how much do you tip the waiter at a buffet??

Question

Like ryans, golden corral, ponderosa, chinese.... just basically any buffet place where the server is only getting you new plates and maybe refilling your drinks??

Are they only paid 2.15+ like regular servers? Or do they get minimum wage?

I always tip 20% anywhere else, I just find it hard to tip someone that much when I'm getting my own food and stuff....?? Has anyone worked at a buffet before that knows?

Answer 1

$1 per person

Answer 2

It is shameful to eat out and not leave a tip. I agree that the level of service is a factor. For anyone to think that they should not tip is appalling to me. The attendants in buffets do work hard an do deserve tips. They are supposed to be attentive, refill you beverage, remove empty plates and get your condiments, straws etc. And did you know that in some places they actually prepare some of the food items like cutting the fruit for the buffet and filling the salad bar with ice & setting it up (big job). Depending on the level of service, once again, you can tip up to 20% but leave at least $2.00 per person.
An yes they are paid at least min wage in my state.
Compared to a full service restaurant they make much less. A server in full service has the potential of making $22 - $25 per hour. That was my average. But, I'm good.

Answer 3

From what I know from somebody who is a waitress, you get paid at least the minimum wage and tipping isn't necessary unless you want to at a buffet. I have heard that in some places the tips are collected as a whole and divided among all the waiters and waitresses so nobody really gets a higher tip. Source was a waitress.

Answer 4

i think you ought to tip them. a lot of those waiters, waitresses try their superb to verify your table is sparkling. I even have been to such somewhat some buffet, the staff cleans the tables each and every 5-10 minutes, so human beings do not see how lots you have pigged out!! eveytime i circulate to buffet i circulate with a lot of human beings and a few poeople serve themselves fish or some thing and then the scent if there on your face. this is advantageous whilst the waiter comes and takes it removed from you.

Answer 5

$1.00 per person is a good rule of thumb. A little more if extraordinary service is provided (assisting handicapped persons to the table would be a good example since this can take time to perform and take away from the server's regular duties).

Answer 6

A few bucks if he's just removing dirty dishes.....or more if the waiter is refilling drinks, new plates, etc.

A little is better than nothing, which so many people assume since they feel they had to go through the line to get their food.

Answer 7

Even at JJ Norths and FreshChoice I leave a hefty tip on the table. Those bus boys/bus chix work darn hard and have to climb over all those little kids all the time.

Answer 8

I used to work at a buffet. I got paid slightly above minimum wage and didn't expect tips.

Therefore, unless my son leaves a huge mess, I don't tip

Answer 9

In CA, the employees should be making minimum wage, especially for corporations that large. However, I at least say $1.00 per person, more if they actually refill your glass. That doesn't happen often. *rolls eyes*

Answer 10

It depends on the service, were the dirty places taken promptly, drinks sit empty, etc.. I always leave something but it depends on the mess etc They do get paid less than min wage still

Answer 11

Up to 20%. Depends on the service though.