Tipping Standards

I spent three years working as a waitress while I was in college. I believe that everyone, at some point in their life, should work in the service industry. It teaches you humility and I guarantee it will make you think twice before treating your waitress or anyone else providing you with a service in a hostile manner.

On the other hand, I also believe that anyone working in the service industry should realize that they chose that profession and it is their job to provide service with a smile. Don't be mean to me because you hate your job. If you want my money, then I expect you to at least pretend you want to be where you are.

I haven't decided what to do about those service providers that don't work for a tip. Not to get off on another subject, but if you are working at a drive through or as a cashier or in any position where you have to come in contact with the public, do us all a favor and just fake it until you make it.

Listed below are the tipping standards for most service industries.

Restaurants/Bars

• Waiter/Waitress
  15% of pre-tax bill for ok service, 20% for great service but not less than 10% even if the service is poor (I know that sucks but they have to split their tips with the people who make the food)
• Sommelier (Wine steward)
  15% of the cost of the bottle
• Bartender
  15 – 20% of the tab with a minimum of $1 (about $0.50 for a nonalcoholic beverage)
• Coat room attendant
  $1 per coat
• Parking valet or garage attendant
  $2 to bring your car to you
• Washroom attendant
  $1
  

Everyday

• Taxi driver
  15% of fare and an additional $1 per bag if they help you load or unload
• Food delivery
  10% of the pre-tax bill
• Grocery loader
  $1 for loading bags into car but $3 if you have more than 3 bags
• Barber
  15 - 20% depending on service frequency, if you are a regular then you can tip less (minimum $1)
• Hairdresser
  15 - 20% again depending on service frequency
• Shampoo person
  $2
• Manicurist
  15%
• Spa service
  15 – 20% regardless of service frequency
• Staff at coffee/food retailers with tip jars
  No tip is required. It is completely optional.
• Handyman
  No tip
• Gas attendant
  No tip

Travel

• Skycap at airport
  $1 per bag if you use curbside check-in but $2 per bag if sky cap takes them inside for you
• Hotel doorman
  $1 per bag for helping with your luggage and $1 per person for hailing a cab
• Hotel bellhop
  $1 per bag if they take your bags to your room with a minimum of $2 (yes, even if you only have one bag)
• Hotel housekeeper
  $2-$5 per night depending on how fresh you want your sheets
• Hotel concierge
  $5 for getting tickets or reservations but $10 if they pull any strings to get make the impossible a reality and no tip for directions
  

A Man's Ultimate Jewelry Collection

When it comes to men's jewelry, I am very traditional so this shouldn't be a long read. I believe a man should not wear more than five pieces of jewelry at one time (preferably not all on the same appendage). Although I am a member of Generation Bling, I don't think a man should subscribe to that way of thinking unless he is in a music video or it's Halloween.

A man's jewelry collection can consist of multiple pieces but it is not necessary for them to all be worn at the same time. Knowing the appropriate time to wear jewelry is a statement of class for men. Not to go on a fashion tangent but every man should have three looks – sporty, casual and dressy – and a jewelry collection for each look.

A sporty look is appropriate for sporting events and playing sports. An athletic watch is the only piece of jewelry that can sustain the roughness of man-sport, otherwise, you are just trying to show off and will probably end up losing your piece or it will get broken.

Casual dress provides a little more leeway, however, don't overdo it. A casual watch is a worthy investment that can be worn daily. It should be a piece that can be worn with jeans or khaki's and looks good when your sleeves are rolled up. The actual style will vary depending on your personality but chronographs are one of my favorites. The band of the watch is a very important detail but if you choose a good face, you can always have the band replaced. A necklace or bracelet may be appropriate but I prefer that a man not wear both. Also, fashion rings only look appropriate if it is a class ring or if you not married. If you are married and choose a fashion ring or class ring, it should be worn on the opposite hand of your wedding band to create a balanced look. If you are a man with pierced ears, this may be the time to wear them but be careful not to go overboard. A nice diamond stud (between ½ and 1 carat) is appropriate but hoops and earrings with designs should be left for the women.

When wearing a suit, depending on your style, you can sometimes add a little more flash to your ensemble with cuff links. Tie tacks and tie bars should be avoided at all costs unless you prefer a more dated look. With this look, you can make a bolder statement with your watch because it can be used as a symbol of power. It is hard to resist a man in a dark suit with a crisp white shirt, french cuffs, shined cuff links, polished shoes and a nice watch.

A man's jewelry collection may be easier to assemble and may be more varied because there are less options available. Each man should invest in three watches, one ring if he chooses and as many sets of cuff links as his heart desires. The price points of these pieces, however, should stay in line with his budget. If you can't afford a Rolex lifestyle then leave it in the store, because that's false advertising. Also, for all of you women wanting a rock for an engagement ring, I have been told that it is a wedding tradition for the bride to buy her husband a watch, as a wedding gift, equal in value to that of her engagement ring.