There are over 75 questions about food server tipping, the majority of them discuss percentages. This is fine if you are spending $30 or $50, but as someone who never buys alcohol by the glass and often splits an entree with his wife resulting in a $15 or less bill, I wonder if 15-20% is adequate.
What is the minimum tip for a food server working in average chain restaurant? What if you are dining alone? Does this change the minimum or percentage?
Current and past food servers are encouraged to comment.
2007-12-15 07:14:03 · 9 answers · asked by Stephen 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
99% of the time I do not have bad service. Only asking for adequate service, e.g.- keeping drinks from running out and asking if I need anything every ten minutes.
2007-12-15 07:34:40 · update #1
It never changes UNLESS: the service is awful or the service is exceptional......always 15-20% otherwise!!
2007-12-15 07:19:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I was a server for 7 years during high school and college. To be honest, 15 - 20% would be fine. We base how well we did on tips based on the total monetary amount of food sold.
Since I was a server and I know how thankless it can be, I always leave at least $5. Even if I just had a coffee, then it'll only go up from there, based on what I eat.
If the service is exceptional, then go ahead and drop a bit more down on the table. If your server just seems to be hating life that night, but still gives you good service, go ahead a drop a few extra down too. You'll completely change their attitude for the shift!
That's great you're concerned about this though!
2007-12-15 15:25:43 · answer #2 · answered by christiekpoe 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Being a server is tough.. and you should remember that servers are usually students who are poor and trying to get through college. Hourly salaries are usually about 4$ an hour. I used to work lunches at this one restaurant, and Id get full of these people who split everything then get water. Thats fine... I do that when I go out too. But, they still demand just as much as any guest, and maaaaany demand way too much and are just plain rude. I would a lot of times walk out with 20bucks in my pocket which is nothing when you've got bills to pay. Even if I eat alone and its something small, I usually drop a few dollars, depending on how nice the server was. Sometimes you get terrible service, and honestly I don't leave them much more than I have to. I know that when I get a shockingly great tip from someone, it really makes my whole day and us servers will talk about it with everyone and have a better attitude for the rest of the night. I've had couples drop me tips of 50% or even more... (and I work at a burger restaurant!). So, just think of all these things.. but never ever leave under 2 dollars :)
2007-12-15 15:38:52 · answer #3 · answered by ~*~ 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
NO It does not change it at all. The only change to the average 15-25 (The percentages have changed now) percent is if that percent falls under a dollar. If it does fall under a dollar, you leave no less than one dollar. If the service was bad, then you leave 15%, and if it was excellent, then you leave 30%. What you eat or how much makes no difference in it. You still leave at least the 15%....yes, even at average chain restaurants. I just finished a business communications class with a 100% average and we covered this as well.
2007-12-15 15:25:16 · answer #4 · answered by Angelic Valentine 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Regardless if you are dining alone or with a group, the standard tip is 15%-20% for good/excellent service.
It shouldn't matter if you have an alcoholic drink or not. If you are splitting an entree with a partner, you may want to tip higher.
When my husband and I dine out at expensive restaurants, we will tip higher if we had excellent service (usually 25%). We don't eat out regularly and going to a fine/fancy restaurant is a special occasion.
Remember servers, no matter where they work are working for tips to pay for expenses- rent, house payment, car payment, etc. .. just like you and me.
2007-12-15 16:21:11 · answer #5 · answered by Daisy 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The tip is a gratuity that you should only provide if you are pleased with the service. Don't feel this is an absolute must. Sometimes it's simply very poor service but this is not always the fault of your server, the kitchen may be understaffed and the server takes the brunt from the patron. Percentages to tipping are simply guidelines to make things a little easier for you in calculations. You are not responsible for the serving staff's salary/income. It would be very nice if restaurant staff were made aware of this, perhaps they would make an effort to be more pleasant at times.
I loved the previous answer to your question. $5.00 tip for a cup of coffee? Well, I just bet you the service staff run to open the door when they see that person coming, I know I would.
2007-12-15 15:29:06 · answer #6 · answered by MYRA C 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The 15-20% figure is good for tipping in general, not only for $30 meals.
If you're afraid it's low, go with the 20% -- or even a bit more, if you feel you must.
But, if you spend $15, that's a $3 tip. That seems OK to me. If you want to make it 5, they'll love you for it.
2007-12-15 18:14:02 · answer #7 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it would be different, but if the tip were equal to less than a dollar, I would leave a full dollar. Leaving loose change seems like an insult. Also I can't imagine a meal being that cheap. If you use a coupon, you still tip on the amount before the discount.
To others: please, if you receive poor service or bad food, complain to the manager. Stiffing the waitress hurts her and her family and won't improve things.
2007-12-15 15:30:46 · answer #8 · answered by Diane H 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I always feel stingy leaving less than $1, no matter what my bill was. If you sit at the table an especially long time, or make special requests, I think it's considerate to overtip by a dollar or two.
2007-12-15 15:25:37 · answer #9 · answered by Bethany * 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