Blog Catalog Discussion: How much do you tip in the US?

Anok on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

Anok — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:48:35 -0600

Imagine this....arms and legs flailing in all directions, with feet furiously kicking about in a dance that resembles something between riverdancing, and a seizure. :D

The thing of it was, with me at least, I focused more on if I liked the customer or not. What I mean is that I would react better, and give much better service, to customers who were polite, nice and particularly those who were engaging. Even if they didn't leave big tips, I would still treat them very well. (Some of my regulars were not rich by any means, and could only afford so much....so I knew it wasn't an insult to me, and figured it would be really rude for me to treat them poorly because they are poor, or on a fixed income).

So thats how it happens for me, and thats why my section was always full, and there were customers who wouldn't eat, unless I waited on them. Its also why I made a lot of money, but who's counting anyway? ;)

offendedblogger on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

offendedblogger — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:41:07 -0600

Oh, I would have so tipped you if I was there!!! Haha!

/me imagines you tap dancing for customers now, too funny! :)

Anok on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

Anok — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:39:47 -0600

Ah, right! That makes sense. I used to wait on a lot of (repeat) tourists here, so learning other languages was a must, if I wanted good tips! (and, you know, if I wanted to understand them LOL).

One night we were so busy, and so in the weeds that customers were getting very angry, rightfully so. I had a very large party of well - to - do and wonderful regular customers who were starting to get antsy about the wait. (They were superbly patient and understanding, but everyone has their limits).

So, in order to make up for it I not only finagled free drinks for all (from my very very cheap bosses) but I also tapped danced for them, just to keep their attention from turning to the wait.

Which was extra funny, because I can't tap dance.

Anok on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

Anok — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:35:33 -0600

Hey, maybe we're long lost twins! Thank you much, though. I also find myself agreeing with your posts on a regular basis. Thats awesome, in my book!

So....I'm not too wordy then? Because I feel like a type *a lot* LOL.

offendedblogger on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

offendedblogger — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:34:30 -0600

Haha I live in small town Idaho, they all know my name and we all speak the same language. If I want filet mignon and a wine list, I stay home. :)

Anok on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

Anok — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:32:14 -0600

Well, there is a pretty big difference between extraordinary service, and bare minimum. I would say what you described isn't "extraordinary". It's good service. Mediocre service wouldn't be as good as your described, and bare minimum is when you have barely received service at all. And I agree - little to no tip is warranted when the service is that bad but a non tip should also include a complaint to the manager! That way the server understands why he or she received nothing. Otherwise, the server's work ethic won't change.

To me, extraordinary service is when a server remembers your name, your favorite drink, how you like your filet mignon cooked, and your favorite dressing. He or she not only checks on you and tops off your drinks, but can also speak your language and help you order in your native tongue. Extraordinary service includes extensive knowledge of the menu, and wine lists and can help navigate you towards an extraordinary dining experience even though you are trying something new.

When I would give service like that, I would receive not just large tips, but also regular customers and word of mouth given requests. My dance card was full....

offendedblogger on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

offendedblogger — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:18:52 -0600

It depends on the situation, but for instance if the waiter/waitress does the bare minimum and does not bother to put extra effort into making sure we have what we need then why would they deserve a tip?

Tips should be earned and not expected.

If our drinks are always topped off, and they come by just to make sure we have what we need, they earn a tip. :)

kdawg68 on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

kdawg68 — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:13:13 -0600

Anok...okay, something is up here. You and I were having deja vu the other day, and now I see this from you. Would you believe I honestly typed something in another thread of a similar nature to you and then had to shut my pc down (supervisor came over).

I'll say it now - youre replies to these discussions are some of the most well thought out and wonderfully articulated I've seen. Especially in the "sticky" thread we keep bumping - you hit the ball out of the park in that one.

freeatlast on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

freeatlast — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:26:30 -0600

So you don't tip if it is not Extraordinary? Please clarify. Always curious to see how people define extraordinary... Very different from one person to the next.

offendedblogger on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

offendedblogger — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:23:53 -0600

We are supposed to tip here?! :o

Haha, kidding. My philosophy on tipping is that if I get EXTRAORDINARY service I will tip. I hate that it is expected for mediocre service, and I am happy to disappoint in that case.

When I do tip, it is usually 15-20%, sometimes more. :)

freeatlast on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

freeatlast — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:23:06 -0600

PLEASE DON"T SAY THAT!!!! I HAVE to get out!

