Tipping. Everyone has their own opinions about the practice.
You normally don’t hear much arguing about it unless you’ve come across someone who believes that tipping is stupid.
So, what set me off about tipping?
The other night I was at one of our favorite restaurants.
It isn’t the cheapest place, but it’s on the beach so we expect to pay a bit more than a typical chain restaurant.
The shock came when we got our bill.
Restaurants Suggest Tipping Amounts
I’m sure you’ve caught on to the recent trend of restaurants printing suggested tips on the receipts.
Generally, they calculate how much your tip should be if you want to tip 15%, 18% or 20%. I think that’s fair because that’s the range I normally tip in.
In my mind, I feel I should tip 15% if service is average, 18% if service is great and 20% if I didn’t have to think or ask about anything, such as needing a refill because my glass was empty.
Fifteen percent for just doing the basics of your job seems pretty fair to me. After all, I’ve been a server before and know that some people tip even less than that.
Not All Suggested Tips Are Equal
This time we got our bill and saw three suggested tip amounts at the bottom, but something didn’t look right.
The tips were called Good, Great and Excellent, which is in line with my normal tipping practices.
However, they didn’t list the percentages associated with each category and that fact had me suspicious almost immediately.
I took out my phone and did some quick calculations and found out that Good was 18%, Great was 20% and Excellent was 22%.
Who tips 22%? And why does this restaurant feel I need to tip 22%, not the standard 20%, for great service?
Before we get into the argument, let’s first discuss what I actually tipped. Needless to say, I didn’t tip 22%. In fact, the service wasn’t that great either. I’d call it OK, not even good.
Just so everyone doesn’t think I’m cheap and stiffed the guy, I tipped the server just a tiny bit less than 18% because it was a nice even round number.
Now, let’s get to the fun part.
Why Do Servers Feel They Deserve Higher Percentages Now?
News flash. As waitstaff, you aren’t entitled to a tip if you don’t do a good job.
It is part of your pay, but it is part of your pay for doing your job and doing it at least halfway decently. It is an incentive and you need to work for it.
I have no problem tipping the standard 15% to 20% for service that isn’t awful.
In fact, I’ve only stiffed servers two or three times in my life and the stories from those encounters would shock most people.
The problem is, servers these days keep thinking they need larger and larger tips. Twenty percent isn’t a great tip anymore, it seems.
I’ve heard servers complain if they don’t receive at least 20% for their tip. That’s absurd.
Why do servers think they deserve tips in excess of 20%? They say that things are getting more expensive and they need to make more money.
Unfortunately, most don’t realize the flaw in their logic. As things get more expensive, the meals at their restaurants also get more expensive.
They are already getting a bigger tip. After all, 20% of $20 is more than 20% of $10.
Others Think Tipping In America Is Ridiculous
While I agree that tipping is out of control and I do wish it wasn’t a thing, it is something that we must live with.
Unfortunately, people from other countries may think tipping in America is ridiculous because they aren’t used to our customs. When these people refuse to tip, it hurts the servers and everyone that gets a share of tips.
I do wish that everyone was paid their fair rate and we didn’t have to worry about tipping, but I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
So, while you may think tipping in America is ridiculous, don’t stiff your server. If you can’t afford to tip or don’t agree with tipping, eat somewhere where tipping isn’t normal.
Tips For Servers That Want To Make More Money
I have a tip for servers who want to make more money in tips.
Instead of continuing to work at the restaurant you’ve been working at for years, go out and get a job that pays more.
I’m not saying you should stop serving. Just consider the following ways to earn more.
Do you genuinely like serving? That’s great. Keep with it. Just find a way to increase the dollar amount of your tables’ checks by selling them more food. That way, your 20% will be worth even more.
Want to know an even bigger secret that will make you more money?
Instead of working at Applebee’s for the foreseeable future, try your best to increase your serving skills.
Once you’re an excellent server, go get a job at a nicer, more expensive restaurant. The bills will be larger there and your tips will be too.
Want to read even more about tipping? We have other articles about the topic that explore concepts like why does everyone want a tip. Check them out here:
- Do You Tip For Take Out Meals?
- How Much Should You Tip At Sit Down Restaurants?
- You Should Tip Doctors, Lawyers And Accountants, Too!
So, what’s your take on tipping? Do you think we should be tipping more than 20% on a regular basis these days? Why does everyone want a tip? Has tipping gotten out of control? Or am I just cheap? Let me know down in the comments.
Helpyourself says
In my lifetime, tipping has increased from 10% to 15% to 20%, and now some waiters expect 25%. Over the same period, the average cost of the meal has doubled or tripled. Why should the waiter expect an increase in tip percentage every few years, even though through inflation, the price of the dinner is increasing (and therefore the amount of the tip). I know in California, the minimum wage for servers is now $15 per hour, yet waiters still expect a 20% tip. What’s up with that? I’ve been a waiter in the past, and honestly I felt like I was overpaid through tips for the work I did. Since then I’ve moved on to higher-paying work that isn’t gratuity based. It’s always bothered me that restaurant Waiters expect a 20% tip, while the McDonald’s employee who brings you your food doesn’t expect any at all. Most annoying of all , is the new trend of a splash screen where you’re asked to select a tip amount (or no tip) when paying by credit card , after being handed a cup of coffee or a sandwich at Subway . I vote that we do away with the Tipping system altogether, and pay people a living wage.
