Whoops! The New Tipping Etiquette: How Much to Tip in Every Situation
Tipping used to be simple—15% at restaurants, a few dollars for delivery, and that was that. But in recent years, digital payment screens, service fees, and widespread “tipflation” have changed everything. Suddenly, you’re being asked to tip for counter service, self-checkout, and even when picking up takeout.
So… how much should you be tipping today?
Here’s the updated tipping etiquette for every situation—so you can feel confident, generous, and guilt-free.
Why Tipping Has Become So Confusing
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Digital kiosks now prompt tip options of 20%–30%.
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Service workers rely more than ever on tips as wages vary widely.
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Social pressure at checkout screens makes people unsure what’s expected.
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New service categories (mobile orders, food apps, grocery delivery) didn’t exist 10 years ago.
The good news: modern etiquette experts have weighed in, and the expectations are clearer than they seem.
How Much to Tip Today: A Complete Guide
⭐ 1. Sit-Down Restaurants
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Standard: 18%–20%
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Exceptional service: 22%–25%
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Poor service: 15% (only reduce below this for major issues)
This hasn’t changed much—restaurant servers still rely heavily on tips.
⭐ 2. Counter Service / Coffee Shops
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Standard: $1–$2 per drink OR 10%
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Grabbing a pastry or bottled drink: No tip needed
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Full customized drinks: $1–$2 is appreciated
Tip screens can feel pushy, but a small tip is the norm—not 25%.
⭐ 3. Takeout / Pickup Orders
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Standard: 10%
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Large orders (family meals or catering): 10%–15%
You’re mostly paying for packaging and prep—not full table service.
⭐ 4. Food Delivery (UberEats, DoorDash, etc.)
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Standard: 15%–20%
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Bad weather / long distance: Add a few dollars
Drivers rely heavily on your tip for earnings, gas, and car wear.
⭐ 5. Grocery Delivery / Curbside Pickup
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Delivery: 10%–15%
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Pickup: $2–$5 is optional but kind
Workers sort, bag, and carry your groceries—they appreciate it.
⭐ 6. Hairdressers, Barbers & Beauty Services
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Standard: 20%
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Assistants who shampoo or blow-dry: $3–$10 separately
Beauty workers operate on similar tipping norms to restaurants.
⭐ 7. Nail Salons
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Standard: 18%–20%
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Luxury services: 20%–25%
⭐ 8. Massage Therapists / Spa Services
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Standard: 18%–20%
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Medical or insurance-covered massage: No tip
⭐ 9. Hotel Tipping
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Housekeeping: $3–$5 per night
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Bellhop: $2 per bag
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Valet: $3–$5 when your car is brought to you
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Concierge: $5–$20 depending on the service
⭐ 10. Ride-Share Drivers (Uber/Lyft)
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Standard: 15%
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Excellent service or long rides: 20%–25%
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Bad weather: Add $2–$5
⭐ 11. Movers
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Standard: $5–$10 per mover per hour
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Flat rate option: $20–$60 per mover for a half-day job
⭐ 12. Furniture or Appliance Delivery
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Standard: $10–$20 per person
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Tough deliveries (stairs, heavy items): $20–$40 per person
⭐ 13. Pet Groomers
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Standard: 15%–20%
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Difficult breeds or special handling: Higher end of that range
⭐ 14. Handymen & Contractors
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General rule: No tip
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Exception: $10–$20 if they go above and beyond
⭐ 15. Self-Checkout Tipping Screens
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Standard: No tip required
You're not expected to tip when you did all the work.
When You Don’t Need to Tip
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Fast-food counters (unless you want to)
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Large retail stores
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Self-serve yogurt shops
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Automated kiosks
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Businesses that already charge a “service fee” (unless it’s just a restaurant surcharge—not a tip)
How to Handle Awkward Tipping Screens
Here’s the trick etiquette experts recommend:
👉 Choose the lowest option—or skip—and don’t feel guilty.
Most workers know the prompts are automatic.
Final Thoughts: Tip Thoughtfully, Not Out of Pressure
Modern tipping is confusing because we’re living through a cultural shift. The best rule of thumb is simple:
Tip generously when someone provides real service.
Tip lightly—or not at all—when they don’t.
And don’t let a screen shame you into over-tipping.
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