Dave Ramsey's Guide to Tipping: When and How Much to Tip

Tipping in Restaurants and Personal Services

• 🍽️ For sit-down restaurant service where someone attends to your table, always tip between 18-20%, with Dave Ramsey personally tipping 22%.
• 💇‍♀️ Services involving direct personal contact, such as haircuts or manicures, should also be tipped, with 15% as a good starting point.
• ☕ For quick-serve situations like coffee shops, tipping is discretionary; a small tip might be given if the service was exceptionally good or the person is familiar.

Situations Where Dave Ramsey Does NOT Tip

• 📱 Tipping is never appropriate when presented with a tipping screen at a counter for quick-serve or take-out orders where no personal service beyond handing over the item is provided.
• ⛽ Similarly, tip jars at gas stations for simply paying for gas are not considered tipable situations.
• 🚗 Valet parking is a service that warrants a tip, but the amount should reflect the service provided, with a significant tip for handling expensive vehicles.

Tipping for Hotel and Delivery Services

• 🏨 When staying in a hotel, it's recommended to tip housekeeping daily, leaving a $20 bill on the bed each day, regardless of whether turn-down service was provided.
• ☔ For grocery delivery, especially during inclement weather like rain, tipping is always expected and appreciated.

The Philosophy of Tipping and Generosity

• 💰 Dave Ramsey views tipping as an act of generosity, often tipping more than expected, even to the point where his wife cringes.
• 🤝 He emphasizes that waitstaff often rely on tips and should not be penalized for mistakes made by the kitchen staff.
• 💸 For those working side hustles like DoorDash or pizza delivery to get out of debt, a double tip is encouraged, especially if they mention they are working to pay off debt.

Avoiding Manipulative Tipping Screens

• 💳 The practice of spinning an iPad around with suggested tip amounts is seen as manipulative and not a genuine service exchange.
• 🛒 Similarly, adding small charitable donations at checkout for causes like the "wounded pet association" is viewed as a manipulative tactic and not a tip.