A guide to tipping generously during the pandemic


Given that Instacart orders involve both more time and comparably greater risk of virus exposure than meal delivery, “the fact that their tips default to just 5 percent is insane,” the

representative says. (Instacart says it recently changed its in-app tip settings so that if a customer gives more than 5 percent, that higher amount will be the default the next time he or

she uses the service.) SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT YOU As service businesses such as hair salons, nail salons and coffee shops restart in many states, it's “absolutely” appropriate to

“think of all the tips and revenue they have lost” while shuttered, Bagdan says. He suggests doubling the normal tip if possible, at least on your first time back. At-home and childcare

workers like caregivers, house cleaners, dog walkers and day care providers warrant similar consideration, experts say. They liken the current situation to the holiday season, when many

people get into the giving spirit by padding gratuities. "Think of it like Christmas in June,” Grotts says. “Your house cleaner, manicurist and hairstylist will be working even harder

to make sure safety precautions are in place for everyone, so please make sure you tip these workers well.” If you normally tip 15 percent to 20 percent for a personal or domestic service,

“try to bump it up to 20-25 percent,” she says. LEAVE A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR MAIL CARRIERS, PACKAGE DELIVERERS Here it's not about money: U.S. Postal Service staff are prohibited by law

from accepting cash tips (or checks or gift cards). But postal carriers have been among the most visible essential workers during the pandemic, “and if you feel compelled to do something

kind, I say don't skip it,” Gottsman says. For example, your carrier might appreciate a bottle of water — especially as they sweat under masks in the coming summer swelter — or a little

snack. “A prepackaged something,” Gottsman advises. “I don't say homemade because we're all a little bit leery right now." The same approach can work for FedEx drivers (who

are prohibited by work rules from accepting payments from customers) and UPS drivers (who are not barred from taking tips but are encouraged to say no). "Leave a basket at your front

door with some options if they want to take them,” Gottsman says. “Just something that says, ‘Look, I care, thanks so much.'”