How much would you tip in this situation?

[Paz]

I ordered take out at a Mexican restaurant last night. This is a restaurant where if you are eating in, you place your order at the counter and pay, then they bring your food out when it is ready. They call your name and you either go up and get your order or they will drop it off at your table. You go up and get refills at the counter. No one really comes to your table except maybe to drop off your order. For takeout, you simply place an order wait for your food and leave. I paid by credit card and did not leave a full 15 percent tip. In fact, if I paid in cash I probably wouldn't have thought to tip because there is no tip jar there and I would figure that I don't tip at McDonalds or other fast food type places which I consider this to be similar to. Anyway, one of the workers saw my tip and went on and on about how awful my tip was, etc., etc. Not directly to me but she knew I heard.

[Karenciavo]

JiGgawHaT?! I'd tip nothing, are they out of their minds? Same thing at Dunkin Donuts, you got me a coffee that I paid too much for and you want me to tip you too. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/signs065.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[T Baer]

.

[JWSJ]

I've had people tell me that leaving a tip LESS THAN 50% is morally wrong.

And I've seen Europeans visiting the U.S. complain to the management about the required 18% gratuity for parties of 6 or more. They don't tip that well in Europe.

I tend to agree. I'll tip within reason. For 15% the wait staff had better be doing their job.

But if they're just throwing my food at me - then no tip.

[Amy in Orlando]

I've had people tell me that leaving a tip LESS THAN 50% is morally wrong.

And I've seen Europeans visiting the U.S. complain to the management about the required 18% gratuity for parties of 6 or more. They don't tip that well in Europe.

I tend to agree. I'll tip within reason. For 15% the wait staff had better be doing their job.

But if they're just throwing my food at me - then no tip.

50 % is over the top.

But we don't live in Europe. Servers here are paid $2 something an hour and that covers their taxes. The tips are what they actually take home - and they're taxed on those too. And, in most full-service restaurants they're expected to share their tips with the bus boys at the very least. 20 % is the norm for a server who does a good job in a sit-down restaurant.

Sorry, this topic makes me a little edgy. Dh worked for years as a manager for Chili's. They could not keep people at their big touristy restaurant here in Orlando because the people from other countries did not tip. Servers in those countries might make a living wage, but they don't here. Have you ever worked as a server or cook or bartender?

In the OP's situation, 15% is fine (It sounds a lot like our local Tijuana Flats). Those folks are paid at least minimum wage, so they're not depending on your tip as a wage.

[JWSJ]

They could not keep people at their big touristy restaurant here in Orlando because the people from other countries did not tip.

That is too funny. My family talks about the vacation places we've been that have horrible service. Orlando always comes up from everyone.

Now, I know who to blame it on: Tourists from other countries!

[Amy in Orlando]

That is too funny. My family talks about the vacation places we've been that have horrible service. Orlando always comes up from everyone.

Now, I know who to blame it on: Tourists from other countries!

ROFL :D Orlando sucks for many reasons and it's not all tourists from other countries. I was talking about one specific restaurant.

But, there are tons of other things to hate about Orlando - especially if you are visiting as a tourist.

[Tammy in Germany]

Sorry...I've lived in Europe and traveled a great deal...I always tip for good service. Yes, they make a living wage, but when I receive great service I like to let them know I appreciate it..in Europe or US..doesn't matter. :)

[Colleen]

In the OP's situation, 15% is fine

I've gotta disagree. Tipping (particularly 15%) for take-out isn't the norm.

[Mrs Mungo]

But we don't live in Europe. Servers here are paid $2 something an hour and that covers their taxes. The tips are what they actually take home - and they're taxed on those too. And, in most full-service restaurants they're expected to share their tips with the bus boys at the very least. 20 % is the norm for a server who does a good job in a sit-down restaurant.

Sorry, this topic makes me a little edgy. Dh worked for years as a manager for Chili's. They could not keep people at their big touristy restaurant here in Orlando because the people from other countries did not tip. Servers in those countries might make a living wage, but they don't here. Have you ever worked as a server or cook or bartender?

In the OP's situation, 15% is fine (It sounds a lot like our local Tijuana Flats). Those folks are paid at least minimum wage, so they're not depending on your tip as a wage.

Your post is a bit contradictory. First, I don't consider 20% to be the norm for tipping in restaurants. I consider the norm to be 15%, I give 20% or sometimes a bit more for good service. For average service they get 15%. For poor service they will get 10%. For exceptionally poor service I will leave no tip at all (this has happened maybe 3 times, ever). Once our waiter never checked on us and a *different* waiter brought us extra drinks, our food, etc. I hunted *that* waiter down and tipped him in cash instead of leaving the tip on the check. In cases where servers make less than minimum wage the IRS requires employers to report tips and if tips fall below 8% then the employer has to make up the difference to the employee. That means the IRS considers 8% to the the average tip. The vast majority of counter service restaurants pay their employees at least minimum wage. There's no reasonable expectation of receiving a 15 or 20% gratuity for bringing someone their order. I would think a dollar or two at the most.

[Colleen]

Your post is a bit contradictory. First, I don't consider 20% to be the norm for tipping in restaurants. I consider the norm to be 15%, I give 20% or sometimes a bit more for good service. For average service they get 15%. For poor service they will get 10%.

Yep, same here. (And I've worked both part- and full-time as a server at a "fine dining" establishment.)

[Amy in NH]

I don't tip anything for take out. The tip is a payment for *service*. If there is no service, there is no tip.

[RoughCollie]

I don't tip for takeout. I was surprised when tip jars first appeared at some takeout establishments. No service = no tip.

If I eat-in at at a restaurant, but pick up the food at the counter, clear my table when I leave, and in essence wait on myself, I don't leave a tip then either.

If I am served by a waiter or waitress, I leave 10% for barely adequate service, 15% for good service, and at least 20% for great service.

[Hillary in KS]

Amy, at at sit-down type restaurant like Chili's, IHOP, or Outback Steakhouse, I'd agree.

But at places like Subway or McDonalds? Really? You would tip 15% there? How?

