Car service tipping
What is the consensus regarding tipping car service and livery cab drivers. I do it, but am always unsure about it. A friend of mine never tips them claiming that they get a much higher cut from the fare and name there own price and therefore the purpose for the extra money is nullified. Thoughts…?
What is the consensus regarding tipping car service and livery cab drivers. I do it, but am always unsure about it. A friend of mine never tips them claiming that they get a much higher cut from the fare and name there own price and therefore the purpose for the extra money is nullified.
Thoughts…?
If I happen to know how much the ride will cost in a metered cab, I negotiate in advance and then tip the same as I would in a cab, which is as phripley says, $1 on every $7 in fare. If you use a car service that knows the area, they’re usually cheaper than a cab. If you get one who’s unfamiliar, it’s a mess.
When I first moved to new york someone told me “$1 in tip for each $7 in fare, or part thereof”. That’s what I’ve done ever since.
15-20%, same as a yellow cab. Higher range if the guy knows what he’s doing.
20% or minimum $1.00
Those cabs are a rip off. Try to avoid them, they are overpriced and most of the time take an advantage of people. Their cars aren’t special so the ride shouldn’t be twice as much….and it sure is with the livery cabs
Basically, you use your discretion. If the driver is friendly and doesn’t give you whiplash, then tip. If they are rude or surly, don’t. The longer the ride, the higher the tip. Ask the dispatch what the cost is before they send the car too.
Hey Henrystreet, is your friend’s name Mr. Pink by any chance.
I meant $1 minimum tip for a short ride. And when you call, you can ask — if they do not tell you — what the cost will be. It is not at all aribitrary. But some services and drivers do try to rip you off.
I wouldn’t tip more than $1 for a short ride of 10 minutes or less. Longer trips $2 or $3 depending on the length. I usually tip about $5 on a 30 minute trip to the airport. If I make them wait for whatever reason, then I tip a little bit more.
Also agree with daveinbedstuy… If I take a car to the same place once a week and I get in and the driver quotes a higher price, say $8 rather than the normal $6, well then, that’s their tip.