Tips/ Gratuity: Based on...?

[AKA2D '91]

You know that there is an assumption that "WE" do not tip, and if "we" do, it is not sufficient.

Do you tip for services rendered? And if so, how much do you typically give?

[ZChi4Life]

I tip based on SERVICE, not on how much it's supposed to be. I understand that waitpeople really depend on tips, but if they want a GOOD tip ($5 or more) from me, then they need to do a GREAT job! That to me, is the bottomline. I usually tip $2-3. I will always give at least that. For me, the service has to be superb if they want more than that. They should be friendly, come by the table (at least twice while I'm eating my meal) to check on things, ask if I'd like dessert or anything else, before asking if I'd like the check (there have been SO many times I've been out to dinner and the waitress/er did NOT ask if I wanted dessert, etc...they just brought the check! Ugh! ) So I tip based on service. I know that's not right, but I'm low on funds these days. A sista can't be shelling out money just because.

[This message has been edited by ZChi4Life (edited June 24, 2001).]

[Diva7401]

While on the topic, I have always considered myself a generous tipper. My friends and I always get into the "debate" on if it's appropiate to "tip" the car-hops at SONIC, I always do ( a dollar of two) A friend that worked there said that "WE" usally don't but "OTHERS" always did. Hmmm, does anyone else tip at SONIC?

[AKAtude]

I tip according to the service that I'm given. If the service I receive is not adequate, then I leave what I feel it was worth. However, I usually tip between 15 and 20 percent. I know someone who will actually leave a list of written "tips" on a napkin for the waiter/waitress if they feel as though the service was less than acceptable.

As far as Sonic is concerned, my mother told me I should tip them. I disagree. However, if I'm feeling "generous" I will, but never more than a dollar.

[SH80]

Sheeeet, I don't tip unless they desrve it.
Like Home Alone 2, a stick of gum will do them. I don't how to take 15% out of my bill even if I wanted to, let alone add up my bill right. Yeah, I know I am dumbass byatch, in a 4 year university maintaining around a 3.0 gpa, it's Bush's fault for failing schools.

*cough, cough, cough* I better quit now, that stuff is tearing my lungs up and I think it is killing my brain cells! *Passes it to grandma*

[This message has been edited by SH80 (edited June 24, 2001).]

[exquizit]

Originally posted by AKAtude:
I tip according to the service that I'm given. If the service I receive is not adequate, then I leave what I feel it was worth. However, I usually tip between 15 and 20 percent. I know someone who will actually leave a list of written "tips" on a napkin for the waiter/waitress if they feel as though the service was less than acceptable.

As far as Sonic is concerned, my mother told me I should tip them. I disagree. However, if I'm feeling "generous" I will, but never more than a dollar.

You took the words right outta my mouth!

[Sugar_N_Spice]

Originally posted by AKAtude:
I know someone who will actually leave a list of written "tips" on a napkin for the waiter/waitress if they feel as though the service was less than acceptable.

I have a friend that does this too! (maybe they now each other! (j/k)). I just sit there and laugh and hope that they listen and do what she wrote!! I'm not used to really "tipping" b/c I go out a lot in large groups, where the tip is usually included. When I do tip 15% of what the bill is--I'll give more if they deserve it!!

[novella000]

I have a tipping protocol that I use:

Eating Establishments (with wait/bar services): when the place is REALLY BUSY/POPULAR 15-18% standard...
20-25% for above average/excellent service
If it's a visibly slow day, or I never see the place packed I may tip even more.
My rationalization here is that these folks generaly make a little over $2 or $3/hour... and IMHO it's the right thing to do.

Other Services (cabs, hair stylists, shoe shines, etc.): 15-20% standard... 25%-30% above average/excellent service
My rationalzation here is that these people don't necessarily make tips and it makes me feel good b/c they take special care of me if/when I return. IMHO, it's the "proper" thing to do.

People in professions of these sorts (and people in general) should be treated courteously and I feel obligated to be a WONDERFUL patron. If more people felt good about their jobs, EVERYONE would get better service. I take ownership for that, and when I leave a restaurant maybe I made it better for the next person taking my seat... Karma is an byyyatch. You get what you give. Waiters/waitresses DO spit in food, even if you didn't do anything in particular to them. So for me, be nice, tip, be courteous. I do it for you too, not just that waitress and her kids. And if you can't afford to tip, well, just be REALLY REALLY nice, you never know. People don't like to be stepped on.


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"Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it."
Henry David Thoreau

[TempleAlum1993]

While we're on the subject.....what's up with the tip cups in the coffee shops and dunkin' donuts and ice cream stores?

Also, my co-worker mentioned to me today the her daughter "worked" a wedding reception over the weekend and one of the other waitstaff (?) explained to her how to get tips. WTF????

Has anyone else heard of this? I mean when I go to an event (catered) such as a wedding reception, I can't imagine tipping the folsk there. I thought that was taken care of by the hosts. How would you determine the appropriate tip anyway?

[sunnydays96]

My friends are always stating, "I'm a college student and I'm too broke to tip". My thing is these are mostly college students trying to make money.

I'd say that I'm a big tipper. Why because I have worked in the food service industry and I know how things can be sometimes. I've seen how it is to be a customer and a worker. True there are occasions where the server is just bad, but most of the time it's beyond their control. I can tell many stories of how dirty people can get in the kitchen.

I usually give around 20%. If the service wasn't to my liking, I give 15%. However, I never give anything lower, because they are already getting a minimal hourly wage.

[sharon36]

I worked in the food industry too, let me tell you, most servers make less than $2 an hour so they live off tips...i guess i only give 15% if the service was poor...i tend not to tip cab drivers well though since i feel that they're ripping me off anyway

[Skeelicious1]

I was a waitress at Bennigans a long time ago, and a group of African American women, in those days, was considered the worst table you could get. Most of the wait staff firmly believed that we didn't tip! And most times, we didn't! I rarely had any issues with sisters tipping me, I felt that everyone deserved great service, afterall, that was my job.
It is true, waitresses make less than minimum wage and pay taxes on their tips. 15% of what I grossed was the amount of taxes I paid. I think that is how it is done at most or all resturants.


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Smooches

[nikki25]

I've always tipped 15% at a restaurant. I have never understood the point of the tip cups in some take out places. What are they for?

[Chi_ZETABBW]

I hate the stereotype that BLACK people don't tip or don't tip accordingly. I hate it more when an establishment try to put a mandatory tip on my bill. For years I over tipped, trying to cancel out the myth that "WE" don't tip. But the past 5 years, I tip according to service. I tip any where from 15-20%. I keep a tip card in my wallet which shows me the amount to leave.
But if you are a wait person, don't automactically expect a tip, and you know you delivered lousy srvice. No water, don't checking in, having to ask for a clean fork twice, etc. I will also ask for a manager if service really stinks. It's been several occassions when I didn't tip at all, but told wait person why. They usually have an attitude, but oh well, maybe they will do better next time.

[toocute]

Originally posted by AKAtude:
I know someone who will actually leave a list of written "tips" on a napkin for the waiter/waitress if they feel as though the service was less than acceptable.

My friend does that...but she leaves crazy tips like "don't run with scissors" That's WRONG. I tip according to service. I've been known to leave a quarter (yes 25 cents) on a table. That's if the service is REAL bad and it's worse than leaving nothing.

Hair and nail salon's...I'm a good tipper but don't burn me with a curling iron or cut me with the cuticle remover