Tipping Basics
What is a tip?
extra money given for a service
Sit-down restaurant
always tip
Good standard tip
15–20%
Server checks on you often
yes, you should tip
20% of $10
$2
What does service mean?
paid work done for someone else
Fast food drive-thru
no tip
Low tip
5–10%
Delivery in bad weather
tip more because it was harder work
Keep the change from $20 on a $15 haircut
$5
What does optional mean?
something you can choose to do or not do
Food delivery
always tip
Excellent service tip
20%
Server is grumpy
still tip, but maybe less
20% of $20
$4
Why do many servers rely on tips?
because their hourly pay is usually lower
Coffee shop counter
it depends
Tip for poor but polite service
still tipping, but maybe less
Birthday free dessert
tip more because they went above and beyond
Reasonable tip on $40
$6-8
What is the difference between expected and optional tipping?
expected means people usually tip, optional means they don’t have to
Picking up a to-go order
usually but optional
Tip for no service
0%
Coupon cuts bill in half
tip based on the original price
Why estimate tips
because it’s faster and close enough