Kathy says
Don’t leave any tips for anyone.
Employers are responsible for paying wages, not customers.
I am always amazed how people blindly do what they are told to do.
The Restaurant Owners Association lobbied Congress to get out of paying their employees minimum wage. This is how little they value their employees. Why was there no complaints? Why do employees and customers accept this with no questions or complaints?
The business owners laugh all the way to the bank.
Profit margins are very high on a lot of the drinks and food items being served.
Many establishments could well afford to pay their employees.
As long as customers pay wages, the employers never will.
Angelique says
Exactly. Tipped employees are upset with the wrong people. Ask why your employer isn’t paying fair wages!
Kay says
I have to say, even though it is not a popular opinion, tipping is absurd. Growing up, my sister was a waitress and a bartender so I though I should tip well and boy did I. Until I went to college and got an entry-level job that required a college degree and yet my sister made more than me. I still tipped but not as well. Now, well into the middle of my career and making decent money – two masters degrees later and a lot more skill required, one of my coworkers wife is a waiters at a very expensive steakhouse. She makes more than him. He makes $90k a year. Let that sink in. I’m not tipping to allow an unskilled worker to make more than the nurse that serves me in an emergency or my financial advisor who helps me plan for retirement. A waiter writes down a order, delivers that order to a cook, and then brings that order to your table. Teachers, doctors, firemen, etc all do not make enough money and yet we tip someone to bring us food. Shameful…
Rachel says
You may not be aware that at restaurants where there’s a separate person bringing the food, making bar drinks and bussing the table, the server is required to pay them a portion of their sales/ tips. If you stiff your servers just because you’re bitter about your own job, you are not making a point. You’re just taking out of their pocket and the rest of the staff. Making customers happy when they’re hungry bears is not easy and servers deserve good tips because they deal with high stress, physical and emotional demands, and unfortunately abuse from said customers. Contribute to they way things are in the service industry or stay out of places of service. Trust me, we won’t miss you.
Michael says
I don’t mind tipping, but it has reached absurd levels. If I order a $100 dollar lobster dish, which I have, I am now required to pay 20%? That equates to $20 plus the remainder of the bill! Let me expound, my wife orders $10 hamburger plate, I order a $100 lobster plate, the poor, distute, unappreciated, over worked, stressed out, stiffed, physically & emotional drained & abused ( being sarcastic of course, due to individuals like Rachel who think by there so called wit and rebuttals hold the high ground. Some think they have to be social police, instead of just thinking clearly, logically, and most of all with some common sense) server walks over to my table with 2 plates in his\her or for the nut jobs out there, non gender, and sets the 2 plates down, I now owe (demand) $22, plus drink cost, plus refill cost, plus cook cost, plus bus cost, plus, plus, plus! How ridiculous!
You’re right Rachel, we need to stay out of restaurants since we don’t contribute to the way things are, since YOU and to whom it may concern say so! Us stiffers should stay at home, save our restaurant money, eat healthier, retire with more money in our hands, while you entitlement people can go find another job since us stiffers have stop coming.
Oh, and btw, Trust Me, we won’t miss you either!
michael says
ah, the entitled waitress comment. What would a anti-tipping comment be without one of your sour responses. I know you aren’t a restaurant owner because you, remarkably, tell a paying customer to piss off because you think people owe you something. Don’t like a customer that doesn’t tip? the beef is with your employer who abuses your CHEAP labor to rake in profits. It couldn’t be a better system, pit your customer against your employee so the owner doesn’t have to pay squat for all the labor in the world. High stress? hahah, laughable, become a doctor, nurse, school teacher or anything that requires more than remembering to check on somebodies water every few minutes and then come back and tell me about stress. Guess what, they require thousands of dollars of education and none of their customers tip! The nerve, right??
BTW, the customers you told to piss off listened, that’s why casual dining is now “casual dying.”
https://www.businessinsider.com/can-chains-survive-death-of-casual-dining-2017-2
Hope you got your resume ready, make sure you write under talents: “chase customers away because they don’t tip”.
Mr Spence says
If there were more places to eat which PAID A REAL WAGE and did not charge customers a Service Charge or Expect Tips, trust me here, we and I think that I can speak for the majority would gladly eat away from the Rip Off Tipping Restuarants.
John says
I think that tipping has gotten out of hand. In my state, the sales tax is 7%. So that means that I will pay any where between 22% to 27% for the meal. If my bill is $100.00 dollars; then I will have to pay any where from $122-127.00 dollars for tax an tip included. That is absurd. Not to mention, these waiters now a day have gotten more slower, lazier and entitled. I do not mind tipping well. However; if the service is slow and bad, then I do not tip.
Mari says
I totally agree with Kay. I just think all this tipping is getting out of control and some of us just can’t afford to be tipping so much.
Nate says
Doctors, Firemen…Waiters.
