"Tip Drill"

It isn't easy being fabulous especially in Chicago. Rareblkpearl recently renewed that mantra to herself after paying $30 to park. It made her gag a little to hand over the extra $4 in tip to the valet attendent, but she handed it over nonetheless. with this experience it dawned on Rareblkpearl that some of her fellow fabulousities may need a refresher course in the art of tipping.

class is in session.




THE 'GIVEN'S':

- waiters/waitresses: the general percentage is 15. however, Rareblkparl rathers to tip at 20%, keeping in mind that most serves work at the hourly minimum.

- valet service people: never tip less than $2. however, if you drive a luxury car, its likely that the valet will keep your car "up top." in that case, its appropriate to tip $20 for the convenience. dude...if you can't afford a $20, then you likely shouldn't drive a bentley.

- car wash people: this calls for at least a $3 tip. again, with luxury vehicles you're asking for more care, therefore you should offer more tip. Please tip these dudes are working hard and fast.

- hotel bellboys: the general rule is $1 per bag. but don't be cheap. you couldda lugged that bag yourself.

-drivers: when ordering car service, its best to include the tip in the negotiated rate, so that you don't fumble with cash. $10 is acceptable on a $100 rate. cabs call for less tip, about $2 for every $30 fare.

THE 'NOT SO OBVIOUS':

-BARTENDERS: Rareblkpearl guarantees that your drinks will magically become stronger as you remember to tip your bartender. many people forget--especially out-of-towners, but indeed, you must tip your bartender. $2 per drink will assure that you're not being tacky. yes this hurts after you just forked over $6 for a bottle of water, but Rareblkpearl didn't make the rules, she just follows them. if you're going to drink all night, you may want to just hand the bartender a $20 to begin with to assure that he/she is attentive to your needs. thou who tips, shalt be served first. believe that.

- HOTEL DOORPEOPLE: at the end of your stay, you should pass the doorman at least a $5.

- HOTEL ROOM SERVICE PEOPLE: if you call and ask them to bring you a razor, be prepared to hand over some cash for the trip that person made to your room. generally, no tip should ever be less than $2. use your discretion.

- MASSAGE TECH/NAIL TECH: The Professional tips around $10-15 for the massage, $3-5 for nails. though you may believe it a privilege for someone to touch on your body, those jobs are generally gross. these people expect to be tipped for their trouble.

SUMMARY: if a person gave it to you personally, faster, with extra courtesy...you tip them. this includes the hostess at the restaurant who seated you before everyone else, and the deejay that played your favorite song at "just" the right time, to impress your company. when you tip well, you are better taken-care of and attended to. so don't be cheap. people that work in jobs that receive tips are likely working for minimum wage and minimum appreciation. they probably can't afford to set foot in the restaurant they otherwise work in, so be generous!
Stay Rare~