What do you tip a server?

Question

I am a server, and if not being too arrogant, a darn good one. I'm rather confident in what I do.

Trying to find out what people think on this. Via my tips, it seems like MOST people know how to tip properly, and others seem to just be ignorant about it.

The min. amount of a tip should be 15%. Period. If the service is wonderful, then 20%! If you tip a flat 20% always, it's greatly appreciated.

If you don't think you should tip, you shouldn't dine out. The service staff pays taxes on their sales.

Also, do you tip when you place a call in or walk in carry out order? The person taking care of you should receive a tip as well.

And about the tipping on carry outs....I do not handle them. I'm just curious to see what answers I get. At my restaurant, the bartenders have to take care of them (taking the call, ringing you up, packaging it all, bagging it, etc.) in addition to serving people at the bar and making the servers drinks. Personally, I tip when I have a take out. And no, I agree you're not being served nor do they expect say, a 15% tip, but something would be nice for their time.

P.S. Just curious. I really don't even like my bartenders - lol

Answer 1

i tip 20
but if its great more
now a carryout gets a doller or two, they dont get as much because they do less

Answer 2

Miss Understood, this is why we don't tip the cooks or the guy at Mickey D's....they get paid a higher hourly wage. Servers get paid an hourly wage of about $2- $3 an hour. The government assumes we're making the main bulk of our income from tips, so our employers are not obligated to pay us minimum wage. We get taxed not only on our hourly wage, but roughly 8% of our sales per shift. Also, the McD's dude doesn't clear plates, refill drinks, offer dessert, and make sure you're enjoying your Big Mac.

Some people just don't tip and believe we should be justly compensated by our employers and not customers. Unfortunately, they just stiff us instead of actually trying to change the law. I wish I didn't have to rely on customers for tips and got paid strictly from the employer, but service standards would greatly plummet in restaurants as the service staff will be getting paid the same for doing a half *** job as an outstanding one. People should tip accordingly for the service received, and if they're unhappy, they need to speak to the manager. I always tip my server and carry out person, but this comes from someone in the industry who knows how it feels to be stiffed.

One thing this job has taught me, I never want to be a lifer, and that's why I'm in college!

Answer 3

I have always followed the 15% and up rule as you previously mentioned. As far as tipping on a carry-out order, I do not agree that taking my order on the phone and ringing me up at the cash register is the same thing as waiting on me when I'm sitting down in the restaurant. After all, you don't tip the person who takes your order and money at McDonald's. Good service is more than just taking the order... I assume you know that because you're a server. It's hard work, isn't it?

Answer 4

It depends upon the bill amount. For a simple lunch or dinner bill, 15% will be too low.
I prefer to pay a decent sum based on the service I get.
I think there is also a practice to pool the tips received by all servers and later shared by all including the backdoor service personnel like cook, clean boys etc.

Answer 5

it depends on the service. if the service is good, i usually tip $5. If we have to wait 20 minutes for service while the waitress is yapping on her cell-phone and my BF only has his coffee re-filled once (which happened last time we went to I-Hop), i give $2.

PS i'm speaking dinner for 2 at a place like I-Hop, Bob Evan's, Denny's,etc, which is usually about $25, so that's still 20% for good service

Answer 6

Since when is tipping a requirement? If the service is excellent (i.e. service with a smile, checks up on our table often, etc.) then they receive a 15%-20% tip from me. If the service is poor, they will receive nothing.

Answer 7

For average service I usually give 15%. If the service is above average I am willing to give as much as 25%.

Answer 8

I usually tip 25%. I also tip at a buffet but I have never tipped when I picked up carry out.

Answer 9

I give 15% of the bill....pretty soon the norm will be 100% of the bill....when will it stop??

Answer 10

20% is standard.