Ronnie says
I think most people would still prefer to be the educated professional rather than the uneducated service worker. Even the high end ones who may make more money than the professional. The reason is simple: status. You have status being an educated professional rather than an uneducated waiter. Is it fair? Thats not for me to say. But it is what it is in the western world. And status is a huge part of how we see success in life. And it is especially important with regards to how we find a life partner. It’s why a ‘starving’ pro bono lawyer has more status than a top retail manager who may make more money than him. Because lawyers have that kind of status. And everyone prefers the lawyer to a store manager of Wal Mart or Target. Or the generic office manager, for that matter. Sorry for the ramble. Just saying status is a big part in life. And waiters don’t have much of it. Even high end ones.
john llewellin says
I think you should give a tip of at least 20% to the cop that gives you a speeding ticket for $200 if he’s doing it in a polite way? Or a parking ticket? Coz he’s really doing a good job.
Is everyone going crazy?
My idea:
A good job being done: no tip.
A bad job being done: getting fired.
An excellent job being done: a small tip. (5% maximum)
Timbra says
People don’t realize because it has been around for so long. In places like Illinois where servers make 2/h$ those laws that allow that, and started the whole tipping culture here, was because employers didn’t want to pay full wage for newly free African Americans.
The laws should be abolished. The business should pay a wage that is deserved, and someone should be told if they can’t rip to not go out.
Ronnie says
“The laws should be abolished. The business should pay a wage that is deserved, and someone should be told if they can’t rip to not go out.”
i’m not sure I follow. You agree that businesses should pay a wage thats deserved. And yet tipping should still continue? If they get a deserving wage then what’s the point of tipping? Thats how it works almost everywhere in the developed world – decent wages, no tipping. Unless you made typos, in that case I fully understand. Happens to the best of us.
Kayla says
If your highest tip is only 5% (what do you want for that? Juggling?) don’t expect service better than 5% service. That means passing by your empty drink, late food and if you go to the same restaurant twice after not tipping, you could receive even worse… Learn to appreciate those who care for your stomach and clean up your mess. We’re not your mother so our service is not free.
Ronnie says
“If your highest tip is only 5% (what do you want for that? Juggling?) don’t expect service better than 5% service. That means passing by your empty drink, late food ..”
I’m not saying I disagree with you that people should tip at 5% (unless the service is extremely bad). But other than bar patrons who pays their bill and then keeps on ordering? The vast majority of customers who pay that 5% then leave the establishment. Thus they aren’t subjected to the empty drink and late food. I think what you’re saying could apply to bars and casinos. But not at restaurants. Most people don’t tip and then keep ordering.
Bob says
I don’t believe in tipping more than about $2 per person at table. Do the math. If a waiter averages 5 tips per hour worked and each tip averages $10, that is $50 an hour plus min wage. Restaurants now cannot keep any of this. So, waiters based on 40 hours a week (most don’t reach 40) are grossing $100k a year which is rediculous. Ever talk to a waiter at a good or better restaurant? If they are honest, they will tell you they make a killing. The drawback is many can only get pt hours like around 20. I know it’s hard work, but not deserving of $50 an hour,
sdsdg says
Tipping is really out of control here in US. I remember one time the waitress is talking to her colleague and they are talking about the people who just left and I heard her say “I didn’t get any tip, those guys are broke.”
In every receipt, there will always be a TIP portion as if it is mandatory.
There is a small restaurant here in my place. The food is very good, but I usually go there for takeout, therefore I don’t tip. Last time I came there, the waiters are just rushing me to pay and I feel is that they want me to go out once the order comes in. Looking from the other perspective, who will they choose?
– Someone who eats at their restaurant 5 times a day but doesn’t tip
– Someone who eats one time at their restaurant and gives 20% tip.
I am ok eating at their restaurant for many times a week. But this tipping thing makes me very uncomfortable, therefore I rarely go there anymore.
Lance Cothern says
I definitely don’t tip for takeout.
Adriana @MoneyJourney says
When I worked as a waitress (for a few months), I never felt the need to ask for tips or feel entitled to receiving them. Getting free cash was always reason to smile and feel grateful, but I never expected anyone to follow the ‘tradition’.
In fact, I grew up thinking a tip is a ‘thank you’ for a job well done. If you’re not satisfied with the service, I don’t believe you should leave a tip, not even the minimum 15%! However, I’ve been taken by surprise quite a few times when I got the bill for lunch/dinner/whatever it was and the tip was included in the bill! Needless to say my jaw dropped 😀 This is what I would categorize as out of control.
Isabella says
This is why we most often eat at IKEA, Panera and Costco for our eating out. No tipping at these places!
J says
What about tipping the owners of establishments? They set the prices to make appropriate profit. Why would you give them more money on top of their set prices? I’ve even seen some owners utilizing tip jars…
Lance Cothern says
I don’t think owners should get tips, but it’s up to each individual whether they tip or not.
Jean-Pierre says
I’m late to the game on this one, but I live in Miami and totally frustrated by tipping.
1. First off, I grew up in Europe and spend many vacations in Europe with family. Tipping in France is called a “Pour Boire”, translates into “For a drink”. Nothing about percentages, but a flat amount, typically no more than $5 so he/she can get a drink on me.
2. Why percentages. Scenario: Two couples go out. One gets a costly appetizer, plus two lobster dinners. Final bill for them $100. Other couple gets basic appetizer and vegetarian dishes. Final bill for them $50. Has the level of effort changed for either one of these couples? No. Waiter/Waitress waits for chef to place the plate, he/she ensures everything is correct and delivers dishes….so why should the lobster eaters pay more for service. Way too silly.
