More tipping etiquette? 20-40-60 answers!

YOU ASK! WE ANSWER! YOU DECIDE!

(We would love some reader input on this one… We are wondering….. Do you have an opinion about this question?)

QUESTION: What is the proper etiquette to tipping your nail tech or beautician?

Also, I’ve noticed when I go into certain establishments, like a donut shop, they now have a tip jar at the counter.  I mean REALLY!!  You’re only there 5 seconds getting a dozen donuts to go.  Some BBQ places are the same way.  You have to order at the counter, fix your own drink and seat yourself.

Why do I want to tip the cashier just for taking my order and my money?

CALLIE’S ANSWER: Obviously this depends. Did they do a good job? Have you been going to them FOREVER? Did they style and blow-dry your hair after?

You should tip your beautician, meaning cut and colorist 10%. The person that washes your hair maybe a couple bucks.

When I get my nails done I go to a place where I have a different person every time. This said, my tipping varies. For the tip jar, it depends on if I love the product, or how my day is going.

LILLIE-BETH’S ANSWER: I’m struggling with this, too, and I’m sure someone in the service industry has a much more complete perspective than I do. When I see a tip jar on a counter in a place that’s mostly self-service, then I leave a small tip (nowhere near the 20 percent that I would if I were at a table with a waiter) if I have the extra change.

On a credit card slip, I’ll add a couple of dollars or so to places where I pick up as a to-go order.

I’m a little bewildered by an expectation for a tip when there isn’t a waiter involved at a restaurant, but I figure the staff has to take the time to pull my order together, so it’s worth a small tip. As for nail tech or beautician, most information I read suggests tipping 15 to 20 percent of your total bill, depending on service. I’m not sure if tipping that amount for a beauty service has been expected for a long time or it’s a new idea.