If you ask someone to tip pre-service, as a business owner you risk them not doing so or not coming back because they didn't quite get the service they paid for. People hate tipping before service. Some say that asking for a tip in advance of service causes people to tip less.

In almost all professional service settings, you should tip after the service has been completed. This traditional approach serves as a reward for the quality of the service received and acts as an incentive for the staff to maintain a high standard throughout your experience. In restaurants, salons, and for delivery drivers, tipping at the end allows you to calibrate the amount based on your satisfaction. However, there are specific "pre-tipping" exceptions in modern 2026 etiquette: tipping a hotel porter or valet upon receipt of your bags or car is standard, and "pre-incentivizing" maintenance workers or tour guides with a small upfront gesture can sometimes lead to more attentive service. In the era of digital apps like Uber and DoorDash, you are often prompted to tip during the ordering process; while this is technically a "pre-tip," most systems allow you to adjust the amount afterward if the service was exceptional or poor. Ultimately, while a pre-tip can be seen as a "bribe" for better treatment, the post-service tip remains the most authentic way to express gratitude for a job well done.