Besides waiters, who are you tipping, and how much?
Tipping has always been touchy, and the recession and its lingering effects have changed little about the act.
Toward the end of 2009, for example, our first real holiday season when the downturn was in full-swing, tipping was set to slim down in unison with our consumer spending. Not shocking news.
But if there’s to be any return to normalcy in the financial world post-recession, we’re bound to see it in tipping as much as anywhere else. Generosity, after all, often stems from what we can afford to lose.
So as a point of debate, why not take a step back and look at tipping from a distance – who are we tipping, who aren't we tipping and how much are we giving?
Everyone knows you’re to tip your waiter at a restaurant (15 per cent as the common benchmark, depending on your quality of service and overall fat-catness), but what about your dog groomer or, say, your tattoo artist?
Are these professions worthy of tipping? If so, what denomination is expected?
The good people at CouponSherpa.com have come up with a handy reference list of 63 pointers for tipping, including several suggestions for gratuities where you might not have thought they were warranted.
A few notable entries:
1. Take-out food: 10 per cent when you pay, as per CouponSherpa’s recommendation.
2. Coat room attendants: $1 per coat for up to five jackets. Fifty cents per coat for six or more.
3. Taxi drivers: 10-15 per cent standard. Up that to 20 per cent if the cabbie helps with you heavy luggage.
4. Florists: $1 to $10 – a sliding scale based on the size of your arrangement.
5. Tattoo artists: 10-20 per cent – again, at your discretion based on the size and difficulty of your design.
Going through CouponSherpa’s list is a little daunting (at some point, gratuities have to be considered into the list price, don’t they?) but it’s a worthy task, nonetheless.
Readers: besides waiters and general food staff, who are you tipping most? And, on that note, who do you think gets tipped that doesn’t deserve it?
By Jason Buckland, MSN Money
Posted by: Catherine | Aug 25, 2021 4:29:36 PM
I personally think 'tipping' of any kind should be outlawed. Many people who receive tips indicate it is common knowledge when receiving cash tips to not declare these monies for tax purposes.
Quite frankly, I have provided excellent, courteous and professional service for over 30 years. No one tips in my profession, and I pay full taxes on the monies I earn.
We need to pay these people accordingly and banish tipping so that the monies earned are taxed just like al other hard-working Canadians. I find it offensive to have anyone "expect" a tip to provide me with the service he/she was employed to provide in the first place.
Posted by: Bet | Aug 25, 2021 4:59:37 PM
I agree completely with J.L,W . Trying to explainto an Australian how and why we tip at all is very difficult and very funny at times. Such reasonable questions come up.
"Why doesn't the owner of a restaurant pay his staff a living wage"?
"Why would you tip a taxi driver and not tip a bus driver?
"Why should you have to provide financial support to all these businesses , restaurants and hotel owners by partially paying their employees wages?"
"If you go into a restarant shouldn't you expect good service and if you don't get it you don't return."
Yes I do tip in Canada but the months I spend in Australia dealing with wait staff and other service people is far more enjoyable and relaxing. I probably pay more than the food or service would be in Canada but that is my choice.
Posted by: cbfish | Aug 25, 2021 5:05:44 PM
Expected tipping is a crock.
The best are cruise lines, where tipping is expected. Last cruise I took, they got nothing. Why should I subsidize sub par wages. Don't reduce the cost of my ticket, meal etc, based on reduced wages only to make use of some form of public "norm" or standard to top it up.
If the sevice is not top quality, they got nothing. If it's decent service, i round up to what i deem acceptable. Try to make me feel guilty in tipping. hahah go for it. Tipping just propogates the current sentiment amongst most people of unreasonable expectations and entitlement.
And for those of you that want to flame me, I have tip for you......