3. Restaurant owners need to take on this burden. Pass on the cost to the plate, I don’t care, just leave me out of the equation.
4. I have an inherent problem when a waiter/waitress makes more than an ER nurse does per hour…some make what lawyers make. Want to get paid more, get an education.
Lance Cothern says
You make some very valid points.
J says
In response to “4”, I think that’s the result of the waiter/waitress utilizing everything they got to profit to the max. That probably only consists of the top 90%tile. Just speculating… Education is just one avenue to “making it big”. Drug lords are wealthy.
Jamie says
I think tipping is way out of control! I grew up believing that tipping is optional and designed for receiving good service. In the restaurant business, it’s really subsidized
wages;so why don’t we call it what it is? In recent times, it is obvious that there’s a huge expectation that we will constantly supplement low wages. I agree with the comment that employers should raise pay, instead of expecting us to subsidize their employees’ pay. I live in North Carolina, but taught for 35 years in Illinois. Pay for teachers in North Carolina is abysmal. Would it be ok for teachers to expect tips here because the pay is so low? Where does this all end?
Christine E. says
I served at Olive Garden Mississippi while I was finishing up my last year of college getting ready to graduate with a bachelors in Computer Engineering. Mississippi being know for one of the lowest tipping states and wages. As a server we only made 2.13 an hour I believe which resulted in a paycheck of $0 after taxes taken out. I actually owed about $1,000 in taxes from that year alone. As a server at Olive Garden, you have to greet your table, over free wine samples, continually refill their bowls of salads and soups and run your own food. That some serious running around. So when it comes to get the lunch “unlimited soup & salad” w/ a water which I believe is about $8 total. 20% tip from that $8 doesn’t nearly amount to the work and dedication I provided to that table. There were times after doing calculations just because of some tables low tipping rates, I worked for less than minimum wage. Not to mention guys servers have to tip out their “HARD EARNED CASH” to the bartender and bussers so we don’t keep 100% of it.
Lance Cothern says
What would you say you ended up making per hour over the course of a normal week? If the restaurant did decent business I would imagine you made at least, if not more than, minimum wage.
Zack Forester says
You lost me at “Instead of continuing to work at the restaurant you’ve been working at for years, go out and get a better job that pays more” and my immediatereaction was revulsion to your ignorance, but first, let me elaborate on why that was my immediate reaction. Tipped workers have not received a minimum wage increase since 1991. They’ve been exempt from the $3 an hour raise all non-salaried workers have earned since 1991. That’s almost 25 years without a raise. As a practical matter, it doesn’t matter what kind of shmuck your waiter/waitress is. They’re still a human being. The minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour today. Let me tell you first hand, it’s impossible for a single person to live on the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour working full time. They would have to work at least two-full time jobs at minimum just to cover the necessities and not have any money left over. By refusing to tip your waiters/waitresses and refusing to elect leaders that would be willing to raise the minimum wage for tipped workers, you’re effectively stating that your waiter or waitress deserves less than a minimum standard of living and to be enslaved by their employers to serve your whims. As far as tipping more than the standard 20% for excellent service goes, since the wages of restaurant employees have been heavily subsidized by the consumer for the last 25 years, the price of restaurant food has only increased by 112% while most other consumer prices have gone up over 200%. So no, proportionally speaking, your $4 tip on a $20 bill in 2015 does not go as far for the waiter/waitress as your $2 tip on a $10 bill cost in 1991.
Lance Cothern says
Unfortunately some jobs don’t keep up at the rate of inflation. That said, tipping 20% should get most waiters and waitresses above minimum wage. If the job does not pay your desired wage, then maybe it is time to find a new job.
Tom says
They have gotten raises…through tips! When I was a kid, 10% was the standard tip amount and that was only for a job well done. Now, not only has inflation greatly increased the amount of checks on which the tip is based, the waiters/waitresses have somehow conned Americans into this belief that now 20% is the norm. Bullshit! I give about 10% most of the time if the service was average to decent, and I’ll to 15% if it was outstanding.
One more thing…some jobs aren’t meant to provide a living wage. I don’t feel responsible to ensure a waitress can make a living solely off her job. It’s meant to be a part time job. People who try to stretch part time jobs into careers with living wage just make me angry.
Allison Pierce says
So Zack, in your opinion it is up to the customer to pay the gap in the wages, not the owner to pay them more. You whine about the low wages, but at the same time make it the responsibility of the customer to resolve and make up the difference. Thats crap. Tips are not there to offset poor wages….they are there to reward different levels of service. The wage issue is between the server and employer and has nothing at all to do with the customer. This is my biggest pet peeve with the food service industry and its servers. They now feel entitled to tips as part of their income and don’t see it as a perk. Ridiculous.
