Q: I'm taking my first cooking class this weekend with my beau for Valentine's Day. The class is run by a few ladies — one of whom will be our teacher for the evening.
Does one typically tip a cooking teacher after the lesson, even if he or she is the owner of the business?
Sent by Tanya
Editor: Tanya, wow! We have never considered this question. We have not tipped cooking instructors in the past, but it does seem like it would nice to write a thank you note by hand afterwards.
Readers, have you ever taken a cooking class? Tipping the instructor — yes or no?
Related: Good Question: Basic (But Not Too Basic) Cooking Classes
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Comments (7)
I take a cooking class about 3 or 4 times/year and just had one this past Sunday. My class is instructed by the owner of the business and not an employee of the business, per se. I've never thought about tipping but if normal tipping 'rules' apply-not to a proprietor, employees only, etc. then I guess I wouldn't need to.
I would say no to tipping. You don't tip teachers, professors, etc, so why a cooking class instructor? I don't think I've ever tipped someone who was being paid to teach me something.
I'm keen on getting to know people and their businesses as much as possible, therefore, I'd bring a small 'thank you' gift related to the class at hand, or at a minimum write a thank you card and/or post positive comments.
That is assuming the class is good.
I was always taught that you don't tip the proprietor of a business, and I have never heard of tips for teachers. In my several years of continuing education (yoga, gardening, cooking, etc) I have not seen anyone tip. I have seen people bring small gifts at the end of a multi-week course though.
I think a hand-written thank you card would be perfect if you enjoyed the class.
I'm a cooking teacher and have taught zillions of classes over the past 8 years. I've never received a tip or had anyone try to tip me (I agree with other commenters' thinking: you wouldn't tip a yoga or foreign language or Photoshop seminar teacher), but the wonderful notes and emails I've received from students have been very special and meaningful!
This is how I was taught as well - not to tip the proprietor - but people of my generation have not been taught that and so now hairdressers and aesteticians who own their own businesses expect tips. Makes me crazy. I'm an attorney and I don't get a tip on top of what I charge clients. Everyone seems to get a tip these days. I concur about a thank you or a gift.
I don't think so that it will be a good option to tip your cooking class teacher. It may feel like an embarrassment for her. You may thank her for her time and knowledge that she has provided and appreciate her work but tipping her I don't think would be a good idea. For more information and queries go on to http://www.cookingclassesschools.com/