Tipping, What's The Going Rate?

Tipping, the practice of giving someone extra money for service, has existed for centuries. We tip for various reasons: good service in the future, super service, and unusual service, like a singing waiter. You may have tipped someone because they were funny.

But most of us tip to compensate for low wages. Tipping has gotten confusing in the last few years. The question is, "Why?"

There are more people to tip. According to a "Forbes" article on the MSNBC Web site, we used to be looked after by a few service people. Today we are looked after by many. "Now there are pool attendants and ski concierges, personal shoppers and fitness coaches, not to mention butlers galore," according to the site.

Tipping rates vary. As the howstuffworks Web site explains, the practice "varies not only from country to country but from city to city." You know this if you're a frequent traveler. Tipping rates have increased almost everywhere. Daryn Eller, in his "Guide to Tipping" published the "Oprah Magazine" Web site, describes the change.

"If it seems as if you have to shell out tips left and right, that's because you do," says Eller.

Tipping has gotten complex. So complex the state of California, Division of Labor Standards and Enforcement, has established guidelines for it. The state Web site answers questions about tipping, employees' rights, and guidelines for protecting them.

One guideline: Employees should receive a credit card tip "not later than the next regular payday following the date the patron authorized the credit card payment." Under California law employers may not deduct tips from paychecks and may not use an employee's tips as minimum wage credit.

The tip you give depends on the service you get. Luxury service (cruise ship, five-star hotel, posh resort) requires larger tips. It can be confusing. To avoid confusion the Holland America Line adds a $ 10 per day tip to each passenger's bill. One third of this amount goes to cabin stewards, one third goes to food workers, and one third goes to behind-the-scenes employees.

How much should you tip? Here are some guidelines for the US. Consult your travel agent and travel guides for tipping rates in other countries.

Doorman - $ 2 for hailing a cab

Bellhop - $ 2 per bag (more if your bags are large and heavy)

Chambermaid - $ 2 to $ 4 a day

Room Service - $ 10% to 15% (unless it's included in your bill)

Coat check - $ 1 per coat

Server - 18% - 20%

Bartender - 15% to 20%

Concierge - $ 5 to $ 10

Taxi driver - 15% to 20%

Airport shuttle driver - $ 1 to $ 2 per bag

Hair stylist - 15% - 20%

Postal worker - $ 20 at holiday time

Pizza delivery - $ 2 to $ 5

Newspaper delivery - $ 15 to $ 25 at holiday time

Garbage collection - $ 15 to $ 25 at holiday time

Part-time cleaning lady - One day's wages (or more) at holiday time

When you give someone a monetary tip please take a moment to give them a verbal "tip." Your brief comment, such as "Thanks for your excellent service. I'll ask for you next time," will give them a smile that lasts for days.

Source by Harriet Hodgson