Posted by: diane10 | Aug 25, 2021 5:14:36 PM
It's unfortunate that this discussion on tipping has to denigrate into arguments and criticisms about peoples' views. Everybody has different experiences - leave it at that! Also, try to stay on topic. This blog is not about whether Americans or Canadians are better, nor is it about healthcare or taxes. I tip for good service - simply. I usually tip 20% at a restaurant for attentive care. As for cab drivers, I think some often sink their own ship with their surly attitude. I am happy to tip them 10% if they open the door, help with luggage etc. I agree mandatory tipping should not be allowed and in my experience it is often where it exists that there is the poorest service (kind of makes sense). Gas stations are an interesting topic. I often feel sorry for these young guys and gals pumping gas in the middle of winter, so sometimes I will throw in a toonie or more. You should see the smiles on their faces. With the economy getting worse I think that tipping will slow down, which is unfortunate as many workers do rely on tips.
Posted by: Jeff | Aug 25, 2021 5:59:26 PM
Since "Lisa" seems to dislike Canada so much then perhaps she should move to the US. As for medical care, yes, they do have to provide it in the US but you do get billed for it. It is not receiving the services in the US that most of us worry about, it is the cost. Not sure what Lisa paid, she does not mention that, however based on personal experience (try $3,000 US for a three hours) the costs are not insignificant. Fortunately I had travel insurance so was able to get the majority of my money back.
Like some have said, there are good and bad on both sides of the border. For example, I was in a local Future Shop looking for a DVD. I spoke to one of the clerks who was running an errand. Once he completed the errand he came back, said that the store did not handle what we were looking for, but he phoned around and found what we wanted at an excellent price at a local store. Seems like this is definitely providing good service since there was nothing in it for him, other than a satisfied non-customer. I have also had clerks in various stores, cahin and otherwise, offer help and go out of there way here in Canada.
I have been in restaruants on both sides of the border with excellent service and ones that have not provided good service. If they do not, then I do not tip, simple as that. I do not believe in mandatory tipping and no, I will not tip at a fast food restaurant. I tip for service not for someone to take my money and hand me something in a bag or box. There is a difference of course between arranging for a meal to go at a regular restaurant and a fast food place.
Posted by: Lisa | Aug 25, 2021 6:01:49 PM
"Cam"...I agree with you that there are good and bad in every country. I have only stated my opinions and feelings from what I have experienced. That is all. I was actually in a discussion with someone else who was attacking me for my "like" of the Americans. I'm allowed to enjoy whomever I wish. To "diane10"...my point was that I got better service in the USA and that was why I was tipping better there...AND for SOME people it DOES relate to taxes Diane. How you may ask? Well, when your taxes are at 6% versus 13%...that's actually ALOT of change to some of us. So, if I have only 6% tax...oh geez...I just might tip an extra 7%. Can everyone do that math o.k??
Posted by: Peter Marshall | Aug 25, 2021 6:13:00 PM
Aw come on - you're just expanding the list...."Tip the take out," never in a million years..Taxi driver gets a tip if he opens the door, helps with the bags, otherwise...no way...The florist? Coat room attendants, tattoo artists? Not in my life time...I don't cruise any more because of their attitude toward tipping = telling me whom and how much...Like what's next Bank Tellers, Airline attendants.....Pay a fair wage and abolish tipping, it is degrading and insulting.
Posted by: Lori | Aug 25, 2021 8:35:43 PM
As a server, I can see both sides. I feel everyone would benefit it they worked with the general public at some point of their working life. I personally am thankful for the tips and for a customer's patience when things go wrong, which they sometimes do. I would consider a customer's understanding when the restaurant is busy, like a large group coming in without any notice, as a tip.
I too have experienced service 'on the other side' and when we were going to pay with Canadian, the look of disgust on the server's face as she said, 'we don't take Canadian here' surprised me. A percentage of our sales go to the support staff, like cooks, bussers and dishwashers, so if it came to there being no tipping, I guess I couldn't afford to serve anymore, and would need to 'get a real job'
These are just my opinions.