I do like the social interaction you get in the service industry. Have met some genuinely amazing, crazy intelligent people... and I'm talking about fellow servers. There are perks to the job, but they are not the perks you get at other jobs... they are much more metaphysical. In that sense, so are the bad parts: Constantly dealing with rude customers can wear on the psyche. I'm sure you understand.

I lucked out to be in a restaurant, non chain, that is very strong even among so many others bottoming out. It's been around for 25 years and going strong. Kinda hard to leave that behind.

Anok on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

Anok — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:14:51 -0600

I ended up out of the business only because the economy is going sour. Between too many restaurants closing due to lack of business, and the deadly combo of super chain restaurants finishing the kill - it has become a war zone out there. So, I'm out for now, but will eventually go back to it.

It's one of those jobs that I've never been able to tottaly walk away from.

freeatlast on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

freeatlast — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:06:44 -0600

I hear you!! i've been doing it for way too long too... verging on professional server. Though my experience helps my tips, definitely ready to move on. A great transition between undergrad and grad work for the artsy fartsy types like me. But the ignorance of the industry always astounds me.

Anok on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

Anok — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:59:59 -0600

No problem, I've been in the industry for way too long...I definitely understand how it works, and what needs to be changed to make it work better! A lot of people also forget that servers don't receive any benefits either. No sick days, no paid vacations, no health insurance, no workers comp (Unless it is a very serious accident)....no 401K's, FSA's, HSA's, or any other little perks that most people get at work.

That lowers the overall income even more compared to an average job.

Then you get people who'll tell you to just up and quit, get a job that will offer these things - but who then, will serve all the people who want to go out to eat? Someone has to fill that job, and often teenagers can't due to labor laws, and college students can only do so much...a restaurant can't staff itself only on pimple-faced kids who are willing to make less than minimum wage with no bennies!

Anok on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

Anok — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:54:59 -0600

Oh, and freeatlast - yup, I agree. Where I used to work I would have to tip out 10% to the bartender, 10% to the host/ess and if we had a buser, 10% to them too. Thats 30% or more, (Sometimes there is more than one bartender or buser) of your total tips for the night.

Thats a lot of moola.....

freeatlast on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

freeatlast — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:52:25 -0600

Thank you, anok, for the intelligent, content based reply!!!!

Anok on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

Anok — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:52:24 -0600

Kdawg, has anyone told you you're awesome today? I agree with you, 100%

Anok on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

Anok — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:50:39 -0600

@ River....The way the industry is set up now, simply asking for higher wages isn't going to work. The entire industry from suppliers and sales to kitchen staff and servers are set up so that the restaurant doesn't have to pay high payroll amounts. It cuts down on their over all overhead, because suppliers and sales tends to be rather expensive - so are chefs.

To change it now, all related industries would have to compensate by adjusting prices OR the new found expenses would be reflected on the customer's bill.

What you are proposing, simply not tipping because that's their job, is like telling a mechanic you'll pay for parts but not labor. Its the same thing, you are paying the cost of food, chef's wages and utilities and rent, the tip pays the servers labor.

Thats how it works. SO unless you plan on changing the entire system, I suggest you either tip for good service, or don't go out to a restaurant.

freeatlast on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

freeatlast — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:15:51 -0600

Just as a head's up... as servers, our taxed income is based on the TOTAL of the bill... not the total before the tax. We are being taxed on the total of our sales and that includes taxes. If you stiff a server, we still are being taxed on the total of your bill.

Think of it this way. Say you have a $100 tab, and because you think it is enough give $15... not only do we get taxed on that, but up to $5 will go to support staff... bartenders etc. So keep that in mind when you choose to tip 15%... a big chunk of it is not ours to keep.

MORAL OF STORY: We actually get to keep 5% less of what you tip. fyi.

If the service is really really bad, and not the fault of someone other than the server, sometimes it helps to tell a manager. The same with good service. Verbal tips don't take place of a good monetary tips. Verbal tips don't pay the bills.

BTW. We get crappy tips for all sorts of reasons. some people see being nice as flirting and reward you, and some "punish" you. Some people are IMpossible to make happy. You'd be surprised how many crazy theories and reasons people have for deducting the tip.

kdawg68 on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

kdawg68 — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:21:14 -0600

each state has different tax rates. Some have no sales tax at all (like Delaware - the "small wonder"), while others have 5%, 6%, or higher.

