/
1x
Advertisement
Proudly Canadian, obsessively Toronto. Subscribe to Toronto Life!
City News

Dear Urban Diplomat: what’s the etiquette for tipping with Groupon?

By Toronto Life
Copy link
(Image: Vincent Desjardins)
(Image: Vincent Desjardins)

Dear Urban Diplomat, I used a Groupon recently to get my hair done at an expensive Rosedale salon. It saved me 65 per cent. When it came time to pay, I tipped 20 per cent of the reduced price and got the stink eye from the counter girl. Was I being cheap? What’s the etiquette for tipping with Groupon? —Tipping Point, DANFORTH VILLAGE

When you’re using any sort of voucher, it’s good form to tip 15 to 20 per cent of the pre-discounted price, since the stylist, or whatever employee serves you, is ostensibly putting in the same effort she would if you were paying full freight. Otherwise, she’s penalized for simply doing her job. There are probably instances when an employee will be aware that you’re using a coupon and make a half-assed effort, like the servers at Winterlicious restaurants who assume their tips are going to suck. Then it’s okay to reduce the tip. In this particular case, if you’re concerned that your bad tip has exposed you as a tightwad, worry not: the coupon clued them in long before your gratuity breach.

Send your questions to the Urban Diplomat at urbandiplomat@torontolife.com

NEVER MISS A TORONTO LIFE STORY

Sign up for This City, our free newsletter about everything that matters right now in Toronto politics, sports, business, culture, society and more.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
You may unsubscribe at any time.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Advertisement
Advertisement

The Latest

A high-tech greenhouse in King City is sticking it to Trump’s tariffs
City News

A high-tech greenhouse in King City is sticking it to Trump’s tariffs

Inside the Latest Issue

The June issue of Toronto Life features our annual ranking of the best new restaurants. Plus, our obsessive coverage of everything that matters now in the city.