Question

As we enter the next phase of COVID and service professionals start working, are you planning to tip those professions that get paid in cash? How much? I am mostly thinking about hairdressers, housekeepers, etc., that were unable to or had difficulty collecting unemployment due to either being self-employed or being paid "under the table". I was thinking that first visit paying double, so 100% tip, but will that person expect that going forward? Has anybody else put thought into this?  

Answer 1

Also I might be tipping 1000% to the poor soul that has to give me a pedicure once we can do so again. I’m pregnant (due any day now) and can’t reach and my heels are. I won’t even go there. Let’s just say they’re going to need power tools.  

Comments

@herder congratulations. Good luck with everything. ❤❤ I've been wearing gel socks at night and thats helped with the dry skin. As for my toes, it looks like a 2 year old painted them.  

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@epinasty yup my toes are painted as of last week bc I am convinced they will distract the nurses and doctors from my horrendous feet.  I get so hot at night I can’t wear socks. I’m just embracing that they look awful at this point. ‍♀️ And thank you!  

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Your comment made me giggle, thank you! Good luck with everything and early congrats!  

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@jawbreaker31 Thank you!  

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@herder I am a former nail tech and just wanted to say, don’t feel too bad, they are used to it and it bothers them less than you might think, unless it’s bad fungus or something , it’s all just what it is  Especially for a pregnant lady, at least from my perspective, I was happy to help her out. So, enjoy that first pedicure and don’t feel bad about a thing ☺️

Answer 2

20% as usual

Answer 3

20% normal tip. I don’t think they’d expect any more.  

Comments

I guess one part of me feels like they haven't made a salary in 2+ months and want to help out where I can?  

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@infeudation many received unemployment and with the additional $600 a week are making more than people still working. Unless you know the circumstances of someone in particular I would tip the typical.  

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Just an FYI. hair stylist were unable to apply for unemployment until May 11 and not guaranteed they’d get it. I’m a former hair dresser with many friends in the industry that have received zero from the government since they were shut down. I don’t think they expect anything extra from you at all! However just know they’ve had no help from the government  

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I understand , I won’t even be going out, but if I did that’s what I’d do. My husband never received ANY unemployment even though he qualified. And couldn’t get a hold of the office to question it. I think everyone’s hurting in some regards. Well I don’t speak for everyone but I know we are ‍♀️ I can’t afford to pay everyone extra who’s been out of work. If you can, more power to you, but I do not think they’d expect it nor expect it regularly.  

Answer 4

As someone that's been a nanny for years, I've never expected anything. This is in regards to Christmas bonuses, birthday, bonuses on top of raises etc. They are definitely welcomed and appreciated. I've also worked in the service industry for years. Never expected some of the tips I received, but they sure were welcomed with gratitude. I always try to tip in cash, for anyone I tip. It is encouraged and appreciated as they won't get taxed on it. I'm sure, especially these days, people are happy just to be tipped. I have friends in the service industry, who are trying to get by on doing curbside shifts. They told me a lot of people are hardly tipping, if tipping at all. Then there are some awesome people that go above and beyond, and tip a shit ton. That's always been the name of the game in the service industry. When I feel comfortable to get back to my hairdresser & nail ladies, I will tip a lot more, on top of what I already give them. They've been out of work, for a few months and not able to get unemployment, from what they've told me. Just follow your heart. If you're super happy with your service, whatever it may be, give the standard 20% and up it, however you see fit. Especially if it's someone like your favorite server/bartender, hairdresser/nail person you always go to, type of thing.  

Comments

Thank you for your input and insight. I appreciate hearing from somebody who works in the industry.  

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Oh, and I don't think anyone would come to expect if you were to tip very graciously, for that to become the new norm and expect that every time.  

Answer 5

I think as we go back we need to remember their lost wages aren't easily made up either it's not like we are all going to go in for 2 extra haircuts to make up for lost wages and tips. I'd say if you can do more in tips please do. Having been a server all through college it's brutal without those wages.  

Answer 6

Above 20% with a note saying you were thankful for them or something sweet like that. Most independent contractors (like myself) have still yet to file/receive unemployment. They will be super grateful you thought to tip them higher!  

Comments

@stephaniastephanie7 Yes! I do hair. I work very little a week because I mainly stay home with my kids-do because of that I haven’t even tried to apply for unemployment. Many others from my salon who have though. still have not been able to receive anything quite yet. I don’t think your hairdresser will expecting by any means, but very much appreciate it. If I were to get a 100% tip. I would absolutely realize why and not expect it for future appointments after that first one lol. That is very thoughtful of you Christine.  

Answer 7

My hairdresser will be getting a 100% tip when I can finally go see her. Possibly more. Our go to pizza place for delivery - probs a 50% tip the next few times. (We’ve already been ordering delivery occasionally and tipping 30% but recently agreed we should up it). We love Caruso’s if anyone is looking for new pizza to try. I try to tip in cash as much as possible.  

Comments

@herder my family has been eating Caruso's forever. Love their bbq beef sandwiches.  

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@dantzler we love love love them.  

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@herder I would love to be your Contractor, do you cleaning person? :)))))

Answer 8

I try to always pay tips in cash when I have it. Let em get  or whatever minimal they have to claim.  

Comments

@talos74 I always try to pay in cash for the service as well. Stupid credit card fees add up. :(

Answer 9

I believe in good karma, I've been tipping more since it started because I know others are financially struggling and it makes me feel good. I don't feel like it's expected but I enjoy trying to pay it forward

Comments

@manteltree42563 same when I pay cash no change, and I’ve been rounding up on all purchases

Answer 10

My sisters a hair stylist and would be so grateful for such a generous tip but would not expect it going forward.  

Answer 11

As someone who receives tips “always appreciated never expected” is my slogan. (All my co workers will attest to that! ) if u were to give any sort of a bonus tip now (which I have been getting) I would ABSOLUTELY NOT expect it again. It is just so appreciated during this time. I can tell u that I will be doing generous tipping at my salon and regular food outings. (However if it’s crap service then crap tip as usual) just be understanding that they are dealing with a new normal to when it comes to going back to work.  

Answer 12

Thank you everybody for your feedback and input!  

Answer 13

I plan on giving extra when I can. I’ve been tipping 20-25% for food pickup this entire time. When we got out I expect to do 25-30% the first time for our regular places. for hair & nails more than 20% but I didn’t have a regular person so not sure the increase. My massage therapist will get a very big increase.  

Comments

@merriment7 i can not wait to see my massage therapist!  

Answer 14

It’s going to be triple the work to bring my hair back to what it was before. % Tip!  

Comments

This is sweet and funny, at the same time.  

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@assistance my girl is your girl. ❤❤ and you made a great point. I have been diligent about not trying anything crazy to my hair during the break, but I know she will have her work cut out for her.  

Answer 15

What about the people who bag groceries. and have been this entire time.  

Comments

@ironmaster1 you are suggesting tipping grocery store clerks/baggers?  

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@stephaniastephanie7 just a question. they have been working this entire time. not collecting unemployment right? Just a thought.  

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@ironmaster1 you're missing the point of the post, as I am referring to people who have not been working at all and have been ineligible for unemployment. But you should tip as you think you should.  

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@ironmaster1 but they have been collecting a pay check, correct? I don’t get your point