I base mine on the overall bill (tax included), but largely because I don't feel like doing a long equation to arrive at my tip. I look at a typical lunch bill of say $20 and say okay, the tip at 20% would be $4, but I thought she was sweet and she was very quick with the drinks so I'll toss in a couple of extra bucks and then round up the change to give an even dollar amount.

For bad service I tip 15%, but it has to be both really bad and they have to be unapologetic about it. If you make me think that I'm bothering you by coming into your section, I'll still tip (my wife was a waitress and I know how hard they work), but you just won't get my usual generosity.

Waitresses that remember me and can remember my orders (I usually get the same things at each place) get extra dollars from me.

I don't know where the idea that everyone has to be nice comes from, because the customer service folks at the cable and power companies that have a monopoly in my area are far from friendly. This makes me appreciate when a college aged kid is outgoing and friendly while running my lunch back and forth. I like to tip them well so that they know that hard work/doing a good job can be recognized and rewarded.

Anok on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

Anok — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:36:21 -0600

No, it isn't a misprint, the law states that restaurant owners can pay a certain percentage below minimum wage for servers who receive gratuities, based on what they do, basically. Waitresses can make $2.13 per hour, up to $5 per hour, and bartenders *usually* make a little more.

I can't speak for other states or even towns in general, but where I live, the average wage for say - someone in a grocery store is about $8 per hour, unless they are in a specialty department, then they can make upwards of $15 per hour.

Office workers (secretary) make between $8- $17 per hour plus benefits depending on company and experience. Or, between $20K-$36K per year.

IT jobs and such can go between $50k- $100k per year or $24 - $48 per hour, plus benefits.

Any upper upper management jobs and CEO positions (locally) earn between $12 million - $40 million per year, on average.

Lower management jobs, in stores make between $9 - $12 per hour.

The average single, childless person living here needs to make a minimum of $14.25 per hour to have enough money for rent, food, utilities, insurance and savings.

br3adman on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

br3adman — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 04:06:57 -0600

depends on how hot the waitress is at hooters 200 % the cost of the food at waffle house 5 bucks.

acousticguitarist on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

acousticguitarist — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:42:51 -0600

Are you saying that that is what some people work for in 2008? This is extremely eye opening.

What do most occupations get paid per hour?

I was thinking it would be about $17 for kids in supermarkets.

$30 for basic office work

$45 + for a little bit better job

$65 for basic IT jobs

$100+ if you've got a few extra skills

Then name your price

acousticguitarist on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

acousticguitarist — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:38:07 -0600

Is the tax in all states, also how much?

clioandme on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

clioandme — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:46:53 -0600

The rule for food used to be 15%, though that often goes higher these days. And then there's the question of whether you calculate the tip based on the tab before or after tax. I've heard it both ways.

clioandme on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

clioandme — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:45:43 -0600

Wow. I've never gone that far for a haircut. But I also just go to a traditional barbers.

freeatlast on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

freeatlast — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:29:56 -0600

fascinating... never heard this before, but explains A LOT!!!!!!!!

freeatlast on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

freeatlast — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:38:19 -0600

Some people choose to add a tip based on the bill total before tax is added... and some people do the same for any wine they drink.
Generally speaking... tip 18-22% on the GRAND TOTAL of the bill... and take into consideration that part of the tip often goes to the bartender.

morgantj on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

morgantj — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:23:53 -0600

oh ok.

freeatlast on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

freeatlast — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:23:11 -0600

the part i just added above... sorry.

freeatlast on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

freeatlast — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:22:53 -0600

I realize this thread is about a slightly different question, but want to respond to the above.
If you have serious problems with the system of tipped workers, there are a number of ways to remedy it. Help create real change by doing something to change the system of tipped workers. There are plenty of theories to support. I encourage you to do something about the system if you believe that strongly about it, but DON'T take it out on the tipped worker... that is NOT the way to solve what you see as a "problem".

Also... servers have some of the most physically demanding jobs out there... not to mention psychologically demanding. Try spending 8-13 hours on your feet, running, lifting, bending, balancing... keeps you in shape, but also messes with your body. All sorts of work goes on behind the scenes... what you see at your table is the result of a lot of hard work... often hard physical labor.

