How many still tip waiters and waitresses at 20% or more?

[SFC B]

I bartended and served while I was in grad school. I also delivered pizza in the Ghetto during that time period. I understand the system and tip well in CASH (I hate the idea of tips being taxed). The idea of a "living wage" given our the incredible diversity and differences in our country, local economies etc vs the western European countries (and I have lived in 3 of those) we get compared to is very flawed.....and accordingly service there (even in what would be non-tipped service jobs...like store clerks) is generally crappy at best. The other perspective that time gave me is that I know whether problems with my meal were kitchen related (ie steak not cooked correctly) or service related (food cold, not correct sides etc) and adjust accordingly. If I go below 15%, service has been bad.......some folks really do not belong in any type of service industry. Currently I work (Scheels) on partial commission but thankfully the culture and pay package is such that the most valued and rewarded move is getting the right fit for our customers instead of "upselling". Generally you can find things on line cheaper (even though we DO price match) so I really do strive to "help" people get what suits their needs/wants and b e as knowledgeable as possible. The best is when people are surprised when you suggest things that are substantially cheaper but fit them the best.

 

[Wildabeest]

I tip when I sit down and order. Otherwise, not so much unless I get exceptional service, in which case I’ll tip in cash after the transaction. I also will “tip the kitchen” in cash for exceptional food - on top of tipping the wait staff on the credit card.

I often go out to eat on my own and dine at the bar in nicer restaurants. I tip those guys pretty well. They take care of me on return visits.

 

[WIbiggame]

20% here but go up or down based on the service.

 

[Carl 9.3x62]

Usually around 18-20%.

I enjoyed the "no tipping" culture in New Zealand when we visited, although I did tip our fishing guide.

 

[bigsky2]

I typically do 20%. I did enjoy the no tipping culture when I was in Europe though. If you tipped anything at all they were ecstatic.

 

[Dave N]

I typically do 20%. I did enjoy the no tipping culture when I was in Europe though. If you tipped anything at all they were ecstatic.

Yeah, that took some getting use to.