Why tip? The difference between regular jobs and many jobs that require tips is that they are service jobs, and they are called service jobs because they are directly serving you. They personally and intimately affect you. You do not have to tip people for doing their job per se. But you might think about tipping people for the following reasons:

That person’s livelihood depends on our tipping. An unsettling number of people don’t seem to realize that many service workers in the United States, like waitresses, do not get a typical hourly wage. They get paid something like $2.50 an hour. Tipping in these cases is not optional, but necessary.

To show your gratitude. Another word for tip is gratuity. Many people in service jobs are overworked, underpaid and unthanked. At your job when you do something right, your supervisor says “thank you” and “job well done!” Who says thank you to the trashmen? Tipping is a way to say “thank you” to those who rarely hear it.

Tipping ensures great service. This is especially true of people who perform service for you regularly. If you tip a barista at a coffee shop you frequent or a waiter at your favorite restaurant, they will give you even better service next time.

If the person went above and beyond the call of duty. You don’t have to tip someone for simply doing their job, but if someone really goes the extra mile for you, a tip is a nice way to show your appreciation.

How Much Should You Tip?

(NOTE: Tipping guidelines differ from country to country. This guide is intended for those who will be tipping in the United States.)

TRAVELING

Housekeeping at the hotel. A good tip for housekeeping is between $2 to $5 per night.

Tour guide. Tip between $1 to $5 per person in your group.

Skycap or bellhop. $1 to $2 per bag they lug for you. If you’re running late and the skycap books your luggage to your plane so you can get there on time, bump up the tip.

Doorman. Only tip the doorman at a hotel if he gives you a hot tip on the best places to eat or visit while in town.

PERSONAL SERVICES

Barber. Tip 15 percent of the cost of the haircut.

Barista/smoothiemaker/ice cream scooper. Spare change is always appreciated. If the barista starts making your order as soon as you walk in so that its ready for you by the time you get up to pay, tip a little extra. If they sing a song when you give them a tip, tell them not to sing or you’ll take the tip back.

Takeout. If you order takeout from a restaurant, make sure to tip the cashier a bit. While they weren’t waiting on you hand and foot, they did have to bust their butt to get your order together and ready. If they help you take your order out to the car, tip a bit extra.

Car washer. Three bucks is good for a basic car wash. If they take extra time when detailing it, give 10 percent of the cost of the wash.

Garage parking. Two dollars for your car. When you valet park, tip the person who bring you the car, not the person who parks it.

Tow truck. It depends on what services the person provides. If they jump your car or change your tire, tip about $4. If they tow it, $5 is a good tip.

Massage therapist. Give 10 to 20 percent of the total cost.

DELIVERY SERVICES

Newspaper delivery. During the holidays, give them a card with $20. Kate’s parents do this every year and as a result, they have their paper delivered straight to their door instead of just thrown on the driveway.

Pizza/meal delivery. Fifteen percent is customary. If the weather is bad, i.e., there’s snow and ice or a tsunami, and you’re risking the delivery guy’s life so you don’t have to risk yours, tip extra.

Furniture/large appliance delivery. Five dollars per person. If they stick around and help you assemble or rearrange your furniture, tip extra.