Can You Tip Grocery Store Workers?

In the United States, tipping for a service has always been customary, but it has only intensified in recent years. The idea of tipping is essentially to thank someone for above-and-beyond service, whether it's 20% to the wait staff at a restaurant or $5 to the bellhop at your hotel.

Some might even say it's become too much, especially with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. People began tipping even more generously as a way to pay it forward and help service industry workers survive difficult times. But as a result, tipping has become expected or requested on nearly every service — and a quick pulse check from the New York Post suggests not everyone is happy with the change.

Still, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to provide someone a tip — even your local grocery store worker. Perhaps they helped you find countless items you had trouble locating, or they bagged all of your groceries. Is it possible to tip them? The truth is, it's complicated — and most times, the answer is no. However, that doesn't mean there aren't workarounds for showing some appreciation.

Although you might have an experience where a grocery store employee offers you tremendous help, most grocery stores don't allow customers to tip employees. The minimum wage for tipped employees is different than standard minimum wage (and varies by state). So if grocery stores are paying their employees the standard wage, they likely won't allow those employees to accept a tip — no matter how much they've earned it.

While you might not be able to directly give cash to a grocery store employee, there are a few ways you can still show your appreciation. Of course, a simple "thank-you" does wonders, as does pointing out their hard work to their manager.

The one exception to tipping grocery store employees is in the case of having groceries delivered, which has become more popular in recent years. As with any standard delivery, tips are welcome and always appreciated.

Tipping is optional always, but there are a few situations — in addition to a traditional sit-down meal — where tipping is generally expected. When you're traveling, you should generally tip a cab driver at least a few dollars for bringing you to your destination. You should also tip the bellhop who takes your bags to your room and the valet driver who watches after your car.

And similarly to tipping a restaurant server, you should always tip your bartender, though the amount varies depending on what you drink. If you're just ordering a beer, $1 is fine, but you should tip at least $2 on a cocktail — and even more if the bartender explained the drink to you or if it was complicated to make.

You should also tip on pampering services. Give at least 15% to your hair stylist, though 20% is more acceptable. The same goes for nail technicians, makeup artists, and masseuses.