Corporate Honcho Sullivan Kent who frequently entertains business clients over lunch is very clear about tipping and the waiting staff. He leaves behind a standard 10 percent when he and his guests have had a happy dining experience. But when the service is tardy he has no qualms about letting waiters know his displeasure by leaving half his usual tip.

However, over the recent past many restaurants have taken the decision out of Sullivan’s hand. They have started adding a 10% service charge to his bill.

Should it not be his prerogative to decide how much to tip? In fact, in the first place, is tipping a correct thing to do? If yes, then how much should you be leaving behind at a restaurant or at the valet parking or even at the barber shop? More pertinently, what are the places you should be tipping and where you should not be tipping?

In face, in most swish circles there is an unwritten code about tipping. Here is a reality check…

Restaurant Tips

IN A FINE DINE RESTAURANT… if the service is excellent, you can go up to the 10% which should make the staff happy.

WHEN THERE IS A SERVICE CHARGE… If the restaurant management has put a mandatory service charge in your bill, you are justified in not tipping.

AT SELF SERVE AND BUFFET JOINTS… thought once can get away by not tipping, it is yet classy to leave a tip in both the situations.

Hotel Tips

There are well established etiquettes while tipping at a hotel as there are a lot more occasions where you would be required to show your generosity towards the staff that makes your stay pleasant.

START WITH THE BELLBOY… He is virtually your first contact with the hotel. As soon as your luggage is brought to your room, it’s appropriate to tip the bellboy. In most leading hotels the standard rate is between Rs. 50 to Rs. 100.

DO NOT FORGET THE HOUSEKEEPING… If you are fussy about clean sheets, fresh towels and steady supply of soaps and shampoos make sure the lady who cleans the room is well tipped. It will make your stay all the more pleasurable.

QUALITY ROOM SERVICE COMES AT A PRICE… Of course you can get away with not tipping but if you are looking for that extra little by way of piping hot food and chilled drinks, it is always a good idea to line the pockets of the waiters who brings the goodies.

Other Tips

FIVE PER CENT FOR HOME DELIVERY IS REASONABLE… It’s a small price to pay for luxury of having piping hot food delivered to your doorstep. The tip should be a sign of gratitude to the guy who is rushing to bring your food as you sit comfortable watching a match on TV or chatting with friends.

IT’S RISKY TO DENY A TIP TO THE HAIRCUTTER… unless off course you have decided not to come back to the salon again. Otherwise, if you scrounge on tip, chances are that the next time the stylist will make sure you look like a porcupine! A 10% tip will ensue your hair is styles to perfection.

VALETS AND PARKING ATTENDANTS DESERVE YOUR INDULGENCE… without a valet you would be going around in circles looking for a place to park. And even if you do find a place, someone would have to make sure your vehicle is safe. That’s where the parking attendant comes in. Show him your gratitude.

IF YOU CAN AFFORD A PRIVATE TAXI THEN YOU CAN AFFORT TO TIP… Always be considerate to the man who is driving you around. After all, your life is in his hands. Pamper him with Rs. 50 at every mealtime and around Rs. 100 at the end of the day. That will keep him motivated to do the extra bit.

A tip should not be used as a form of a bribe to extract additional benefits. It should be more a reward for the value added service. Tipping is not mandatory, and it should be linked to the quality of service. After all, money is not printed on your inkjet! Sure, leave a generous tip if you are happy with the service. But if you are not, then let the staff know by not tipping.

Remember, the Rule No.1 is that there is no rule as far as tipping goes.

TIPPING IN OTHER COUNTRIES

• Tipping can be stiff in the US. Most people stick to the 15 to 20 percent rule. Many restaurants put this service charge to the bill.
• England is not as stiff as America. But the 10 percent is the standard charge. If it is charges in the bill but you are not satisfied with the service you can refuse to pay.
• Tipping is not your prerogative in France. The law denotes a 15 percent service charge over and above the bill in most reputed establishments.
• In Germany the incidence of Tipping is very low as the wages of the service staff are high. If you are a habitual tipper leave behind a very small amount. Nothing more is expected.
• China is free of Tipping. In fact you can get away by not tipping at any place. But post modernism if you leave behind a tip it is highly appreciated.
• Tipping in a Restaurant in Australia is considered as insulting but mostly in tourist areas it is welcome.
• Canada like in US style tip of 10 to 15 percent.
• In Italy if the “Cover Charges” or “Service Charges” are included in the bill then it is not customary to tip otherwise add 10 percent to the overall bill.
• In Japan Tipping is considered impolite and rude and is taken upon as a insult.
• In Spain it is expected to tip between 5 to 20 percent.