The restaurant in the OP sounds like a Culvers or a Schlotzkey's Deli type of a restaurant. You order, they tell you your number. You get your drink and find a table while they fix your order. When your number is up they call you and you get your food. Like McDonalds or BK, except you have to wait a little longer to get what you ordered.

Why would I tip there?

Hillary

[Doran]

I know that I don't often tip more than a few dollars in a tip jar at a carry-out restaurant. Then again, about the only food we ever get as carry out is Chinese from a place that really doesn't offer seating. I've been reading a bit (http://ask.yahoo.com/20030709.html) about this topic online, thanks to you, and from what I can gather, it is proper etiquette to leave a 10% tip for carry out, 15% if the restaurant is more of a sit down place. Pizza appears to be the one exception where no tip is required if you pick the pizza up. But, I assume that means at a pizza joint, not a restaurant that also serves pizza. Anyway, it's pretty darn confusing! I think you did exactly the right thing and I think the staff there was wrong to remark that you'd done less than what is appropriate, unless your order was huge and/or complicated.

You're sitting there still scratching your head, aren't you? ;)

Doran

[Doran]

I don't tip for takeout. I was surprised when tip jars first appeared at some takeout establishments. No service = no tip.


But, when you think about it, someone still had to make your food, pack it into boxes and bags, and make sure all the necessary "equipment" was there -- like forks, napkins, ketchup, etc. They are still providing "service", just not the same level of service as would be required in a sit-down place. I can see the reasoning behind tipping even for take-out, just not quite as much.

Doran

[Mom2legomaniacs]

But, when you think about it, someone still had to make your food, pack it into boxes and bags, and make sure all the necessary "equipment" was there -- like forks, napkins, ketchup, etc. They are still providing "service", just not the same level of service as would be required in a sit-down place. I can see the reasoning behind tipping even for take-out, just not quite as much.

Doran

But in a restaurant, do the kitchen workers that would provide those services receive a cut of a server's tip anyway? I haven't worked in a restaurant, so I don't know. Just a thought that popped in to my head.

[Tammy]

I disagree! You are tipping 'service' when you do tip....not the cook....not the cashier not anyone else. There is no 'service' involved in carry out....

Tipping has gotten out of hand...if you ask me....tipping USED to be a generous offering....now it is EXPECTED!

Tammy

[Tammy]

No they don't....that was my point down below!

[Mrs. H.]

After all, if you eat at Cracker Barrel, the waitress serving your food, refilling your glasses, and cleaning up afterwards doesn't share her tips with the cook, does she?

We don't tip for take-out service that we pick up. Eating in, yes, we tip at least 20% unless the service is horrible, because we are a large family and we take more 'service' than your average diner, but we don't tip at a restaurant that is eat-in but you order at the counter, take it to the table yourself, and then clean up after yourself. That is the equivalent of eating in a McDonald's.

[Cadam]

I tip for service. Why should wait staff get a tip if they didn't wait on me? Do you tip the fast food guy who hands you your food? nope, I don't tip for carry out.

[GothicGyrl]

I am so going to get neg rep for this, but I don't care because I work in the business and unless you work in the business what is supposed to happen and what actually does, are two different things.

Quoting what the IRS says won't work here in Florida. I make ALL of my income on tips, not my paycheck. I am paid $3.13 a hour and am also expected to claim 10% of my tips. I am also expected to tip out EVENLY any bartender, hostess, and bus boy I work with that night.

If I make 50$ in tips, I am taking home $35-- 10% off the top, that's 5$, then another 10$ split evenly between hostess/bus boy and bartender.

15% is a LOUSY tip for a full service restaurant where I would give you above excellent service (and I know I would I know what I do and how I do it). I would NEVER call you on that tip--I'd politely thank you for it and move on. But it is still lousy.

If your bill is $50 (and for a family of 4, that's a low balled estimate at a full service), making $7.50 on that in tip, is not much when you factor in how much of that I have to pay out--and that's for each tip. I never leave less than a $10 tip on any bill and that's even when it's just two of us. I can't and I won't. I know what it is like on this end.

I am of the belief that if you can't afford to properly tip, don't go out to eat OR order take out --in which you pick up yourself. If I go to a Chinese place, where I ordered take out and I picked it up, I might tip depending on how receptive they are to my demands (I am a picky eater and I tip accordingly). They usually do get something out of me.

But McD's/Subway places like that--no tip. They are paid a living wage. I and other waitstaff, are not. And the government knows this. And they do not care.

If I am giving you excellent service (which I know I am), I would expect to be tipped accordingly. And yes, I said "expect". I am here working for you, the least you can do is pay me something to show your appreciation for that.


Now let them negs roll in. This is one argument I stand by 100%.

[Gwen in TX]

. Anyway, one of the workers saw my tip and went on and on about how awful my tip was, etc., etc. Not directly to me but she knew I heard.

That would have been too much. I would have turned on my heel and stepped back up there and asked to speak to the manager. I would have calmly explained what happened. (This server/ clerk commented on the amount of my tip, in my presence. I am sure that is not acceptable behavior on the part of your staff. STARE HERE.) I would not have gotten into an explanation of anything else, whether my tip was adequate or not. I would not have raised my voice; I would not have recommended extra training.

If the manager looked like a "young thing" just put in charge because he/ she was available to work those hours, as opposed to someone who looked like management, I would be following up with a phone call today to speak to the manager on duty then.

Believe me, management doesn't want a sour attitude or rudeness to make you not come in again, or write a letter to the editor, or tell your friends about lousy service.

Of course, I am hormonally challellenged right now, which might be making me a little more testy that usual - YMMV!:mad:

[Tressa]

We did not tip in Singapore while eating out. It was all built into the price. On the menu it would say $15+++ (or whatever) and that would include the tips and other fees. We did tip for other services though.

[Tammy]

You said: "But McD's/Subway places like that--no tip. They are paid a living wage. I and other waitstaff, are not. And the government knows this. And they do not care. "

Remember your employer obviously doesn't care either....since they can pay you what they want per hour!

