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Short Change?: It's a recession, but tipping is critical for those whose incomes depend on gratuities
AP File Photo
Waiters and waitresses make most of their incomes from tips, which they must share with others on a restaurant’s staff.
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Published: July 17, 2009
NEW YORK - As you head out to a nice dinner or on vacation at the height of the summer travel season, everyone will understand if you tip less because of the recession, right? Well, some people may, but it's guaranteed that they have never made a large portion of their income from tips -- as waiters and other hospitality workers do. And hospitality workers already have taken a direct hit from the downturn, as companies cut jobs and work hours to save money.
To be certain that you tip properly for the services you enjoy, here's some advice:
□ Do the math: Business psychologist Debra Condren says that 15 percent is the minimum for just being served -- even unsatisfactorily -- at a restaurant. For good service, she says, 20 percent is fair.
"Tipping 10 percent and justifying it by saying, ‘We're in a recession,' makes you a heartless Scrooge," Condren says.
If you need help figuring the amount, use a calculator or download a tip estimator on your cell phone.
And try to tip in cash: Waiters and waitresses greatly appreciate being able to head home that night with cash in their pockets.
□ Trade down: Consider a cheaper restaurant if you can't afford to tip appropriately at an expensive one.
Most of U.S. hospitality workers' income comes from tips, which at a restaurant they share with other members of the staff, such as baristas, bartenders and busboys.
At the same time, there is no need to tip the owner of a business.
□ Remember everyone: Give skycaps at least $1 for each bag, and tip taxi drivers 15 percent in addition to your fare.
Give a bellhop $5 for opening the door and showing you around your hotel room, and more if he or she brings up your luggage.
As part of this, always keep $1 bills handy so that you are not digging for money and won't have to ask the person you are tipping for change.
And remember the hotel maid who makes the bed, takes out the trash and leaves the room pristine.
At least $5 a night is recommended, depending on the hotel and length of stay, according to www.tipping.org.
□ Read the fine print: Some hotels charge fees for room service and other optional services, in which case you aren't expected to tip as well.
But service that goes above and beyond usually deserves a little more, and tipping norms can vary by location, so check a guidebook or the Internet if you're traveling overseas.
"Tipping is a creature of local customs, so you have to do your homework," Condren says.
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