I don't usually eat anywhere that rude waitstaff would work. So I minimum tip 20%. Usually more. I figure it into the cost of the evening. Like gas or parking. If the waiter is a little off, I usually a benefit of the doubt statement like, "It looks like you've had a busy day" or "Are you doing okay?" More often then not, it brightens their day and in turn brightens my day. Everyone wins. I don't really like entitlement from anyone, whether it's the server for the tip or the customer for the business.

 

Everyone seems to only be focused on food services. My stance on the subject is if you are in a position that gets paid crap because tips are expected, I usually tip 20% for decent service, and up to 40-50% for great service (barbers, waiters, cabs, valet). Even for very bad service you will still get at least 10%. When It comes to other stuff. I some times tip just to say thank you if someone went out of their way for me. I also try to give them some return service and recommend them to friends. In my eyes, return service and a good rep goes a lot farther.
At the same time, if the service is bad I will talk to the employee, manager, or owner if necessary to try to resolve the issue.

 

Is anyone else reminded of Reservoir Dogs right now?

I agree that "forced" tipping is whack, and +1 on those tip jars at Starbucks, Jamba Juice, etc. I hate that. I'm pretty picky about who I tip. If you treat me well, I'll tip at least 35%. If I get mediocre service, I'll give you 15%. If it's anything less than mediocre, you're getting nothing. I don't like the idea of tipping a few pennies to prove a point... That's insulting.

 

You really should realize that most waiters make like $3.50 an hour...they LIVE on tips. That's the point of tips. If you don't condone the system, don't go to sit down restaurants where tips are encouraged; but don't make your server suffer for your bigotry.

I tip $1 of every $5 spent until we get above $30, and then it's 15%.

 

It is illegal in NY as well. There was a huge lawsuit (multi million dollar) against the Balthazar group (Balthazar, Pastis, etc) for management forcing servers to pay the walkouts. However, you do have the right to fire them.

However, interestingly enough, in NY, credit card processing fees may now be taken out of the server's cc tips, which I found really weird. We don't do it in my group, but I found it really strange that something like that passed, as most view CC processing fees to be a restaurant expense.

 

That's the policy I have with my servers. If a diner runs out on them, I don't want to know. They can either pay for it themselves, and as far as I am concerned, the check was paid, or, they can tell me, and I become judge, jury, and if necessary, executioner. I held every single position in the restaurant industry, so I do have a heart, and I do understand some situations are out of the servers control. If someone came in PLANNING on skipping out on the bill, it will get done. These scumbags will ask for more bread, and when the server goes to get it, they run out. I have seen scams like you guys wouldn't believe here in NYC. I do treat all walkouts on a case by case basis.

 

Oh, and one more thing...I do agree with the OP on ONE aspect....tipping IS a part of our culture, however, it spread like wildfire into positions that have no business being tipped. Many businesses/industries saw the restaurant industry, and said, "hey, that's a damn good idea!" As a result, you now have a TON of jobs that are "tipping jobs.

Here is a small list of places I refuse to tip, and remember, I have been in the service industry for over 15 years...

1)Mandatory valets. I understand valeting your car is a luxury. However, if I choose to dine at your restaurant, and you don't allow customers to park their own cars, and FORCE valet on them, I will not tip.

2)Mandatory coat checks. I refuse to tip.

3)Bathroom attendants. I ALWAYS refuse their services, and I do not tip them. I find them intrusive, privacy invading, and just generally, a creepy job.

4)Hostesses (this is a NYC thing.)

5)ANY service/business where the OWNER is the "servant." If I come to you to install a stereo, and you are the installer/owner, I will not tip you.

 

 

 

Where I am living now you don't have to pay tips anywhere...

Theres only 2 occasions that I always pay tips...

extra good service at the restaurant (rarely the case according to my standard)

and Bathroom attendants... because they are usually really old man with little skills and just trying to make a living ( I hate the society eveytime I see an old man or lady have to takeout loads of trash, cleaning ...etc)

all else I dont pay tips especially going out for drinks/clubs...