when and why did restarurant tipping rise from 15% to 20%?

Answer 1

I'm not sure there ever was an official crossing of the 15% to 20% bridge. Those percentages have always been a guideline; suggestions or recommendations. While the origin of tipping has been discussed for ages, there's never been any question as to why we tip. For the quality and promptness of service we receive at that particular time. For example; when we're out and about, 20% is a given, a starting point. Then, depending on the service, promptness, and friendliness of the staff we either increase or decrease that amount.

There have been times when we've left as much as 30% or 40% for over-the-top service at joints we frequent [we live in Vegas] and there have been times when we've left an establishment without leaving a penny. In fact, when we've received horrible service, my boyfriend has semi-politely let the matre'd or restaurant manager know how disappointed we were with the staff and service. Not only that but most times he'll tell them why we were dissatisfied and who it was that let us down. After all, the few times we've been that disgusted, not only would anyone expect a teriffic meal, expensive by most standards, but we would hope to receive a level of service that you'd feel equaled the meal ... and the check! In most cases, the bill is simply picked-up by the mater'd with an apology. In the high-end places, especially were we're at least recognized, they ask us to return the chack the check and we are usually invited back for dinner on a the house.

We never push it or make things up because even in Vegas, with all it's 1,000s of restaurants and millions of faces, they always seem to remember the time you tried to work them over. Here again, honesty is always the best policy.

Back in the 1500s and 1600s customers actually tipped before they ordered their drink or their meal. They did that to insure they received the best or at least better service. Even today, that's something that seldom fails. Try this. Walk into a bar some night and depending on what you'll be drinking, how many of you there are, etc. lay $20 to $50 on the bar -- in advance -- and I guarantee you that you will get the absolute best service in the place and the strongest top-shelf drinks they offer. Plus you'll always get an abundance of munchies. Even the special ones mere mortals are seldom offered. But you have to be careful. If, at some point, the tip you gave in advance starts to equal the amount normally expected for what you've received to that point, pony up some more cash --again, keeping ahead of what's expected -- and the party just keeps on giving!

As for pizza, it doesn't matter what time of the day or night it is or if it's raining, snowing or you're in the middle of a sand storm, if the delivery time and condition of the pie is good, try tipping the driver $5 for one pie, and $8 or even $9 for two. Remember, unlike restaurant servers, delivery people have vehicle payments, insurance, fuel, wear and tear, and ongoing maintainence to deal with. After all, those are some of the reasons you don't want to go for a pick-up or eat-in. Most of the delivery guys and gals work their butts off. Plus, once you get a reputation as a good tipper, the level of service you can expect goes straight up.

In the end, tipping for the right reasons and handling they the right way, tipping is a good deal for both the server and you. Oh, yeah! Remember this; when, for whatever reasons, customers stop giving decent tips, service in general suffers and as a result, prices start going up because the owner has to pay servers and delivery people more money if he expects to keep good. It ain't magic; it's called 'economy.'

Answer 2

I don't know that it officially rose, but it could be due to either
1) 20% is easier for people to calculate in their heads than 15% and
2) some of us have been there and done that and know that there are a lot of jerks out there that are cheap skates. And feeling bad for how hard some servers work, I try to at least try to offset those people at least a little by tipping 20% or more if the service is great.
I doubt it is due to inflation, because as the price of the food goes up, so would the tip at 15%. So in my opinion, it more likely has to do with increased generosity or ease of calculating.

Answer 3

The same time the general cost of living started to rise. Servers only make 2.13 an hour plus tips so they really depend on the tips to pay the bills. Not to mention they have to tip the bus boy, bartender and in some restaurants the hosts and expiditor (person that plates up the food in the kitchen window) they are also taxed on tips if service is bad I tip 15% good 25% or higher

Answer 4

My normal tip is 20% unless the service, not the food was unsatisfactory. It is not the waiter's fault if the cook did not do his job correctly. If the service was unacceptable, I inform the manager as to why I am not leaving the usual 20% tip. It is impossible to run a household on a waiter's wages. The next time you are tempted to leave a tip less than 15%, think about what rude, obnoxious people these waiters have had to endure before you sat down at their table. I'm not saying that they can do or say what they want, but try kindness first. It almost always works! Put yourself in their place before you judge with your money.

Answer 5

because, at least in my state, minimum wage for servers hasnt risen in over ten years. Just inflation alone makes that 3 dollars an hour worth a lot less: things cost more. Ten years ago you could buy a candy bar for 25 cents. Now that same candy bar will cost you 60 or 70 cents. Unfortunately, restuarants only pay what they have to and servers are often young inexperienced people. With tons of others willing to take the job, anyone requiring more can simply be sacked (and its happened at the place I worked). Because servers minumum wage hasnt gone up but the regular wage has (and in most industries they already were on average paid more) people make up the difference in tips.

Answer 6

Why has the price of gas doubled in price the last 3 years? Same principle. The more things cost, the more people are wanting/needing paid. Most places, tipping isn't mandatory, and I tip based on the service I receive, not the 15% or 20% rate. They get what they deserve. If the service is HORRIBLE, not to great. Awesome service, then they get a generous tip.

Answer 7

I don't know if it has officially rose, many people here in good ole southern Cali still like to simply double the tax. I personally don't really look at percentages when my meal is less that $50 or so, so I normally leave quite a bit more. (if I paid $15 for my meal, I'll make it simple and leave a 20.) Remember that your server, who you are normally basing your tip on, isn't getting all that money. We usually have to tip 20-30%(at least) of our earnings out to bussers, food runners, bar, kitchen, etc. Not to mention we work our freaking butts off, and there are some pretty cheap people out there!

Answer 8

I don't think it officially went up. Maybe because people can calculate it easier. Who knows? All I do know is that people need to make sure they are tipping AT LEAST! The server usually has to tip out food runners(1-2%), bartenders(2-4%), barbacks(1%), busboys(1%) and hostesses(1-2%). and they have to claim at least 8% of their tips(This can be different state to state.) I usually start at 20% and go up or down accordingly. If the service seriously blows I still give 8% and tell the management. If the person goes above and beyond they get above and beyond.

Answer 9

I think 15% is fair, and that is what I normally tip (never less unless there is a really good reason). Anything below that without a valid reason is being a cheapskate, and anything above is generous and optional. Inflation is not a valid reason to tip more, since you are tipping by percentage. Inflation affects food prices too, so if the meals cost more the tip automatically goes up.

Answer 10

Tipping has gone up because more people are realizing the wait staff(hooters girls) work there tails off waiting on customers good and bad and more people need to realize that. And whether or not you service is bad or good you still need to tip good!! Because you don't know if the kitchen is slow or they lost an order or the server is just really busy or maybe they are having a bad day ( their dads sick or dog ran away) you people have no clue so next time you go out please take a moment to think about stuff because its not all about you the server has more than one customer and when they ask you if you need anything tell them don't wait till they come with one thing then tell them. Thanks..