It’s the most wonderful time of the year—or so the song goes—and certainly time to start making your list and checking it twice for those who provide you with year round loyal service. Holiday tipping will soon be in full swing, and your budget may be a bit short of funds while your heart is full of ... [ Read More ]
2023 Tipping Guide: Cash, Apps, Tipping Jar
I was recently on CBS Sunday Morning where I spoke with Nancy Giles about the latest in tipping etiquette. A bagel and coffee, a double espresso, a dinner out or delivered to your doorstep have suddenly come with silent “strings attached” with more and more people confused about who, what, where and ... [ Read More ]
2022 Holiday Tipping Guide and Gentle Considerations
Tis the season to tip, and every year, it’s not a surprise that there are certain people you wish to acknowledge with the gift of cash. Having a “gentle guide” will leave you feeling more confident and less stressed. I am often quoted in the media on how much to tip, and while some things never ... [ Read More ]
Touchscreen and iPad Tipping Etiquette
A breakfast muffin, a latte and a double dose of guilt are often present when paying the bill with a touchscreen tipping option. Awkwardly signing your name while selecting a tip option, among them “custom” or “no tip,” while the clock is ticking and you feel all eyes in the coffee shop are squarely ... [ Read More ]
2021 Holiday Tipping Guide
As we enter the final weeks of 2021, it’s a great time to think of the people whose efforts make your life better year-round and create a plan for remembering them during the holidays. Keep in mind a few additional factors, as COVID-19 has changed how we live. Consider who is new in your rotation of ... [ Read More ]
Post-Pandemic Tipping Etiquette
Many employees encountered layoffs and cutbacks during the pandemic. And many people began utilizing services such as curb service for their necessities and food deliveries for their daily meals. Those who could found it in their heart to tip generously in support of those working so hard to make ... [ Read More ]
How Much Should You Tip Delivery Drivers?
Delivery drivers continue to provide an important service when it comes to supplying the community with curbside or door to door essentials and food delivery. Part of the convenience of food delivery is showing your driver your gratitude with a reasonable, and when possible, generous tip. Recently, ... [ Read More ]
2020 Holiday Tipping Guide During the Pandemic
The coronavirus has made an impact on how and who we are going to tip this year. Although it is early November, it’s not too early to make a plan and think about your tipping budget. For example, in the past, the takeout protocol would have been to “skip” the gratuity jar if you so desired. Today, I ... [ Read More ]
Don’t Blame the Gig Economy for Making Tipping Awkward
You don’t have to go very far to find yourself in an uncomfortable situation when it comes time to pay for an exchange of service or product. Walk up to the counter, order a cup of coffee or a burger and fries at a food truck, hand them your credit card to swipe and then wait … you know it’s a ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Tipping Etiquette
Every year, many of the same questions come up regarding holiday tipping. "Who gets a tip?" and "how much should I tip?" are commonly asked questions. The motivation behind giving someone a gift or tip is to show the person your appreciation for their service. It also shows you think highly of ... [ Read More ]
Summer Travel Tipping Guide
Tipping is a sensitive subject and almost everyone has a strong opinion. Previously published on HuffPost. Some people are more enthusiastic than others, depending on their experience and circumstances. If you don’t travel regularly and are suddenly faced with multiple individuals in the ... [ Read More ]
How Much to Tip the Delivery Driver
Food delivery apps make ordering any culinary delight as easy as tapping on your cell phone and getting hot or cold food delivered straight to your door. While home delivery has become more common, confusion abounds when it comes to who and how much to tip. First of all, consider the effort ... [ Read More ]
Rideshare Etiquette: 7 Things Your Rideshare Driver Wants You to Know
Travel and holiday celebrations are upon us. Many people will be taking full advantage of their Uber or Lyft apps to get from one destination to another. Rideshare companies make it easy to get to/from the airport, hop from one Holiday party to the next or simply go to a restaurant without the ... [ Read More ]
Valet Etiquette Tips: What Valets Wish You Knew
I am always delighted to hear feedback from readers, especially when they are responding from personal experience on a topic I have written. I recently received an email thanking me for writing about how to properly show respect to a valet. Mr. V (real name withheld to protect his privacy) works at ... [ Read More ]
To Tip or Not to Tip: The Ultimate Holiday Question
Who to tip during the holidays is an annual conundrum. I have already received a multitude of questions regarding the protocol of when and how to appropriately express gratitude in the form of a tip. There are several factors to consider in the midst of the seasonal merriment, including your ... [ Read More ]