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Message |
    
eeyore_conspiracy
Member
Username: eeyore_conspiracy
Post Number: 169
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, August 19, 2006 - 08:10 pm: | 
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What service levels do you think justify the following tip levels?
20%
15%
10%
0% |
bistroy
Member
Username: bistroy
Post Number: 118
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, August 19, 2006 - 09:46 pm: |
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That makes absolutely no sense. That is, perhaps, the broadest question that I've seen in a long time.
What exactly do you mean? |
eeyore_conspiracy
Member
Username: eeyore_conspiracy
Post Number: 170
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 12:29 am: |
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I guess the best way to put it is to ask what sorts of relatively common things you would have to do as a server that would cause you to say to yourself, "yeah, I did a 10% (or whatever) job; I deserved that."
(Message edited by eeyore_conspiracy on August 20, 2006) |
tipqueen
Intermediate Member
Username: tipqueen
Post Number: 299
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 07:52 am: |
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this has been answered a million times... READ and you will find your answers!!! |
tipqueen
Intermediate Member
Username: tipqueen
Post Number: 300
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 08:26 am: |
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Here did your homework for you again!!!
Gratuitous Tips on Tipping
Not knowing the proper tip or gratuity for a service can be very unsettling. The rest of your party might not know it, but inside you may feel highly stressed as you walk up to the coat check or curbside check-in.
The challenge is not everyday situations, but when you are taken out of your normal environment. For example, if you travel only occasionally, hotel tipping etiquette can be a real mystery.
Let FindaLink.net help take the mystery out of tipping etiquette. This brief guide covers most tipping opportunities. If you find yourself in a situation not covered, please use our feedback page to get your questions answered.
Remember that tipping is discretionary. If you don't think tipping is necessary in a particular circumstance, then don't tip.
This is a guide for people who are planning to tip and want to know the appropriate amount.
If you think tipping in general is stupid, then don't tip.
But don't complain that the minimum wage is too low.
Don't complain that the only new jobs being created are low income.
And don't send me an email rant about tipping. I won't even respond. See also: email etiquette.
Have mercy!
Have you had a hard day traveling or at work? Do you feel a little grumpy? Were you sharp with someone?
Well, guess what! People in service industries don't always have great days either. Show them a little mercy and assume the best about them. Maybe your waiter is a little absent-minded because his mother is sick in the hospital.
Instead of skipping the tip, talk to the manager about poor service.
Pre-tax or post-tax?
This is a common question. Tips may be calculated pre-tax, but many people just use the total bill.
Coupons and gift certificates
If you received a coupon or gift certificate, how do you calculate the tip? Tipping is always based upon the normal price of the good or service. If you get a coupon for 20% off, then tip on the original price. The amount of work done by the server is not less because you paid less. If you have a coupon for a free entree, then tip based upon the regular price of the entree.
Many gift certificates today act more like a debit card. A $50 card is the equivalent to $50 cash, but it can only be used at the named store or restaurant. In that case, you can use the card to pay for the tip as well as the food or service. If you have a gift certificate for a free meal or spa treatment, call the manager before you go and ask if the gratuity is included. If it is not, ask for the estimated value of the gift certificate, and then tip in cash based upon that amount.
But the service is already so expensive!!
With proper tipping etiquette, the percentages of your tips do not change because of the cost of the service. Let's take a hair salon, for example. Of course, you can always tip on the lower end of 10-20%. But if you are going to go to a more expensive salon, then it is assumed that you can afford $120 plus tip. If it is really a big crunch for you, then I would recommend going less often or finding a salon that is more within your budget.
My wife and I lead a series on financial stewardship, which is basically living within your means. The material that we teach can be obtained at: http://www.crown.org/. There's no shame in figuring out that $132-144 is a bit much for hair. It bothers my wife too, but she has a budget set up for it and does it anyhow. She just spends less on other things like Starbucks.
Christmas Holiday Tipping Etiquette
Christmas is a great time of year to remember those people who serve you regularly. Since it only occurs once a year, holiday tipping can be a source of holiday stress, but it need not be so. I recommend a gift or a tasteful Christmas card with a tip inside. Delivery should occur in the month of December prior to Christmas day. Tip those who serve you all year long and whom you have a personal relationship with.
Maid - one week's pay. If you use a service and never know who is coming out, don't tip at all.
Gardener - $20-50.
USPS Mail carrier - Non-cash gifts with value up to $20. This is for mail carriers that you know and see regularly. Read more below.
UPS - Regular driver - $15.
FedEx - Not allowed to accept cash gifts, but a gift up to $25 in value is permissible.
Apartment building superintendent - $50-200. Tip less if you tip throughout the year.
Apartment Doorman/concierge - $10-80 or more each, depending upon building. The fewer doormen the building has, the more you tip each one. Those who serve you more should get a bigger tip.
Apartment building handyman - $15-40 each.
Apartment building elevator operators - $15-40 each.
Shampoo - $10
Manicurist/pedicurist - $15 or more
Hairdresser/stylist - $15 or more
Massage therapist - $15 or more. Read more about tipping massage therapists at www.frappydoo.com.
