Why do Canadians only tip 10% at restaurants?

Question

I used to work at a restaurant in Hawaii. Consistently Canadians only tip 10%. Because the cost of living in Hawaii is so high, it is customary to tip 15%. And if it is exceptional service 20%. So why the 10% all the time?

Answer 1

So you admit that the cost of living is high, therefore the price Canadians pay for a restaurant meal is already too much, and you are receiving more than usual even if getting 10%.

Different cultures have different customs. Some cultures find tipping insulting all together. Canada, is a bit inbetween. We tend to tip, especially for good service, but tend not to tip accessively.

Answer 2

Hate to say it, but either you were dealing with cheap Canadians or they didn't like the service cause I'm a bartender in Canada and have worked in 5 different cities and I usually make 15-20% tips!! I've even gotten a 50% tip before by a Canadian customer, and I'm not one of those who uses her body or flirts to make tips!! As to the person who mentioned that servers make a wage here, we make less than $7 per hour in wages. Times that by 40 hrs a week (usually full time in a restaurant is actually less than 40 cause its such a long time on your feet) and we're making $1120/ month in wages - try paying rent, cable, groceries, kids expenses etc. on that and you'll realize that it doesn't go far, so we very much have to depend on tips too - especially since its more expensive to live here than in many parts of the states - rent for a one bedroom apt in Toronto is close to $1000!!! Just a heads up for all of those who think servers should be able to live off their wages and tips are a "bonus" - they're not, we wouldn't be able to survive otherwise!!

Answer 3

Santa is correct.

I've discovered that down in the States, from what I can tell, the tips are parts of your salary. Up here the wait staff actually get paid properly and the tips are indeed a bonus.

Since I found that out I now tip more when I'm in the States. However, very few Canadians actually know that fact.

Answer 4

One point that no one has touched on yet, is that until very recently, one dollar American cost us (Canadians) a lot more than just a buck....So to tip someone three dollars on a $15.00 meal was more than just $18.00....because of the dollar exchange. (Not that that is a fair enough reason-especially seeing as they must have money if they are able to take a vacation to Hawaii)...

Also, some Canadians may not be aware that wages in some states are sooooo friggin' low (pathetic..shame on the usa)....

Anywho, for the most part, everyone that I know adds at least 15% when they receive good (or at least decent) service!

ps-at least we get/give tips here....Living in New Zealand I found it weird that they do not tip anyone...

Answer 5

Well i come from a family(in canada) we alwasy tip 15-20% but the waitresses in Canada get a wage and some people don't realize in the U.S tipping is part of their wage. Plus some places like in Australia tipping isn't a big thing like it is here.

Answer 6

Not sure what part of Canada the other people are from, but most places I've been to add a 15% gratuity to the bill. The rule of thumb is to add up the taxes on the bill (without the cost of liquor) and that is the tip....the combined taxes equals 15%.

Answer 7

we usually tip $5. if its a nice restaurant $10-$20

Answer 8

because Canadian wait staff are payed wages and tips are a bonus not part of there earnings

Answer 9

because the waitresses in canada get paid 5% more, so the costumers tip 5 percent less.

Answer 10

Because they don't like to spend money!Ha ha I am Canadian!