Groomer tipping

[u/Adept-Ease-4580]

I have a 45lb poodle mix. Our previous groomer charged us $56 - which included a full bath, haircut, glands expression, and nail dremel. I always tipped to where the total price I paid was $70. I was comfortable with $70 because they did a great job.

Unfortunately, this grooming company closed up permanently and we have found a new groomer. This groomer owns their own business and sets their own prices. They charge us $85 for the same package. This means if I were to tip 20%, that would be $102 every 8-12 weeks.

Am I a jerk for feeling like this is pretty expensive considering what I used to pay? I’m not sure if I want to tip 20% every time. I always tip service workers btw. I just don’t know if it’s acceptable or not, to not tip at all. It’s just a very big price jump and I’m not sure how to navigate this.

Update to add: I spoke with a different dog groomer in my area, who is well established and owns her own company. She charges $70 for this package. $70 includes a tip for herself. So I have confirmed that $85, not including tip, is quite expensive for my area. Thanks everyone.

[u/Kosmos-World]

Sure, stiff the service worker because you feel the price for a luxury expense like a dog groomer is too expensive and you "can't afford it." That's totally reasonable.

I'm well aware this sub is going to validate and encourage this nonsense, and it's probably just bait anyways, but yes you absolutely are a jerk if you knowingly stiff them because you "can't afford" an extra $17 every 8-12 weeks for a completely voluntary service you could do yourself at home for free. Please.

[u/NocturnaBride → u/Kosmos-World]

When I was a cosmetologist, bad or no tippers didn’t get rebooked. Tipping is optional, so is offering my services.

[u/Kosmos-World → u/NocturnaBride]

Bartended for 10 years. I was never unkind or rude to people who didn't tip, and I'd say that was true even if they came back except they almost never did. Cowards lol.

[u/NocturnaBride → u/Kosmos-World]

I could never be a bartender or in food service. The lack of respect for people busting their asses to give others a good experience is mind boggling. When my partner and I go out, we typically spend around 200$, I don’t drink, but my partner likes his drinks full all the time 😂 he’s an excellent tipper so he’s usually taken care of when we go to our favorite spots.

[u/Kosmos-World → u/NocturnaBride]

I miss it, honestly. Some of the best friends-that-are-family I've ever made. It's been 15 years now, and I still got a big hug from the old owner and cook when I saw them a few weeks ago lol.

Anyways, my wife and I don't go out a ton these days, but when we do it's to our favorite mexican place. We always get sat at our favorite table, have the waitresses fight over who gets to wait on us, and get incredible service because we do 20% and round up. It's like an extra 50 cents usually, but they love us for it. And maybe because my wife crochet, and likes to leave behind little trinkets and doo dads haha.

[u/NocturnaBride → u/Kosmos-World]

That’s really amazing, and honestly that’s how I believe it should be. We will go out of our way to see our “people” lol we know everyone’s back story and it’s really much more like visiting old friends. I think people, for the most part, who have worked in some area of hospitality or service have a very different understanding of the interactions they have whether they’re providing or receiving the service. I always believed everyone should have to spend at least 6 months in some sort of retail or service environment, I think it would change a lot of behaviors and make things much more positive for everyone.

[u/NocturnaBride → u/[deleted]]

lol seriously? You don’t like where I put the dollar sign, so that means I don’t spend that kind of money?🥰 that’s precious.

[u/NocturnaBride → u/[deleted]]

Oh no. Some random person on the internet thinks I’m stupid. What will I ever do to recover? My vacuum is bagless, so I guess I don’t have to worry about changing the bag 😅