Newspaper carrier - Daily - $25 - 50, weekend - $10
Regular overnight delivery person - $10-30
Teacher - $25-100. Give a gift certificate to a bookstore or office supply store. If you know the teacher's hobbies or interests, then a gift certificate would be nice from the local movie theater, hobby shop, mall, fine restaurant or day spa. Some teachers might feel uncomfortable receiving gifts around grade time. If you are unsure, ask your principal first.
Coaches, tutors, ballet instructors, music teachers - A small gift from your child.
Garbage collector(s) - $15-30 each. Nowadays, most garbage collectors are really truck drivers. The truck has an arm that does all the work. If this is your situation, there is no need to tip.
Baby sitter - One night's pay, plus a small gift from your child.
Full-time nanny - One week's to one month's pay based on tenure, plus a small gift from your child.
Au pair - One week's pay, plus a small gift from your child.
Day care service - $25-70, plus a small gift from your child.
Parking attendants - $10-20 each
Personal trainer - $60-100 upon reaching goal.
Country Club - I believe in tipping at Christmas regardless of the club's tipping policy. I recommend a minimum of $50 for your waiters, locker-room personnel, front-desk employees, and golf professionals. For head waiters or special service, make it $100.
Dog groomer - 1/4 - 1/2 cost of a session.
Dog walker or sitter - 1-2 week's pay.
Gifts for USPS Mail Carriers
There are rules regarding gifts for USPS mail carriers. I'll quote them from the USPS website.
While many Postal Service™ customers have traditionally thanked their mail carrier with gifts of cash during the holiday season, this practice puts our employees at risk of violating federal law. The Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch ("Standards"), specifies that Postal Service employees may not accept gifts from outside sources (including Postal Service customers) or gifts given to them because of their official positions. Postal Service employees are also prohibited from soliciting gifts from outside sources.
There are a number of exceptions and exclusions to the general gifts rule . Postal Service employees may accept the following items:
Snacks and beverages that are not offered as part of a meal.
Items with little intrinsic value (i.e., greeting cards, plaques, pens, coffee mugs, etc.).
Perishable items (i.e., flowers, chocolates, cookies, etc.); if the items are clearly worth more than $20, employees should share them with others in the Postal Service workplace.
Items with a market (retail) value of $20 or less.
Gifts motivated solely because of a personal relationship.
Gifts for which the employee has paid market (retail) value.
Gifts paid for by the Postal Service.
Postal Service employees may not accept cash - in any amount or form (bills, checks, money orders) - from an outside source.
For further information, please contact the U.S. Postal Service® Law Department's Ethics Helpline at 202-268-6346, or send an email message to ethics.help@usps.gov .
At the airport
The first opportunity to tip during travel is usually upon arriving at the airport or train station. Here are some tipping guidelines:
Porter or skycap - $2 per bag or more if the bags are heavy. $2 extra for curbside check-in is optional. If you arrive late and he helps you get to your flight on time, tip an extra $5-20.
Electric cart driver - $2-$3 a person.
Wheelchair pusher - If they are just pushing you down the ramp from the gate to the plane (or in reverse), then nothing. If it is from the ticket counter to the gate/plane or from the gate/plane to the luggage carousel, then $5 is appropriate. Tip more if they help you with your luggage ($1-2 per bag) or if they help you to your car. If they are pushing you from one terminal to another (long distances), then $10-20 would be appropriate plus extra for luggage. Tip less if they are unpleasant or rude.
Flight attendant or other in-flight personnel - Nothing .
Charter pilot - Nothing. It is not necessary to tip pilots unless they provide extra services. Then it is whatever you deem appropriate for the service.
Ground transportation
Taxi, limo, paid shuttle, or van driver - 15% of the total fare. Up to 20% if the driver helps with the bags or makes extra stops. No less than $1.
Driver of courtesy shuttle - $1-$2 per bag if he helps with the bags.
At the hotel
Before you arrive at a nicer hotel or resort, inquire as to whether gratuities are included in the price of the room. Some hotels are now charging a daily fee that covers all tipping for hotel services. If there is not a daily fee, these rates are appropriate:
Valet or parking attendant - $1-3 is appropriate for parking or returning the car. It is not necessary to tip for parking, but always for returning the car.
Doorman - If he hails you a cab, $1-2. If he helps you with your bags in or out of the car, $0.50-1 a bag. Use $1-2 per bag if he carries them all the way to the room. If he just opens the door, nothing. If he is exceptionally helpful with directions or restaurant recommendations, same as concierge.
Bellman - When he helps you with your bags, tip $1-2 per bag. Give him the tip when he shows you your room. If he just carries the bags to the front desk and then disappears, save it for the person who carries the bags to your room. Upon checkout, tip a bellman who helps with your bags. Tip more for additional services.
Concierge - $5-10 for help with hard-to-get dinner reservations or theater tickets. Tipping is optional for just plain advice. Tipping can be done at the end of the trip or at the time of service, just keep is straight so that you are fair.
Room Service - If gratuity is included, add nothing or $1. Otherwise add 15-20% to the total charge.
Delivery of special items - If you request extra pillows or an iron, tip $1 per item received, minimum $2.
