Do you have to give the waiter a tip?

Question

A man who found a fly in his soup,
Witheld his waiter's tip,
Not because it spoilt the flavour,
But because he broke his teeth on the zip.

Answer 1

In most restraurants in London there is a service charge included in the bill total. It's usually 7 - 12%, maybe more depending on the size of your table. I wonder if the waiter/waitress ever see any portion of this service charge? I like the service charge because it saves me from sorting out the tip, and I can be on my way. If they go out of their way to accommodate me in a special way I definitely leave a tip specifically for them, and make sure they receive it before I leave the table.

In the US tipping works differently so take note. Wait staff get paid less than the minimum wage, and specifically live off of their tips and have to claim tip income on their taxes. It is standard to tip 15 - 20% of the bill, this is never included in the bill so don't assume it's included. The tip may be included if you have a large party. It's always best to ask.

Tip if you want, but take into consideration your cultural surroundings. Also it helps to tip up front if somone is serving you drinks at your party. They will come back more frequently if you start the night out by slipping them a 20 note.

Answer 2

Yes,I feel that it is only polite to leave the waiter a reasonable tip. Obviously, if the service was poor and the waiter was rude then by all means not to leave a tip.
A tip does not have to be a huge amount, it is simply saying "Thank you" to the waiter who served you.

Answer 3

No, you do not have to leave a tip. The term "tips" means To Insure Prompt Service. As someone who has worked in several NYC restaurants, I can tell you that a tip should directly reflect the service given. Otherwise, servers/waiters have no incentive to give good service or be polite to their customers.
We live in a world of entitlement though and waiters nowadays think they should receive a good tip regardless of the service. They need to be reminded of the purpose of a tip and that they are not automatically entitled to one.

Answer 4

Yes! Most places pay the waiters and waitresses very little, they count on tips. I use to think NO till I worked a job where tips were important. Go do a waiters job for base pay (no tips) and see what you think. Another thing, if they serve drinks they have to give a portion of their tip to the bar tender. Now, get serious, your cow is getting out of your barn!

Answer 5

You are not obliged to give a waiter a tip. Nor are you actually obliged to pay the "optional" service charge put on most restaurant bills. Tips should be given only as a reward for exceptional service

Answer 6

A tip is supposed to be a reward for a job done well. They already get a paycheck for doing there job,the tip is extra.
If the service does not deserve a tip,than you don't have to tip.
I personally think putting the tip on the table for them to see when you first sit down,than taking money away every time you are dissatisfied is a good idea.This way they know what they are doing wrong

Answer 7

no but its nice 2 give the waiter a tip

Answer 8

It depends. What with what you just said that there's a fly in your soup. If the fly was there already when the soup arrive of course why should you give him/her a tip, you're not dumb but if the fly what not there when they serve of course for me I do give tip.

Answer 9

No, I don't unless the restaurant is smart and the service is good. A nice gesture is £1 per person, but it depends on what type of restaurant or how the service is.

Answer 10

yes I think that you should tip the waiter your table was served right now pay the man good or bad service you were served