Do you tip?

podperson

I will tip if I get decent service but I don't do it automatically. For example quite a few years ago before a lot of the supermarkets did deliveries I would have to get my weekly shop home in a taxi. It was amazing the number of drivers who would pull up, pop the hood so I could struggle to put the bags in while they sat there, and then the same at the other end - and then look surprised/offended when they didn't get a tip.
The same in a restaurant, if the service and food are good I will leave a tip, if it's not great I won't bother.

I do finding tipping rules very strange and have never quite understood them. Why tip taxi drivers but not bus drivers, restaurant workers but not shop or fast food workers - I'm sure they work just as hard for probably the same or less pay.

Wine_of_the_World

I went out with someone who was a taxi driver (part-time). During the day / evening tips were rare and were not at ALL expected. During late nights on days like Valentines or New Years tips were more common - but again not expected. Tips could quickly add up - a few people leaving a few pounds could amount to quite a lot. They are already paid for what they do - and are paid more for nights etc hence even then tips were an added extra and not something that made the job worth doing. So please dont feel bad about not tipping - and no I wouldnt tip.

The driver sounds horribly rude for asking/ demanding!

74jax

I don't ever tip a taxi driver, and always wait for my change. I wouldn't walk away in Asda and leave the checkout operator 10p.

I tip in restaurants for very good service, but not all the time.

nfollows1982

I hate paying in a restaurant on a card when the machine asks the 'do you want to leave gratuity' question, especially when it's not very clear which is the no button and you have the waiter standing over your shoulder!

Although I have been told that if you leave a tip on your card it almost certainly gets taken by the restaurant and not given to the server so for that reason I will leave a cash tip if service warrants it.

I can relate the US thing, we spent 10 days in NYC last year and I think we went through $300 in tips whilst we were there.

onlyroz

I get a taxi once in a blue moon - usually for things like airport runs and so the fares are usually quite large. I'd normally round up to the nearest fiver or tenner, but I certainly wouldn't give a 20GBP tip, especially if I was asked to.

Reminds me of when I've been in the US and the courtesy bus driver normally stands there counting his tip money after he's helped you get your bags off the bus. He might as well just say "where's my tip then?" Such behaviour really gets my back up.

Robin_TBW

Never really take taxis and wouldn't bother tipping as the fares are so high anyway. Not a chance.

surfboard2

I only really tip if i'm going to the airport and need help with my bags.

Scrapaholic

I'd def not get in the taxi with that driver what a nerve ! DH did tip £20 when 6 of us took a taxi from Newcastle to Manchester airport and then another £20 when the taxi came over to bring us back. It did cost a lot for the taxi anyway but he was helpful with the cases etc .I do tip hairdresser 10% . We don't tip in restaurants if the service isn't good . We try and avoid restaurants that add service charge automatically to the bill , don't agree with that at all . When we holiday in USA it's tips all the time . All adds on to the expense of the holiday though .

scooby088

Quick question would you tip a friend if they gave you a lift out of their way?

Taxi drivers are self employed and earn a decent living from their job so no way would I tip a taxi driver.

Threebabes

What a cheek. I would change taxi company too.

How rude.

No I dont tip, if we eat out I leave a small tip.