Should I tip a waitress who was rude to me?

Answer 1

Heck no!

Answer 2

Rude how? The waitress (server) may not have been aware it was taken as rude; or it may be really clear they were being mean (only once in my life has this happened). They could be having a bad day (a really rude customer a few tables over, be short-staffed, etc.) they could be not liking their job and taking it out on you, or any number of reasons.

Let the server know that you found the behavior unacceptable; give them a chance to respond. If they are not apologetic, or perhaps even if you don't feel comfortable speaking to the server, then leave a 5% tip (or no tip if you feel that's necessary or appropriate) and speak to the manager about the issue. If the manager is not understanding, and it's a chain restaurant, indicate you'll talk to the head office and actually do so.

In resonse to some other answers here, being rude back is *not* a polite (nor good, in my opinion) response. Being mean simply breeds meanness. Also, leaving no tip at all, the server may think you forgot, or had no extra change and were too lazy to get change.

Also, how was the service overall? Did you receive the correct food? Were any extra requests handled? In general, a tip (in the USA at least) is considered a 'thank you' for good service. The better the service, the more the tip; the worse the service, less of a tip. the general guideline is 10-20% of the total bill, before discounts.

Finally, please be aware that it is legal for restaurants to pay less than minimum wage to servers, expecting that it will be made up in tips. In addition, most servers have to pay a percentage of their receipts (how much a customer paid) regardless of the tip left. So leaving no tip at all in the USA has a big impact on a server. I would encourage you to leave at least 10% if the service was acceptable; consider it part of the cost of the meal. Certainly leave more than 10% if you received good to exceptional service.

Answer 3

If I can not leave a tip and not feel guilty about it then I know it was an ok choice. If I have an excellent waiter or waitress I tip very generously (sometimes up to 30 percent), so I don't feel bad not tipping or tipping very low if the service does not allow me to give more. Being a waiter is a job based upon hospitality and class, if someone doesn't have or offer those things then they should find a different profession.
Plus, tips are a bonus not part of the rate for your dinner. Think about it, would you get an annual bonus at work if your boss didn't think you preformed your skills or tasks? Probably not.

Answer 4

Your waiter/waitress is an important part of your dinning experience at whatever restaurant you're at, they're supposed to accomodate and make you feel comfortable. I'd say leave as least of a tip as possible without making it look like a mean joke. If it was that bad you should talk to the manager about the waitress that served you and what they did wrong. Leaving a nickel or a couple of pennies is not nice and can be seen as a joke.

Answer 5

When I get 100% bad service I leave 1 penny on the table, that gets the point across real fast but to answer you question no you don't have to tip a waitress who was rude to you

Answer 6

yes, you should tip your waitress....if nothing else give her the change from your bill....example...if your bill was $40.25, give her the 75 cents in change and talk to the manager about her being rude.....let the manager know that she/he (if that be the case) that you did not appreciate the rudeness and that you did leave a minimal tip in accordance....also, let the manager know that you will be contacting the home office and be expecting an apology.

Answer 7

No, but you should speak with the manager and let them know about your experience. There could be a number of reasons why she was rude. It could be that she had a bad day, personal problems, or could even be racially motivated. Either way the manager will speak to her and prevent the next customer from sharing the same experience you have had.

Answer 8

No, or just a few cents. Maybe she will get the hint, but don't be surprised if she follows you to the door and yells something at you. I wouldn't return to a place like that. Go somewhere else in future. You could also tell the manager, but as for the tip, either nothing or just a few cents.

Answer 9

Absolutely not! If she didn't make your dining experience pleasant, she doesn't deserve any monetary compensation. Sounds like the waitress needs a tip in how to be more courteous.

Answer 10

Proper etiquette would say yes tip him or her.
I am a firm believer that tipping is not mandatory if service has been lacking. Tell her and the manager exactly why you felt they were being rude. So she can improve, that's a tip.

Answer 11

I would not leave a tip, and I would also call the manager the next day to let him know about her behavior. Chances are, he would appreciate your phone call. I wouldn't tell him while you were there, no telling what the employee might do to your food as payback for your complaint.