Maid service - $1-5 per day typically, up to $10 per day depending upon how much mess you make. Tip daily because there might be a different maid each day. Leave the tip on your pillow. Err on the side of being generous, and tip on the last day also.
Swimming pool or gym attendant - Nothing, unless you require special services such as extra seating or inflating pool toys; then it is $2-5. If you want the same deck chairs every day, then tip $2-3 per chair beginning the first day.
Hotel maintenance staff - Nothing to replace a light bulb, fix the air conditioning, etc.
Tipping at a Bed and Breakfast (B&B)
Many, if not most B&Bs have a no-tipping policy in the US and Canada. In other countries it varies. It never hurts to tip, but it is definitely not expected, and many B&Bs specifically ask that you do not. Most are family owned and the price they charge covers everything.
The safest bet is to inquire at the specific Bed and Breakfast where you plan to stay before you arrive.
If there is hired housekeeping staff, then tip the same as at a hotel.
Tour guides
Check ahead. If the tip is not already included, give 10-15% of the tour price. No less than $1-2 for a half-day tour, $3-4 for a full-day tour, and $5-10 for a week-long tour. This is a per-person rate. Tip private tour guides more. If the bus driver is particularly helpful with bags, then tip $1-2 per bag.
Boat trip - If the trip is over 3 hours, tip $10-$75 depending upon the cost of the excursion and the quality of service.
Outdoor guides (fly fishing, horseback riding, river rafting, etc.) - 15% of the cost of the service. Some companies have a no-tipping policy. Check when you book the trip.
Private Yacht Charter - Tip the crew 10-20% of the charter fee based upon the quality of service. Hand the gratuity to the Captain for distribution to the crew.
Cruise ships
Many cruise ships have a no-tipping policy. Find out in advance. If you are supposed to tip, find out if it is done at the end of the trip or at the time of service. Oftentimes, at the end of the cruise you are provided envelopes with suggested tip amounts. If you are supposed to tip, budget about $20 per day.
Waiter - $3 per day per person.
Cabin steward - $3 per day per person.
Bus boy - $1.5 per day per person.
maitre d' - Not necessary unless special services provided.
Bar steward - Usually, 15% is automatically added to bill.
Restaurants or bars
If you get awful service, talk to the manager. The manager cannot correct the situation if he doesn't know about it. Skipping the tip will not accomplish anything, and the next poor customer who gets that server will get the same service you did.
If you are buying the meal and someone offers to get the tip, tell them they can buy next time, and you pay the whole thing. This prevents any uneasiness about them seeing the amount of the bill or worrying that they will be stingy on the tip.
Restaurants report a percentage (around 12%) of the gross sales for food and beverage to the IRS for their staff. This means that if you have a $200 food bill and $200 wine bill, the restaurant will report 12% of $400 or $48 as income to the server. In other words, the server has to pay tax on it whether you tip it or not. If the restaurants do not report it accurately, the restaurant and the wait staff get audited by the IRS.
Please don't get hung up on the 12%. It is just a reasonable example. I recommend tipping 10-15% on the alcohol and 15-20% on the food. 10% on the wine is perfectly acceptable. Whether to tip 10 or 15 percent would depend in large part on how helpful the server was in choosing the wine and serving it.
Food server - 15-20%
Cocktail server - 15-20%. For free drinks in Vegas, tip $1-2 per round.
Bartender - 15-20% or $1 per drink. If at the bar before a meal, settle up with the bartender before you go to your table.
Wine steward - 10% of wine bill.
If a bar has a cover charge, you do not tip on it.
Busboys - Nothing, unless he did something extra special like cleaning up a huge mess. Then give him $1-2.
Maitre d' - Nothing, unless he gets you a special table or the restaurant is full and you had no reservation. Then give $5-10 or more.
Coat check - $1
Restroom attendant - $1
Separate checks - If you want separate checks, ask the server to go ahead and add 18% gratuity to each check.
Musician in lounge - $1-5
Musician that visits table - $2-3 if you make a special request. Optional if he just stops by and plays.
Takeout - If you get good service, in other words, the waiter gets and packages the food, then tip $1-2 or up to 10%.
Drive through - Nothing.
Self-service restaurant or buffet - Nothing unless there is some service. Tip 10% if the server delivers all or part of your meal or keeps your drinks refilled.
When breakfast is included in the price of the hotel room - Estimate the value of the meal by looking at a menu. If there is no breakfast menu, consider the quality of the hotel and the price of an evening meal, then make your best estimate. Your tip should be 15-20% of your estimate.
Teppanyaki chef - 15-20% of the total bill. The gratuity will be split among the wait staff and the chef.
Double time
If you hold a table for two serving periods, make sure that you tip double. In other words, if you spend enough time at a table that a waiter could have typically gotten two parties seated and served, then compensate him for his time by tipping him twice. I like to ease his mind by telling him this about half-way through.
Barbers, salons, spas
Barber - $2-3
Hair Stylist or Color Specialist - 10-20%. $3-5 extra for last-minute service.
Shampoo or other assistant - $2-5 for each person. Hand the tip directly to the person providing the service.
Manicure or Facial- 15%
Massage therapist - No tip if at doctor's office. 10-15% otherwise. If they come to your home or hotel room, find out in advance whether a tip is included in the price.
