I can't tell you how many times I've been involved in this conversation. With the blogging conference season entering full swing, the tips and traveling comes up in nearly every group I am in. So, I searched around the Internet and compiled a list. Now this is all according to the Internet, and it's not complete, but it covers the basics with a little extra on how much do you tip.
EVERY DAY LIFE
Food delivery person:* 10% of the bill (excl. tax), at least $1 for bills up to $10. Should tip 15%-20% for a difficult delivery. Don't ever assume that the driver gets a cut of the delivery fee many places tack on. Give a little more for bad weather, crappy neighborhoods etc.
Groceries: Check with store policy if tips are accepted. $1 for bringing bags to car; $1.50 to $3 if you have more than 3 bags.
Taxi driver: Varies depending on where you are. 15% is usually enough; and give an extra $1 to $2 for help with bags.
Barber: 15% to 20%, minimum $1, for a haircut. For other services (shampoo, shave or manicure) tip $1 to $2 to that person as well.
Hairdresser: 15% to 20%. (It is now acceptable to tip owner, unless he or she says otherwise.)
Shampoo person: $2
Manicurist: 15%
Spa service (e.g., massage, facial): 15% to 20%. If service is provided by owner, generally no tip.
Staff at coffee/food retailers with tip jars: No tip required. Some may argue otherwise, though I usually throw a buck in.
RESTAURANTS/BARS
Waiter/waitress: 15% of bill (excl. tax) for average service; 20% for very good service; no less than 10% for poor service. Please don't skip the tip, your server may share tips with busboys or host staff.
Wine steward:15% of cost of the bottle and always ask before bringing your own bottle as many restaurants don't allow this!
Bartender: 15% to 20% of the tab, with a minimum of 50 cents per soda/juice etc, $1 per alcoholic drink. My feeling is even if you're sitting at the bar, drinking fizzy water and eating peanuts, you should still tip!
Coatroom attendant: $1 per coat or bag
Parking valet or garage attendant: $2 when they bring you your car
TRAVEL
Skycap at airport: $1 per bag if you check-in curbside; $2 per bag if skycap takes bags to check-in counter. (This to me, so worth it, especially when traveling with kids)
Hotel doorman: $1 per bag for help with luggage; $1 per person for hailing a cab
Hotel bellhop: $1 per bag for bringing luggage to your room (but it's nice to give $2 if you just have one bag)
Hotel housekeeper: $2 to $5* per night (put in an envelope with a note so they know it's the tip and not random money)
Hotel concierge: $5 for getting you tickets or reservations (give them extra if they're hard to get). No tip required when you ask for directions.
Cruise: Varies. Ask about customary gratuities. Maybe some of my DisneyCruise blogger friends can chime in.
In addition, if you have a coupon for a service or restaurant, your tip is based on the before discount cost! So keep that in mind too!
And when tipping, saying Thank You is always nice too.
Leila
We don't typically do food delivery anymore, but I admit, I never paid much attention when we did tip...
For hair cuts (I don't do a salon or fancy, just Great Clips) I tip $5 and when I actually get my nails done I tip $5.
Wait staff gets 10% if it's bad service; 15-18% for good service; and 20% or above for great service. I have been known to tip upwards of $20 for exceptional service.
The only other place I frequent that requires tipping is tattoos/piercings and I generally tip a flat $10.
This was a great reference though! (I think I may be over-tipping in certain areas!) And if I happen to come across any other areas of life where I need to tip, I will def refer back to this!
TheMaven
I love that you bring up tipping your tattoo artist or piercer!