Thoughts on tipping...

[30A Skunkape]

Two questions to throw out regarding tipping..and yes, I did my time in the restaurant and always tip, but...

What does everyone think about the common practice at counter service places giving you a credit card slip with a space for a tip? In other words, asking for a tip for somebody who does little more than take your order, and asking for it before any service is rendered?

And-I noticed one dining spot in SOWAL now adds 15% to your order for gratuity even if you are dining alone. You can tip more if you want, but you have no choice regarding the 15%. (Actually, 16%;-) ) What does everyone think about this?

[Smiling JOe]

Two questions to throw out regarding tipping..and yes, I did my time in the restaurant and always tip, but...

What does everyone think about the common practice at counter service places giving you a credit card slip with a space for a tip? In other words, asking for a tip for somebody who does little more than take your order, and asking for it before any service is rendered?

And-I noticed one dining spot in SOWAL now adds 15% to your order for gratuity even if you are dining alone. You can tip more if you want, but you have no choice regarding the 15%. (Actually, 16%;-) ) What does everyone think about this?
Well, by the added 1%, we can guess that the restaurant is located in Seaside. For me, it depends on the restaurant. I don't like being asked for a tip before service is given, and typically, I will not tip on the card if that is the case, but will tip with cash after dining.

As for the 15% automated, I don't have a problem tipping 15% as long as the service was somewhat decent. If I was completely dissatisfied, with the service, I might demand that they remove the "gratuity" from my bill. I rarely tip less than 20% and tip as much as 50% in some cases, like at bars. Counter service (other than bar) typically gets my change and maybe a dollar bill.

BTW, that 1% additional tax in Seaside, to the best of my knowledge, is optional, and they will remove it for your purchases, only upon request. They add it as the default. The stores used to post that info in the window of the stores.

[John R]

the 1% is Seaside is not tax, it is an Arts and Entertainment surcharge.

[Dune-AHH]

[QUOTE=Smiling JOe;243875]
As for the 15% automated, I don't have a problem tipping 15% as long as the service was somewhat decent. If I was completely dissatisfied, with the service, I might demand that they remove the "gratuity" from my bill. I rarely tip less than 20% and tip as much as 50% in some cases, like at bars. Counter service (other than bar) typically gets my change and maybe a dollar bill.

I pretty much follow SJ's 20%+ tipping philosophy. Perhaps the reason some restaurants have instituted automatic tipping is because the wait staff consistently (unjustifiably) get stiffed on tips? I don't KNOW this to be the case ... just thinking that may be the reason.

[seaside2]

We use 20% as a standard now and more for small tabs like a quick bar drink. I will cut the tip for poor service and usually leave a buck or two for counter service if they are reasonably nice.

What irritates me more than anything is the practice of printing on the bottom of the ticket what a 15%, 20%, 25%, and yes even a 30% tip calculates to be. Do those idiots think that I can't calculate a tip? It makes me want to give them a 2 cent tip and walk.

Sorry about the rant:bang: :bang: :bang:

[Smiling JOe]

What irritates me more than anything is the practice of printing on the bottom of the ticket what a 15%, 20%, 25%, and yes even a 30% tip calculates to be. Do those idiots think that I can't calculate a tip? It makes me want to give them a 2 cent tip and walk.


You would be surprised at the large number of people who cannot do this math.

[Ocean Lover]

We use 20% as a standard now and more for small tabs like a quick bar drink. I will cut the tip for poor service and usually leave a buck or two for counter service if they are reasonably nice.

What irritates me more than anything is the practice of printing on the bottom of the ticket what a 15%, 20%, 25%, and yes even a 30% tip calculates to be. Do those idiots think that I can't calculate a tip? It makes me want to give them a 2 cent tip and walk.