Electrologist, laser hair removal - Nothing.
Salon or spa package - Determine in advance whether a service charge is included. If none is included, then 10-20% split among the service providers. You can ask for it to be divided, pay each person at the time of service, or leave it in envelopes available at the front desk.
Owner who provides any of the above services - Follow the rules above.
Country club
At many country clubs, tips are included in your monthly bill. It is worthwhile to look it up.
Shoe shine - $2 per pair.
Small errands - $5. What's a small errand? Running to the store, sending a fax, calling a cab.
Large errands - $10-20. For concierge-type services of ordering flowers, obtaining hard-to-get theater tickets, etc.
Golf caddies - $15-25 above any fee for the cabby.
Golf or tennis pro lessons - Nothing.
Weddings
Many contracted services for weddings include tips in the final bill. Make sure you read your contract carefully so that you are not double tipping. As always, if you receive service above and beyond what you expected, extra tipping is recommended.
Civil ceremony officials - $50 - $75, more if travel involved
Minister, priest, rabbi - Minimum of $100, more if travel involved. Give the gratuity to the best man who will in turn give it to the officiant following the ceremony.
Coat check - 50 cents per guest.
Limo driver - 15% of the total fare. Make sure the tip is not included already in the bill.
Florists - Only necessary when service is beyond expectations, up to 15%
Photographers - Only necessary when service is beyond expectations, up to 15%
Bakers - Only necessary when service is beyond expectations, up to 15%
Reception Musicians or DJs - Only necessary when service is beyond expectations, up to 15% or $25-50 per person.
Open bar at receptions - There are two views on this. Some say tip $1 for each visit to the bar. Other's contend that the tax and tip are included in the cost of the open bar, and that the guest should only tip if it is a cash bar. I lean toward the latter view, but it never hurts to be generous. If you are the host of the event, make sure it is not included. If it is not included, the tip is 15-20%.
Wedding organist, musician or soloist - First check whether or not the gratuity is included in the rental of the church. If not, $50 per person or $75 per person for close friends.
Funeral Etiquette
The tip or gratuity for the clergyman who performs a funeral service is called the honorarium. The amount of the honorarium is typically $50-200. The amount is personal and varies based upon many factors:
How much of the service does the clergyman perform, and does it include a graveside service?
How many ministers are speaking at the service.
How well do you know the minister?
How good of a job does he do?
What is customary for the area?
How much can you afford?
When my daughter died, I had two ministers from my church perform the services. One spoke for the memorial service, and the other did the graveside. Both refused the honorarium. When this happens, wait a couple of months and do something special for him. Be sure to send a thank you card regardless.
If you are still not sure how much to give, then ask for some help from the funeral director. He will know what is customary.
Tipping Caterers
Tipping Caterers can be a real mystery. The best thing to do is to talk to the caterer in advance. Most caterers have a service charge that is included in the bill and is distributed to the cooks, driver and wait staff. If there is no service charge or it is not for the people doing the work, then tipping 15% is appropriate. This amount should be divided among the servers by the on-site manager. If it is included, you don't need to tip any more. Of course, if someone really goes out of his way for you, then feel free to tip that individual extra, remembering that it will be extra.
Tipping Movers
There are many things to consider in a move. A professional mover is going to be careful to protect your floors, walls, doorways, and belongings. That said, it is unlikely that your move will go perfectly, whether you are moving yourself or paying someone else to do it. Something will get broken. The question that matters is were they being careless, or was it a genuine accident? Every time I have moved furniture myself, I have caused more damage to my home than movers ever had. I take this into consideration when I look at accidents.
Tipping occurs at the completion of the job. Consider providing lunch if the move extends over lunch, and always provide beverages for the movers.
One mover - limited move - 1-10 items and nothing over 20 pounds - $10-20
One mover - difficult move - The degree of difficulty changes based upon stairs, narrow passages, small elevators, large or heavy items, appliances, etc. - $20-50.
Multiple movers - Basically tip each mover the same as above, but lower it by $5-10 for each mover. Feel free to pool the tip and give it to the supervisor for distribution, but don't lower the amount because you combined it. The problem with combining the tip is that you cannot reward people based upon their individual performances.
Car Shipping - There is not much information available about tipping the truck drivers. $20-25 is probably appropriate.
Emergency roadside service
Consider the level of danger. Tip an additional amount if it is roadside service versus in a parking lot.
Towing service - $5 - $20 depending upon circumstances and your desperation.
Jump start - $3 - $5
Tire change - $4 - $5
Locked out of car - $5 - $10
Miscellaneous services
Car wash - $2-3 for a car; $3-5 for an SUV or large vehicle. If there is a tip jar, leave your tip there. It will be split among the workers. Otherwise, tip the person(s) who did the cleanup after the wash.
Car detailing - 15%
Salesperson or personal shopper at department store - Nothing.
Cosmetologist at makeup counter - Nothing
Travel agents - Nothing.
Realtors® or real estate agents - Nothing. The best way to say thanks is to refer people to them.
Title company closing agents - Nothing.
Mortgage loan officer - Nothing.
Financial planners - Nothing.
Car salesman - Nothing.
Interior designer - Nothing.
Graphic designer - Nothing.
