Tipping the movers

If you've been packing, you know what this is.

We’ve talked about tipping before. But what about tipping movers to help you relocate all of your stuff? It’s a tricky subject, but we’re here to help.

Movers provide a personal service—they are doing what many people could possibly do themselves. While movers themselves are professional, they do not offer a professional service in the way that, say, doctors and teachers do, and we do not tip doctors and teachers. So, do tip your mover!

But how much to tip? We suggest $25 per day. If they hook up your TV or similar appliances, add $5-10. For added kindness, offer bottled water, snacks, and the use of your bathroom!

What about tipping of the total bill? That gets complicated. Let’s start at a 10% tip. You could tip two movers $10 each on a $100 job. But if the two movers are working a $5,000 job, we don’t recommend tipping $500—$100 each is more reasonable.

Be sure to tip the same amount to each mover. And if you just have one bill (say, $100), present that one bill to all movers at the same time. Don’t simply give it to the one person who seems to be the most in charge and expect that it will automatically be shared.

And of course, be sure to thank the entire group when the job is done!

SCARY stories of BAD manners!

Halloween makes us think of spooky stories...and what's more spooky (well, to us) than some scary stories of bad manners?

We're not just talking about a mere faux pas here and there. We're only human, after all! No - we're talking about WORST CASE SCENARIOS!

That means something different for everyone, we know, but here are a few of our top Worst Case Manners Scenarios - and how to handle them with ease!

Forgetting someone's name in a social situation. You could try re-introducing yourself, join a conversation and perk up your ears in case someone says the name, or unobtrusively ask an understanding friend. But what if you're trying to make introductions and suddenly forget the name? Horrors! Smile, look that person in the eye, and say, "Please tell me your name." No need to apologize! Keep it simple and straightforward.

Extreme tardiness. Everyone is late sometimes, but what if you're really late for something really important, like a wedding, party (especially if you're the guest of honor), high-powered meeting, or first date? For parties, always call ahead so the host can plan accordingly. Some things—like meetings or doctor's appointments—may need to be rescheduled, so call ahead for those, too. For weddings and similar events, remember it's not all about you, and arrive as quietly as possible.

 

Awkward houseguests. First of all, if you're going to visit someone, read our tips first. If you're the host and having a hard time keeping everyone entertained, offer a few choices for activities and ask for their input. Suggest a walk around the block or a drive into town to get sedentary guests off the couch. If diet is a challenge, you can again offer a few menu choices and solicit their opinion. Sometimes all you need to do is offer a choice to get the ball rolling.

Undertipping and realizing later. First, check out our tipping guide. If you undertip at a local establishment you frequent regularly, feel free to make it up next time. If you're traveling on the road and won't be going back, you can always mail a hand-written note (with compliments of their service included) to the hotel or restaurant. And try to keep the good service industry karma going by tipping well at the next place.

Miscommunication. What if you say something to a friend and later realize that your innocent, throwaway comment could have been taken completely the wrong way? What if he or she is mortally offended or wondering what on earth is wrong with you? It's a horrible feeling to have, but remember: miscommunication can be solved with communication. Call your friend and explain yourself, and be prepared to apologize. True friends will understand, and know you'll return the favor next time they misspeak!

No need to make Halloween scarier than it is. Let trick-or-treaters enjoy the chills and thrills and you can leave spooky tales of awkward etiquette far behind!

N.E.W. Day 2: Tip 'Em Tuesday!

Today is Day 2 of National Etiquette Week. We call it…

TIP ‘EM TUESDAY!

Have you ever heard the story of "T.I.P."? There is more than one, including a little controversy.

The story goes that it stands for "To Insure Promptness," and that once upon a time, customers would put money on the table before the service to ensure that it was good.

There’s another story about T.I.P. By the early 1700s, coffeehouses were flourishing in London, according to "The Art of the Table." At establishments called “penny universities,” customers could get a cup of coffee for a penny, according to the book; for two pence, customers could get a newspaper, candle and bowl of coffee.

"Payment for coffee was collected in a brass-bound box inscribed with the words 'to insure promptness' — hence the expression ‘tip,’ today a remuneration given in appreciation of service," reads the book.

But is that true? Snopes says no.

"Although handing over a gratuity prior to the act might inspire the one receiving the largess to provide a higher level of service, there is nothing 'insured' about the transaction," says Snopes.

People first used word "tip" to describe the act of giving something to someone as early as 1610, continues Snopes. "Tip" became a slang word (not an abbreviation) and was first common in the crime world before becoming respectable.

What do we say?

We say that the origin of the word "tip" doesn’t matter as much as actually remembering to tip your server!

Today, put yourself in the shoes of your waiter or cab driver or hair stylist — and tip ‘em! If you aren’t sure about standard tipping these days, use our guide!

TIPPING GUIDE
Restaurant servers: 15—20 percent
Room service: 15—20 percent
Food delivery person: 15 percent
Pool attendant: nothing for a towel; for a lounge chair, $1—2
Hotel housekeeper: $1—2 per day
Golf course attendant: $2—3 per bag
Caddy: $25—50 per bag
Skycap: $1—2 per bag; extra if he secures your airline seat for you
Tour guide: $1—5 per person
Hotel doorman: for hailing a taxi, $1
Emergency roadside service: $5—20, depending on the service
Hairdresser: 15—20 percent (but do not tip the salon’s owner)
Shampooer: $2—5
Spa assistants: 15 percent

Come back tomorrow for Day 3 of National Etiquette Week!

Tips on tips

While many of us are traveling, it's a good time to revisit tips. Here's our handy guide you can use both at home and on the road (or in the air or at sea!).

TIPPING GUIDE
Restaurant servers: 15—20 percent
Room service: 15—20 percent
Food delivery person: 15 percent
Pool attendant: nothing for a towel; for a lounge chair, $1—2
Hotel housekeeper: $1—2 per day
Golf course attendant: $2—3 per bag
Caddy: $25—50 per bag
Skycap: $1—2 per bag; extra if he secures your airline seat for you
Tour guide: $1—5 per person
Hotel doorman: for hailing a taxi, $1
Emergency roadside service: $5—20, depending on the service
Hairdresser: 15—20 percent (but do not tip the salon’s owner)
Shampooer: $2—5
Spa assistants: 15 percent 

Happy trails!

To tip or not to tip: the hair salon owner

Tipping has a storied history. Though there is some controversy to this particular tale, it is widely believed that once upon a time, tips were given before a service was rendered — “To Insure Promptness,” get it? Tip beforehand and get better service, people thought.

How the times change! As we’ve mentioned before, it’s customary to tip your hairdresser at least 15-20 percent. But what if your hairdresser is also the salon owner?

You might be wondering why that would make a difference. Conventional etiquette wisdom has long held that you do not tip your hairdresser if he or she is also the salon owner.

But when we talked to several friends who are certified etiquette experts, we were reminded again how etiquette changes with the times.

Several of the experts tip their hairdressers (who are also the salon owners) every time, saying the gesture is thoughtful and shows appreciation for their services. One said she would tip a hairdresser/owner only if the service was exceptional.

One expert said that after going to the same hairdresser for years, the hairdresser opened her own salon. Our friend still tips her for her quality services. The owner shouldn’t be penalized for taking a business risk and probably needs the tips more now than ever, she said.

If you are going to a new hairdresser, there’s no need to ask whether he or she is the owner to determine whether to tip—err on the side of caution and tip anyway! If the hairdresser makes it known that he or she is the owner, then you have a decision to make.

To tip or not to tip a salon owner? If you feel strongly compelled to tip, then do so—just know that it is not required.