What is the most gracious way to accept a tip when the person calls you over and hands it to you personally?

Question

At work, half of us say, "You don't have to do that," and accept it with a blush. The other half of us politely say, "Thank you," and go about our business.

Answer 1

A good chunk of my career was as a waitress (which I'm going to assume you are). I found that saying "Thank you very much" and smiling (because hey, who isn't happy about a tip?) is the best way to go. If the customer didn't want to give you a tip they wouldn't. Since they do, saying "thank you" acknowledges that you appreciate what they are doing. Just make sure you make eye contact when you say it. That shows that you are appreciative, attentive and even though you are finished with them, you still have time for them.

Answer 2

It depends on what you do for a living. If you are a waiter or a valet driver or some other career where tipping is common knowledge then say "Thank you very much, I appreciate it" wish them a good day and accept it graciously. If you are a presidential candidate (lol) or a career where you even think it is bad to accept a "tip", then say "No,No,please, I just want to help,thank you though" and go about your business. It is better to give selflessly from the heart than get paid. Unless you are broke then get your money and graciously accept either way. Beggars can't be chosers!lol Thank you

Answer 3

Thank you. Or, thank you very much. No need to blush or act silly if your job allows you to take a tip. Acting like it's some special occasion makes the tipper think he's done something wrong.

Answer 4

Several things come to mind. No, thank YOU, come back again.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate this, have a nice rest of the day.
I'm glad you enjoyed yourselves here at [insert name of restaurant here}, thank you.
It was my pleasure, come back again, and thanks.

I get really annoyed with servers who barely acknowledtge a tip, saying thanks without a smile, or eye contact, or just keep walking with a mumbled thanks. . I don't expect anything but a smile, or some eye contact. Groveling or pretty speechs are not necessary, but nice. Otherwise, I get to thinking that the server thought my tip was inadequate. And the next time I go to that restaurant and get that server, well, I feel less than generous. Tell your fellow servers that it is polite to acknowledge a tip nicely. It is to their benefit. The customer will remember, and bring their business back, and send others. I watch around me at a restaurant, and notice servers who are less than polite. And if it is my server doing the less than polite, less tip.
And if you insert the restaruant name in the thanks, I bet your boss will hear of it, and like the idea and that you came up with it.

Answer 5

I agree with the other half that politely say, "Thank you." A polite "Have a nice day/evening" wouldn't hurt either.

The problem with saying " You don't have to do that" is that some day maybe they won't any more, and I'm sure you need the tips.

Answer 6

You should never reject a tip, unless the policy of the establishment says you cannot accept a tip. You just say thank you. If someone is offering a tip it means they are showing their appreciation, so to reject it would be rude and ungracious.

Answer 7

Always say thank you very much!
The same goes for compliments as any other response will diminish the intent.
You could actually make someone feel bad for trying to do something nice for you.

Answer 8

Say Thank You with a smile.

Answer 9

Say thank you, and smile. Then go about your business.

Answer 10

Both are acceptable, especially when you add thank you to the former comment.