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Writer's pictureBrent MacGillivray

Tipping, it's not a place in China


A gratuity (often called a tip) is a sum of money customarily given by a customer to certain service sector workers such as hospitality for the service they have performed, in addition to the basic price of the service.

Tips and their amount are a matter of social custom and etiquette, and the custom varies between countries and between settings. In some countries, it is customary to tip servers in bars and restaurants, taxi drivers, hair stylists and so on. However, in some places tipping is not expected and may be discouraged or considered insulting.[1] The customary amount of a tip can be a specific range or a certain percentage of the bill based on the perceived quality of the service given.


Kind of a hot topic these days. Why exactly do we tip, to whom and how much. What happens to this money? Is it really necessary? These are the questions I will try to answer today.


From oil changes to take-out food, the "tip nudge" has quickly become a "well-established societal norm" in Canada, according to food economist Mike von Massow.

Card payment machines have made it simple for businesses to prompt a gratuity option, even in industries where tipping previously wasn't part of the cost or conversation. And data from Canadian trade associations show the average percentage tip for restaurant dining has gone up since the pandemic began.





How Much to Tip at a Restaurant

When deciding what to tip at a restaurant, tipping between 15 percent (for average service) and 20 percent (for very good service) is suggested, says Robin DiPietro, Ph.D., professor and program director at the University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management. Regardless of the level of service, gratuity at a restaurant is non-negotiable.


Dining in a Group? Here's How to Handle Tipping


Some restaurants don't allow separate checks. Make sure people leaving cash include a tip in addition to what they owe for their meal. Anyone paying with a credit card should tip on their portion of the total bill, not the lesser amount shown on their credit card receipt, which has the cash portion taken out, says Nicolas Graf, Ph.D., associate dean at the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality at New York University.


Should You Factor Restaurant Tax Into Your Tip?


Etiquette experts say tipping pre-tax on a restaurant check is usually fine—there's no point in tipping on the part of the bill that's not going to the server or restaurant, right? Then again, says Graf, servers could see it as a cheapskate move. If you can afford it, it's kind to tip on the total with tax.


How Much to Tip for Food Delivery

Most delivery apps let you tip within the app, so you can add your 15 to 20 percent that way, says Graf. (Just remember that a delivery fee is not the same as a tip!) Some apps, like Postmates, which uses a cashless tipping system, give you the option to add more gratuity after your delivery arrives. That said, a lot of drivers prefer cold, hard, untaxable cash.


A fair amount is $3 to $5 per delivery, says Julia Esteve Boyd, an etiquette consultant in Lausanne, Switzerland. Stash an envelope of bills near your front door so you're always ready when the food arrives. Raining or snowing? Consider tipping a few extra dollars. Bigger orders, like for an office get-together or a family party, will often include gratuity. Check the receipt before you hand anything more to the delivery person.


How Much to Tip at a Coffee Shop

Rounding up to the nearest dollar on your coffee run is not necessary, but it's a nice gesture, especially if you're a regular or a barista has gone out of their way to make your visit special. "If they've really splashed out on the latte art or given you a great recommendation for walking around the neighborhood, go ahead and make it at least 20 percent," says Emilio Baltodano, founder of Eleva Coffee in Brooklyn, New York.


For a more radical viewpoint, lets get another chefs perspective;


That's it for today folks. Keep your stick on the ice, we're all in this together! Cheers, and have a great week




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