Tipping shouldn't be a math test or a guilt trip. Here's what I actually do, based on talking to people who work these jobs.
18% is the floor. 20% is standard. 25%+ if they really went above and beyond.
Yes, even if the food was mediocre. Your server didn't cook it. They get paid $2.13/hour federally and rely on tips to survive. If service was genuinely terrible, talk to the manager. Don't just stiff them.
Pre-tax or post-tax? I tip on pre-tax because that's the service cost, not the government's cut. The difference is usually a dollar or two. Do whatever lets you sleep at night.
They drove to your house. In traffic. Maybe in rain. Tip at least $3 for small orders, 15-20% for large ones.
Bad weather? Add a few bucks. They didn't choose to deliver your pad thai during a thunderstorm.
Opening a beer? $1. Making a cocktail? $2. Running a tab? 15-20% at the end.
If the bartender remembers your order, gets it fast, and doesn't make you feel like an idiot for ordering a mojito during rush hour? Tip extra. They'll remember you next time.
15% for a basic cut. 20% if they actually listened to what you wanted and didn't give you the "I can fix this" look.
If they own the shop, tipping is optional but appreciated. I usually round up or add $5.
15% for a normal ride. 20% if they helped with luggage, drove safely, or didn't talk my ear off.
Short trip under $10? Just round up to the nearest $5. Nobody wants to calculate 18% of $7.43.
Leave $2-5 per night for housekeeping. More if you made a mess or stayed multiple nights without service.
Leave it daily, not at checkout. Different people clean different days.
Every coffee shop and food truck now flips an iPad around with 15%, 20%, 25%, or "No Tip" in giant buttons. It's designed to make you feel guilty.
My rule: if they hand me a cup of coffee across a counter, I don't tip. If they bring it to my table, check on me, and refill my water? 15-20%.
Don't let a touchscreen shame you into tipping for a transaction that took 8 seconds.
Split the bill, calculate tip, and see per-person totals instantly.
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