[manuelabeledo]

> Barber, tattoo artist...

I don't understand tipping for these services.

I would think that they make way more than minimum wage, especially tattoo artists. What's next? Tipping at the car shop?

[Ekaros]

What I really don't understand about these two is that they get to set the rate very often. They are independent and thus should be able to set rate where they do not need tips. It is like being consultant setting hourly rate and then expect still getting some extra...

[sokoloff]

It’s a personalized service in a way that car repair isn’t.

[Ekaros]

What about police officer at traffic stop? Or judge or prosecutor prosecuting you? Aren't those also pretty personalized services? Why are they different?

[Beldin]

Tipping them could be misconstrued as bribery.

[manuelabeledo]

I still don't understand where we are supposed to draw the line here.

Is it OK to tip a therapist or a doctor?

[nickthegreek]

General rule to help you out: If you need a 4yr degree to do a job, you don’t get tips.

[manuelabeledo]

Plus it has to be a "personalized" service, apparently?

I was genuinely curious so I googled where I'm supposed to tip and how much. It seems like there are an awful lot of rules about tipping, and they don't follow a clear, consistent pattern, not even for when to do it, e.g. before or after receiving a service.

So much work to keep an outdated tradition alive.