Compared to other cities, in my experience, tipping is a huge deal in NYC. With so many people to tip from waiters at restaurants, to taxi drivers, to beauty service providers to the people who run my laundry all nice and pressed to my apartment it is a huge deal to make sure that they are taken care of for their time and energy. As such, it is becoming more important to me to make sure that I know how much to tip them. Usually the golden rule of 15% seems to be the right amount, but then as I cultivate relationships with these amazing people that keep my life running smoothly it is also important for me to give them periodic gifts of money to let them know how much I appreciate them. I try to always make sure that I have enough cash handy to take care of whatever tipping emergency may arise and of course when a smile lights up their face I know that I have done them right and shown how much I value them by gifting them money for their service. Now, I only wish others in NYC were more aware of how much tipping matters to those who provide for us on a daily basis.
Posted by: sitaradevi | January 24, 2009
Holly
heathergfe
ainamontero
sitaradevi
Audrey Cain
Lauren Summerhill
Ninon Baccara
Tipping is so important, everywhere. And in Vegas especially so- there are ample opportunities and situations in which to tip. Situations in which people often forget to tip are, for instance:
–when a bellman gets you a taxi and opens the door for you
–when you stay at a hotel, you leave a little something for the maid
–if you request a special seat or some other special consideration in a restaurant, one should tip the maitre’d (sp?)
By: Holly on February 5, 2009
at 2:02 pm
Having worked in the hospitality industry, I understand all too well how important tipping is to the livelihood of those serving me. I do have high standards for service, though, and have no issue tipping a standard 20% for it.
If the person impressive and went above and beyond is some capacity, a 30% tip isn’t too hard to justify for me.
The flip side of that is that if the service is poor, I have no compunction about leaving a short, polite note as to what I found lacking and leaving a minimal tip. If the service was simply attrocious, in addition to the note, I won’t tip at all. Fortunately, this has only happened perhaps 5 times in my life.
By: edriennecole on February 9, 2009
at 9:29 am
Darn typo’s…. Note to self… *proofread*
By: edriennecole on February 9, 2009
at 9:32 am
Edrienne- that’s an excellent idea! I never thought of leaving a note. I believe I will do that in the future.
By: Holly on February 9, 2009
at 12:50 pm
Tipping has become so important to me, but leaving a note is a great idea, a good way to voice my opinion when something does not match up to my expectation.
–Sitara Devi
By: sitaradevi on February 10, 2009
at 11:41 am
Edrienne,
Thank you for your “note” comment. I always fret about what to do when the service is bad. I usually just go ahead and leave the standard 15-20%. I hate doing it but I think that if I short the tip, the waitress will feel justified in giving bad service. She will think “well, good thing I didn’t put any effort into that cheap-skate”.
I consider talking to the manager but I am so non-confrontational and I hate to make a scene. I just want to get out of there as quick as I can.
Has anyone ever chased you down in the parking lot to refute your note?
By: heathergfe on April 3, 2009
at 4:27 pm
Holly,
I am big on tipping the hotel maids. I love and appreciate them.
My question is about the guy who opens your door for the taxi. Now I get it if he has to blow his whistle and call one for you, or goes out of his way to load up luggage, but I always feel funny about the guy who just stands there and opens doors all day. I almost feel like he is a pan-handler. Gosh, guys open doors for ladies all of the time. In return they get a smile and a quick thank you.
I kinda feel like the cab driver should tip the guy who is opening the door. I am tipping the cabbie. I think the cabbie should be opening the door as part of the service. If he wants to put that off on the doorman then he should tip him. Or maybe I should not tip the cabbie and tell him “Sorry, I gave your tip to the guy who let me in and out of your cab since you didn’t think enough to get off your ass and do it yourself.”
OK, if you know me, then you know I sometimes like to ruffle everyone’s feathers and argue a point for arguments sake. I can spare the extra few dollars to the guy who opens doors if that is the proper thing to do. But I must say, I still don’t get that one.
By: heathergfe on April 3, 2009
at 4:40 pm
I am big on notes – for poor service as well as great service. I carry a cute little notebook that you can easily tear the pages out specifically for this task. Do I have OCD? (smiling)
By: Samantha on April 24, 2009
at 10:13 am
I find myself using 20% as the starting point for tipping, especially in restaurants. When service is lacking, however, I will reduce it. I never reduce it to zero; I don’t want it to appear that I forgot.
Here’s the most effective approach I have found. When it is serious enough, I will speak to the manager, who often inquires as to how he can make it up to me. Especially if it is a place I frequent, I will decline offers of adjustments to the bill or future gift cards, explaining that I am a regular customer of the restaurant and will be back. It is far more important for the underlying issue to be addressed than to get a free dessert next time.
By: Herenow on March 9, 2011
at 6:10 am