Posted by: Bruce | Aug 25, 2021 11:38:47 PM
The whole system is wrong right from the start. The consumer should not have to worry about what the servers are getting paid. it should be done by the employer. Bump your prices up by 15% then pay commision to your staff. Instead of the consumer trying to catch the attention of the server and waiting for forever for a drink, the server will now be all over trying to sell you another drink, or take your order or whatever. The owner of the establishment could give a discount on take out and still pay a partial amount to the server that wraps it up (ie 10% discount for take out but the server still gets 5% from the restaurant). If they were on commision they would end up paying the proper amount of tax too. Can you imagine how many dollars go unclaimed every year right now?
I say abolish tipping altogether and put the responsibility where it belongs which is with the employer!
Posted by: Jeff Lewis | Aug 26, 2021 12:03:46 AM
Tipping is NOT manditory - nor should it ever be. The argument that the waitstaff needs it to makep for low wages is exceptionally shortsighted - if you're being underpaid, get a better job or get a union going - that's WHY unions were created in the first place.
It's also bad for the consumer AND for the staff. If your employer is undercutting the competition by underpaying you - and then expecting the customers to come in and make up the difference in tips, they're making profit off you up front and then off the customer twice. It's also unfair in that they're essentially misrepresenting their real prices.
The original idea of a tip is a *gratuity* - it's a *gift* for exceptional service. But since everyone expects to get it now, it's become meaningless.
Me - I tip 15-20% for good service... 10% for ok service... and nothing for bad service.
Posted by: Debra | Aug 26, 2021 1:21:30 AM
Considering the whole concept of tips is historically based on...
(a) the premise of a patron voluntarily providing a monetary gift to a server to promote and ensure they will be provided with good service in their future visits; and
(b) the word TIPS is actually an acroynm for "to insure proper service" (historically "to insure promptitute), no one should ever feel obligated to pay them unless they are wanting to receive good service for that individual or establishment in the future.
The receipt of tips should never be an expectation for anyone. Nor should patrons ever feel they must provide one. They are in essence gifts of gratitiute that patrons bestow upon individuals who have served them and in the process, provided a high level of performance while fulfilling their duties. Any expectation otherwise is akin to a distorted sense of entitlement.
The world's patrons do not owe any server or business anything more than payment of the goods or services they purchased (plus tax). In a restaurant, that constitutes your food. In a bar, your drink. In a taxi, your ride from the pickup point to the destination. The list goes on and on. The person who actually provides that good or service is not however, part of your financial obligation - their employer is responsible for that.
Society seems to forget that tips are a voluntary gratuity and should only be paid to individuals who, while doing their duty, provide a high level of performance. It's is a recognition and reward for performing good work (according to the patron).
Do I tip? Yes, in varying amounts, but only in certain scenarios and only if I am happy with the service I have received. It may be 10% or as much as 25% (for the really exceptional experiences) but the key is, I never feel obligated to tip anyone for doing what is in essence their job and duty. And, they must have performed it well first, otherwise they risk receiving absolutely nothing.
Posted by: Kris | Aug 26, 2021 6:34:43 AM
I took a cab home from the airport Saturday. The charges to home was $62. Last time I paid 50. I know what it costs in gas etc. I did not tip as I think the fare covered more than enough.
The driver explained the taxes had gone up.
Posted by: Freddy1 | Aug 26, 2021 10:57:08 AM
I think we got a little off topic here...Canada vs USA. I have traveled a lot and gotten good service and bad service on both sides of the border. After living in Europe for a number of years I got used to the price on the tag or menu as being the price that you pay. All taxes and gratuities are built into the price. Another words, the restaurant owner is paying the wages, not you. They only round the bill to the nearest dollar for tipping. The locals get upset if you tip too much, because they don't want to end up like North America where the customer subsidizes wages. Over there the staff are paid a good wage and aren't made to count on tips to make a living. If you have exceptional service you may leave a small tip. I have always tipped in Canada and USA but hate doing it now because it is expected and counted on and you're even told how much to pay!
Posted by: Dana | Aug 26, 2021 5:06:31 PM
Debra - I appreciate your well thought out response to this topic.
