Muz, in the US you can tip just about anyone in the service industry. The ones who expect it usually provide you service beyond lowest common denominator call of duty. Some food service staff make less than the minimum wage because the tip wage is very high. If you are a waitstaff in a trendy or expensive restaurant you can make a lot of money (you work very hard for this). The standard food tip if approx 15-20% for a meal, and then variable for other things. Skycaps (baggage handlers) for instance and bellmen usually it's about 1 dollar per piece of luggage, bartenders it's about 10% of total bill, or dollar per drink (which makes it from 10-20 percent depending if you are in New York City or Kansas city). It is highly variable but usually a good tipper is compensated with better treatment from my experience. I was a bellman as a teenager and I was more happy to help a bigger tipper (it just makes sence.)

 

I get a haircut about every three-four weeks. The cut costs about 30 and I tip about six. For Christmas I give and extra 20-30.

She does a great job with the hair, treats me well and laughs at my jokes. Hell, the joke part is worth six buck alone.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Nin009
[B]I get a haircut about every three-four weeks.

 

hmmm I'll start off by saying I'm a big tipper in many regards..

but then I read this and think to myself..I'm charged for a service, but if I want a good job done I need to give someone a little extra?
stated simply as that, it sounds a little ludicrus no?

Hell, I work all day..no one ever gives me a tip..

 

I am a Hair Stylist/Salon Owner in Atlanta. Tips are greatly appreciated, yet at the end of the day it still comes down to doing your best work on every customer to guarantee their return and the future of your business. The clients I treasure are the ones who refers me a lot of new clients, that means they love my work and eventually I will make a lot more money by doing all their friends. I also own a high-end salon with men

 

Whoa... I know some guys who will want to know how to get to your salon

In all seriousness, it's nice to hear it from the salon owner's side of things. Regardless of how much the services I received cost, I always tip, and tip well. The girl who does my hair does a terrific job, and I want her to continue caring A LOT what I go home looking like.

 

Yeah, my jokes are pretty lame.

Seriously though, my hair is a beeyatch to cut well. My stylist takes her time and ensures it is done right. Although I trust she would do the same with a smaller tip, I am glad to give her an extra buck or two to show I appreciate her effort.

I really can't justify the Christmas tip other than I just feel it is nice gesture for someone who has provided me with a year's worth of great service.