Farriers or horse haulers- Nothing.
Swimming lesson instructor - Nothing.
Carpet cleaners - Nothing.
Piano tuner - Nothing.
Nurses - Nothing.
Bagger at grocery store - Check in advance to see if the store has a no tipping policy. Most have one. If it doesn't, then $1-3 for the bagger and $1-5 for the person who loads your car.
Sports arena in-seat food service - This one is tricky. At most arenas you tip the person who takes the order 15%. You tip at the time of payment, not delivery. The best thing to do is to ask before you order. You definitely should not tip both the order taker and the deliverer unless you split it.
Makeover specialist at department store - Nothing unless you used over 15 minutes of her time and then bought nothing.
Shoeshine - $1-2.
Pet groomers - Most pet groomers are paid based upon a commission, not a regular salary or hourly wage. Typically your tip should be 15% of the bill or $2 per dog, whichever is greater. If your dog is difficult, then tip more. Obviously, don't tip if the quality is poor.
Pet sitters - Tipping is not required, but most pet sitters will appreciate a tip. 15% is appropriate if you want to tip.
Clown at children's party - $15-25 depending upon the quality of the performance and the heat level of the day. Others say 15-20% of the performers fee.
Exotic club - Nothing. Shame on you. I can't believe you would even ask.
House painters - Nothing. Offer them a cool drink instead. If you are especially impressed with the job, then tip each painter $10-20.
Contractors - Same as painters.
Appliance repairman - Nothing.
Telephone, security, cable, satellite, internet installers or repairmen - Nothing.
Auto mechanic - Not necessary. If you insist, tip about $10-20 for bills up to $500, and $50 for bills over $500.
Window tinting service - Nothing.
Tailor or seamstress - Nothing.
Weekly lawn or landscaping service - Nothing.
Tipping for Deliveries
Furniture or appliance deliveries - $5-10 per person. If the delivery is huge, then $20 per person.
Grocery delivery - Usually included in the fee.
Flower deliveries - $2-5 for normal deliveries and $5-10 for large ones.
UPS/Fed Ex - None.
Dry Cleaning or Laundry Delivery - Nothing. Most services instruct drivers not to accept gratuities.
Liquor delivery - 10-15%.
Pizza deliveries or other food deliveries - 15%, but not less than $2.
Delivering a big box like a TV to your car - Nothing. Most stores prohibit employees from receiving tips, and the employee may be subject to discipline for doing so.
Full-Service Gas Stations
If you receive service (clean windshield, check fluid levels, etc.), the tip varies from $1-5 depending upon how much they do. $1-2 for a good job on the windshield, and $3-5 for windshield and fluid check. If you have to ask the person to do these things or they do a poor job, then I wouldn't tip anything for windshield only or $1-2 for the full whammy.
There is one big exception. If the price of gas at the self-service pumps is $1.70 and the price for full-service is $2.50, then they are already charging you for the service.
Casino Tipping
Before we talk about casino tipping, let's discuss a budget. Before you go to a casino, you should determine how much you are willing to lose before you call it quits. Gambling is fine for entertainment, but it is not a good means of wealth accumulation. If the odds weren't in the house's favor, casinos would not make as much money as they do. Gambling without a budget is poor stewardship of your money.
Casino workers are a part of the service industry and make 2/3 of their income from tips. Without tips, they are grossly underpaid.
One general rule for tipping at a table is that you tip when you are winning, not losing.
Craps or blackjack dealer - $5+ chip per session. If you prefer, you can place a side bet for the dealer up to 10%. The size depends upon the table's minimum bet; however, it should never exceed $25. At a $5 table, the tip would be a $1 chip. At a $25 table, use a $5 chip.
Poker dealers - $5+ chip per session. You may tip 10% of your winnings, but not to exceed $25.
Roulette dealers - $5+ chip per session.
Keno writers/runners - $1+ for first ticket. If you play a lot, tip more. 5% if you win.
Drinks waiter - $1+ chip per drink. Remember that you are getting free drinks because alcohol lowers your inhibitions and you will gamble more.
Slot machine changers - These guys are pretty much obsolete because most machines today spit out paper receipts of winnings. If you do have a machine that pays in coins, tip $1+ chip per change, plus 5% on a jackpot, not to exceed $25.
Slot machine attendants - $1-2 chip when they repair your machine.
Tip Jars
They're showing up everywhere -- tip jars. Most people hate them. Where is it appropriate to leave a tip in a tip jar? We'll cover some of the basics.
Star bucks - Nothing.
Any fast-food restaurant - Nothing.
Buffet-lines or cafeterias - Nothing. If there is a person who comes around and keeps your tea glass full, tip him personally $1-2.
Donut, bagel or coffee shop - Nothing.
Sports arena concession stands - Nothing.
If you get the idea that tip jars are inappropriate at any food-service establishment that does not actually bring the food to your table and keep your drinks refilled, then you are correct.
Laundry service - Nothing.
Car wash - $2-3 for a car; $3-5 for an SUV or large vehicle. If there is a tip jar, leave your tip there. It will be split among the workers. Otherwise, tip the person(s) who did the cleanup after the wash. |
teleburst
Senior Member
Username: teleburst
Post Number: 1133
Registered: 06-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 08:52 am: |
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"this has been answered a million times... READ and you will find your answers!!!"