I can't say that I agree with everything you said...since I was once a waitress also....

Tammy

[GothicGyrl]

Tammy--you are free to disagree. I'm a waitress and I've been a bartender as well. I know what I go through and I know what level of service I give to my customers and I know that manners teaches me to not complain about it to the customer and I never would, but that doesn't stop me from being upset.

And the employer pays what the government says they have to pay--they have to pay at least the minimum wage and for service staff--that's $3.13 an hour. And they require me to claim 10% of that, which I do.

If I were paid a living wage, I wouldn't complain. At all. But I don't get paid that and right now, with the economy the way that it is, taking a waitress job is about the only thing I know I can get steadily. It's all that's highering in my area.

[Wendy In KS]

I had to chime in here. Being a former waitress at a fairly nice restaurant that also offered "to go" service, I felt I needed to chime in.

At the restaurant I worked for, the "to go" people were paid more than servers' wages, but still not minimum wage. The restaurant is providing you a service by having these people prepare your food (the cooks cook it, but someone has to take your order, bag it up, make sure its correct), and that requires another person or two on the payroll. The only way this service is profitable to a restaurant is by paying this person less money. So, I feel, you are not only tipping because of the service you receive, but also because of the service being available at all. Otherwise, the cost of meals would need to go up to help cover the service being performed, and I'd rather give an extra couple dollars to the teen working afterschool, then pay more for my food. I know it all evens out, but it makes a difference to me.

This of course, goes only for place where "counter service" isn't readily available.

I always tip at least 20%, more if they are extra attentive or if my kids made a big mess. I want my server to get at least a 15% tip, and most places require tip-outs to other aspects- at my restaurant we shared our tips with the hostesses and the bus boys. The only time I will tip less than that is if the service is just awful, which would really just include a bad attitude on the part of the server.

[j.griff]

Um, I wouldn't leave ANY Tip at all- for crying out loud what "service" are they providing that calls for a tip?
That's just ridiculous- everyone wants a "tip" these days- here's mine "If you ain't making enough friggin' money then get ANOTHER JOB! And don't expect people that are already paying for your service (cooked food) to pad your wallet for you by just handing over their hard earned money for no good reason!!!!"

So, there ya go. :) I would also call the manager and complain BIG time about what the person said.

[Tammy]

You just sound like you are 'blaming' the 'government'....when in fact....your employer can pay you what he wants above the 'required' amount. So if his wait staff were not making enough money....the turn around would be awful...and maybe he would pay a bit more...to keep employees....or maybe not.

You can't expect to make 'great' money being a waitress in a place like TGI Friday's...etc.

It is funny how 'tips' work....When you go by percentage of the bill....waitresses will certainly make more money in a higher end restaurant...even though...the service is probably the same! So yea....tips are based on percentage of the bill....and they probably always will be!

[Kris]

I tip very nicely when I receive very nice service. If the service is bad, I don't tip at all. In the case of the OP, I might tip or I might not, depending on a lot of factors -- but after the worker decided to spout off, I wouldn't tip at all, and perhaps wouldn't be back, either.

[Tracey in TX]

I tip very well when service is provided.
25-30% for exemplary service (have given 50% for amazing service)
20% good service
15% minimal
zero for lousy service

I do NOT tip for buffet style when I carry my food/drink and clear own table.
I also worked as a waitress through hs and college. They may not make an adult living wage, but can still make a lot of money for a decent night. I always made more $$ than my minimum wage friends. (20 yrs ago typically made $15/hr)
I also think that drive-thru tip jars are a pathetic attempt at making extra money for doing the bare minimum. Isn't that what minimum wage is for?

[GothicGyrl]

You just sound like you are 'blaming' the 'government'....when in fact....your employer can pay you what he wants above the 'required' amount. So if his wait staff were not making enough money....the turn around would be awful...and maybe he would pay a bit more...to keep employees....or maybe not.

You can't expect to make 'great' money being a waitress in a place like TGI Friday's...etc.

It is funny how 'tips' work....When you go by percentage of the bill....waitresses will certainly make more money in a higher end restaurant...even though...the service is probably the same! So yea....tips are based on percentage of the bill....and they probably always will be!
I'm going to quote Wendy in Ks on this one:
At the restaurant I worked for, the "to go" people were paid more than servers' wages, but still not minimum wage. The restaurant is providing you a service by having these people prepare your food (the cooks cook it, but someone has to take your order, bag it up, make sure its correct), and that requires another person or two on the payroll. The only way this service is profitable to a restaurant is by paying this person less money. So, I feel, you are not only tipping because of the service you receive, but also because of the service being available at all. Otherwise, the cost of meals would need to go up to help cover the service being performed, and I'd rather give an extra couple dollars to the teen working afterschool, then pay more for my food. I know it all evens out, but it makes a difference to me.

The bolding is mine. Yes, in part, I am blaming the government because they are the ones who set wage standards. In other countries, tips aren't given because the server gets a living wage commenserable with the actual cost of living in that area. They don't just make a "minimum", they make a living. So they don't need tips.

In America, we are the only country that does not do this. We don't even have regular jobs paying living wages--there are garbage men making more than teachers!! And while the pay is closer to a living wage, some find they have to take two or more jobs just to make ends meet. So it isn't a matter of "finding another job", that's a cop-out excuse (I know you didn't say this Tammy), it truly is a matter of reforming the living wage all across the board and eliminating the need for tips all over.

And no, I will disagree with you on the "making more in tips at an upscale than at TGI Fridays".. the table turnover at a place like TGIs is higher than an upscale table turnover--I make more money at TGIs or Applebee's than I would at an upscale. The sad truth of the matter is that the more upscale it is, the less the tip, they are more stingy than the "normal folk" are. And I would disagree that it is the "same service" as well. Upscales may have "better" training for their servers, but those servers just don't worry about their tips because they don't have to. They are probably getting paid more, in fact, than I would at TGIs.

And while the turnover rate for employees is high in this business, most businesses realize good help when they have it. And the help realizes that not only does their job depend on it, but their tip/pay does as well--so you are NOT going to get crappy service from me.

