Hey - how much is a regular shoe shine? Like when you sit in the chair, and the guy does your shoes?? And how much do they usually charge?
My experience is $4-7, although I’m sure you can pay less or pay a lot more. I typically tip an extra $2-4, depending on the shoe and the amount of effort that goes into it.
FWIW, I have no idea if that is the right amount to tip, just feels about right. Normally they’ll charge more for boots.
When I worked in NYC (left about 8 years ago), a shoe shine in the Port Authority building was about $5, plus a couple bucks tip.
Around here, a good shine goes for $7 - 12, plus tip. For five bucks, expect to get your socks shined along with your shoes.