Agreed. I already answered the question in another thread. |
tipqueen
Intermediate Member
Username: tipqueen
Post Number: 302
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 09:15 am: |
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this has been answered a million times... READ and you will find your answers!!!"
Agreed. I already answered the question in another thread.
Donkey's not the brightest/sharpest crayon in the box now huh!?!?! |
bistroy
Member
Username: bistroy
Post Number: 121
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 10:50 am: |
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It's just trying to find some sort of answer to pick apart as it chooses. |
rev_rund
Member
Username: rev_rund
Post Number: 230
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 11:16 am: |
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I'll join the union on this one. |
hacinta
Senior Member
Username: hacinta
Post Number: 1285
Registered: 01-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 01:26 pm: |
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bistroy, that was exactly my first thought. Why bother to answer, since eeyore has his tipping standards already in place. It would be one more heated debate, not worth my time.
Formerly Jammie
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eeyore_conspiracy
Member
Username: eeyore_conspiracy
Post Number: 173
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 07:53 pm: |
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I already answered the question in another thread.
Link? |
tricky
Member
Username: tricky
Post Number: 191
Registered: 05-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 09:43 pm: |
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Wait, you want the person who already answered to do the research? A resource forum exists so the person with the question will, I dunno, search for their answer. |
vitalryan
Junior Member
Username: vitalryan
Post Number: 83
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2006 - 01:40 am: |
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eeyore,
I understand your question, you are curious what goes through our heads when we finish a table and believe we earned 20% plus on it, and get pissed when they leave 12%.
eeyore, this should be an obvious answer, for instance, all the food is timed perfect, drinks are always topped off, you have a great and flawless connection with your guest, you laugh and talk but not overly and you don't seem distant either. Everything just goes right. Thats when I get pissed if I don't receive a nice tip, it takes effort to make things go that smoothly, mostly, it takes a knowledgeable server, with over 200 items, it helps knowing cook times on all the different appetizers, I can see what your app was, and what your entree was, and try and time your cook times accordingly, this insures a smooth transition from app to entree.
There is so much a GOOD waiter does that you never realize because everything just went so smooth. And THAT deserves a 20% tip, I feel like sometimes things go so smooth, people discount your actual work load/professionalism/knowledge/skill and tip poorly.
Obviously if you forget a refill, etc... things that go wrong but not major, you get down to 15% or whatever. |
teleburst
Senior Member
Username: teleburst
Post Number: 1135
Registered: 06-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2006 - 07:59 am: |
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"I already answered the question in another thread.
Link?"
No. Find it yourself. I'm not going to play your obstructionist game by wasting my time. You know you read it because you participated in the discussion. |
vozveratu
Advanced Member
Username: vozveratu
Post Number: 826
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2006 - 08:23 am: |
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Plus, it was all explained above. Just use your scroll wheel, move it in an upward direction and whalah! Information. |
westley
Junior Member
Username: westley
Post Number: 68
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2006 - 10:45 am: |
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I may be called naive, but I'll try to put out an honest answer to the question. I'm assuming it's targeted at restaurant service, not cabs or hair salons or something. Also, it depends on the restaurant. At Morton's, any error whatsoever by a server is a strike - they're supposed to be better, the prices are very high, I come here to enjoy a great meal with no flaws. At Applebee's, you brought three straws for the four of us? Fine, just bring another one later when you get around to it, no harm, no foul.
What service levels do you think justify the following tip levels?
20% Everything was right, no mistakes that affected our enjoyment (very minor mistakes ok), drinks stayed full, you didn't bother us but you did come back and check on us occasionally, you could give a good answer to every question we asked about the menu, you made useful recommendations without trying to push us into ordering a bunch of stuff that we didn't want, check arived timely, and we didn't feel like you were in a rush to get us out. Additionally, if we get all of this, AND it's busy (Friday night), then probably a little more than 20%
15% A few small mistakes or didn't check on us and refill drinks quite often enough, but overall did everything right, or a mistake that was big enough to matter, but everything was fixed quickly and appropriately when the mistake was pointed out.
10% Mistake made and not fully fixed or it's so obvious that it shouldn't have been made in the first place, didn't check back or refill drinks much if at all, or just generally tried to push us through so you could serve the next table, or (and this is a big one to me) didn't have adequate knowledge of the menu - I asked what's in this and you didn't know, and didn't try to find out for me, and I ended up with something that has cilantro or mustard or something else I don't like in it.
0% Several of the items on the 10% list or just general unpleasantness. I've been known to try to flag down a waitress for a refill, and then, upon failing, just get up and go get my own refill, which usually gets to the 0% level regardless of anything else. |
eeyore_conspiracy
Member
Username: eeyore_conspiracy
Post Number: 178
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 - 02:05 am: |
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I think you guys are missing the point of my question. I'm not asking what customers should tip for various service levels. I'm asking about how servers perceive their own service in relation to their tips. (That's why tipqueen's copy and paste job is way the hell off the mark.) |
hacinta
Senior Member
Username: hacinta
Post Number: 1291
Registered: 01-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 - 06:03 am: |
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There are so many variables that is almost an impossible question to answer. Like the days my back is killing me, Im sure Im not as personable as the days I am fully rested and feel great. The travelers that have just had their flight delayed are not as fun as the people that are heading for Vegas on a second honeymoon. Serving is not text book. I've had people tell me I am the best bartender they have ever seen, then others have complained about me. It depends on too many things.