Kevin Rockway says
Tips are literally the only reason people work in bars and restaurant
Anthony says
I always think its weird when a waiter or waitress give their opinion on tipping when it’s not that hard earned money being given. How someone is being served is not based on the waiters opinion but the servers. Tipping in this country is between 15 and 20 percent. Anything less than 15 percent is cheap and anything over 20% you’re showing off. If restaurants take out 18% for 6 more why the hell should someone get 20% for just you and a date. People are made to feel bad because they gave 15% of a bill that’s crazy! Server’s want to use the excuse that they don’t make that much when is required by law in any state to make up the difference if the tipping doesn’t but up to minimum wage.I won’t even get started on restaurant tipping on total bill.
Natalie says
I was a server and many times I would not make anything hardly and yes by law the employer is to make up the difference, but many times, well everytime they did not. I remember one night in particular, I worked from 3pm until 2am. I closed, while I made about $110.00, when we closed out, I had a table run out on me and leave he bill uncovered. The manager then insisted I was responsible and I had to pay the $100 bill. I was
Left with $10.00. When I received my check from them it was only 22.00. So they had me report that I made $110 while I only walked out with 10.00. The place was packed solid that night, constantly running around. At any give. Time I would have 7-8 tables with 6-10 people at each table. It was crazy, and then was walked out on. Now I know this doesn’t refer to tips but still working on certain restaurants really sucks, and they don’t make what you think. This is why I got a college degree and now I work as a registered nurse. I still remember that night, and I will always remember the pay checks. They never once made up for not making enough, and since no one stood up to them because you would be fired, then nothing was ever done. When you would work a lunch shift you barely made 25.00 in 4-5 hours. Then they want you to work doubles all the time and barely walking out with 50.00. I’m not kidding, maybe this was a bad restaurant but my friends worked at other places around town and they received the same types of checks and still didn’t make enough to call it even. This is why I hate this industry, and left it as quickly as possible. People are rude and walk out without paying, probably think that the restaurant will pay for it, NO THE SERVER WILL!!! Tips, I never was one to demand a tip, I just hoped to god I could get something, but as I was told when I was hired that if I didn’t make enough with tips, that they (the employer) would make up for it on my check. This made me feel ok if someone didn’t tip, I thought well I’ll get a bigger check. I WAS TERRIBLY WRONG!!! My checks did not make up for the small amounts in tips. So what I am saying, don’t assume that all servers are making 200/hr. I was a friendly and great server, I tried to make the customers as comfortable and satisfied as
Possible. If they were unhappy I would offer to pay that part of their bill, and yet still nothing. I finally just decided one day to quit, and never look back, I never planned to make this my career but it was my job in college, and no matter how much I worked I couldn’t make it. I wish I had said something about my check back then but I was scared. They ran their business out of fear, they were awful, and would demand we come in late at night to deep clean the restaurant and we were not allowed to clock in. This shit happened all the time, and every CREDIT CARD TIP YOU RECEIVED WAS REPORTED AS INCOME, so please don’t say that tips are unreported. Cash can be kept without reporting if you choose to be that way but the restaurant tells you that you are required to report all tips or will get fired. On another subject, working holidays is not up to you! At the restaurants I worked at, my schedule was made without my input really, they didn’t listen to my suggestions at all even though when I was hired they knew I was in school and said they would be flexible. Haha NO, many times I was scheduled when they knew I was in class and then I get in trouble for calling in and telling them I can’t be there. But holidays, you work and usually if you are scheduled no one will work for you so you have to be there, I never chose to be there. I made 2.13/hr and some weeks with the small amount of tips I made would be about 2.13/hr the end. No making up the difference!!!! That place didn’t follow the laws, and we would sometimes almost be working for free it seemed. Now as I have graduated and now working in a profession, I do tip waitresses and waiters, as well as all other tipped jobs but I think about it and many people are making at least minimum wage or more and still are getting tips, now that isn’t fair, I’m a nurse and take care of people and I don’t get tips….that’s just off to me how some can get it and then others are forbidden from receiving tips.
Bob Beason says
Your employer at the time was guilty of illegal business practices. You should have agreed to pay the $100 bill for theft. That is like a cashier at target being liable for a shoplifter snatching an iPhone and running off. The employee is not liable for the damages caused by a customer.
A girl in England. says
Coming to this from the UK, where the minimum wage is set for ALL industries (unless self employed).
The culture here is mixed. Tips are generally for servers/waiters as you’d expect, some takeaways have a tip bowl (usually the change only is put in), but hairdressers some people tip. Which seems odd to me when paying £30+ for a wash, cut and blowdry. They set the prices (or the owners do), if it doesn’t cover it, raise them. I mind less as the local one thats about £12 for a basic cut, especially as they often do a better job.
I don’t tip regularly, as I don’t see why some should get it, but shop workers not. If service is good (pubs or chain restaurant/pubs usually) I’ll leave a small amount. I don’t expect miracles, but the main waitress we seem to get at lunchtime at one is really slow despite it being quiet, I don’t really tip her, maybe change. Maybe 5-10%. Other places/times, again, the change.
All that said, I eat at cheapish establishments because that’s my budget, tips are more expected at fine dining even here (a friend used to them expects me to tip a slow waitress 10%… nope), if I was better off I’d love to sometimes leave someone who has given good service a noticeable tip. But that’s because, when I’ve had those people, I’ve noticed their service to be fantastic.
The situation in America is awful, everyone should have the right to be paid basic wage by the employer. Maybe prices would increase a bit, but I think everyone would benefit. We still manage to have places doing a £10 meal deal for 2/3 courses and unlimited drinks with it here.