I DO go by percentage of the bill and then I add some extra because I know that the waitress is not going to see the percentage I leave her.

[j.griff]

I just wanted to clarify that my "tip" was in reference to the complaining person in the OP- not to others who are in the same business.

[Karen sn]

Actually, I think the IRS just investigates the situation if you claim less than 8%. Having worked in restaurants from the time I was 13 until I became a nurse at the age of 34, I can tell you this - the restaurants make you claim at least 8% of your sales so they don't have to deal with the IRS. I don't really think the IRS thinks we make 8%. But they're going to give us some room for the fact that we tip out the bussers and the bartenders (and in some restaurants the cooks).

When I worked for small independant businesses I always made more than 20%. Especially if the food was exceptional and the kitchen staff on time with it. When I had a party of 6 or more I could pretty much tell who to add my tip in and who to not. I once had a very fun table of 13 or more Florida locals who walked in wearing their tropical shirts, carrying their beer coozies.

They were fun. I told the manager I only wanted them for the rest of the night, no other tables please.
In the end their bill was $300 almost $400. I wrote on the check and told them in person that I DID NOT include the tip. I made well over $130 on that table even after I tipped out the busser and the bar - each of them receiving a fat tip from me.

I always tip good. When it's the 3 of us out to breakfast or lunch the local girls at the corner cafe know we're good for $5 no matter what bill. They know that I like half sweet and half unsweet tea. We always get good service.

[Scarlett]

Former waitress here. I was 20 and I could only do it for about 1 1/2 years. I made great money, but I just hated it. I hated it so bad that sometimes I wanted to dump plates of food in customer's laps.

Anyway, I tip. I tip at steak houses (where you order your food at the counter,take your drink with you, get your salad yourself at the bar, but the waitress brings your steak to you and refills your drinks.) I tip 15% or so there. I tip at least 20% at nicer sit down restaurants. I don't tip at coffee houses in spite of those 'tip jars', and I don't tip at take out places. Remember when you 'take out', no one has to re-fill your drink, or clean up your table or take your food back to the kitchen because the order is incorrect.

I too wish tipping was just built in to the price. I would rather the employer worry about the wage of his employee than me having to do it. Worry I mean. Because I do. I remember how it felt to be 20 and depend on someone's mood to get enough money to pay the rent. So I got out of it.

[GothicGyrl]

I just wanted to clarify that my "tip" was in reference to the complaining person in the OP- not to others who are in the same business.
And I don't disagree with you stating the obvious about the OP, I would have said something as well. As for the OP, I completely do NOT disagree with you that they were out of hand.

It's the rest that made me post ;)

[GothicGyrl]

Actually, I think the IRS just investigates the situation if you claim less than 8%. Having worked in restaurants from the time I was 13 until I became a nurse at the age of 34, I can tell you this - the restaurants make you claim at least 8% of your sales so they don't have to deal with the IRS. I don't really think the IRS thinks we make 8%. But they're going to give us some room for the fact that we tip out the bussers and the bartenders (and in some restaurants the cooks).

Karen--I just wanted to tell you that it is 10% now. Every place I've worked at the last few years make me claim 10%. Denny's wouldn't let us clock out until we claimed at least that, even if we didn't make it, we had to claim it (Denny's sytem was computerized and functioned on how much you rang up in sales. So if I had $500.00 in table sales that night, even if I didn't make the 50$ the computer said I did, I still had to claim the $50. But it all balanced out because there were nights I tripled what the computer said I should have made and I only had to claim that 10%)

[Julie Smith]

I was wondering if in Canada the waiters are depend on tips. Do they also only make a few dollars an hour?

[Scarlett]

Did anyone hear Dave Ramsey's show last night which had one full hour on this topic? One guy worked at a private airport filling up airplanes with gas and was calling in to complain about the sorry tips of some celebrities vs the good tips of other celebrities. Who would have thought THAT employee would expect a tip? Dave Ramsey didn't...and apparently HE flies private like that at times..he said he learned something new.

Tipping is out of hand IMO.

[GothicGyrl]

Did anyone hear Dave Ramsey's show last night which had one full hour on this topic? One guy worked at a private airport filling up airplanes with gas and was calling in to complain about the sorry tips of some celebrities vs the good tips of other celebrities. Who would have thought THAT employee would expect a tip? Dave Ramsey didn't...and apparently HE flies private like that at times..he said he learned something new.

Tipping is out of hand IMO.
That is a bit much--getting tipped for gasing airplanes? Isn't that what he makes a good wage for? If he worked on the private jet, being a butler of sorts, I could see it.. but for gasing the planes up?

Baggers, waitstaff, bartenders, and conceirge service (bag boys) are all that should be tipped. Not hostesses, busboys and the like, as they get paid a good wage.

toni

[j.griff]

So, are you saying busboys get paid a better wage than waiters/waitresses AND you have to give them a cut of your tip?!

[GothicGyrl]

So, are you saying busboys get paid a better wage than waiters/waitresses AND you have to give them a cut of your tip?!
That's exactly what I am saying. Busboys here make upwards of $7 plus an hour. AND I have to tip them out because they "helped" keep my area clean.

I'd rather clean the frickin' things myself and keep the money, thankyouverymuch.. but noooooooo, I gotta tip them out too. And hostesses as well--they make the same as busboys and I gotta tip them out because they "put the business on the table".

I forgot the best part:

They don't have to claim a darnmened thing.

[Colleen]

You are tipping 'service' when you do tip....not the cook....not the cashier not anyone else.

Depends on the restaurant, actually. Where I worked, we servers did allot a portion (can't recall the percentage now) of our tips to the 'busboys' as well as the kitchen staff. I think I took home roughly

Tipping has gotten out of hand...if you ask me....tipping USED to be a generous offering....now it is EXPECTED!

Agreed!

[Whisperlily]

I loved being a waitress. All through highschool and college I was a server, several different restaurants. I was always paid full minimum wage, and even a little higher in a higher-scale restaurant. The tips I made were self-reported and taxed, but I always ended up making at least $15-$20 per hour.

