Are you a good tipper?

[bste_lax]

http://bitterwaitress.com/std/

Best story (although it's probably not true):

Tipper's Name: Tom Cruise
Where it happened: New York
Total bill / Tip amount / Percentage: $458.63 / $5.00 / 1%
What happened:
Tom and Katie Holmes were absolutely rude as anything I've ever seen!

[Sonny]

Some bitter folks if this is their baseline definition of a bad tip:

any gratuity under 17% for service which one's peers would judge as adequate or better (eg. orders are correct, on time, special requests are honored, etc.)

15% is an acceptable tip amount for average/decent service, in my book.

It's also a self-fullfilling thing. The Waitron in question is the one rating themselves and their own service provided. (I'm sure alot of them that are bitter are probably rating themselves higher then they really are.)

[Zeuslax]

Actually in the US, 20% is for outstanding service. The numbers obviously decrease as level of service decreases. Most "fine dining" restaurants have implemented if the party is of 6 or more, than 18% gratuity will be added to the bill. This protects the server, from the unsuspecting sticker shook by the person paying the bill.

This is a subject near-and-dear to all that have worked in the service industry.

[Jolly Roger]

When food service persons start accurately reporting their income, I'll be more tip-generous.

[Sonny]

Actually in the US, 20% is for outstanding service. The numbers obviously decrease as level of service decreases. Most "fine dining" restaurants have implemented if the party is of 6 or more, than 18% gratuity will be added to the bill. This protects the server, from the unsuspecting sticker shook by the person paying the bill.

This is a subject near-and-dear to all that have worked in the service industry.

Understood. 15% for average service, 20% (or more) for outstanding service.

What I disagree with is the fact that many within the service industry think they should get 20% or more every time they wait on a table. My girlfriend (former part-time waitress) automatically wants to give 20% every time we go out for dinner.

[Zeuslax]

Jolly roger....................Shhhhh, Shhhhh, we don't about those things!!

[Sonny]

When food service persons start accurately reporting their income, I'll be more tip-generous.

Reason # 445545034951249451904531258428305 that we need to move to the Fair Tax:
http://www.fairtax.org/

[Brent Burns]

I have always tip 15% and will continue doing that.

[mholtz]

http://bitterwaitress.com/std/index.htm ... rch=search

Speaking of taxes...

Look who's listed in the "You cheap @#$@" category.

[Danny Hogan]

it seems like all of the sudden that 20% is the standard which isn't really fair because food prices grow with inflation.

its annoying to go to a bar/restaurant with someone who works in the service industry, they always tip some ridiculous amount and leads to awkward situations.

[Zeuslax]

Some countries have a military requirement for all. Every person in the US should be required to work in some sort of service industry (with people, face-to-face). It would be a better world. You see all types and walks of life. AA attendance would go up however!

Every bartender is a psychologist, economist, mediator, lawyer, politician, ect......................Nothing easy about the food & drink service industry.

[bste_lax]

With all this said, go see the new movie "Waiting" and it will make you make sure you treat your server nicely.....

[laxfan25]

The people I feel for are those that work at the lower-end of the restaurant scale - the pancake houses, etc. Working lots of tables and working their butts off. Contrast with the high-end place with table linens, etc. and expensive wine. 20% of a $10 tab doesn't seem fair compared to 20% of a $200 tab. That's why I always take extra special care of the person working hard at IHOP or whatever. You know they appreciate it too!

[Hackalicious]

I like the way the rest of the world does it: no tipping in restaurants.

Include service costs in the prices on the menu. Pay your servers a decent amount. Most servers here make like $1.50/hour in the US -- they aren't subject to minimum wage laws.

The dirty secret is that in many restaurants, tips are pooled. Tipping for excellent service doesn't mean much if it all gets thrown into a common pot.

The worst are countries with a "baksheesh" culture. You've got to pay someone a tip for everything. Some dude will stand outside a bathroom doing nothing and expect a tip for it.

I suppose I could make an exception for strip clubs, because at least you get a tangible increase in quality of service for your tip.