Objections 15. I'm not used to tipping This is really a fear, rather than an objection. Tipping is easy. It is a time-honored tradition of gratitude for service given and appreciated. It is practiced in many other jobs, such as waiter, taxi driver, bartender, hair cutter, tow truck driver, bellhop, grocery bagger, dog groomer, contractors, and movers. Maybe these guidelines will help ease your tensions. What to do Simply add to the total by 15%. If the order is small, so that 15% is less than $2, just add $2 to the bill. We're not counting coins so there's no reason to do this exactly to the penny. Suppose your total is $11.79. Since 15% of this order is less than $2, we will use the $2 minimum rule. If you give the driver $14 in cash, the driver will know you're tipping because it's more than $12. If you gave $12, the driver will think you need change. If you hand the driver a $20 bill, simply say that you want $6 back or any desired amount. If you give the driver $15, if you want, you could tell the driver to keep it. Suppose your total is $23.31. We will need to calculate the tip by estimating 15%. 10% is $2.30. Divide that by half, $1.15. Adding both gives you 15%, which is $3.45. Give the driver $27 and the driver will know you're tipping. Checks and credit cards are easier because you can write exact tip amounts. What to avoid There's no reason to mention the tip directly. Please don't say, "Your tip is included," or "There's something extra for you." Drivers know there's a tip and are expecting one. When writing a check, please don't say, "Be sure to get your tip from the check." There's no need to worry. The driver oversees the cash register and the final payout at the end of the shift. The store won't steal it. If you want to say something, a sincere "Thank you" is appropriate. Last updated: August 20, 2005 return to top