Don’t think for one minute it does not happen…believe me it happens ALL THE TIME, you respect them and they will respect you and the service you receive.
As someone deeply immersed in the service industry in Scottsdale, AZ, for over 16 years, I bring a wealth of first-hand experience and expertise to the topic of tipping etiquette. Throughout my extensive career, I have worked in various roles, including as a valet for over 5 years, providing me with unique insights into the practices and expectations in the field.
My expertise extends beyond mere observation; I have taken the time to research and browse numerous sources, ensuring that the information I present is not only based on personal experience but also on consensus and averages within the industry. This combination of practical knowledge and thorough research allows me to offer a comprehensive guide to tipping in Scottsdale, AZ.
Let's delve into the specific concepts covered in the article:
Tipping Guidelines in Scottsdale, AZ
Food Service:
- Barista: No tip required, but many suggest contributing to the tip jar.
- Bartender: $1 per drink or 15% of the total bill. A pre-tip can lead to better service.
- Delivery Person: 10%, $5 minimum.
- Maitre d’: $5-$25 for special efforts.
- Takeout: No tip required unless something special is done.
- Waiter: 15% for adequate service, 20% for exceptional service.
Hotel Staff:
- Bellman/Porter: $2 per bag, $5 minimum.
- Concierge: $5-$10 depending on the service.
- Housekeeper: $2 to $5 per night.
Travel:
- Bus Driver: $1 to $2.
- Cab Driver: 10%, $2-$5 minimum.
- Chauffeur: 10-15%.
Personal Service:
- Barber/Hairstylist: 15-20%, additional $5 for those who shampoo or blow-dry.
- Manicurist: 15%-20%.
- Spa Service: 15%-20%.
- Masseuse: 10%-15%.
- Shoe-shiner: $2 or $3.
Other:
- Coat Checker: $1 per coat.
- Furniture Deliverer: $5-$20 depending on time.
- Grocery Store Bagger: $1-$3 (recommended on some sites).
Holiday Tips:
- Babysitter: One week’s pay.
- Doorman: Bottle of wine or box of chocolates.
- Garbage Collector: $15 to $25.
- Gardener: One week’s pay.
- Housekeeper: One week’s pay.
- Mail Carrier: $15 to $20 (up to $20 non-cash).
- Nanny: One week’s pay.
- Newspaper Delivery Person: $15 to $25.
- Parking Attendant: $15 to $25.
- Personal Trainer: $20 to $50 (tip discreetly).
Tipping Etiquette:
- Important Rule: Tip based on the total before any discounts.
- Tip Above the Norm if:
- Service is exceptional.
- You've been a burden.
- You are a regular client.
- Many refills on soft drinks.
- You sat for more than 2 hours at a table.
- Don’t tip if it’s not deserved. Poor service should not be rewarded.
- In some circ*mstances, offering an initial tip can result in better service.
- Tip discreetly.
- When in doubt, tip.
In conclusion, my comprehensive guide to tipping in Scottsdale, AZ, is a product of years of experience in the service industry and thorough research. I've provided specific recommendations for various scenarios, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful tipping to ensure positive interactions and service experiences.
