Tipping Guide for Miscellaneous Services

In this guide by James G. Lewis, the suggested amounts for tips are as follows:


Miscellaneous Services:
Accountants - Nothing.
Appliance repairman - Nothing.
Auto mechanic - Not necessary. If you insist, tip about $10-20 for bills up to $500, and $50 for bills over $500.
Bagger at grocery store - Check in advance to see if the store has a no tipping policy. Most have one. If it doesn't, then $1-3 for the bagger and $1-5 for the person who loads your car.
Car detailing - 15%
Car salesman - Nothing.
Car wash - $2-3 for a car; $3-5 for an SUV or large vehicle. If there is a tip jar, leave your tip there. It will be split among the workers. Otherwise, tip the person(s) who did the cleanup after the wash.
Carpet cleaners - Nothing.
Contractors, installers, and home remodelers - Nothing. Offer a cool drink instead.
Cosmetologist at makeup counter - Nothing. Makeover specialist at department store - Nothing unless you used over 15 minutes of her time and then bought nothing.
Electricians and plumbers - Nothing. Offer a cool drink instead.
Farriers or horse haulers- Nothing.
Financial planners - Nothing.
Graphic designer - Nothing.
Interior designer - Nothing.
Maids - Nothing, except at Christmastime.
Mary Kay representative - Nothing.
Mortgage loan officer - Nothing.
Nurses - Nothing.
Painters (house) - Nothing. Offer them a cool drink instead.
Personal shopper or salesperson at department store - Nothing.
Pet groomers - Most pet groomers are paid based upon a commission, not a regular salary or hourly wage. Typically your tip is 15% of the bill or $2 per dog, whichever is greater. If your dog is difficult, then tip more. Obviously, don't tip if the quality is poor.
Pet sitters - Tipping is not required, but most pet sitters will appreciate a tip. 15% is appropriate if you want to tip.
Physical therapist - Nothing.
Piano tuner - Nothing.
Sports arena in-seat food service - This one is tricky. At most arenas you tip the person who takes the order 15%. You tip at the time of payment, not delivery. The best thing to do is to ask before you order. You definitely do not need to tip both the order taker and the deliverer unless you split it.
Shoeshine - $1-2.
Swimming lesson instructor - Nothing.
Tailor or seamstress - Nothing.
Tattoo or piercing artist - 10-20% or whatever you can afford. It isn't necessary, but it is appreciated.
Telephone, security, cable, satellite, internet installers or repairmen - Nothing.
Title company closing agents - Nothing.
Travel agents - Nothing.
Tree removal service - Nothing.
Weekly lawn or landscaping service - Nothing.
Window tinting service - Nothing.
Window washer - Nothing.

Tip Jars:
They're showing up everywhere -- tip jars. Most people hate them. If you get the idea that tip jars are out of place at any food-service establishment that does not actually bring the food to your table and keep your drinks refilled, then you are correct. Where is it appropriate to leave a tip in a tip jar? We'll cover some of the basics.
Starbucks - Nothing.
Any fast-food restaurant - Nothing.
Buffet-lines or cafeterias - Nothing. If there is a person who comes around and keeps your tea glass full, tip him personally $1-2.
Donut, bagel or coffee shop - Nothing.
Sports arena concession stands - Nothing.
Laundry service - Nothing.
Car wash - $2-3 for a car; $3-5 for an SUV or large vehicle. If there is a tip jar, leave your tip there. It will be split among the workers. Otherwise, tip the person(s) who did the cleanup after the wash.

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