Ok, Im a server at a fine dining establishment... why the hell dont people tip??

Question

im sorry but if you pay 200 dollars for a damn meal whats 40 dollars to a server??? seriously!

i swear 20% should just be included on the bill for tip, whats your average tip to a server... percentage wise?

Answer 1

I don't know why they don't. I agree with you - 20% tip. I've heard that some establishments include the tip on the bill.

Answer 2

I have only not tipped at all once in my life and it was for terrible service, I still feel guilty. I usually tip 20% for good service, I have also tipped more depending on the type of establishment and the service. I think some people go out to a fancy place and maybe it's a treat and they cannot really afford it in which case perhaps they can't afford the $40, who knows? I think 20% is very reasonable

Answer 3

Hi Susan D,
I tip 20 percent & if the really like the sever & they DO THERE JOB making sure I have enough drinks, that what I ordered was delivered hot, weather they served salad be4 my meal got there,etc. then I tip higher. Some server don't care or for that matter serve anything right so when I feel servers are doing a lousy job I tip less then 10 percent & a penny, & if they just plain bad a dollar in change & a penny (this used to be know as LQQk you want a good tip then you should do better at serving). Have a good day!

Answer 4

I dine out frequently, at least 20 times per month. TIPS are based first a. ON the SERVICE received and b. on the quality of the food.
Tips normally are 20+ percent of the bill (excluding taxes), however on rare time the either the service person seems to have an 'attitude' problem and I tip less.
Have you had an 'attitude adjustment recently'?? Bad attitudes show up in behavior, comments etc.

Answer 5

As a former server and fiance to one of the chefs I worked with, I always hated it when people didn't tip or tipped very little. However, on a $200 tab, isn't $40 = 20%??? I find that entirely fair. As for the cook who posted above, that's typical of BOH guys to feel that way. But stick them in a dress shirt and bistro apron and put 'em on the floor and I'm certain that many of them wouldn't fare very well.

Anyway, I've always felt that everyone at one time or another should wait tables at least once in their life. It's a humbling experience. Bad service usually doesn't happen because we could care less about the customer. And we're all human, we have feelings, and just because we're bringing you food doesn't mean we're pee-ons. It's because of this understanding that I will tip 15% on bad service, 20-25% on good service, 30 on exceptional service and a mandatory $5 on any tab less than $15.

Answer 6

These are the reasons I have witnessed people not tipping under...

They got too drunk to remember.

They are from another country where tipping is not expected.

They are so out of touch they don't realize that servers make about 3-4 dollars an hour and rely on tips as part of their income.

They were the theater crowd and rushed off to their concerts forgetting to tip.


Those are the reasons people don't tip OTHER than a rude, forgetful, unattentive, server.
On the contrary, if someone is spending $200 dollars on dinner, they expect amazing service. If they don't get it they might be pissed off about it.
Many companies entertain their clients at these types of restaurants. They want their customers to have an experience. If they don't get what they expected they not only won't tip, but they won't be back.
Having said that, your establishment should have 15% added on for tables of 6-8 or more.
Most people will not complain to have that taken off and it is fair to the server who has to devote a large amount of time to one table.

Answer 7

I'm a waitress, not at a fancy place these days, but still, I make good money. As a matter of fact, every water and every waitress I know, who is GOOD AT THIER JOB makes pretty good money, usually 15-20%. Sure, there are sleazy sh!tty customers out there who don't understand that tipping is not just common curtesy, but also a HUGE part of our earnings, who leave nothing, or not enough, but in general, if you're doing a good job it pays off.
The one problem with the fancy places as opposed to more casual family restaurants is that you serve fewer tables in a shift, which means that just 1 or 2 rotten tables can leave you broke at the end of the day. Try working someplace where you serve more people, something more fast paced. Sure, you're busier, but they also expect a little less, it won't be the end of the world (and your tip) if a water glass is empty for a few seconds!
Good luck, try to relax. It's a hard job, and not enough people recognize that!

Answer 8

2 reasons...Either they are cheap and they think that they paid enough for their meal already or...they had bad service and they think that the waiter doesn't deserve a tip.
Do you think you are a good server ? If I were you, I would ask the other waiters if they get tips or not....maybe you will have your answer right there !
Personnaly, I tip well for good service, but if I have to ask 3 times for the bill or pour my own wine all evening, I let the waiter know that I did not leave him a tip, and why......

Answer 9

Im a cook an personally i think the tipping is bull unless its going to all the staff involved perhaps a staff day out at the end of the year....drinks every 3 months. Where i work its as a team i dont think anyone should get a $40 buck tip to themselves when all they do is drop a plate on the table an pick it up....sure a waitress plays an important role but maybe its time to think about the people that back them up??? My "team" are a fantastic bunch wether learning or employed for a long time and i back them as they back me. You never said if the tip was for you only but if isnt...serves you right for being greedy lol geesh

Answer 10

If you are working in an upscale restaurant, this means that another staff person is refilling the guests glasses, and watching the table to see if the guest is satisfied or not. If you do receive a sizable tip, it should be split between all the people who helped to ensure a pleasant dining experience.