I also wouldn't tip at a takeout place. Even at places like Sonic (which is new to us) I find it strange that tipping the person who carries the bag to the car is expected. In that case, should I tip the person who brings me my order at McDonalds when I have to pull aside because it's not ready in time? :rolleyes:

If I were eating at a non-tip restaurant higher caliber than McD's but less than a sit-down restaurant I might leave a tip if the kids made a mess that someone had to clean up. (usually we try to make sure and clean up things ourselves, but sometimes it's not possible.)

[Tutor]

But in a restaurant, do the kitchen workers that would provide those services receive a cut of a server's tip anyway? I haven't worked in a restaurant, so I don't know. Just a thought that popped in to my head.

I think it depends on the restaurant. Dh worked busing (sp?) and waiting tables at Outback Steakhouse for awhile, and all tips went into a common pot for each server, and they were divided, by some calculation I could never figure out, between each section's waiter, buser (sp?), a member of the cook staff, and a member of the janitorial staff. Only the hostess didn't tip-share because they made some amazing amount per hour, comparatively (I think it was $12/hr... this was 6 years ago). I forget what his hourly wage was... about $3/hr sounds right. I was so proud of my dh, though. He was hired as a buser and was promoted to waiter within two weeks. He was very good at his job and genuinely enjoyed it, and busers, cooks, and janitorial staff always vied to be tip-shared with him because he always did so well. He made more money waiting tables 4 days per week (as long as two of those days fell Thursday through Sunday) than he did on salary in an office job for a national security company! We got great "bribes" from the cook staff, too. Guess who took home most of the mis-ordered steaks and shrimp? :D (Not that it worked, the manager assigned tip-share every night.)

Dh also used to deliver pizza, but he kept all the tips from that. The cooks were salary.

We tip pizza deliverers very well, especially in bad weather... 20-25%. We tip well in restaurants, too. A minimum of 20%. We will only tip less if we have spoken to the waiter about a problem, and he still delivers poor service. Then we'll tip 10-15%. If we have to speak to a manager, we either won't tip at all or give a very small amount. It depends on the circumstances.

[GothicGyrl]

I also wouldn't tip at a takeout place. Even at places like Sonic (which is new to us) I find it strange that tipping the person who carries the bag to the car is expected. In that case, should I tip the person who brings me my order at McDonalds when I have to pull aside because it's not ready in time?

I have done this though. The McD's part. I figure they are being tweaked out of their job by a bum-rushed MGR. who only wants to get the food out in time, so I usually gave them a buck or two for it. And I only tip $1 or $2 at places like Sonic as well. Sonic has people sitting in the back taking the orders and the "waitstaff" pick it up to deliver it. They do deserve a tip, but only because their job is to make sure my order is correct.

Originally Posted by Mom2legomaniacs
But in a restaurant, do the kitchen workers that would provide those services receive a cut of a server's tip anyway? I haven't worked in a restaurant, so I don't know. Just a thought that popped in to my head.

tutor mentioned outback and that sounds about right to me, only when I worked there, waitstaff did not have to put in to a community jar, we kept and then tipped out based on what I said--but we did have to tip out the cook. The bartenders had a community jar, but that was split between the bar staff. We wait staff still had to tip out the barstaff.

At other places, the cooks are paid a Chef's wage. Not the high end chef's, but a low end chef wage--which is usually $15 an hour or so. So they didn't get tipped out.

[j.griff]

:eek::mad::confused::mad:
I wish there was a "brain implosion" smiley to insert here. I just don't have any kind/decent words for that "practice". Ugh.

[j.griff]

So, IF I were to leave a cash tip in an envelope and specified -$10 for the waitress only, $1 for the busboy, or similarly- would that be "kosher"? Would that be respected by TPTB?

[shanmar]

Gwen, seeing that I am just about to open a coffee shop where I will hire people whom I expect to behave properly. I would especially appreciate a customer doing what you expressed! I would be too wimpy to do it myself, but I sure would be tempted! As an employer, I would be furious enough to say something.

I despise poor service. And it affects my tip. I always wonder why people offer poor service, when at least 50% of the time it has to affect their tip.

We eat out a lot. My husband is either a spectacular tipper or a horrible one. If a server is rude to us, I often have been tempted to warn them, that they are throwing good money down the toilet! Several times, mistakes have been made, like our server entirely missing us for FORTY FIVE MINUTES! However, once he realized what he had done, he went over the top to correct the error, and dh left him a huge tip, probably 50%. The waiter chased us out of the restaurant thanking us profusely, because he obviously had expected nothing.

All through highschool I worked as a hostess / busser for a hotel chain. It was hard work earning that 5% of 10%! But as a kid still living at home, I also recognized how hard it was for those waitresses who didn't still live at home with their mommies, but with their kids they needed to support, to give me that 5% of 10%. I knew that I sure better be helping make their lives easier to earn that money.

Now, as I am the owner of my B&B and have no expectation of receiving tips, even when I am cook, server & dishwasher all in one. I still try to offer tip worthy service! Every once in awhile, I get a surprise from a guest, and it sure is appreciated.

[Colleen]

I'm not into dishing out negative rep, but I will strongly disagree with your assertion that 15% is a lousy tip for a full service restaurant. I've worked in the business, too, and I was more than happy with 15%. It galls me that a server would secretly resent that cut. I don't expect customers to factor in what servers (may) have to share with other staff. That's not my business (and as Tammy's pointed out, it's not the case in every restaurant anyway.)

By the same token, "serving" me as a customer is not on par with "working" for me. Your terms are misplaced. You work for your employer, and your work includes serving customers. If you work in the industry and you don't like the way it plays out, either get a different job or work to change the system, but don't begrudge those of us who are leaving perfectly reasonable tips.

[Mrs Mungo]

I also wouldn't tip at a takeout place. Even at places like Sonic (which is new to us) I find it strange that tipping the person who carries the bag to the car is expected. In that case, should I tip the person who brings me my order at McDonalds when I have to pull aside because it's not ready in time?