Formerly Jammie
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rev_rund
Member
Username: rev_rund
Post Number: 236
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 - 07:16 am: |
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~I think you guys are missing the point of my question. I'm not asking what customers should tip for various service levels. I'm asking about how servers perceive their own service in relation to their tips.~
With a long trek record of insults and refusal to participate in any dialogue (cut and paste is not participating), I would say you are most undeserving of any answers. While I can't force anyone not to respond seriously, I would think that your history of berating and insulting tipped employees should be enough to stop people from doing so. |
teleburst
Senior Member
Username: teleburst
Post Number: 1137
Registered: 06-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 - 09:42 am: |
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Besides, I've already answered the question recently and I was pretty specific... |
vozveratu
Advanced Member
Username: vozveratu
Post Number: 831
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 11:22 am: |
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I've had customers get mad because we didn't check back on them every 2 minutes and I've customer praise the service when I only visited the table 3-4 times.
Just as the percentage of tipping, there are too many varibles with customer types to get an accurate measure of what type of service should be given to a customer.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but your going to have to rely on common sense. Oops, your really in trouble now. I suggest eating at home. |
genise
New member
Username: genise
Post Number: 4
Registered: 09-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 01, 2006 - 07:08 am: |
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I always saw 20% as slightly above average service and 15% as average service.
On average, servers don't mess up someone's order. I'll be honest; I've messed up a few orders in my day. So I always figured that if I messed up an order, I was providing average service at best. If I got a 10% or 15% tip out of that, I was able to live with that. After all, taking an order correctly is one of the most basic functions of the job. Letting drinks run out for extended periods is also another thing I'd expect to cause my tip to get docked. Generally, you can get a pretty good sense for how fast a table is going through drinks, but sometimes they wolf a few down really fast on you.
Had I ever been rude to a customer, I'd expect to get somewhere between 10% and nothing. As frustrating as the job can be sometimes, you'd have to be crazy to think that a customer should tip you after you acted poorly toward them.
If I did a pretty good job, I usually wanted to see about 20%. If I was just sort of average, I'd want to see about 15%. If I messed up on a basic function of the job, like taking orders and filling drinks, I'd expect to see less than 15%. And if I had acted rudely toward a customer or ignored their needs almost completely, I wouldn't expect to see any tip. |
regularguy
New member
Username: regularguy
Post Number: 23
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 01, 2006 - 12:43 pm: |
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18-20% if someone goes above and beyond good service. For example at IHOP wasn't sure if I'd like the soup. The waitress offered "well I'll get you a bowl and if you don't like it I won't charge you." She got it, asked how it was and I said fine. She still didn't charge me. OR does really well handling a VERY demanding table (no I'm not talking about hold this or hold that) but need CONSTANT refills and requests come one at a time etc.
Probably do this 15-20% of the time.
Those with toddlers/little kids should tip like this often - for the mess and mayhem little kids cause
15% for good service, I think one of the servers called it "no fault service", = drinks refilled appropriately, appropriate checking. Not bringing out food that was obviously not made correctly according to the order. Friendly courteous. Still will tip this if some waits on refills etc.
What I would leave about 75% of the time.
10% for clearly crappy service. Waiter disappears for 10-15 plus minutes when drinks need to be refilled. Customer has to go chase down server, take matters into own hands grab silverware from other tables, ask another server because yours is AWOL. Happens about 5% of the time.
0-5% ultra crappy service usually with attitude thrown in. Server disappears. Argues when told the food is cold (oh that can't be its so easy to make for them). The diner in question went to the restroom, when the food finally came back out (not much hotter) throws a "Ohhhh, where did she go, now its gonnnna be COOOOLD" snide comment. Also should talk to the manager to know how disgusting the service was. happens < 5% of the time
I am guessing unlike many current servers, 15% is where I start and deviate based on major pluses or problems. |
vitalryan
Junior Member
Username: vitalryan
Post Number: 92
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 01, 2006 - 05:16 pm: |
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I understand you give 15% for good service regularguy, but to be honest, that isn't the norm anymore. I think ONE time in my career serving I've checked my tip percentage and it was 15 percent or less, I can't even remember. My tip percentage on even $1500 in sales in a night will be around 18-20%, so I'd say that 18% should be minimum for GOOD service. It's the same reason most restaurants tack on 18-20% nowadays for gratuities. |
genise
New member
Username: genise
Post Number: 8
Registered: 09-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 01, 2006 - 07:35 pm: |
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I'm not sure that average service is actually good service. |
vozveratu
Advanced Member
Username: vozveratu
Post Number: 838
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 04, 2006 - 08:08 am: |
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vitalryan, maybe your averaging 18-20% tips because your service is above average and because of your experience, it feels like your giving average service.
