Tipping Etiquette when Hiring Taxi Service in Richmond, VA

Knowing how much to tip a taxi driver is not simple because they are not always easy to understand given the brief interaction you have with them during a ride. Some cab drivers are a paragon of professional service as they help you take your bags in and out of their trunk and always open your door, while some drivers might rumble as they carry out the same pieces of courteous acts. Needless to say, tipping nice drivers who provide quality and well-mannered taxi service in Richmond, VA can be easy since you will not regret giving them ample amount. However, it is always hard to tip cab drivers who are unethical or who provide mediocre services.

Some passengers might even wonder if it is really necessary to tip taxi drivers. If you are experiencing the same predicament, paint a picture in your mind of what happens when you do not tip the driver at all. Typically, they might stick to the usual job description of a “driver”; they will simply drive you to your destination. This implies that they would not open the door for you, and would “conveniently” forget to help you take your belongings out of their trunk. In order to lessen the chance of going through this scenario, it is highly advisable to tip the driver upon payment.

In a busy city like Richmond, taxis are an essential part of personal, leisure and business networks. For instance, if you always go to airport for regular trips, having a regular driver who can provide you with on the dot taxi service in Richmond, VA is more of a necessity rather than option. Moreover, having a regular cab driver ensures your smooth and hassle-free transportation even if you’re too busy to book a schedule. In case you have a regular cab driver, tip him regularly and nicely. Aside from the fact that you frequently require his service, you surely want to see him happy and eager to serve you. Thus, tipping your regular driver satisfactorily will definitely compel him to take extra care of your belongings and road transportation. As much as possible, tip him about 20% of your total fare to compensate their genial, friendly and professional service. Always keep in mind that tipping your regular driver should be as natural as a handshake between parties at a business meeting.

In case you encounter a cab driver who grumbles as he condescends to take you to your destination, still, give him a tip. Needless to say, you do not want him to get any madder. The question, however, is how much the right amount is for these kinds of drivers. Let’s say for instance that your fare reaches $25. If the driver is not really courteous or friendly at all, a buck would suffice. However as a rule of thumb, the most gracious tip you can provide to these “unfriendly” cab drivers should be at least 15% of your total fare. In the example provided, tip them at least $3.75. If you have extra five bucks, give them the whole amount. Do not let the driver ask for a tip because he might require a higher amount, which they do not deserve in the first place because of their poor manners and services. The main reason for still tipping these drivers is that you might run into them again in the future. Of course, you do not want them to just pass you by especially if you urgently need a taxi service in Richmond, VA. Believe it or not, these drivers can recognize their previous passengers!

In closing, providing a tip to whoever offers you services is a great gesture. So, tip nice drivers with 20% (or more) and not-so-nice drivers with 15% (or less) of your total taxi fare. In this way, you would never bother asking yourself again how much is the appropriate tip for their respective taxi service in Richmond, VA.