Sorry about the rant:bang: :bang: :bang:

Hmm, haven't experienced this. Not sure I would like it either...it's 4th grade math! Surely if you aren't smarter than a 5th grader, you can still do this!:roll:

[Smiling JOe]

Hmm, haven't experienced this. Not sure I would like it either...it's 4th grade math! Surely if you aren't smarter than a 5th grader, you can still do this!:roll:Apparently, you guys have not seen the tip card which they actually sell :funn: in stationery stores. Reciept paper will often have the tip percentages printed on the back. Some people just don't do math, and never will.

http://www.shopaiw.com/images/ShopAIWDynamic/shopping/4CFBlackback.4.jpg

[jdarg]

[quote]

I pretty much follow SJ's 20%+ tipping philosophy. Perhaps the reason some restaurants have instituted automatic tipping is because the wait staff consistently (unjustifiably) get stiffed on tips? I don't KNOW this to be the case ... just thinking that may be the reason.

I am wondering if the tip is automatically included because of the counter service situation. Maybe many customers assume it is like a fast food counter and do not tip, so the staff doesn't make any money. If that is the case, maybe this could be tracked somehow and their hourly rate adjusted to compensate for inconsistant tips.:idontno:

Also, do servers and bartenders still make far less than minimum wage? It has been a long time since I have been in the game, so I don't know the current hourly pay. Maybe if more people knew the hourly rate paid to restaurant staffers, they would tip better.

[greenroomsurfer]

Here's a tip, don't spill your drink! Sorry i't had to be done.:floor: :floor: :floor:

[scooterbug44]

I always assumed the preprinted slip w/ tip space for counter service was because they used a standard format register or also had table service so it doesn't bother me - I just draw a line through it.

I do NOT like the automatic 15% gratuity. I think it (like communism) doesn't encourage good service. Often it hurts the server as most people would have tipped more, but now the bill already has it added on.

As for the receipts w/ preprinted amounts, I am constantly amazed at how many people can't do math - even the easy scooterbug method of move the decimal point over 1 and double the amount for a 20% tip! Then there are the people too drunk to figure it out.......

[John R]

this guy expects tips for people looking at his pets: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18390655/

[jdarg]

Here's a tip, don't spill your drink! Sorry i't had to be done.:floor: :floor: :floor:

When I bartended, a rather tipsy guy leaned over my bar and said "Honey, I have a tip for you. Never touch a burning cat."

WTF???:idontno:

[rapunzel]

I hate that the staff at the place that has automated the 15% gratuity were probably getting stiffed, but I have to say I think it has had an adverse effect on the service. It took us about 10 minutes to get someone to take our order. As we sat there and chatted with them a bit, the service improved greatly. We even left an additional gratuity on the line for that purpose -- yes, they automatically calculate the 15%, then provide a line for you to add more. Yes, I'd like to have my cake and eat it too, please. :D

Luckily, the concept of this place is so good that it makes it worth putting up with the tipping policy and the consequences...we'll just have to become regulars so we get consistently good service.

[pda]

The pre-printed tip percentage on the bottom of your credit card slip comes from the credit card companies. They get 3% of every charge.... including a servers tip. So when your are tipping 20 % the server is actually getting 17% (This is why I try to tip cash even when paying with my card) getting the server a larger tip gets the credit card companies a larger tip. It is their way of upping profits on every charge at every restaurant around the company.

As a business owner you can call them to have them reprogram your print out, but it takes time and is a pain in the buttinski.

As for counter tipping... it is the same receipt used at the tables, if I like the service I will throw them a couple of bucks, but a tip is not expected.

[scooterbug44]

With the exception of some notorious cheapskates, I have never heard that there is a general problem in this area with people not being tipped for good service. Could someone refute/reinforce this?

I get frustrated with people expecting tips for doing what I see as their job. I don't see a difference between McDonalds and Starbucks, but Starbucks has a tip jar. At both franchised places you order at a counter off a menu on the wall and eat it there or to go.

On a related topic - remember that if you get a discount, freebies, etc you should tip based on the amount it would have cost if you hadn't gotten the discount - not just the amount at the bottom of the slip. I think a lot of people forget that one.

