Leaving a tip simplified with these tipping tips, part 2

Even though U.S. consumers are working hard to claw their way back from the precipice of recession, it doesn’t mean that tipping for good service should be forgotten. On the contrary, leaving a tip, when warranted, is more important than ever before. Stimulate the economy with these tipping tips. This concludes a two-part article. If you missed the opening, CLICK HERE.

Airport, cruise and limousine tipping

Tampa, Fla.-based business etiquette expert Patricia Rossi reminds travelers and merry-makers that tipping isn’t just for restaurant and hotel staff. Here are some other situations where leaving a tip is highly appropriate:

• On a cruise ship. While there’s no hard rule regarding tip amount, shipboard staff will inform guests of what is customary, upon request
• Curbside check-in at the airport: $1 to $2 per standard bag, more if oversized
• Taxi: 15 percent of fare
• Airport shuttle: $2 to $3
• Limo drivers: 10 to 20 percent

While tips for standard roadside services involving a rental car are generally unnecessary, if the person goes above and beyond the call of duty to help you in subzero temperatures, the gesture of leaving a tip is appreciated.

[When it dire budget straits, personal loans are also a nice gesture.]

Special events, both happy and grim

Large amounts of preparation and service go into making sure that big events like weddings and funerals go off without a hitch. However, most people tend to overlook gratuities in these situations. Here are some recommendations for how much to tip.

At a wedding:

• Wait staff: Tip 15 to 20 percent of the cost of catering
• Bartender: Tip 10 percent of the bill
• Coat check/restroom attendants: $1 per guest, paid by event host
• Disc jockey: Tipping $50 to $100 is customary, beyond agreed fee
• Emcee: Generally not needed, but never more than $100
• Altar boys: Tip $10 to $15

At a funeral:

• Presiding official: Tip $50 to $300 total when there’s no honorarium; keep in mind that sometimes, this fee is already part of the funeral parlor bill

Feeling pretty and tipping

Many beauty parlor workers, whether they’re working in a human or animal establishment, are paid by commission, or minimum wage plus a small percentage of the bill. As such, tipping is recommended. Consider the service being given, and consider what’s appropriate. Hoffman offers these guidelines:

• Massage therapy: Tip 15 to 20 percent of the bill
• Hairstyling or barber cut: Also 15 to 20 percent of the bill
• Manicure or facial: 15 to 20 percent
• Animal grooming: As with their human masters, tipping 15 percent to 20 percent is not uncommon

Sources

Bankrate

Get Rich Slowly

The Original Tipping Page