Just because the average is increasing for you, it doesn't mean all customers should tip 18% to every server. |
corplawchick
New member
Username: corplawchick
Post Number: 6
Registered: 05-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 06, 2006 - 09:34 am: |
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Can't help but throw my 2 cents in (please note I have yet to read the other replies).
0%: This would be a tough one for me to leave, has happened only twice. Requires speaking with manager about service. But...
- Is extremely rude to you (swears at you, insults you, etc).
- Personal Experience: Server takes drink order, comes back 25 minutes later, dumps the drinks and runs off. We were not able to order dinner, she does not make an appearance for 30 minutes, take our order and runs off w/o getting new drinks. 2 entrees come before out apps and salads. Then 2 apps and 1 salad come. 40 minutes later other 3 salads, 2 apps, and 2 entrees arrive. Drinks ordered still not brought out. We had asked another server for help and told us, "to stay the f*** away from the other waitresses, you are MY table". We were basically finished being there asked for the check (25 minute wait) gave her 1 card, 15 minutes later she comes back and its got an 18% gratiuty on it (we were a party of 4, she put 6 into the check). So a manager was called and she recieved nothing.
10%: Tip for poor but tolerable service.
- Server gets you the food, gets you the drink, doesn't check back, maybe got something wrong but since she didn't check back it couldn't be fixed. Basically mediocre service. You still got your food and your beverage, but it was slow/not often enough.
Personal Experience: 2 of us ordered liquor drinks and water, brings the drinks but no water. We run out and need another round, she's nowhere to be found. We wait and wait, finally get water from someone else. The meal comes out well, she doesn't check back. 30 minutes later drops check without asking if we want dessert/another drink.
15%: Slightly less then average tip. It gets dinged for:
- Getting something wrong that they controlled (ie: sprite, not coke) and not fixing it when asked.
- Slowness: Maybe he's chatting with friends across the room while we wait for our apps we can see on the line.
We don't often leave this tip because 20% is easier to calculate 
20% Standard frome expected service.
- Take my order, bring my drink, keep drink refilled, bring all food ordered in the right order, quality check, ask before dropping check, do it in reasonable time for the business level of place. |
genise
New member
Username: genise
Post Number: 14
Registered: 09-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 12:54 pm: |
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I think you're far too generous with your 15%. If they don't make an attempt to fix their mistake, that's flat out 0% territory as far as I'm concerned. If they bring out Sprite instead of Coke and fix it when that's brought to their attention, that's one thing. But if they don't fix it, that's a fundamental failure in their performance of their job.
I'd put slowness due to chatting in something more like that 10% (or maybe lower) category. If the co-worker is more important, ask them for the tip. |
vozveratu
Advanced Member
Username: vozveratu
Post Number: 855
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 01:31 pm: |
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I base my tip on personality, number of mistakes and how they are fixed.
If someone is rude, short or seems a bit annoyed that I am there dining, then *DING*.
If someone is making constant mistakes (by the server, not food quality) *DING*.
If the fixing of these mistakes take a long time or hinders my experience of having a good time, *DING*.
Give or take a few dings based on how busy they are and how short handed the place may be. |
teleburst
Senior Member
Username: teleburst
Post Number: 1174
Registered: 06-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 03:25 pm: |
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"I'd put slowness due to chatting in something more like that 10% (or maybe lower) category. If the co-worker is more important, ask them for the tip".
Well, since the OP noted that their standard tip is 20%, then they are pretty much in line with you, wouldn't you say? |
genise
New member
Username: genise
Post Number: 17
Registered: 09-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 07:23 pm: |
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I think it's worse than just slightly bad. Slightly bad is making a mistake and fixing it. Screwing around on the job is worse, I think, than making a mistake and fixing it. |
dr_drew
New member
Username: dr_drew
Post Number: 7
Registered: 08-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 04, 2006 - 07:06 pm: |
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I tip restaurant workers, generously. You have to deliberately piss me off to get less than 20-25% or a buck or two per drink, and I'm an easy-going guy.
I tip cabbies if they're on time and get me where I need to be on time.
I tip my hairstylist, but not if they screw up my hair. They've screwed up my sideburns the last two times, different stylists. Not badly, but not professional. And not worthy of a tip if it happens again.
I tip the skycap at the airport because they can screw you up if you give them half the chance and it's an extra convenience you can choose to use in lieu of waiting in line.
I tip baristas a buck if they make my drink quickly and how I've instructed. If they lolly-gag around, make me wait unreasonably long, or screw it up and don't fix it, I don't.
I tip my manicurist and pedicurist, because it's a luxury, they work hard and always do a good job.
I tip when I pick up my pizza, because they remember me and get it out quick and are always happy to see me. It's only a buck or two.
I've got a lot of empathy, I know people are human. I've done a lot of these jobs before. If you screw up, just level with me and fix it, and it's all right. If not, I'm not going to reward bad service. |
hacinta
Senior Member
Username: hacinta
Post Number: 1354
Registered: 01-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 04, 2006 - 08:56 pm: |
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dr, thats what Im talkin bout. You are alright with me.
Im sure you get treated well everywhere you are a regular. You sound like a nice person, not just becasue you tip well. "I've got a lot of empathy, I know people are human" A little kindness goes a long way.
Formerly Jammie
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