[JC]

I always assumed the preprinted slip w/ tip space for counter service was because they used a standard format register or also had table service so it doesn't bother me - I just draw a line through it.

I do NOT like the automatic 15% gratuity. I think it (like communism) doesn't encourage good service. Often it hurts the server as most people would have tipped more, but now the bill already has it added on.

As for the receipts w/ preprinted amounts, I am constantly amazed at how many people can't do math - even the easy scooterbug method of move the decimal point over 1 and double the amount for a 20% tip! Then there are the people too drunk to figure it out.......

Main Entry: gra·tu·ity
Pronunciation: gr&-'tü-&-tE, -'tyü-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ities
: something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service; especially : TIP

I agree the automatic 15% gratuity doesn't encourage good service. It hurts the server because I will always leave more than 15% with decent service ... unless it's automatically added. If it's automatically added service must be exceptionally good for me to add more.

[Smiling JOe]

If you think tips are not expected, you have never worked in the food service industry. Servers would not be working for minimum wage and less if tips were not expected. Even the IRS expects you to tip and the gov't has laws of lower wages for tipped jobs, again, expecting your gratuity. Find me a ten year old who would be willing to put up with all of the b.s. that a server has to put up with, for mininum wage. You cannot find one, much less an adult who has to pay for a home, car, kids, etc. At full service restaurants, a tip of 15% is an expected minimum, and if you tip less than 20%, servers will wonder why you are so cheap.

[scooterbug44]

I'm not talking about waitstaff, bartenders etc. at full service restaurants. I know tips are factored into their wages and they most certainly earn them (and then some).

I was referring to people who think they automatically deserve a tip for substandard work (extra or exceptional effort should always be rewarded) or doing their basic job description and whose wages/salary do NOT factor in tips. Hence the McD's vs. Starbucks example.

[Dune-AHH]

[quote=Dune-AHH;243897]
Also, do servers and bartenders still make far less than minimum wage? It has been a long time since I have been in the game, so I don't know the current hourly pay. Maybe if more people knew the hourly rate paid to restaurant staffers, they would tip better.

I'm also interested in knowing the answer to jdarg's question? I have just assumed that's still the way of things. Anyway...that's the story we continue to tell our dear sweet generous parents who delight in treating out at restaurants, yet continue to leave embarrassingly chintzy tips (i.e.$5 tips for $100 checks).
If I was the owner of the Chinese restaurant my parents have been going to for 50 years I would SERIOUSLY consider adding an automatic tip:blush:

[scooterbug44]

Most of the servers I know make a nominal hourly wage that is below minimum wage. This is allowed because the wage when you factor in the tips is more than minimum wage. Unfortunately when they have a slow night the gas to drive there often is more than they made all night.

My parents were bad about tipping until they had a kid in the food service industry and saw the basic paycheck. Tell yours their server not only makes less than minimum wage, they have to divide their tips w/ the busperson etc.

[Dune-AHH]

Starbucks...I've stood in line behind customers at Starbucks who place such complex :yikes: orders ... IMO sometimes that tip jar @ Starbucks is truly warranted!!

[Dune-AHH]

My parents were bad about tipping until they had a kid in the food service industry and saw the basic paycheck. Tell yours their server not only makes less than minimum wage, they have to divide their tips w/ the busperson etc.

Yeah...we've been telling them that for years, along w/ tipping % guidelines. Then we get the stories about the depression years when folks were HAPPY to work a 15 hour day for a buck & the joy of a job well done. Gotta Love 'Em!!

[scooterbug44]

Yeah...we've been telling them that for years, along w/ tipping % guidelines. Then we get the stories about the depression years when folks were HAPPY to work a 15 hour day for a buck & the joy of a job well done. Gotta Love 'Em!!

One of my first jobs (as a camp counselor) I made $.07 an hour because it was a 24/7 job that included room and board..............and that was in the 90s! No tips either!

