>Self-employed/owners of a business are not tipped Well, now, I was a musician for many years, and musicians, while they are self-employed, certainly appreciate a tip, if it is offered. I would imagine any other entertainer would appreciate one, too. However, we're not like your waiter who needs tip money to live. To us a tip is a welcome sort of extra thank you, and if you decide to give a tip the dollar amount is entirely up to you. I've received tips ranging from $20 to $500. They're all gratefully received, but we don't go around saying, "That lousy so-and-so didn't even tip me" if we don't get one. One thing--never give the tip to the agency if you hired through one. The performer will never see it. If you decide to tip a performer, tip him personally that day.

I won't be tipping anyone this year for Christmas 1. POSTAL Carrier: I did gift something special to Donna who was our only carrier for 20 years. Since she retired last year the rural route I live on now has at least 4 different carriers each week and the mail is delivered more often wrong than right. Tip? I don't think so! 2. TRASH: can pickup man makes $5.35 per hr more and the driver of the truck makes $9.50 more per hr. than I. They also have better benefits. Often I have to chase down the rd for my trash can because it has been tossed down and rolls away down the hill. Tip? I don't think so! 3. HOUSE STAFF/Helpers: YES How much depends on what I can afford a Christmas bonus and a B-day gift. These are people who have been my extra hands for years. 4. STYLIST/manicurist: I tipped each service, so No to holiday tip. I don't have salon services often. My hair nails and such I do myself or we friends and daughters have "gals night" where we help each other, have snacks & drinks and talk, watch movies or whatever. More fun than a night at a bar or the movies. 5. PAPER DELIVERY PERSON: Yes I had a young man for years who delivered regular and everyday. I gave him a nice gift of cash $20-$25 for the Holidays. He had the paper to my front door everyday on time and made sure it would be dry if it rained. When he graduated and moved on a man and wife took over. I got tired of paying for a newspaper and not getting it delivered or wet, tattered, having to search the bushes for it when it was. So now when I want one I go to the store and pick one up. Tip? I don't think so! When someone does regular services for me or goes beyond the expected I try to gift as generously as possible. For many of us the budget this year is slim to say the least. debby_ab said she tipped "because I feel guilted into it." I can understand that sentiment. I have tipped a bad server because I felt guilted into it by the folks I was with. NO MORE, NEVER AGAIN The next time I got a bad server the tip consisted of a pamphlet of "hints and tips" How to Serve Better & Receive a Generous Tip from a Past Server. When you feel that the person deserves a bit of extra, you have the funds available and it feels good to give then by all means do. In these harder times right now don't feel you have to "Holiday tip" because it is customary or others do. Happy Holidays LIL

I've never used Uber, but dh uses it all the time. He travels frequently for business and prefers using Uber to cabs. He never tips. I was under the impression, that like Terries mentioned above, that the whole idea with Uber is that it's supposed to be a cashless experience. I thought part of that was for the safety of the driver. On a different note, did anyone see that an Uber-like company is starting up that is just for women? Female drivers and passengers only. I have to admit, that as a female, the idea of using Uber if I were alone, has prevented me from ever trying it, not that I usually have much occasion to need it. But I would definitely use a female driver. I'll have to see if I can find the name of the company. Some guy started it with his wife. Edited to add - here is the article I read about it: Chariots for Women

generally speaking guys in the trade dont get tipped, unless they did something thats not negotiated like come in on a weekend to finish or something similar. but either case, i've been tipped before for just doing my job nothing fancy, its always appreciated. If your dead set on tipping them, 20 bucks to buy them lunch goes a long way