Well, I usually tip a dollar at Sonic but most of the ones I've been to the carhops are on roller skates. I think they deserve a dollar for that. ;) I will also tip the barista a dollar if she's polite and gets my order right.

GG-I don't think 15% is a lousy tip. As I said before, I tip more than that for great service but 15% isn't lousy, it's average. The fact some restaurants make you share your tips with the busboys or whomever doesn't mean I should tip extra to cover that. That is a problem with the management of that particular restaurant. Clearly, they are not intended to receive part of a tip because they make above minimum wage *and* don't have to claim it on their taxes. If the system has changed then the tax system and laws should be changed to reflect that. However, that has nothing to do with the customer *or* how much I can pay.

None of which has anything to do with a counter-service restaurant. The vast majority of counter service restaurants do pay at least minimum wage.

eta: Also, what you have to claim on your taxes isn't my problem either, *everyone* pays part of the wage toward taxes.

[PrairieAir]

My mother raised two kids working as a waitress. We never had much money, but she would tell you what she has taught us: TIPS stands for To Insure Proper Service.

A standard tip is 15%. For very good or excellent service, 20% or whatever extra you feel is appropriate. 50% is definitely over the top, but if you want to bless someone that way, go right ahead. If you're willing to tip it, you can probably afford it, and that money will probably mean a lot more to the waitress than it does to you. It certainly would never be expected. If service is substandard, a 10% tip gets the message across, but in most cases you should still tip at least that much. In a situation such as the OP's, a tip is not necessary, but if you're eating there, it's nice to leave a little something since they will still have to clean up after you.

[GothicGyrl]

So, IF I were to leave a cash tip in an envelope and specified -$10 for the waitress only, $1 for the busboy, or similarly- would that be "kosher"? Would that be respected by TPTB?

JGriff--what you are saying is something *I* as a server would appreciate, but I can guarentee you my boss won't allow it--I'd still be forced to tip what HE thought I should be tipping out. So while you leave the restaurant thinking you did the right thing or a good thing(and it is), I'd still get the shaft on my end from my supervisor.

And Colleen, you are free to disagree. This business is pretty much all I've done since I was 16 years old, I know what a "good tip" is and what isn't. I guess I'm just glad that I make up for the loss that others don't or won't accept. Servers get shafted more times than I can even begin to describe in words.

By the same token, "serving" me as a customer is not on par with "working" for me. Your terms are misplaced. You work for your employer, and your work includes serving customers. If you work in the industry and you don't like the way it plays out, either get a different job or work to change the system, but don't begrudge those of us who are leaving perfectly reasonable tips.

I'm so very sorry to disagree with you, but my terms are in the exact spot they belong--I am working for YOU the customer. That I am working for TGIs is just the building I work in. I work for you, the customer, because it is you, the customer who basically pays me. If you, the customer, chooses not to enter an establishment, it means I don't get paid--whether that pay is in the form of a tip I could have received from you had you entered and been served by me or in the form of a day on my paycheck--which I missed because I was sent home due to no business.

So yes, I am emphatically working for YOU, the customer.

And I so love the "don't like it get a different job" argument. Such the strawman argument if I ever saw one. Lay the blame in the wrong place. I've already said the industry needs to be changed, but not just for servers, ALL around.

Maybe I should have said "It's kind of lousy for someone to ONLY leave a 15% tip because that's all they feel they should have to give, when I busted my rump making sure they got spot on service in every way possible". Yes, $2 is $2 more than I had going in there, but if my job depends on how I treat you and I treat you better than I treat my kids, I would really appreciate you showing me so. And $2 doesn't show it.

By the way, the industry standard is 15 TO 20% or more..

http://www.tip20.com/div/con/index.html (I'd encourage my detractors to read this link. It is very informative and backs me up (the important part) :) ... it even has a tipping standard for other countries--which only shows that some don't know too much about it, because France, the biggest one brought up, does expect a tip for their servers.. Should read the articles below the tables as well, because it says what I and others have said, much less heatedly, of course).

[Excelsior! Academy]

Sonic is the exception to take out service. Having a sister that worked there years ago, I think you should tip there. They even hold nights where a school group can work and their tips benefit their group.

I've never seen a carhop on rollerskates. Do they still do that?

[GothicGyrl]

Sonic is the exception to take out service. Having a sister that worked there years ago, I think you should tip there. They even hold nights where a school group can work and their tips benefit their group.

I've never seen a carhop on rollerskates. Do they still do that?
Yep--got a Sonic right up the road. Pity I don't care for their food though (for some reason it makes me sick--with a headache)... I would love to work there, if only I could skate. ;)

[sdWTMer]

I've never tipped for take out! Ever. Nor will I start.

[Colleen]

My mother raised two kids working as a waitress. We never had much money, but she would tell you what she has taught us: TIPS stands for To Insure Proper Service.

Yeah, I've heard that little jingle before and I find it kinda sad, to be honest. My job, if I'm a server, is to provide proper service, tip or no tip.

[PrairieAir]

The site Toni linked says that you should tip a hotel housekeeper $2-$5 per night. I've worked as a hotel housekeeper (although for a short time), and I can tell you that's not standard or expected around here. It is a nice surprise if someone leaves you a tip, but none of the staff expected it in the least. We were just happy if the people didn't trash the rooms or steal items causing us to go on a search for replacements. That said, having worked as a housekeeper, which has got to be one of the most underappreciated jobs, I try to leave a hotel room extra tidy and often do tip.

[Audrey]

I was wondering if in Canada the waiters are depend on tips. Do they also only make a few dollars an hour?

Not in my province! All employers are required to pay at least minimum wage no matter what the job. As of April 1st, minimum wage will be $8.50/hour.

People here are notoriously low tippers (like 10% or even less). Tips are considered to be for EXTRA good service, not average service.

