Comments on: Is there a Gratuity Index?

Question: Is there a Gratuity Index?

Steve_at_Linnwood — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 11:08:15 -0800

Does anyone have a good resource (book, magazine article, web site, etc) that shows what the etiquette is for tipping in difference circumstances?

I know the common ones (dinner, cab drivers, etc) but for the first time I have to tip my paper delivery person. In the past my paper was thrown out side the apartment building's lobby door with everyone else's (often in the snow).

But the place I am living at now, the paper is delivered to my door, inside the building. Sunday an envelope and a card wishing me "Happy Holidays" was left with the paper.

So, is there a source that lists how much a person should give in gratuity for difference circumstances?

By: ND¢

ND¢ — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 11:31:57 -0800

http://www.tipping.org seems like a fairly good general purpose site.

I found newspaper delivery person here, (Daily - $25 - 50, weekend - $10) but I would imagine that it would vary greatly based on your area. I haven't found a site that has different amounts for different parts of the country.

By: I Love Tacos

I Love Tacos — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 11:37:28 -0800

When I was a wee taco lover, I delivered the local newspaper.

I did an extremely good job (paper dry and on-time), and generally received 10-20% tips for routine service, plus $10-20 at Christmas. About 10% of my customers went higher than that, and less than 5% went lower.

By: I Love Tacos

I Love Tacos — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 11:38:21 -0800

Oh, and this was all two decades ago, so adjusted for inflation, I guess that matches ND¢'s suggestion.

By: esch

esch — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 11:45:05 -0800

More info here.

Seems like ~$25 is the going rate.

By: stratastar

stratastar — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 13:24:59 -0800

A little off question but the Economist's online site has local tipping ettiquette in the travel section.