Eric says
As a server in a fairly nice restaurant, allow me to interject a bit of “perspective” into the mix. First of all, we appreciate your kindness in tipping. It is a blessing to receive any amount of money over and above our paychecks. I consider myself a professional when it comes to being a server. I am certainly not the best, but I take my job seriously, which means I do the best that I can and try to be attentive to my customers. But there seem to be some misconceptions or some general “haven’t thought about that” ideas floating about. I’ll list some:
1. The tips received are taxed from our paychecks – so those checks tend to be almost nothing after the declared tips are taxed. There is no longer much chance of cheating on declaring tips due to the POS systems. Not that I would do that. Also we are required to tip out the hostess, kitchen, bartender, and bussers. Remember that my portion of the 20% is dwindling rapidly. But I still pay taxes based upon all of the tips I receive before tip out.
2. While reading some of these responses to the article, I instinctively get a feel for what kind of customer you might be. People in general have become restaurant critics. Nothing is good enough. Your generous 20% tip is probably offset by a number of people who decide that 10% or less is sufficient or nothing at all.
3. While I love what I do, in a 6 to 8 hour shift I never or rarely have time to take a break because I am constantly serving my customers. This also means that I am walking for 6 to 8 hour straight. My legs are killing me by the end of a shift. Try going for an 8 hour walk sometime.
4. One comment on holidays like Christmas or Easter – If the restaurant is open on that day, that server probably has no choice in whether they get to have it off or not. These are usually the busiest days of the year and they want all hands on deck. These days are killer – you are not celebrating with your family and you are serving people who don’t always show much gratitude for you “doing your job”.
5. Many people are abusive to servers. Everything is the server’s fault. If the meat is not cooked right (something I cannot see or have any control of when I bring it out to you) it affects my tip. If it doesn’t come out as quickly as you would like (again no control) it affects my tip. If the manager won’t comp your (entire) meal because you are not happy, if affects my tip. Get the picture? Most things in a restaurant are out of my control.
So watch the server. Weigh your tip based on some of these things – How busy is it? Did they come to the table a few times to check on you? Were they courteous? How many times did all of you at the table ask them to get you something that was out of the norm – Ranch dressing to dip your fries in, new napkins, replace dropped fork? How many times did you need your water filled – once or twice ok – 6 or 7 a bit much – ask for a pitcher if you’re that thirsty? Don’t base your tip on the quality of food or timeliness of the order. Tip them on what THEY did, not the kitchen or the bar or the manager. Overall, serving is a great job and I always tip at least 20% when I eat out because I know what the server is going through, and I appreciate a good server when I get one and want them to know it.
Lance Cothern says
Eric, thanks for your detailed comment. It’s good to get the perspective of a server in the conversation with such detail.
John says
Eric,
Thank you for your perspective. Of course there are great servers out there, but also there are mediocre and outright horrible servers.
While I agree with some of your points of view, let me address the following.
Unfortunately, in this day of the internet, yes, almost everyone has become a restaurant critic. Therefore, shouldn’t the service industry try offer the best service possible? Everyone’s standards are different, so even if one customer had left a 20% tip, another customer may leave a 10% tip because they perceived that the service received was lacking.
While having an 8 hour shift on your feet is definitely hard work, does that mean that towards the end of the shift, the customer should receive bad service but still tip 20%? There are laborers out there that perform back breaking work 8 or more hours per day, so should their quality of workmanship decrease?
While I have seen customers being abusive to servers, I also have seen plenty of apathetic, arrogant servers belittle and abuse customers as well. If the meat is not cooked right, then of course it’s not the servers’ fault, but if the meal doesn’t arrive on time because the servers were busy gossiping with each other and letting the food go cold, then it definitely is the servers’ fault. (I have seen this on numerous occasions)
Unfortunately, the servers are the front line/face of the restaurant, since they are the ones to have the most contact with the customers, therefore the servers will unfairly receive most of the complaints. But in my experience, a great server can counteract most of the problems from the kitchen to management, just by offering such kind, friendly service, that the customer will feel too guilty to complain one bit. In one occasion, the server was so helpful and kind that I felt sorry for asking to refill my water, I wanted to get up and serve myself!
I make sure to reward those dedicated servers that make a simple meal, into an amazing event. But for those servers that don’t provide any service at all, then I make sure to let them know with the lack of a tip.
Lance Cothern says
John, very well articulated! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Bojan - Alpha Efficiency says
If I don’t feel like I got a decent service, and especially if I felt negative energy from the waiter, I don’t tip at all. Call me cheap, but tipping is a reward for the pleasure you’ve provided me. If you provided me with negative energy, I don’t want to give you none of mine.
Cool waiters now how to play on emotions, how to make you feel good, and you genuienly tip them handsomely. They understand the value of making others feel good. You’re not paying for the service, you’re paying for the emotion.
I leave tips based on how waiter made me feel. So it’s ultimately up to them.