FWIW, I came from the states, so I know it's totally different down south, and even very different from one state to the next. I used to tip at least 20% because I, too, knew the toil of being a bartender and waitress. Although, to be fair, I made sh*t loads of money in tips as a bartender in a college town. There were even times when I told my manager he could forego paying me my hourly, if he'd let me work Thursday nights (which for some reason were "let's-get-totally-smashed" nights) and for home game Saturdays. Talk about mucho dinero! No one tips better than drunk football fans.

[PrairieAir]

Yeah, I've heard that little jingle before and I find it kinda sad, to be honest. My job, if I'm a server, is to provide proper service, tip or no tip.

Well, I think that To Insure Proper Service is the idea in not paying full minimum wage. I suppose they could be paid a full wage with no expectation of tips. I'd have no problem with that, but I bet a lot of good waitresses would. My mom usually made more than minimum wage because she was a good waitress. Yeah, people should do their job no matter what, but if you aren't receiving a full wage and are doing your job well and still getting stiffed, it kinda stinks.

I'm not really sure what you're saying here, though. Do you think it's wrong to be expected to provide a tip? Do you think it's wrong that waitresses are expected to make up the rest of their wage with tips?

[GothicGyrl]

Not in my province! All employers are required to pay at least minimum wage no matter what the job. As of April 1st, minimum wage will be $8.50/hour.

I'm moving to Audrey's Province!! I would gladly work tables for almost $9 an hour, with a smile and zero expectation.

And PrairieAir--do you know how much hotel cleaners make? Down here, it's around $7 and hour. So the tip thing probably came from that. I've heard of cleaning staff making more an hour, but it's another job with a high turnover rate.

I do try to leave at least $2 per person, per night of stay though. Especially since I make demands of lots of towels, frequently. ;)

[j.griff]

But books and mags are all more expensive in Canada, :D

[GothicGyrl]

But books and mags are all more expensive in Canada, :D
I'll get over it ;) How do they pay teachers? Do the garbage men make more than tenured teachers?

[PrairieAir]

It's been about 18 years since I worked as a hotel housekeeper:), but I bet it's about $7 an hour around here now.

[Audrey]

I'm moving to Audrey's Province!!

Yay!!! There's a super nice house in my little town that's for sale. 3 bdrms & 1 bath upstairs, plus a finished basement with 2 more bdrms & a bath there. I think they're asking a bit less than $80K. And, the restaurant is always looking for a reliable mature server (as opposed to the teen girls). If you want to roller skate, the drive-in (restaurant) will be open for the season sometime in the next couple of weeks.

Of course, you would need to invest in a snow blower, as the house I mentioned is vacant at the moment and as of the last dump of snow, there's about a 4ft. drift in the drive. On second thought... maybe I'll just get dh to lend you one of the tractors. ;)

So... your plane is arriving when?

[Audrey]

I'll get over it ;) How do they pay teachers? Do the garbage men make more than tenured teachers?

The MB Teacher's Union has a stranglehold on salaries here. They are excellent. Here's a link to an chart with averages (http://resource.educationcanada.com/salaries.html). MB is in the top of the middle range.

There is a shortage of teachers in the rural areas, btw. *not-so-subtle-nudge*

[GothicGyrl]

Yay!!! There's a super nice house in my little town that's for sale. 3 bdrms & 1 bath upstairs, plus a finished basement with 2 more bdrms & a bath there. I think they're asking a bit less than $80K. And, the restaurant is always looking for a reliable mature server (as opposed to the teen girls). If you want to roller skate, the drive-in (restaurant) will be open for the season sometime in the next couple of weeks.

Of course, you would need to invest in a snow blower, as the house I mentioned is vacant at the moment and as of the last dump of snow, there's about a 4ft. drift in the drive. On second thought... maybe I'll just get dh to lend you one of the tractors. ;)

So... your plane is arriving when?
Dude, when the snow thaws... ;) and I've got to somehow convince DH that this is a good thing.. hehehe..

Honestly though, I really do wish the industry wasn't so reliant on tips. When I worked at the bowling alley, I was paid $6.50 an hr PLUS tips and I made good tips there, but I never cried because I made hourly that was decent enough and I worked enough hours to cover a "bad" night.

I hate having to rely on people for my pay--I bend over backwards to serve you properly and all you feel I am worth is $2? I won't be happy. kwim?

[Colleen]

I'm not really sure what you're saying here, though. Do you think it's wrong to be expected to provide a tip? Do you think it's wrong that waitresses are expected to make up the rest of their wage with tips?

I prefer the European standard wherein service is already included and tips are a means of showing added appreciation.

[GothicGyrl]

The MB Teacher's Union has a stranglehold on salaries here. They are excellent. Here's a link to an chart with averages (http://resource.educationcanada.com/salaries.html). MB is in the top of the middle range.

There is a shortage of teachers in the rural areas, btw. *not-so-subtle-nudge*
I may just be forwarding this on to DH. ::wink:: That's more than he's ever made... hmmmm... I've always wanted to live in Canada.. Manitoba, right?

[GothicGyrl]

I prefer the European standard wherein service is already included and tips are a means of showing added appreciation.
Hmm, according to my link, this "European Standard" is part myth as even England expects 10% if no service charge is clearly marked. So you would be stiffing someone by assuming there is this standard.

[Audrey]

I may just be forwarding this on to DH. ::wink:: That's more than he's ever made... hmmmm... I've always wanted to live in Canada.. Manitoba, right?

Yep. They're questioning whether they should reconsider our slogan. Forever it was "Friendly Manitoba." Then, someone (not) brilliant decided that wasn't good enough and they came up with this stupid campaign and now our slogan is "Spirited Energy." Dude, that sounds like a euphemism for when someone farts.

Now, there are whole call-in shows where people are giving their suggestions. Mine is this: Manitoba, we're in the middle!

And it's totally, totally true, too. We're always in the middle on everything -- geographically? in the middle! Income? in the middle! Cost of living? Yep, you guessed it, in the middle! Amount spent on healthcare? In the middle! Oh yeah, did I mention you get your universal healthcare here, so that wage your dh will be making? Don't bother deducting your healthcare from that cheque. (And, we spell it c-h-e-q-u-e here. You'll get used to it.)