I realize this thread is intended to debate on positions other than servers or waitresses, however servers and waitresses have been mentioned frequently.
I agree that tipping is and should be a personal choice. That being said though, servers are working off of minimum wage and truly do earn their income off their tips. Many say that the company should pay fair wages to thier employees and have no tip expected. For that to happen, the restaurant would increase prices and in the end, you the consumer would be paying for it anyways. The idea is that since a server is working off of tips they will do everything in their power to make your experience as pleasant as possible, with the hope of earning a tip off of you. If servers are paid a flat hourly rate, with no tip at all, I believe the service would drop, and the consumer would still be paying more. By having the choice, you have the option of receiving your meal experience cheaper if the service is unsatisfactory.
Of course there comes the situation where a customer receives pleasant service and still does not tip. This leaves the server paying money out of their pocket to the kitchen and hostesses, simply because their customer did not "believe" in tipping. Everyone is right in saying that it is a flawed system; however, I don't think it's fair to say that you are justified in simply not tipping.
As a side note to that - I am speaking specifically towards the restaurant industry with servers who earn minimum wage. I don't think someone earning $16/h should receive a tip. (Eg. Some Tim Horton's have a tip option on their debit machines. Tim Horton's offers great wages and benefits even to part time employees)
In reference to claiming tips as income on tax returns.....
Many servers do understate the amount of tips earned on their income tax. However, you cannot claim $0 tips. Also, if you want to apply for a mortgage, receive a line of credit, or get a car loan, you are basically hooped unless you have claimed your tips. The salary of a server is just not enough - no bank would approve you. So although you may save some money in tax dollars, it doesn't help you in the long run. Also, also, "most" servers are young adults typically going to school. With the tax deductions from tuition and little annual income earned in the first place...the government really doesn't get a whole lot anyways.
Posted by: Dana | Aug 26, 2021 6:01:26 PM
p.s. I like Bruce's ideas.
Posted by: Herbie2 | Aug 26, 2021 10:21:15 PM
I normally tip 20% in most restaurants for really good service. At my favourite local restaurant, where I have had the same waitress, at my favourite table for 30 odd years, I tip her 30%. For my hairdresser I give her a flat $5 for a $12 haircut. For taxi drivers I usually round up the amount to about 50%. I use a lot of taxi service where the charge is $6 to $7 dollars. I will ask for a receipt that shows the amount on the meter for my expense account, and then round up to $10. On the subject of taxi drivers, I have fascinating conversations with Toronto cabbies in particular. I am by nature an outgoing person. For those people who complain that cabbies are rude, I suggest you look in the mirror, and see where the rudeness starts. Try saying "please" instead of ordering them around.
Lest you think I am some high-paid executive, I have been retired for 10 years, and the tips I mention above come out of retirement income. I sit on a couple of boards, and live withing a $35 per diem, excluding accomodation and travel costs. One position is completely voluntary and the other board gives me an honorarium of less than 5 figures. If I can be generous on a retirement income, some of you out there can afford to be a lot less stingy.
Posted by: Paul Corriveau | Aug 26, 2021 11:14:53 PM
Anyone who goes out of their way to give good sevice deserves a tip = movers, car wash guys, carpet cleaners, an electrician employee, or plumber employee, grocery check out ( if like in old days car service ) anyone who gives you good service on a personnal note deserves a tip!
Posted by: claudia | Aug 27, 2021 9:20:21 PM
I don't understand why we have to tip the nail technician,they already charge us enough,Any comments from anyone?
Posted by: claudia | Aug 27, 2021 9:23:22 PM
Why should we tip the nail technician,they're already charging us enough for their service.
Posted by: dave laxamana | Aug 30, 2021 7:37:35 PM
Well put Cam, I certainly agree with you. I would like to add that there should be no automatic tipping as normally required on cruise ship as you never know who gets it. On restaurants, tip must be earned like a bonus nothing more and must be handed to the right person. When excellent service and courtesy are provided, customers like me would be more likely to give extra tip.