Tipping is a significant aspect of the American economy. Consumers should be aware of when they need to tip in certain situations. However, many question why businesses cannot pay their workers well enough that they don’t have to rely on tips. It is essential to follow the rules of tipping etiquette, but there are some situations where tipping is not necessary or expected.
1. Professionals Earning a Salary
Let’s start with the obvious: those who earn an established salary or are performing trade. In this case, a proper example includes lawyers. Licensed professionals may find tipping awkward or unusual, but a gift can make sense if you feel grateful for their services.
2. Concierge Desk
We might feel obligated to tip when traveling to other cities and staying in hotels. However, the concierge desk is there to help you enjoy your stay as much as possible. There is no reason to tip the concierge staff for answering questions about directions or local attractions during your stay or checking you into your room.
3. Baristas
According to U.S. News & World Report, there is no obligation here, either. If there is a tip jar on the counter, you do not have to put money into it. Consider leaving a tip if you are a regular customer or have a special order.
4. Cashier
You might encounter cashiers asking for a tip percentage. If you check out and see this option on the screen, feel free to bypass it. Etiquette experts do not recommend tipping the person behind the counter, even if the tablet suggests otherwise.
5. Doorman
Generally, you only have to tip the door attendant at your hotel if they provide you with some special service. However, if you live in a building with a door attendant, giving them a generous tip during the holiday season is customary. Additionally, if they help you with your luggage, it is appropriate to provide a tip.
6. Housekeeping
It’s worth noting that certain hotels only offer housekeeping services upon request. It depends on the hotel’s policies, the level of cleaning you request, and how much to tip the workers. For example, if you only need someone to empty the trash and refill the coffee machine, you may feel free to tip less than if you need a bed made and the vacuum run.
7. Airline Ticketing Agents
Like curbside check-in employees, ticketing agents are airline employees and cannot accept tips — or bribes, although some have tried. It is important to note that curbside check-in or ticketing agents are usually employed by the airline, not the airport. This means that it is not customary to tip them for their assistance with ticketing or baggage handling.
8. Flight Attendants
Flight attendants provide services to customers throughout the flight, but unlike other service industry professionals, they don’t expect to receive tips. Some airlines have policies prohibiting passengers from tipping flight attendants. However, there are some exceptions. In 2019, Frontier Airlines introduced tips for onboard food and drink purchases.
9. Teachers
It’s important to remember that while we appreciate our professors and teachers, there is no obligation to tip them. Many educational institutions have policies that prohibit their employees from accepting monetary gifts. However, it is always appreciated to show gratitude by giving them a thoughtful gift, a thank-you letter, or asking if they need anything for their classroom. Your gesture of appreciation will definitely be appreciated.
10. Sales Associates
For some people, shopping is a hobby. For others, it’s a way to keep up with the latest trends. Do you ever need to decide if you should tip a sales associate? It’s important to understand that tips do not incentivize sales associates, so there is no obligation or expectation to leave a gratuity. The most important aspect of their role is providing exceptional customer service.
11. Accountants
As we approach the time of year when we need to meet our CPA or tax accountant, it is essential to note that it is not obligatory to tip them. However, if you appreciate their service, it would be a nice gesture to give them a gift or refer them to others so that they can continue to grow their business.
12. Doctors
You are not obligated to tip your doctors as they are licensed professionals. In traditional medicine, you can expect tipping not to change anytime soon. However, elective medicine, especially within the aesthetic market, is changing patients’ and providers’ perceptions of tipping.