Tyler says
While on vacation a few nights ago in Panama City Beach, FL our family of 6 ate a Angelo’s Steak House where we experienced inflated tip suggestions on the bill. The tip amounts ranged from 17% to 22%. I understand the restaurant is entitled to print whatever suggested tip amounts they feel appropriate for their servers. The thing that really irked me was that beside the 17% in parentheses was the word “fair”. Seriously? 17% is just fair? Our total bill was around $120, which at this “fair” tip rate equates out to around a $20 tip. I’ve waited tables before so I’m thinking the wait staff can easily pick up 12 tables in a shift. Do the math on that…$240 in “fair” tips per shift. That’s pretty damn “fair” in my opinion. Actually that’s about what I make per day with a college degree and 10 years into my career! I am a firm believer in good tipping, but you shouldn’t be able to get rich by waiting tables!!!
Lance Cothern says
I live really close to Panama City Beach, but I’ve never been to Angelo’s. In fact, the occurence that caused this article was in Panama City Beach, too! Except the restaurant was on the beach. I’m beginning to think this is a Panama City Beach thing. A lot of our industry relies on tourism and maybe the owners/servers think they can con tourists out of their money. So not cool.
Graham says
I tip 10 percent for decent service and 15 for excellent service. Zero for bad. I don’t feel bad for it because here in Canada, servers are getting $10 an hour minimum wage. A friend of mine who works in the restaurant business says that servers at his chain restaurant are pulling in around 200 a night with tips. Not bad when you consider they’re 22 years old with a high school education.
I will tip more for lunch when the prices are discounted.
What drives me up the wall is when i’m picking up something to go at subway or a food court and the debit machine has a tip function. I never tip there but that is a clear indicator that tipping is out of controll.
Lance Cothern says
I don’t ever tip at places like Subway or food courts either. They’re paid at least minimum wage and they aren’t doing anything outside of their job description.
Anthony says
In the US all servers are paid at least minimum wage,because if tips don’t amount up to minimum wage then by law the employer has to make up the difference.the whole waitress making 2.50 an hour is a myth.
erin says
I tip similar to you, and have friends that are servers so I’ve heard their stories. Waiting tables is not easy, and I appreciate servers that do a good job. However, I think anything over 20% is ridiculous unless you’re a wealthy person, most of us can’t afford that or else we would never be able to eat at restaurants! Percentage goes up with inflation, plain and simple. And for a mediocre server to expect me to give them extra cash that would pay for a whole other meal for myself, just because they plunked a plate in front of me, is absurd. A 15% gratuity, smile and a ‘thank you’ should be enough, why is this not even appreciated anymore? We don’t tip therapists, graphic designers, bookstore workers or a variety of other customer service-based jobs where the worker goes above and beyond to help us, as well. Our system really makes no sense. (Wish I lived in Australia!)
Lance Cothern says
Erin, I totally agree!
Mario Adventuresinfrugal says
The entire system of tipping is out of control. It’s silly that this is put in the hands of customers
Lance Cothern says
I’m pretty sick of it, but America won’t change. That’s for sure.
Dennis says
I’d say my tipping calculations are right in line with yours. On occasion I’ll go higher for someone who went above and beyond. Especially on days like Thanksgiving or Christmas, just to be generous to those who are sacrificing their holiday time so I can enjoy mine.
WHAT! They do not HAVE to work on those days. They CHOSE to. And they are getting paid (probably extra) for working those days. And they know that they will probably be tipped extra because of the occasion also. And by the way in Australia there is no tipping.
Lance Cothern says
In the US a lot of servers aren’t paid extra if they have to work those days. I can’t say I’m surprised how different other cultures are. I kind of wish the US adopted some of the practices in other countries.
Tax/No Tax says
I usually tip 20%, but I do it on pre-tax, which I find in my area, I find is roughly the same as 15% with tax. I just see no reason to tip on an extra ~7% added by the government. Curious as to your thoughts – Pre Tax or Total Bill?
Lance Cothern says
I normally tip on the total bill. 20% of 7% is only 1.4% more in the big scheme of things.
Tax/No Tax says
But then your 20% becomes a 22% tip.
Lance Cothern says
True, I guess I never gave it much thought. I’m in my 20s and as long as I can remember I’ve been told etiquette is to tip on post tax amount, but I may have to rethink that now. Thanks for pointing that out!
Tax/No Tax says
Interesting that this evening I ate at Texas de Brazil, a high end Brazilian Steakhouse. On their receipt, they show a 15%, 18%, 20% tip amount for easy calculation. I just noticed it is calculated on the subtotal -pre-tax amount. For me, eating alone, the bill was $54.95 pre-tax and the 20% amount was $11.00.
Tax/No Tax says
Quotes Zagat, Emily Post and others:
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-aug-03-la-fi-lazarus-20100803-story.html
Lance Cothern says
Thanks for the article!
Scott says
My problem is not for restaurants, but everywhere else where they place a tip jar. I don’t mind tipping for good service, but taking my order at a fast food restaurant (just one example) doesn’t deserve a tip. They don’t get restaurant wage where tips are part of their salary. I’m not cheap, but it seems everyone is putting up a tip jar and expecting a tip for things that never received tips before.
