I'm assuming you don't work for a travelling circus or work as one of this guys on the Waltzers at a travelling fair,

On the road 365 days a year, not allowed to claim any tips - I won't be complaining about my lot for a while, that sounds a tough existence.

You don't sell shower curtain rings do you?

Being foreign national it was difficult to come to terms with tipping at hotels,cabs,saloons exception in restaurants.But got used to it "When in Rome, do as the Romans do".

Though not a very regular(since I am in college) at tipping in hotels but try to tip time to time when my room doesn't cost much.Just try to think it in a way that room cost me few bucks more.

Also somehow feel that they don't make much so will get some extra money in kitty.

Everybody feels good when they get something extra.

Thanks all for the reply.

I do get paid a PerDiem, but it is just enough to cover my food expenses. I do like to have at least one good meal a day (usually for dinner) and that alone costs me anywhere from 18-30 (without drinks). What I meant to say was that I cannot claim gratuity as a separate line item so it has to come from my pocket.

This is what I was tipping so far

[1] $10-15 per week depending on the loose bills I have. I am planning to cap it at $10 a week.
[2] Shine $2 if I pick up and $5 if delivered to room. Based on input - $2 if delivered to room
[3] $1 a day for housekeeping. This I am planning to continue.
[4] I was paying a $4-$5 tip on top of 20% room service. I am going to stop this.

Considering that I order room service twice a week, that should save me a minimum $10-$15 a week.

Thanks again for everyone's input.