Tipping has become integral to many service transactions, from hotel services to meals out. But, there are certain times when tipping is requested, yet it’s not necessarily required. Understanding when it’s appropriate to say no can save you money and relieve the pressure of not knowing the etiquette in various situations. Here are 21 times where you can confidently skip the tip:
Retail Checkout Counters
In some retail stores, tip jars at checkout counters can seem out of place. Checkout workers generally earn an hourly wage and are not dependent on tips. It’s perfectly acceptable to reserve your tips for service industry workers who rely on gratuities as a significant part of their income.
Grocery Store Bagging
While grocery store baggers might appreciate tips, it’s not an expectation. Bagging groceries is typically part of their job duties, and they receive an hourly wage. A simple thankyou is usually sufficient to acknowledge their help.
Counter Service Bakeries
Tipping isn’t customary at bakeries where you place your order at the counter. The interaction is usually brief, so tipping is not expected for standard service. Exceptional service might warrant a tip, but routine transactions are not obligatory.
Food Trucks
Food trucks offer quick, convenient meals with minimal service interaction. While tipping is appreciated, it’s not mandatory for basic orders. You should consider tipping if the service or food quality exceeds your expectations or the server puts together a large order quickly, but don’t feel compelled if it doesn’t.
Fast Food Drive-Thrus
Fast food drive-thrus are designed for speedy service with minimal personal interaction from customers. Employees are generally paid above minimum wage, making tipping optional. Unless the service goes above and beyond, skipping the tip here is okay.
Airport Shuttle Drivers
Airport shuttle drivers are often paid a regular wage and don’t rely on tips to boost their wages. Tipping is optional if the service involves standard tasks like driving a set route without handling luggage. This might warrant a small tip if you require assistance with heavy bags, but it won’t be expected.
Salon and Spa Receptionists
Salon and spa receptionists handle appointments and transactions but do not provide direct services. Tipping them isn’t customary since they are typically paid a standard wage. Focus your tips on service providers like hairstylists or massage therapists who directly work with you. According to Real Simple, this should be around 20%.
Hotel Front Desk Staff
Hotel front desk staff assist with check-in and administrative tasks as part of their job. Tipping them isn’t a widespread practice; in some cases, they may be offended that you have tried to tip them. You should reserve tips for bellhops and housekeeping staff who go the extra mile to enhance your stay. According to The Maid, the average tip for hotel staff that expect a tip would be 15-20% of your room bill, much like you would tip at restaurants.
Taxi or Rideshare With Prepaid Tip
When booking a taxi or rideshare that includes a prepaid tip, there’s no need to tip again. The app or service has already factored in the gratuity, but there is an option to add an extra tip if the driver has been particularly friendly or has gone out of their way. To be clear, confirm the tip inclusion on your receipt before deciding on extra tipping.
Concert or Event Venues
Bartenders and staff are usually paid fair wages at concerts or event venues. Tipping isn’t expected for basic drink orders unless the service is exceptional. Focus on enjoying the event without the pressure of tipping for standard service. According to Intrepid Travel, the industry average for tipping an event worker when paying your bill is around 15-20%.
Casual Cafés with Tip Jars
Casual cafés often have tip jars at the counter, but tipping is voluntary. The staff usually earns hourly wages; tips are only expected if a server is helpful or friendly.
Gym and Fitness Instructors
Gym and fitness instructors typically earn a salary or hourly wage for their classes. Tipping them isn’t a standard practice, but you can still show appreciation by attending classes regularly and providing positive feedback to friends and family.
Delivery Apps With High Service Fees
Some delivery apps charge high service fees, making tipping feel redundant. These fees often include compensation for the delivery personnel. You should assess the service quality before deciding if an additional tip is warranted.
Buffet Restaurants
Tipping isn’t typically expected at buffet restaurants where you serve yourself. But, you might consider leaving a small tip for the staff who clear your plates and refill drinks, but it’s not obligatory.
Gas Station Attendants
In places where full-service gas stations are common, attendants are paid for their service, and tipping isn’t necessary. But, if the attendant provides extra services like checking your oil or washing your windows, a small tip might be appreciated but not required.
Bank Tellers
Bank tellers provide financial services as part of their job and are not dependent on tips. Tipping in this context is unnecessary and not customary, so it would be strange for workers to expect you to tip them.
Airline Counter Agents
Airline counter agents assist with check-ins and luggage but are not typically tipped. They are paid to perform these tasks, and tipping is not expected. In fact, airline companies could frown upon it as you could be seen as trying to gain favoritism for preferential treatment.
Librarians
Librarians offer valuable services and assistance as part of their job, so tipping them is not customary. A simple thank you is sufficient for their help. It can be confusing to know who to tip, as a survey by USA Today found that 63% of citizens thought that there were too many places asking for tips.
Mail Carriers
While it’s common to give your mail carrier a small gift or tip during the holiday season, usually around $20, according to Martha Stewart, tipping for routine mail delivery is not expected. Postal workers are paid for their service, and occasional gestures of appreciation are more traditional than obligatory.
Public Transportation
Public transportation drivers receive regular salaries and benefits established by their employers. These wages are their primary source of income and are meant to compensate them for their work, including driving the vehicle and providing essential passenger assistance.
Lawyers, Accountants, and Other Financial Professionals
Professionals’ fees cover the cost of their services, so tipping is not expected. Financial matters require full transparency and trust, and tipping risks compromise the integrity of the client-professional relationship.
Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning services operate on a fee structure per garment or type of cleaning required. These fees account for the labor, cleaning products, equipment use, and overhead costs. Tipping isn’t expected since the price already includes the service provider’s compensation, but you could give them extra if they have gone above and beyond for you.
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