[beachmouse]

I lump counter service in with fast food, and assume they're making market hourly wage for the area. (Which actually isn't bad. Destin Burger King got to the point where they were advertising $12/hour for adult closers last summer) So the counter service places I tip at tend to be the ones I go to at a regular basis because when it gets to the point where I feel like I've got a relationship with the people who work there, I want them to have a little extra because they do take good care of me.

Full service restaurants, our normal tip is in the 20% range, and we'll tip a little extra during the winter when we know business is slow.

[John R]

So, do you tip the owner of the hair salon, who cuts your hair?

[Beach Runner]

My daughter and I always are embarrassed at how bad of a tipper my husband is. He thinks 15% is for good service, and then he'll usually round down. He does this even with waiters who wait on us frequently. Believe it or not, they're actually friendly with us to the point that sometimes they'll sit down at the table and talk to us! My daughter and I are afraid they'll put a bugger in our food or something. But maybe that's why they're smiling.:lol:

I tend to overtip, perhaps to compensate for my sweet husband. What I really like is when we go to Houston's and on the check they show how much a 15%, 18%, and 20% tip would be. I don't know about you folks, but I can't do arithmetic after a few glasses of wine, and it's embarrassing for me to get out a calculator.:blush:

[Ocean Lover]

So, do you tip the owner of the hair salon, who cuts your hair?


Good question...normally I do but not quite as much. Last night I made an appt for my daughter for a brow waxing. The last time she had it done the price was $15. Yesterday it was $20. :shock: I did not tip additonally.

So what about stylists that rent and operate their own business within the salon...kind of like owners...do you still tip them?

[seacrestkristi]

Oh Yeah :yikes:

[Beach Runner]

So, do you tip the owner of the hair salon, who cuts your hair?
The owner of a salon in Atlanta does my hair, and I don't tip him. When I went to another owner before he semi-retired, I didn't tip him either. I was told that wasn't expected. But then the owners also charge a lot more than the other stylists. I do give a nice tip or gift at Christmas.

[Ocean Lover]

My daughter and I always are embarrassed at how bad of a tipper my husband is. He thinks 15% is for good service, and then he'll usually round down. He does this even with waiters who wait on us frequently. Believe it or not, they're actually friendly with us to the point that sometimes they'll sit down at the table and talk to us! My daughter and I are afraid they'll put a bugger in our food or something. But maybe that's why they're smiling.:lol:

I tend to overtip, perhaps to compensate for my sweet husband. What I really like is when we go to Houston's and on the check they show how much a 15%, 18%, and 20% tip would be. I don't know about you folks, but I can't do arithmetic after a few glasses of wine, and it's embarrassing for me to get out a calculator.:blush:

:yikes: Say it isn't so BR!!! I thought you mathy types could do it in your sleep.:lol:

[scooterbug44]

Easy way to figure the tip ..................even after some vino!

Move the decimal point over 1 space to the left (ie $125.37 becomes $12.53)

Double that amount ($25.06) and you have a 20% tip.

If you want to make it even easier, round it the next highest dollar amount before doubling.

[Beach Runner]

:yikes: Say it isn't so BR!!! I thought you mathy types could do it in your sleep.:lol:
I'm a mathematician, not an arithmetician, gull! LOL. To be more precise, I'm a graph theorist (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graph_theory) -- we do it in trees!

[Bob]

The amount of people who are generous in their tipping does not make up for all the cheapskates. Most people have the awareness level of an ant concerning service workers' compensation. Automatic tip charges for large parties is acceptable, in my opinion, because they're the worst offenders in third world tip math. Blanket tip charges for everyone unfortunately rewards slow service.

[Beach Runner]

Easy way to figure the tip ..................even after some vino!

Move the decimal point over 1 space to the left (ie $125.37 becomes $12.53)

Double that amount ($25.06) and you have a 20% tip.

If you want to make it even easier, round it the next highest dollar amount before doubling.
Hey, I didn't say that I routinely do 20%!:floor:

[scooterbug44]

Then you can do your own math! If you're really stingy, 10% is just moving the demical over 1 place.

