Tipping Etiquette

Tis the season to be giving. Fancy bags, gift boxes, longer store hours and more tip jars makes their appearance around the winter holidays. While this all is normal, tipping etiquette has now changed since Covid-19. "The pandemic has completely upended tipping etiquette," says Jodi Smith, owner and president of Mannersmith Etiquette and Consultant. Tipping is dependable and situational.

Tips are generally given to workers in the service industry- sectors that produce intangible goods- like transport, distribute and sells. Service industry does not necessarily concern directly with production of physical goods. Since Covid-19 many workers in the industry has been working under stressful work conditions like short staffing and longer work hours. Theseconditions subsequently have made the difference in tipping.

"I generally like to tip where there is great service", says business owner Siniyah Smith.Tipping is a form of gratitude. The guideline to tipping is to show honor for the service. As some may think, tipping is not optional per the cardinal rules of tipping. There are several other cardinal rules to tipping.Tipping on your card is ok.The more difficult the task- heavy or bulky, bad weather- the bigger the gratuity.Default on generosity if money is low- small gifts, cards or letters- are great ways to show appreciation. Tip according to the service, bringing a meal to your car is not bringing a building material to your car.

"I will tip for delivery, and restaurant waitressing. I like to tip when people help," says Siniyah. There aredifferent type of tips for each sector of the service industry. When traveling research tipping etiquette for the location, if out the country as some may find it a sign of disrespect. Other than that be prepared to tip drivers and hotel/hospitality staff.Hotel tipping includes the porter, room service, doorman who may help you get a ride and concierge who has fulfilled a request. Wedding tipping for minister, altar boys and planner is necessary. Tipping the funeral priest is customary, much like tipping at salons for any service- nails, hair, or body.Delivery drivers now propose a 20 to 30 percent tip and only 10% tipping to curbside delivery."I tip for good reason," says Siniyah

Tipping the coat attendant at the club, the bathroom attendant and valet are all proper etiquette. Lawn care service is another service to tip for.As many know at restaurant tipping 15 to 20 percent of the bill is the rule of thumb. "Sometimes I feel good, some people deserve it, I give them more than 15 to 20 percent, says financial coach Ronald Jones.Since Covid-19 plenty of takeout restaurants have showcased tip jars more than ever but takeout food requires no tip.However, some have said and believes any person that prepare food deserves a tip- that's the coffee shop barista and fast food worker too. "Anybody helping me I like to tip", says Jones. Tipping shows thankfulness but there are some workers to never tip. Teacher, medical staff, package delivery-unless a holiday or usual person, and counselors are not to be tipped. Remember tipping is not optional, some jobs depend on them. Tip accordingly and when in doubt double the amount.