From Uber to haircuts, this is what you should tip for 7 common services

How much should you tip? It's a question with a different answer depending on the service, making it a little confusing for everyone.

While you want to be polite and tip appropriately, you also don't want to pay more than necessary. Although most people are accustomed to the standard 15 to 20 percent tip for restaurant servers, the acceptable amounts for other services aren't so well-established. Depending on the situation, you may not be sure how much to pay.

DealNews weighed in, giving specific guidelines on tipping for a wide-range of services. Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst at the site told Business Insider that people can also use convenient tipping apps when they're unsure of what's standard.

"Many mobile-payment apps now offer the option to just choose a preset percentage amount, which can be very convenient but also might push you into tipping more," Ramhold said. "Rather than opting for the highest tier of 25 percent, feel free to choose 'another amount,' which many apps offer."

So, if you're unsure how much tip to leave, here's a guide to the amount you should leave for seven common services.

1. Uber or Lyft drivers

Tipping for Uber and Lyft isn't exactly the same as when it comes to standard taxis (which is 15 to 20 percent). With ride-hailing apps, you can leave $1 to $2 per person for short rides. On longer trips, 10 percent is standard, with up to 20 percent for exceptional service.

Keep in mind, when it comes to traffic, construction or other inconveniences, it's polite to give a little extra.

2. AAA tow service

When AAA's tow service comes to save the day as you're stuck on the side of the road, it's appropriate to leave the driver $5 to $10. However, if the tow bill is already high or you simply can't spare the change, you aren't obligated to do so.

3. Babysitters

A good trustworthy babysitter is a valuable person to keep in your life. To ensure they're happy, you should regularly tip them a minimum of 10 percent. For exceptional service (staying later than planned, last minute help, or dealing with a sick child), you can also give up to 15 percent.

Around the holidays, it's also polite to give one week's worth of additional pay.

4. Coat checkers

If you've ever checked your coat at a club or other venue and wondered if you should leave a tip, yes you should. The standard is $1 per coat. When you're feeling generous, you can give an additional $2 to $5 when you come to pick up at the end of the evening.

5. Dry cleaning or laundry pick up

Depending on how much you've had washed, the standard tip varies from $3 to $5. For large loads, you can also tip a little more. If the person is different at pick up and delivery, you may want to consider tipping both times.

6. Food delivery

Whether it's the pizza boy or delivery from a restaurant around the corner, the standard amount is 10 percent. If the bill is small, you shouldn't give less than $2.

7. Haircuts or blowouts

A quality hairstylist is important and also someone you want to keep happy. A standard tip is 10 to 15 percent, and up to 20 percent when you're especially pleased with the service. If multiple people are involved with the process (washing, drying, etc.), you should tip each person individually. The person doing your hair gets the biggest tip, but someone who dries your hair should receive at least $5.

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