tips

[PhilS]

I think a standard rule of 20 to 25% is excessive tipping. I can see that particularly excellent service or fulfilling special requests might on rare occasions warrant that, but generally I think 15 to 20% is appropriate, with the 15% generally representing slightly below average service, and the 20% representing very good to excellent service. When the bill is lower, I actually might tip a larger percentage, on the ground that the same amount of work is required for bringing a cheap meal and an expensive meal. But the notion that, if I am out with a 4 or 5 friends or clients at a very nice restaurant, and we end up spending $300, the waiter, etc., should receive 25% of the bill (or $75) is astounding to me. If I catch on fire during the meal and they put me out, maybe. Other than that.

We also have to remember that everybody would like to make more money, and so it is not surprising that there might be a trend or push to increase what is considered to be appropriate tipping -- and the push is coming from the people who get the money! That doesn't mean they don't work hard, or that tipping for good service is not appropriate, etc., but every "interest group" engages in a little "marketing" to increase their take. It's all part of the "entitlement" society.

 

[LFF]

There is no such thing as excessive tipping. I got tipped $200.00 on a single delivery once. The total was $48.00 excluding my tip.

 

[Naris]

As far as restaurants go, I find this blog both informative and amusing:

http://waiterrant.net/

 

[Kirosia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFF There is no such thing as excessive tipping. I got tipped $200.00 on a single delivery once. The total was $48.00 excluding my tip.

You must've had a huge package.

 

[YamiTenshi]

Like many others have mentioned I tip based on mood and service. I don't think there should be a set minimum because I have gotten really crappy service before and I didn't feel like I owed the waitress a thing (sorry you had a bad day but don't take it out on me). The worse experience I had was a crappy waitress who actually had the nerve to run after me as I was leaving and demand a tip from me... being as polite as I could be I ignored her and continued on my way.

But I am not cheap, even for just barely acceptable service at a resturant I leave a 15-20% tip. Really good service up to 25%.

I leave 25% for a haircut because I've had the same person cut my hair for a few years now and we know each other. For other services I usually leave at least a 15% tip if it was an acceptable job. more if I feel like it.

 

[AlanY]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pne Also, if you were to tip $1 per drink at the bar, I'd imagine the bartender would earn more than a neurosurgeon in an hour during busy times.

Tipping the bartender for each drink at a busy bar is one of my pet peeves. I still do it, but it bothers me. The entire interaction consists of me yelling my drink request over the music and chatter, the guy at the bar nodding, pouring the beer, then handing it to me. That's worth a dollar tip?

 

[lumanogin]

My gf is a waitress so I hear about this too often.

Why tip someone for a job I'm capable of doing myself? I can deliver food. I can drive a taxi. I can and do cut my own hair. I did however tip my urologist, because, I am unable to pulverise my own kidney stones.

 

[Edwood]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilS I'd be interested in people's thoughts about tipping for takeout. In every takeout place now, there's a line on the credit card receipt for a tip. I used to not tip, thinking it really is not necessary for takeout, but the line for a tip is so prevalent on every receipt nowadays, I've begun to wonder whether it is now expected. I'd also be interested in hearing the prospective of people who work in such establishments as to whether they expect to be tipped for takeout. And does it make a difference as to whether it's a Pizza Hut that is mostly takeout, vs. a restaurant that is mostly dine-in?

Hell no, I don't tip for take out. I have yet to see someone tip at the grocery checkout.

-Ed