I kind of hate to bring this up in fear that I will find out that I've been a cheap bastard all thes years, but what are people's tipping expectations and practices? Guys do you typically tip? Ladies do you expect to be tipped?

I just received a cute VS sweater dress from my Friend & I plan to wear in LV, but I greatly appreciate gifts of gratitude!

Now I never turn down ca$h. xo

Your rate is your rate

Ok - tipping does not equal upselling - that was for dramatic effect

but

Tipping in general (food service) is in response to substandard base pay, taxation that assumes tipping, and yes, service above and beyond the expected. Given that two of those three don't exist in "our" world I have a hard time with anything more than the advertised donation.

Having said that, I am a gift giver. But gifts are never in response to service. Gifts are an expression of affection.
So, to conclude, if you're going to give exceptional service for 20% gratuity, how about simply advertising for 20% more?  I'm not interested in leaving feeling guilty that the envelope only contained what was advertised. The donation is the donation, no less, no more.

I have a friend that's been a hobbyist for 20 plus years and he told me to never tip. Advertise what you expect to get paid and that is what you will get. Put all the cards on the table and everyone is happy. It IS all about the money I'm afraid.

There is never a pressure or need to tip. Some people do some people do not. It is always appreciated by any of us girls.

However even something small like bringing coffee,  or Champaign, or sour patch kids can be ever so sweet.  It makes it kinda cutsie and gives off and can give off a  different tone or mood.

But with it or not always have fun!

midday 6 pack of stella.....evening...red wine

Why not just charge what u want and if u offer a discount honor it?

Once again, capitalism at its finest. Tip, don't tip, buy gifts, don't - the free market economy rules. The OP asked if he/she should tip and if so how much. Answers are all over the board, and the Board lol. Bottom line - do what your gut, heart or other bodily organ tells you.

Its nice when a gentlemen wants to tip for a great service, but it is never expected.

I don't believe its upselling at all. I always appreciate the thought over the value...

Tipping an independent provider of services is not required or reasonably expected.  However, when you get into the non-independent world of service providers, then the issue of tipping may be appropriate, depending on the service.  However, everything comes with strings attached...including tips.  Some people use it to try to gain leverage in the relationship, and sometimes it is an attempt to make you pay less attention to your safety.    I "had a dream" about an undercover operation where the hard working operatives tipped very well each time they had to drag themselves in to work and obtain services for months as they diligently made their case against those receiving "generous" tips.  Let the tippee beware.