THE ART OF TIPPING

The Art of Tipping

I’ll never forget my first true experience with tipping. It was in Fall 2011 while sitting in a charming restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen during a visit to New York City with some of then college peers. These were the days of cash tipping I must add. We had finished our meal and were enjoying our conversation and such. However, things can to an abrupt pause when the waitress came over to our table and inquire about her tip. Being the Southern-raised gal that I am, I was stunned that she was even asking this question as we had only paid moments prior. Now naturally, seeing a bunch of young gals clearly from out of town could perhaps create some wondering on whether or not we were planning to properly thank her for service. I spoke up and ensured her that we had every intention of tipping her and would be doing so with cash before our departure. She unconvincingly walked away. At that very moment, everything I knew about tipping changed. It was one of those experiences, where I was offended that she would even ask such a thing, but also enlightened as it brought awareness to something that I had not carefully considered for myself. Why am I tipping? Am I doing this because it is the norm? Am I doing to judge service or performance? Or (and most importantly), I am doing this because I long to be a cheerful giver who thoughtfully shows their appreciation. I felt cash on the table as promised, but left feeling all kinds of things.

I feel confident that our collective answers are intertwined amongst all of those questions I listed above. Shortly after this adventure to New York, I moved to the city for a year-long adventure and found myself in the mecca of America’s tipping hub. Through that year of being a jobless graduate school student, I struggled through this service philosophy. Knowing when, how much, and what was enough challenged me immensely and left me stressed (which was mostly because I was broker than a joke). But now nearly 10 years removed from that life experience and ironically working in a service-focused career, I am so thankful for that time and the life lessons it taught me about a dollar, the value of it, and more.

For many years now, I’ve desired to whip up a post that digs into the WHY of tipping. What is important? How does it help providers? And so on? Because if we understand the WHY and align our heart postures to give not from demand/societal norm, but because we long to bless, encourage and empower others, everything changes. So today, we are doing exactly that through this “think piece” I would like to call The Art of Tipping.

To get our wheels turning a touch further, I reached out to some of my friends in various service industries to get feedback on the importance of tipping and how it enriches them individually and their businesses. Before we read their insights, I think it is important to note that not every service requires a tip. A general rule of thumb is that if there is a high hourly rate or if the service is more expensive than the industry standard (which Katy touches on this in her comments), then tipping might not be an expectation. For example, I would not monetarily tip an interior designer, fashion stylist, lawyer to name a few (all services in nature). But if you are feeling unsure, I would encourage you to ask! There's no shame in asking, as it provides an opportunity for clarity, conversation, and connection!

Ok, I’ve talked enough. Let’s get on with it!

In the industry of beauty, I think tipping is a way to show appreciation for the service and the talent of the artist. That being said, just the act of tipping can show appreciation. The amount usually ranges from 18-20% based on someone budget.

I have worked in an employee environment where one doesn’t usually set prices for services, therefore tipping is definitely expected. I don’t think that the artists are expected any more than 20%, so that would be a good rule of thumb for tipping your service providers.

Currently I have my own business doing nails with my own salon loft. Sometimes it is confusing to know if you should tip or not since we are setting our own prices for our services, in this setting specifically. In my experience, I have set my prices for my services to still expect a tip of 18-20%. Some artists will set there prices higher than most, but they will explicitly say that tipping is not expected. If you feel you’re not sure if you should tip or not, don’t hesitate to ask!

As always, as service providers and artists, we always greatly appreciate any kind of tip or gift from our clients. But I do think the pressure of giving a hefty tip or more than your budget allows is never necessary. We are more excited about you coming back to us and hang out with us!

With the holidays coming up, your service providers are working extra hard to fit everyone into their schedules so their clients can look their best. Take pride in your tip, and feel confident that it’s a blessing to them and their families.

Side note: Coffee is always welcomed and encouraged

- Katy Satterthwaite, Owner of Blessed Studio

Tipping your beauty professional can sometimes be tricky. Unlike many other industries, hair stylists, estheticians, and makeup artists can either be self-employed or work for a salon or business. This can affect the structure of tipping. While any kind of gratuity is always appreciated and never expected, generally artists that work for a salon get a commission and do not take home most of what they earn. So tipping starting at 18-20% is usually the industry standard. This also goes for independent contractors who work for themselves. We always feel gratitude when our regular clients appreciate all our hard work and dedication. Working for yourself can get very expensive to make sure we have all the products and licensure needed for running a business, and tipping (especially during the Holidays) can mean so much to your beauty professional. You do not have to tip extra during the Holiday season unless you have a strong relationship with your stylist or artist. However, know that every little bit goes right back into our business to make our services better for our guests!

- Angie Warren, Owner of Angie Warren Artistry

When it comes down to it, a tip is just a way to say thanks for someone providing you a service. In my industry, that can come in so many ways that are just as valuable to us as money can be. We LOVE to see past clients leave reviews, tag us in their photos that they share, and refer us to their friends and families, because the way we see it is that they loved us enough to 'tip' us with helping our business succeed! I've even received thoughtful gifts as thank you's over the years in various forms of coffee and coffee related things which I always cherish! If, however, a client feels like they want to thank us for our service by means of some moolah, a 10-15% tip seems to be a trend for weddings, and 20% for smaller bookings such as engagement/family sessions. That being said, a tip is never expected, but I'm always grateful for generous clients!

-Mariam Iqbal, Owner of Theory Image

*photo credit: Jenn Johnston

Tipping shows appreciation for the artistry and relationship not just the service.

Hair stylist are so much more than just service providers. We are image consultants, friends, advisors, fashion aficionados, chemist, therapist, and much more. We don’t take home the bulk of the price that is charged. In most cases we take home 40%-50%. So tipping is a huge source of our income. A mindful tip is 20%-25%however in my opinion Appreciation can be shown in other ways: gift cards, buying retail from your stylist, and referrals.

- Brittany Bradley, Owner of Hue Studio

Tipping! It’s a gesture of the heart - it’s about joy, pure freedom to be an asset to our neighbor.

I understand why some people don’t tip vs some people that tip(give) above and beyond. Some people don’t tip because they don’t think they have enough vs other people who operate in abundance mindset of giving. As a part time Lyft driver with financial goals - my personal expectation is to follow your heart on what to give. It’s tough to put a number on a tip because you don’t whats going on mentally with your customer or client. The thought is always to go above and beyond no matter what.

I dare you to tip 100% of the bill - one day. Save up if you need to. Trust me the joy you will feel will make want to make it a habit.

-Brenddon Flemming, Part Time Lyft Driver

I hope this inspired you to think on your WHY a touch further.

Did I miss an industry or service that you feel would be revelant for this post? If so, drop a comment and let me know! I am open to doing a Part 2 as I would love to include even more voices as we create meaningful conversations around…money!