How much do you tip and when? How to tip intelligently

This question always comes up and there are always questions so as to avoid over tipping or under tipping. There are many resources on the web that discuss that so I will not go into it any further than pointing you to a few resources. What I will do is give you some tipping strategies that will make your life on the road more pleasant.

Everyone knows to tip the server in a restaurant the standard 10-20 % depending on the service. Now I am suggesting something different. If you have a favorite restaurant where you go often and require certain special service with your food, such as seasoning it a certain way, no salt, large quantity, substitutions etc. then also tip the cook a couple of extra dollars. There is a Mexican restaurant where I eat every week and I am a big eater. As I am walking out after paying I try to catch the cooks attention (Now, he is looking when I come in) and I give him 2-3 dollars. Now when I sit down, it is amazing. An order of complimentary Guacamole or Chili con Queso will show up on my table. My main course is also much larger that that brought to other tables.

When traveling to small town airports I usually deal with the same rental car bus drivers every week. I usually tip a couple of dollars for handling my bag. After I see the same face every week for a couple of weeks and they recognize me, I will tip them a twenty dollar bill and say that is for the next 4-6 weeks. The service I get is incredible. I usually reserve a midsize car, but when I get to the lot I may have a town car or Cadillac and in the winter time when there is snow and ice everywhere, the motor is running and it is nice and warm on the inside.

When you go into your favorite, make friends with the bar tender. At first tip them some every couple of rounds and then make sure you percentage is around 20% plus about ½ of the cost of any free drinks you receive. From then on when they realize you are a good tipper, they will take care of you and send a few free drinks during the course of the night. Even in airport lounges where they serve members free drinks, be sure and put a tip in the tip jar when they are looking.

Around the holidays, remember that service people are not making a lot of money. Always remember to take care of your usual server, driver, and bartender with a $20 or so. This will brighten their day and it will be remembered long after in the form of great service.

Of course, make sure you do not go over board with tipping as it can sometime have a negative affect. If a server turns complacent bring the tip amount down until the good service returns.

These “Tips” will help to make you travels and any dealing with service people much more pleasurable.

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