OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — To tip or not to tip. It's easy to forget what's appropriate depending where you are and what kind of business you're buying from.
Experts say you should never pass up the opportunity to reward quality service. It's advice some dining downtown say they follow.
"We're going to their establishment, they're trying to make a living as well," Bret Hunter said.
As business picks up for the holidays, some wonder what tip they should pay for other services like hair or nail salons--or the people delivering boxes across the city out in the cold.
The etiquette education group Courteous Kids recommends looking up company rules for whoever delivers your mail. As for other services, they recommend the following:
- Minimum 15 percent at restaurants
- $5 for valet
- $1-$2 for baggage, per bag.
- 10-15% percent at hair salons
"I usually tip 15 to 20 percent, but I really never know what to tip," Timaree McKillip said. "I really like this person I've been going to for years so I want to show my appreciation."
Diners downtown made it a point to give gratuity to those working in the food trucks.
"It's usually between 15 and 20 percent," Three Amigas Food Truck's Elia Rivera said. "It's greatly appreciated and it helps a lot because sales during the winter slow down."
Some say it's is their rule of thumb.
"If you're going to go out and have the expectation to use a service, you need to be prepared and let people know their service is valued," Hunter said.
Don't be afraid to tip a little extra this holiday season.
