I have come across so many people who tell me that I should always tip a server at least 15%, no matter how BAD they are at their job. Because they only make $2.13 per hour, aw how sad, right? Except I know better. We have a federal minimum wage in this country and it is currently $5.15 per hour unless you are a tipped employee who customarily and regularly receives more than $30 in tips per month. In that case, you only earn $2.13 per hour, but it doesn't end there. The law says that if the tipped employee does not earn enough in tips to equal min wage, then the employer must make up the difference. So, all you waiters and waitresses, do your jobs to the best of your ability, smile, and keep my glass full and I will tip you at least 15%, even though I don't have to. If you don't like your minimum wage job (that is, in fact, not a minimum wage job), don't gripe about it to me.
2006-12-22 09:08:45 · 14 answers · asked by Unorthodox 3 in Dining Out ➔ Other - Dining Out
Well, when I waited tables, I'd actually walk away from a 4-5 hour shift with $200-$300... which averages about $50-$60 an hour. Not too shabby. But then again, I was one hell of a server, and knew how to do my job well.
And for those of you thinking "No way.." Think about it this way:
I could serve 6 or 7 tables at a time, no problem. Average party size was 4-top, average ticket was around $50. Let's make it easy, and say these parties each stayed for an hour. So.. $50 times 6 tables.. These people were eating an average of $300 worth of food an hour. Even if they wanted to tip a sh*tty 10%, I'd still walk with $30/hour. But I always gave exceptional service, which usually equals exceptional tips (averaging $50-$60/hr).
Those servers who are complaining they don't make enough money are obviously either:
A) Not working in the right establishment, or
B) Not doing their job right.
2006-12-22 09:41:46 · answer #1 · answered by [we're all mad here] 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes I know the law requires the employer to guarantee that the waiter/waitress averages nimimum wage per hour. It's a good thing too cause some people just refuse to tip a decent amount regardless of the service received.
I leave a 5 to 10% tip (and a verbal comment to the server) if I get mediocre or less than adequate service.
I leave 15% tip if I get average service & I leave 20% if I get excellent service (or more depending on my alcohol consumption :-)
I leave no tip and a comment with the manager if I get absolutely no effort from the server.
As Harrison Ford once said, waiting tables is a job that is easy to do but seldom done well.
I was a waitress for a decade, I know I'm a picky customer but hey, I'm worth it & that's their job.
2006-12-22 13:43:55 · answer #2 · answered by celia17 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Okay,you are one of those people who think waiters/waitresses make a lot of tips. My family has worked restaurant work.By law the employer has to make up any difference to make sure they get min. wage. But those waiters have to still pay taxes on those tips. So if you base their tip on their performance why should they have to pay taxes on gratuities.(Look up in a dictionary what that means) Here is a little tidbit I bet you didn't know. The restaurant breaks down what it makes on each shift, per waitress they than decide what that waitress was suppose to make. If a waitress works a slow section that day, She will make less in tips, so should she be required to pay as much. Will at the restaurant where my sister works thay don't give a flying fig which section they work, they just give them an average. It's not as most people think. My sister works in a truck stop, and she often times came home with good tips, but if she worked the formal dining room, most times tips were paltry. The customers were local people who generally are tightwads.
2006-12-22 09:26:22 · answer #3 · answered by Virginia C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what state your talking about. Here in Ca, we make minimum wage plus tips. In other states, they literally are only paid about $2.00 an hour by the restaurant, and the rest is made up of tips. And who do you think you are telling us to get a different job? Most of us are WORKING STUDENTS paying our way through school. Would you prefer we don't work while going to school and live off welfare so you can support us? Didn't think so. Next time think before you open your uneducated and close minded mouth.
2006-12-22 10:03:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yeah, in Canada it's against labor standards to pay under minimum wage, no matter how much you make in tips.
2006-12-22 12:57:33 · answer #5 · answered by Mandy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I lived in a small town in Kansas and some of my best friends were waitress and they were getting atleast $100 a day in tips!
2006-12-22 10:40:08 · answer #6 · answered by Ashlie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they must earn over the minimum wage, waitresses/waters usually make good tips which makes up their wage
2006-12-22 10:17:34 · answer #7 · answered by leanne n 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
15 ot 14 dollar per hr
2006-12-22 09:23:23 · answer #8 · answered by clairekansas 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two kids who are servers and they make about $11 per hour.
2006-12-22 09:16:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anti-Aging Girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It varies from state to state. Colorado $2.50...California $6.75. By the way big spender..good service equals 20% plus. Walk in our shoes for a day and then comment.
2006-12-22 09:49:34 · answer #10 · answered by chewtoy789 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