Yes, other countries have different norms on tipping, but this is the United States... we don't pay people as much as other countries do for the same, or less, work. That is an entirely different debate. People tip in the US. This isn't Europe. The bottom line is, RS, that i think you know that tipping is a part of american culture. You are definitely in the minority, but i promise you, the tactic of NOT tipping is not going to solve the problem. I suggest you take another course of action before choosing not to tip...

I could respond to quite a bit more you write, but i learned long ago that some people are so stubborn about the amount they tip, or don't tip, that it almost is like debating religion or politics.

freeatlast on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

freeatlast — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:22:31 -0600

morgantj on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

morgantj — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:10:34 -0600

what's in the wrong spot?

freeatlast on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

freeatlast — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:07:37 -0600

wrong spot.

acousticguitarist on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

acousticguitarist — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:10:19 -0600

Isn't there a law?

kristilinauer on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

kristilinauer — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:59:53 -0600

It depends on the place for me. For example, the people who do the carside orders at Applebee's are actually paid more while they're working carside than they are while serving tables. Therefore, no tip is required. But if I'm doing takeaway from a small, locally-owned business, I'll do $1-$3, depending on the size of the order.

I always find that it's just easier to ask, rather than guess. That's how I found out about Applebee's. I asked the person what was appropriate, and what others do when picking up orders.

morgantj on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

morgantj — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:51:51 -0600

Tip only what you can afford to tip.

kristilinauer on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

kristilinauer — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:49:13 -0600

Sadly, that is not a misprint.

freeatlast on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

freeatlast — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:47:14 -0600

riverstyxx... i'm a tipped server... i'll rant about this later. BTW... the ONLY money we make, is the money that is left us... usually get NO paychecks... checks that literally say "this is not a check"... AND we tip out bartenders, wait assistants, food runners... some restaurants, servers tip out host and kitchen...

As I said.... i'll respond more later. Good to know there are people who believe that by NOT tipping, it is going to fix the system. BTW... in all my years serving, i've NEVER< EVER known of ANYONE who EVER did ANYTHING disgusting to ANYONE's food, no matter how crappy the customer was. Just wanted to air a little now... a little later

riverstyxxx on 'How much do you tip in the US?'

riverstyxxx — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:02:30 -0600

"By the way, servers do a lot more than just bring the food, drink and check."

(Ok. Like what? Give me a lapdance? Propose marriage? Offer to watch my kids? Come on, talk. Be specific, being vague means you have no argument.)

"Don't go out to eat/get a hair cut/buy a drink or frequent only establishments that don't request tipping."

(Requests tipping? Who? I've never seen the sign that says "Pay more for your meal AND pay the person who served it to you, or don't eat here.")

Seems like Tipping is questionable in other countries, and even eggheads have their doubts..Looks like I wasn't talking out of my ass. Oh wait, I already knew all this. Maybe this is just telling you that american business needs to pay a better wage.

Tipping is considered rude in Japan and is rarely done in Japan except in certain cases, such as tipping your surgeon for an operation, when visiting a high class Ryokan, or when dealing with house movers. Consult the locals to be sure what is appropriate. If you can’t be bothered to wait for change, it is okay to tell a taxi driver to keep it.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2146606_tip-traveling-asia.html

A number of economists have suggested that tipping is economically inefficient. Ian Ayres, Fredrick E. Vars & Nasser Zakariya published a paper suggesting that tipping contributed to racial prejudice, since ethnic minorities would often be less able to pay a large tip. Another paper by Yoram Margalioth of Tel Aviv University argued that there was a negative externality associated with tipping, and that the practice facilitated tax evasion. Others have criticised the belief that "Waiters know that they won't get paid if they don't do a good job," with one study from a Cornell University professor concluding that "consumers' assessments of the quality of service correlate weakly to the amount they tip," relying more on superficial factors such as the attractiveness of the server or how large the bill is.

(Read that last part again: "Consumers' assessments of the quality of service correlate weakly to the amount they tip. Relying more on superficial factors such as the attractiveness of the server or how large the bill is.")

The final argument that pro-tipping advocates use is: "If you don't tip, they'll spit in your food." Great, but did they cook it? Did they invest the money in the upkeep of the establishment? Don't think so.

Thank you. You have no argument and you have no credibility to substantiate any of this. If you want to piss your money away to someone just doing their job, be my guest.