[Dune-AHH]

Then you can do your own math! If you're really stingy, 10% is just moving the demical over 1 place.

and then DIVIDING by 2.

[scooterbug44]

No, you just leave out step 2. Dividing gives you 5%

[Dune-AHH]

Precisely!!:floor:

[Smiling JOe]

BR, don't feel bad about your husband's tipping problem. My sister, doesn't tip on the total amount of the bill because she states that the server shouldn't get tipped on the government's tax. :funn: Can you tell that she is in politics? God bless her.

Bob, you bring up large parties and automatic gratuity. One thing I've noticed is that sometimes when I am dining with a small group of people, is that the person holding the check, taking the money from everyone else, tends to calculate the tip + the check, then after collecting everyone's money, calculates their own amount to contribute. I hate that because often times, we will all be big tippers, except for that one person holding the check, and we will almost have the total amount, including tip collected, and that last person will chip in only a couple of bucks, so the server doesn't end up receiving the nice tip. :bang:

[scooterbug44]

That's one of my pet peeves - my generous tip subsidizing someone else's meal!

[nicdeedoop]

For “tipped employees” who meet the eligibility requirements for the tip credit under the FLSA, Florida employers may count tips that are actually received as wages under the FLSA, but the employer must pay the “tipped employees” a direct wage in an amount equal to the minimum wage of $6.67 minus $3.02 (which, as required by the amendment, is the 2003 tip credit existing under the FLSA), or a direct hourly wage of $3.65 as of January 1, 2007.

[Miss Kitty]

I generally start with 20% and then subtract or add from there. I just calculate 10% and X by 2. I was always a whiz at math. :biggrin:

So, does a slow kitchen affect your tip?

[scooterbug44]

So, does a slow kitchen affect your tip?

Not if my server lets me know that there is a delay and my throat doesn't get too dry :D. A slow kitchen affects my decision to dine there again, not my tipping.

[iwishiwasthere]

BR, don't feel bad about your husband's tipping problem. My sister, doesn't tip on the total amount of the bill because she states that the server shouldn't get tipped on the government's tax. :funn: Can you tell that she is in politics? God bless her.

Bob, you bring up large parties and automatic gratuity. One thing I've noticed is that sometimes when I am dining with a small group of people, is that the person holding the check, taking the money from everyone else, tends to calculate the tip + the check, then after collecting everyone's money, calculates their own amount to contribute. I hate that because often times, we will all be big tippers, except for that one person holding the check, and we will almost have the total amount, including tip collected, and that last person will chip in only a couple of bucks, so the server doesn't end up receiving the nice tip. :bang:

I had that happen with friends this year, and I was surprised.:eek: Really embarrassing...she gave 10%,:yikes: and we had really good service. Just because my friend was a cheapo does not mean that I was. Not sure how I will handle it next time. I may make of point of saying how much I want my part of the tip to be/:idontno: Then they can contribute what they feel is fair.

[Dune-AHH]

Originally Posted by Miss Kitty
So, does a slow kitchen affect your tip?

A fast and flowing bar usually eradicates my slow kitchen blues.
As a matter of fact, this is occurring, right here in my house RIGHT this very minute. Yep...I'll be "tipping" soon :drink2:

[rapunzel]

I used to work with a guy who would tip about 20%, but always insisted on handing it to the person directly. I always found that so embarrassing. Leave the tip on the table...a tip is usual and customary, not a present.

Oh, and as for parents, I always used to make sure I had enough cash to supplement my dad's tips when I went out to eat with him.

[ItzKatzTime]

[QUOTE=pda;244012]The pre-printed tip percentage on the bottom of your credit card slip comes from the credit card companies. They get 3% of every charge.... including a servers tip. So when your are tipping 20 % the server is actually getting 17% (This is why I try to tip cash even when paying with my card) getting the server a larger tip gets the credit card companies a larger tip. It is their way of upping profits on every charge at every restaurant around the company. QUOTE]

Our servers are tipped out every night from the credit card receipts and they always get the full amount that is written in for their tip. It's the owners responsiblity to take on the percentage the card company charges.