[GothicGyrl]

I actually do prefer the "weird" spellings of words---like Colour and Cheque.. It just looks better.. and I'm all for the universal healthcare part..

It's just convincing the DH... ;)

[Colleen]

At this Rick Steves page, you can read what Europeans themselves have to say about tipping in their respective countries http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/eurotips.htm.

Now, I will say that in my experience, service here in the States is far superior to that in Europe. So one can of course argue that the reason is because servers here rely on good tips.

[Audrey]

Well, Toni, I think you know by now that my answer to every difficult situation is....

nude frolicking.

Seriously, it solves everything! ;)

[GothicGyrl]

Now, I will say that in my experience, service here in the States is far superior to that in Europe. So one can of course argue that the reason is because servers here rely on good tips.


I am only relying on outside links as I've never been out of the states, so I'll take your word for it on the service part. I've heard the opposite but who knows...maybe their server had a bad day. All I know is that *I* do rely on tips and as a result your reasoning will be true--you are going to get superior service from me.

And Audrey, I think DH would love you for suggesting that. ;)

Ok--this "Madame Peepee" (on Colleen's link, in France), CRACKS me up!!!! ;)

[Robin in Tx]

There are restaurants here that automatically include a tip/service fee for carry out. The cashier doesn't take the order... one of the wait staff comes and takes the order, and they follow through with it and check it and make sure it's boxed up properly, etc. In other words, they serve you the same way they serve people sitting at a table, except that your table isn't being bused. Usually it's something like 10% added to the bill. But these are fulll service restaurants, pretty nice ones, not counter service... I wouldn't tip at counter service either. At our local cafeteria, they've started having service staff getting your refills,etc., not wait service but bus service... and they imply you should leave a tip. This always bothers me... I have to stand in line to get my food, and carry it to my table, and get my own drinks, and they want me to tip someone for offering to refill my tea? I wonder if they do this so that they can cut down on payroll expenses... instead of minimum wage they can pay them wait staff wages and force those poor people to solicit tips.

I agree that it's gotten out of hand. The Starbucks Drive through window even has a tip jar! So does the cashier at my local donut shop. Crazy!

[WTMindy]

I would contact the manager and let him know that you overheard the servers talking bad about your tip. That is a no-no in any restaurant that I have worked in. Even if you are upset, you are not supposed to let the customer know.

Second, it would never cross my mind to tip at a restaurant where a server wasn't doing any of the work. That seems crazy to me.

Third, I have only worked as a waitress in states that were required to pay minimum wage, but I think it is odd that the government makes exceptions to the min. wage rule.

[sdWTMer]

When dh and I were much younger and poorer we went to a somewhat nice restaurant. Well, we didn't leave enough tip in the server's mind and he/she chased us out the door and confronted us. I couldn't believe it. Needless to say, we never went back.

[Tonia]

Not in my province! All employers are required to pay at least minimum wage no matter what the job. As of April 1st, minimum wage will be $8.50/hour.

People here are notoriously low tippers (like 10% or even less). Tips are considered to be for EXTRA good service, not average service.

So that is why my dh is so cheap when it comes time to leave a tip! :D I'm from the US (he's Canadian) and I am always making him leave more money than he normally does. But I used to be a waitress too, so I know what they've gotta put up with!


You know, it's kind of funny that a message about tipping has gotten so many responses :D Are we very bored tonight?

[Scarlett]

The site Toni linked says that you should tip a hotel housekeeper $2-$5 per night. I've worked as a hotel housekeeper (although for a short time), and I can tell you that's not standard or expected around here. It is a nice surprise if someone leaves you a tip, but none of the staff expected it in the least. We were just happy if the people didn't trash the rooms or steal items causing us to go on a search for replacements. That said, having worked as a housekeeper, which has got to be one of the most underappreciated jobs, I try to leave a hotel room extra tidy and often do tip.


I tip hotel housekeepers. :) Usually $2...not $5.

[Peek a Boo]

That is a bit much--getting tipped for gasing airplanes? Isn't that what he makes a good wage for? If he worked on the private jet, being a butler of sorts, I could see it.. but for gasing the planes up?


well, since dh is a pilot, i can add a bit about the aviation industry :-)

w/ private/ charter jets, time is usually critical. Clients want to get from point A to point B quickly --that's why they are paying the bucks for a private plane. Tips are a way to make sure that everyone does their job promptly w/o dawdling. There tends to be a lot of discord between pilots and those who service the plane --many pilots tend to be "holier than thou" and have a God complex and look down on the guys who service the planes. Those service guys notice it and tend to react w/ a slower "My world doesn't revolve around YOU" kinda thing. DH knows better -he treats everyone in the service line w/ a ton of respect so he can get off the ground, get the plane put away, and get home :-)

Traveling to mexico is a pain --you gotta have all kinds of bribe money available or they find "something" wrong w/ your paperwork that will hold you up for hours. Hiring a handler to make sure the process is smooth is typical.

dh as a pilot does not usually get a tip, and he doesn't expect one. He's making a Great salary right now. But about once a year someone drops him a $500 tip. They split it between the pilots :) Pierce Brosnan gave him an extra bottle of some fancy expensive wine. The kids just like it when he brings home leftover catering --sandwiches, cokes, fruit & cheese trays, etc. lol....

but tips in general in other industries aren't unheard of --even CEO's get bonuses. Or extra 'tips' for doing an outstanding job.

--------------------------------
I do wish the tip thing was NOT tied into income --i much prefer to just pay a set amount for my food w/o needing to calculate Yet Another Fee on top of it.

That being said, I don't tip unless I'm sitting down in their restaurant and someone is bringing me something [fast food excepted], or for pizza delivery.
But at a restaurant, w/ 5 kids, i tip Very well even if the service is just "ok" --hey, i know that "ok" service is still a challenge w/ 5 kids, lol.

I told dh that if it's just *us*, then everytime he asks for something after the initial order [refill, butter, salsa, extra napkins, etc] he should bump up the percentage a point, starting from 15, lol.