A Guide to Better Tipping

Uncertain how much to tip? You’re not alone. Many people are confused with the proper amount of tip to leave for good and great service. What about tipping the stock clerk at the grocery store who carries your bags to your carâÂ?¦the bellhop with your oversize luggageâÂ?¦on a cruise shipâÂ?¦when traveling abroad.

Always check your bill; more and more restaurants are adding a service charge to “large” groups. I’ve seen a large group considered to be as few as five persons.

It’s easy to tip when someone goes “over and above” but what do you do when it’s just “average” service?

No one should ever tip for poor service unless there is a good reason for that poor service. An example of this might be the restaurant that is under-staffed and very crowded, a grand opening, power outtage, or a similar occurrence. You’d want to let the management or the owner know when service is this poor. Always give a restaurant another chance if you have a bad experience – it might just be a fluke.

In many instances, it’s smart to tip so you’ll continue to get good service. That would beauticians, barbers, and any other service person who helps you on a regular basis. 15 to 20% is considered appropriate. At Christmastime, I usually forgo the normal tip and give a small gift instead.

Most of us will tip 15 – 20% on a restaurant bill but did you know you should figure that amount out before adding the tax. Also, it’s considered OK to tip about the same amount for a very expensive bottle of wine as a less costly wine. In some restaurants it’s considered bad form to not tip the wine steward (sommelier) 15 to 10% also.

In bars, a 10 to 15% tip is considered fine but please keep in mind the complexity of the drinks being served.

Many of us don’t tip at buffets but you might keep in mind someone does clear the table, serve extra drinks, etc. I usually tip about 10% at a buffet.

In hotels, bellhops usually receive $1 per bag and I never tip the maid unless something extra is done. (Ironing board being delivered) Likewise, at the airport you should tip $1 per bag also. I usually tip $1 to $2 when my car is returned to me after valet parking.

Cruise lines will give your information on how much to tip your room steward, waiter, bus staff, etc. Many cruise lines now include the certain amount charged on your room account but you can change the amount you wish to tip.

Frequently, in Las Vegas (and I suspect, at other casino venues), you’ll want to tip the maitre’d to get a good table at a show.

How to handle the annual “holiday” tip to service people who help you all year long. This might be the newspaper boy or the doorman. $15 to $25 seems to be a good amount but you might double check with your locale – big cities might expect larger tips.

Tipping in other countries can be very different from the United States. Visit Fodors.com for information on tipping in Europe.