It is also up to the owners if they want to pay the minimum wage set for servers, which we think is a totally rediculous amount, or pay an increased amount. If you have never worked in the food service industry you cannot believe how hard it is on the servers, bussers, and cooks. The hostess gets it when she has to trouble shoot a table that had slow food coming out or when tables accidently get overbooked :pissed: and they have to try and explain to someone who is expecting that table NOW. There is just so many things that can go wrong, but there are usually more magical nights when everything flows and all is right in the world! :clap:

Back to tipping.....on large tables we let our servers decide if they want to use the 20% automatic tip or if they want to let the table tip them. In our experience over the years the server will go with letting the table tip them. But there are occasions when an automatic tip is neccessary. Now, that's a story for another time!:roll:

:wave: Kat:drink2:

[Smiling JOe]

A fast and flowing bar usually eradicates my slow kitchen blues.
As a matter of fact, this is occurring, right here in my house RIGHT this very minute. Yep...I'll be "tipping" soon :drink2::floor::floor::floor:

[greenroomsurfer]

please!!!!It is also up to the owners if they want to pay the minimum wage set for servers, which we think is a totally rediculous amount, or pay an increased amount.

[skippertoo]

[quote=ItzKatzTime;244283][quote=pda;244012]The pre-printed tip percentage on the bottom of your credit card slip comes from the credit card companies. They get 3% of every charge.... including a servers tip. So when your are tipping 20 % the server is actually getting 17% (This is why I try to tip cash even when paying with my card) getting the server a larger tip gets the credit card companies a larger tip. It is their way of upping profits on every charge at every restaurant around the company. QUOTE]

:confused:

Our servers are tipped out every night from the credit card receipts and they always get the full amount that is written in for their tip. It's the owners responsiblity to take on the percentage the card company charges.
:clap:
Thanks Kat for clearing that incorrect statement up for those of us not in the know. After reading that first message I had to go ask some restuarant owners and managers and I got the same answer which is what ever the amount a customer puts on the bill as a tip the server gets.

[whitesands]

thoughts on tipping...mmm...don't know for sure where the good doctor is coming from...we tip 20% here on top of 14% tax...here, as I said...we tip 20% when we're "away" on top of whatever tax is applicable.

My thoughts on tipping are that it is a shame that the wait staff isn't paid a living wage.

[oli]

Adding tips automaticly is illegal everyone does it [except the red bar] but illegal never the less

[whitesands]

I should have added to my previous post...do you know what it costs to serve a meal in a restaurant? The rent (if you don't "own" the establishment), the taxes, the chef and assistants, the wait staff, the linens, cutlery, china, FOOD, utilities, etc., etc.,...and on and on...I think it's surprising what is actually the profit on a meal in most cases/in most establishments. Really, when you think about it, you get quite a lot for your money, tip and all...oli, we love your place!

[oli]

I should have added to my previous post...do you know what it costs to serve a meal in a restaurant? The rent (if you don't "own" the establishment), the taxes, the chef and assistants, the wait staff, the linens, cutlery, china, FOOD, utilities, etc., etc.,...and on and on...I think it's surprising what is actually the profit on a meal in most cases/in most establishments. Really, when you think about it, you get quite a lot for your money, tip and all...oli, we love your place!

well said ,u are right you don't make much money on food but you do on the booze now........

[kurt]

well said ,u are right you don't make much money on food but you do on the booze now........

:drink:

[Smiling JOe]

well said ,u are right you don't make much money on food but you do on the booze now........Better stock up on the NewCastle this weekend. I don't want to be drinking horse ....;-)

[whitesands]

well said ,u are right you don't make much money on food but you do on the booze now........

I'll drink to that! :biggrin: