Tipping Guides & How-Tos (US)
Get practical, US-focused answers to common tipping questions—when to tip, how much, and whether to use pre-tax or after-tax. Each guide includes examples you can copy, plus links to the right calculator so you’re never guessing at the table, the salon, a studio, or at your door.
Latest Guides
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Pre-Tax vs After-Tax Tipping
Pros/cons of each approach and when US diners choose one over the other. Includes quick examples and links to calculators.
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Split Bills & Group Tipping
How to split evenly or proportionally, handle shared items, and keep it fair for large parties.
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Service Fees vs Tips
What those platform or venue fees actually cover—and why you often still need a separate tip.
Profession-Specific Guides
- Restaurant Tipping 101 — sit-down vs quick-service, large groups, and rounding.
- Delivery & Gig Drivers — bad weather, long stairs, apartments, and small-order minimums.
- Salon & Barber — cuts, color, assistants, and owner policies.
- Tattoo Studios — hourly work, multi-session pieces, apprentices.
- Dog Groomers — size, coat type, and time-intensive services.
FAQs
What’s a standard tip in the US?
For sit-down dining and many personal services, 15–20% is typical. Go higher for exceptional work or complex requests.
Do I tip on discounts or coupons?
Common practice is to tip on the pre-discount price, especially when the discount reflects a limited-time promo.
How should I tip delivery drivers?
Use a percent (15–20%) plus a minimum for small orders. Add more for bad weather, long stairs, or difficult parking.
Are cash tips better?
Cash can reach workers faster and avoid certain processing splits. If paying by card, consider rounding up or adding a little extra.