So, who do you tip, how much, and when? Political Calculations treads these dangerous waters and offers the following (mostly serious) guidelines for answering these questions:
| Tipping Guidelines | ||
|---|---|---|
| Who to Tip? (Profession) | How Much? (% of Typical Service Charge, or $USD Amount) | When? |
| Barber | 100% | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Bartender | 15%. Consider more if service is exceptional. | At each service. |
| Bus Driver | Consider a small gift instead of cash. | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Custodian | $20-$30 | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Day Care Provider | $25-$70, also consider a small gift on behalf of your child. | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Dentist | 0 | If recent service was exceptional, consider sending a fruit basket for office. |
| Doctor | 0 | If recent service was exceptional, consider sending a fruit basket for office. |
| Doorman | $25-$100 | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Dry Cleaner | $5-$10 | If they can get a difficult stain out of your clothing, once per occurrence. |
| Economist | 0 | Never tip an economist. It only invites a lecture on the economic theories of tipping and nobody has that kind of time. |
| Engineer | 0 | Consider giving a new high-end technology device at each major holiday instead. |
| Facialist | 10% | At each service. Also consider $10-$20 in December. |
| Food Delivery Man | 15% | At each service. |
| Garbage Collector | $10-$20 | Once a year, typically in December. Don't place tip inside garbage container. |
| Gardener | One week's salary | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Gym Locker Room Attendant | $5-$10 | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Hairdresser | 10% | At each service. |
| Hotel Bell Staff | $1-$2 per bag handled | At each service. |
| Hotel Concierge | $5-$10 | Every time they perform a task. $20 is appropriate if the task is difficult. |
| Hotel Doorman | $1-$3 | Only for hailing a taxi. |
| Housekeeper | 1-2 week's salary | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Mail Carrier | Less than $20 | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Maitre d' | $20 | At each service. If you are regularly greeted by name and provided with your preferred table, consider $50. |
| Manicurist | 10% | At each service. |
| Nanny | 1-4 week's salary | Once a year, typically in December. Also consider a small gift on behalf of your child. |
| News Carrier | $15-$25 (for daily delivery) | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Package Delivery | $10-$20 | Once a year, typically in December, if service is provided by same individual throughout the year. |
| Parking Garage Attendant | $10-$30 | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Personal Care Provider | 1 week's salary | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Personal Trainer | 100% | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Pest Control Service | 100% | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Pet Groomer | $20 | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Politician | Varies | To be perfectly honest, a 'tip' for a politician is more often called a 'bribe.' If you must, you may obtain maximum value for your 'tip' by recording the transaction, and video with excellent sound quality is essential.... |
| Pool Cleaner | 100% ($20 minimum) | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Superintendent (Building) | $30-$100 | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Supermarket Bagger | $10-$20 | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Supermarket Butcher | $10-$20 | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Supermarket Checker | $10-$20 | Once a year, typically in December. |
| Teacher | $10-$25 | Once a year, typically in December. Also consider a small gift on behalf of your child. |
| Tour Guide | $5-$10 | Once per day. |
| Waiter | 15%-20% | At each service. Consider more if service is exceptional. |