Tipping
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Loveland, CO
Yes, Dave, I agree. Tips are tips, up to the customer and not to be assumed. Our sales tax is 8.75% on a meal. It's easy to double the tax to get the ball park figure and adjust accordingly.
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Canton, MA
Originally Posted by RedY2KS2k,Sep 16 2010, 08:10 PM
I remember reading an interesting algorithm for calculating the tip years ago. They started with a certain percentage, then added or subtracted.
For example, minus x percent if your coffee cup isn't refilled promptly. Minus y percent if they introduce themselves by name, which seems to be universal these days. I forget what the other minuses and the pluses were.
For example, minus x percent if your coffee cup isn't refilled promptly. Minus y percent if they introduce themselves by name, which seems to be universal these days. I forget what the other minuses and the pluses were.
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Canton, MA
Originally Posted by Lainey,Sep 16 2010, 07:01 PM
We tip the 20% as a rule. If the tip is added on, sometimes that's all they get, unless the service was very good. We even tip on the total including tax most times, except in Canada.........their taxes are too much $$
If the lunch/breakfast tab is cheap, the tip could be bigger. They work hard, and what's an extra $1.00 on a breakfast/lunch tab.
Sometimes it's OK to ask if we need change. Especially if they can't see how much money is left in the little folder/binder. It saves them a trip back to the table.
Smart waiters/waitresses will also bring back "good change"/small bills so you can leave that extra couple of bucks if you want to.
If the lunch/breakfast tab is cheap, the tip could be bigger. They work hard, and what's an extra $1.00 on a breakfast/lunch tab.
Sometimes it's OK to ask if we need change. Especially if they can't see how much money is left in the little folder/binder. It saves them a trip back to the table.
Smart waiters/waitresses will also bring back "good change"/small bills so you can leave that extra couple of bucks if you want to.
All good points.My additional word on this subject is a word of caution. Unless you plan to never go back to that restaurant again, give at least 15%. Your food is at the mercy of your servers. Stiffing the waitress to "teach her a lesson" will certainly increase the chance that she will remember you...
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Arlington, VA
I tip 20% on the subtotal, not the total. And I agree with the restaurant adding the gratuity automatically for a larger party (6 or more) - 18% from my experience. I'd add to that if the service is good. The subject of tipping is a big one in DC for the WaPo food critic and the many peeps here who dine out.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Mish-she-gan
I always tip 20% unless the service is especially bad or the waiter doesn't provide the change to ensure I have it (really dumb on their part if they don't). I too generally raise it to the nearest dollar so it's often 20%+. We do have one bar we frequent where I often do 25% and more, as the owner really goes out of her way to make everyone feel at home no matter how little they spend...... and it's generally our second stop of the night, so we usually aren't big spenders by that time.
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Arlington, VA
I tip 20% on the subtotal. I do agree with some restaurants' policy of automatically adding the tip for larger groups (6 or more) - usually 18%. I add to that for good service. Tipping is a big subject here in DC, where the WaPo food critic discusses it pretty frequently, since many peeps here dine out a lot.
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Minocqua, WI
I tipped more than 20% tonight. We went to small mexican place that we frequent on regular basis. Myra usually eats vegan and they will make almost anything for her. She orders and the staff knows her choice is vegan so they offer suggestions and remind her when something has cheese or sour cream. They take very good care of us.