Should I give tips for buffet in a restaurant? (if yes, how much?)?

Question

Here are some details about the particular restaurant I'm referring to, divided into "to tip" and "not to tip" sections =p

To tip:
1. It's a regular restaurant, not some buffet chain where you pay at the front.
2. You pay after you finish your meal.
3. The waiter does bring tea to your table, and cutlery is already on the table when you arrive.

Not to tip:
1. You get your plate yourself.
2. They don't change your plate for you.
3. And finally... it's buffet, it's mostly self-service, and it's not a hotel or a 5-star establishment.

So... to tip or not to tip? And if yes, how much?
(Note: Please give your answer as "standard tip" or "less than standard tip", because Americans might suggest 15%, but I live in the UK where 10% is standard - even in hotels!!)

Answer 1

I usually tip - I even tip at take out. But substantially less that normal. For your question, If normal tip was $3 I would leave about $1.50 or $1 .. For buffet, it's for the food preparers, table cleaners, etc. For take out, I tip less, but it still tips the food preparer and the wait staff that bagged it and brought it to me. Most don't tip, so even a $1 , is still saying "Thanks".

ps: American tipping is now expected at 18% .. bloody inflation !

Answer 2

It's fine to hand a tip to any server in any kind of restaurant if that person has helped you in an especially nice way. It's always your choice, no matter what the so-called Rules are. These servers do not earn much and most of them do a hard job, running back and forth and making sure that everyone is pleased. Sometimes I've stopped on my way out and handed a tip to a particular server or table-clearer and told them, "This is to say Thank you." I did it because there's nothing so wonderful as a person-to-person communication. Tipping is not a social requirement --- it is a simple way to say Thank you.

Answer 3

You do tip, and it's the usual amount.

Although it's not full service, there are parts that provide service. They get your drinks (typically). They clean off your table, sometimes when you finish with one plate, but more likely at the end of the meal, and prepare the table for the next folks (which was you when you walked through the door). They may bring items of special request.

But finally, and most importantly, most waiters and waitresses (even at a buffet) are paid dogs wages. The IRS and the owner expects them to make the minimum wage (at least) from their tips. I know its unfair to you, but that is the system.

BTW, I live in the U.S. (Americans are those people who live in countries in North America or South America), and I typically tip 20%, unless the service is really poor.

Answer 4

Is there someone bringing you drink refills? Taking dirty plates from your table? If you drop your fork does a service person get you a new one? Yes you should tip.

Answer 5

Yes tip.
the waitstaff brings your drinks and keeps them full and clears your empty plates while you go back or for more (most buffets keep the table clear or they should).
I would give just under standard tip.

Answer 6

I normally leave a tip if there is a waiter who brings your drinks. If they don't take the plates away till after you leave, then the busboy does it. Whatever is the equivalent of a US dollar, per diner, is plenty.

Answer 7

You're not supposed to tip at a buffet, since you do everything your self, unless they bring you coffee/water/drink otherwise it's their job to pick up dirty dishes.

Answer 8

Tip only on the service, not a percentage of the bill.

Answer 9

i would tip standard tip 10% where u live

Answer 10

You should tip around 3 bucks..