Question: How Do You Tip Your Waiter/Waitress?

Dallas4Bama

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Sep 27, 2006
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Dallas, Texas
I'm a renowned right wad, but I usually go into a meal planning to too 15%. If the service or meal are just awful, I will go below that. I can't remember ever leaving nothing. If they just do their job I stick with 15%, but if they go above and beyond at all I quickly bump it up.

After reading this thread I realize I need to get a job waiting tables.
 

seebell

Hall of Fame
Mar 12, 2012
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Gurley, Al
I'm a renowned right wad, but I usually go into a meal planning to too 15%. If the service or meal are just awful, I will go below that. I can't remember ever leaving nothing. If they just do their job I stick with 15%, but if they go above and beyond at all I quickly bump it up.

After reading this thread I realize I need to get a job waiting tables.
\
A good server in a busy place can make some money!
 

Hamilton

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Dec 5, 2002
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Hamilton
bama.ua.edu
I ate at a restaurant in Las Vegas and had horrible service. The waitress took our order (we ordered drink and food at once), brought our drinks, someone else brought out food, and the waitress brought us the check. We saw her three times. The hostess, in between seating people, was running around like mad trying to take care of tables and service. When I left, I asked her if they split tips and she said no, so I gave her the money. The waitress got nothing.

I'll tip if service is adequate, or even lower than that. Otherwise, it's not happening. Tipping is the server's way of earning money, and I see poor service as an indicator that they don't need money.
 

willie52

All-American
Jan 25, 2008
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That's one job I never had. I've worked all kinds of jobs, but never as a waiter. Not sure my ADD would have faired very well in that environment. "Ok, you want the dressing on the side and........ look something shiney!" :)
I would not have that type of job. For one, I would probably get thrown in jail because with my luck I would have run into NYBF and attempted to beat him for his insults. He would then use his Karate, Kung Fu, and every other martial arts he would be a master of on me and I would not be here.
 

Vinny

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Sep 27, 2001
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Typically I do tip 20% if I feel they deserve it, most of the time they do. I look for a few things that will lean on the 20% side vs the 15% side. Does my glass get refilled in a timely manner. If I get a burger and fries or chicken fingers and fries, I dip my fries in honey mustard so off the bat I ask for extra honey mustard, most of the time I end up waiting for it which really irrates me. Do they come around to ask how the meal is going and if there is anything else needed. That's about it.
 

Tide1986

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Nov 22, 2008
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Here's a personal pet peeve of mine about tipping -- I hate it when restaurants automatically add a tip to the bill. Being a generous tipper, I resent the presumptuousness of this particular practice.
 

SavannahDare

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Jul 23, 2004
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Here's a personal pet peeve of mine about tipping -- I hate it when restaurants automatically add a tip to the bill. Being a generous tipper, I resent the presumptuousness of this particular practice.
I have gotten up and left restaurants when I've read on the menu that this was their policy. Irks me to no end.
 

happytidefan

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Jul 24, 2008
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Depends on the service....I don't enjoy "mandates." Having said that, I do the right thing usually.

I have been plagued by guilt/indecision over this matter as it pertains to tipping outside the food industry. I've been going to the same hair/nail salon for 6 years. Recently, my hairdresser raised her prices $10 as did my nail tech, $10 as well. I used to enjoy giving them a hefty tip, usually $10, but with the increase of their prices, they've usurped my tip (along with my ability to "treat" them) and IMO have over-priced themselves out of my budget. I fully understand an increase in this economy to stay afloat, but I find this a bit excessive. Many of my friends, their clients as well, have mentioned to me that they feel they've been taken advantage of and intend to choose another business, one that is of the same quality but cheaper. I'm torn...I have developed relationships, albeit professional relationships, with these folks. Right this minute I need a haircut and a manicure and am in a quandry due to my indecisiveness. What to do...........ugh. :mad:
 

Bamaro

TideFans Legend
Oct 19, 2001
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Jacksonville, Md USA
Here's a personal pet peeve of mine about tipping -- I hate it when restaurants automatically add a tip to the bill. Being a generous tipper, I resent the presumptuousness of this particular practice.
That is usually done for groups because when a tip cant be directly attributable to a specific person, people tend to skimp on the tip. Many people who generally tip 10 or 20% or more tip much less when their amount can be hidden behind others. Restaurants know that so they add it automatically.
 

seebell

Hall of Fame
Mar 12, 2012
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Gurley, Al
Years ago my wife & I took a steam train ride from Huntsville to Chattanooga. Lunch at the Choo Choo was included. Our air headed waitress spent the whole time at the counter gossiping with her buddy. Never came to our table once after the first time. We left her no tip. The waitress actually chased us outside demanding a tip. My slow-witted self stood there open mouthed while my wife chewed her out good. Don't make my wife mad.
 
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TrueGritnPluck

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Nov 21, 2011
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That is usually done for groups because when a tip cant be directly attributable to a specific person, people tend to skimp on the tip. Many people who generally tip 10 or 20% or more tip much less when their amount can be hidden behind others. Restaurants know that so they add it automatically.
Yes - usually groups of 6 or more have this stipulation.
 

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