Lance Cothern says
That’s a rant for another day 🙂
Jason says
Can some one explain to me if serving wages are different in Canada to the US? Our servers get minimum wage or more. That’s $10.50 an hr plus depending on the scale of the restaurant. restaurant owners are not allowed to pay any less than that for a base. all tips are over and above and are non taxed. My issue is that 15% is no longer the high end for tipping. Its the bottom of the barrel. A standard meal for two adults and two kids is $60 plus tax. That’s an additional $9 for bringing the food and topping up drinks. That’s only one table. When does tipping stop? Why do I pay tips to someone that brings me food and drinks for the 45 minutes I’m at a restaurant and yet if I buy flooring for other big ticket items where they spend hours with me and fully educate me on new products or procedures, I don’t need to tip them? why not tip the nurses that take care of me when I’m in the hospital? Or the pilots for getting me around on time? how about the garbage men every week? or the auto repair service men? to be blunt, we don’t even tip the people that should be getting tipped (some restaurants do share tips…some). We tip those that bring out the food, not even the people that prepare it for us. that’s like tipping the person collecting your flight ticked before boarding the plane. or tipping the register clerk when your paying for your repairs on a car. do you tip the life guards when you get out of the swimming pool? yet you trust them to look after your kids safety in the pool. EVERYTHING is a service industry. EVERYTHING! Yet only servers expect a tip. A tip is supposed to be a way of expressing gratitude for going above and beyond in making your experience amazing. It didn’t have a set amount that showed your level of gratitude for doing so. Anything over and above was a welcome addition for the server. Now your made to feel guilty or cheap if you don’t give a minimum 15% for the most basic of service. I find it difficult knowing that servers at basic restaurants are making $30- $40 and hour plus for bringing out drinks and food when others in positions doing far more for me as a whole are making much much less. Am I crazy?
Lance Cothern says
You aren’t crazy. Wage laws differ by state, but I’d say all servers probably have to make at least minimum wage after tips and many probably make much much more.
joe says
Amen. If you don’t want to work for the salary offered – don’t! Don’t expect me to fork out because you “HAVE” to serve me — is that not your job. Charge me a proper price for the meal and don’t expect me to pay your employees too. I never received a tip working the help desk troubleshooting computer issues for my company. I got paid my agreed upon wage – end of story – fellow employees did not subsidize me.
Tips are out of control says
This. I’m tired of places like Jersey Mike’s Subs and Teriyaki Grill, and sometimes even Subway, where they expect you to tip for putting together a sandwich or meal that ONLY they can do! It’s getting absurd. It’s like taking your car to a mechanic and he fixes the car and then stands there expecting you to tip him on top of the bill because he WORKED on putting your car back together. THAT’S YOUR JOB. No one is paying me a tip to be nice at work, it’s expected of me to do that. Before you get all worked up and tell me mechanics get paid more than servers, NO DUH. That’s because they’re trained and went to school (usually) to specialize in something. Servers today just want to make lots of money for working an entry-level job. How about you get a specialized certificate/degree/training and go work at a place that pays better. Otherwise, tell your employer they pay you too little and go find another job.
Money Beagle says
I go with the 15/18/20 rule of thumb in most cases. I think that’s more than fair.
Lance Cothern says
I think that’s pretty solid too.
[email protected] says
I don’t mind tipping, but I don’t feel like servers are entitled to anything more than the standard 15%. I always tip at least 15%, usually more.
Lance Cothern says
We shall see 🙂
Brian @ Luke1428 says
I’d say my tipping calculations are right in line with yours. On occasion I’ll go higher for someone who went above and beyond. Especially on days like Thanksgiving or Christmas, just to be generous to those who are sacrificing their holiday time so I can enjoy mine.
Lance Cothern says
I can completely understand that.
Amanda says
I’ve run into a problem when tipping using a debit machine and a gift card. The server took the $100 gift card amount off first, and then hand over the debit machine to pay off the balance ($15). The problem is, I chose to use the % tip amount, and therefore unintentionally only tipped her 18% of $15 – not the full $115. So instead of getting a $20 tip, she only got $2.70 (which is a 2.35% tip!). At no point during my transaction was a $ amount shown, so I didn’t catch the mistake until I got home. I immediately attempted to contact the restaurant because I was embarrassed and felt bad, but they never got back to me… The service wasn’t great but it wasn’t *that* bad!
Lance Cothern says
Oh no! That happens. Hopefully someone else made up for it down the road, which I’m sure they did.
TC says
I like the last bit that waiting staff should try to make you welcoming and sell more so that they can get a good percentage out of overall bill. When I was younger I was working in one of those tourist towns. The restaurant owner had plenty students like me to choose from and he would only pay you 20% of the total bill (regardless of how much tips you received) and no hourly pay. His moto was simple; sell more if you want to earn more.
I don’t know how legal was his practices because I believe you should pay an hourly wage and let the waiting staff earn their tips. I think this is a subject for another discussion.
Lance Cothern says
That’s interesting, I’d never heard of that. I definitely don’t know if it was legal or not, but it sounds fishy.
BarbChicagoTeacher says
I was at Disney’s Bona at the Anime Kingdom. They had suggested tips for 15%, 18%, and 20% after the total check that included tax. We tip on pre-tax. Better yet, the restaurant is a buffet so all the server does is take your plates and bring you drinks. I want that job bc the buffet is $40+ per person. I am never going back after getting the receipt.
Lance Cothern says
Buffets are another class of tipping in my book. One server can handle many more tables.