Okay we all go out to eat, being a server I may be a little bit biased but some people need a lesson in tipping etiquette. What's fair and decent, what's fantastic, and what's just plain asinine!
Let me make this clear... I am not referring to your cranky, or rude servers! Nobody deserves to be treated badly or with disregard, no matter how bad the servers day is going. And if your server isn't up to par in this aspect its a good time to speak up to a manager or owner. I'm referring to the people in this industry that leave our baggage at home and come to work to be of service, do our jobs, and make your experience enjoyable.
It all breaks down to the golden rule: Treat others as you'd like to be treated, which is the basis of all good etiquette. First of all, the tip you give the waiter/ waitress is independent of the quality of the food. You pay the server for their service ONLY. If you have a problem with the price of the meal, that should be taken up with management. If there is a problem with the quality of the food, that should be taken up with the head chef. The server has no control over these issues, so the amount of the tip CANNOT be dependent on these.
I can't tell you how many times I've busted my butt for a table to only walk away with a 5 or 10% tip if I'm lucky!! It really makes me wonder... was it worth my time to be able to buy a pack of gum?? And why? Is it pure ignorance on their part? And as it goes in the service industry most of us get taxed on our tips... so if you are leaving less than 15%, guess who's paying for it out of our pockets?! That's right!!
But then again there are some people that are savvy and will leave 20-25% no matter how wonderful or not so wonderful the service is, simply because they know that this is what servers/bartenders/etc. live off of, and maybe because they aren't bottom dwelling human beings. People that leave generous tips are class acts and it shows! One sure fire way to not win over the people you are treating to dinner, leave a cheap tip; Go ahead....see if that makes you look good!
Now, some patrons may say that they do not care what the server thinks about the tip being left, but know this: Servers/Bartenders have memories, too. If you plan to frequent their establishment, leaving a bad tip is a sure way to get bad service at your next visit. Even if you're given a different server, the first server you had may let the next know of the last tip left.
If your gonna go out for a dining experience realize that it is just that... an EXPERIENCE and you are getting what you pay for. If you don't want to tip or you want to leave pittance... go to McDonalds PLEASE!!
Common sense: tip should include the total price of the bill, do not exclude alcohol or tax, tip on the total!! Please don't ask your server to tally up another tab for your alcohol so that you don't have to leave a gratuity on it.
This truly applies to anyone in the service industry. If you leave the poor man sweating his ass off in the 90 degree summer heat a buck, after he just detailed your escalade, well then that doesn't make you a 'big baller,' In fact, it just makes you a cheap son of a bitch who happens to have a nice vehicle. Stiffing the poor lady that just waxed your bikini line? Not too cool either.
20% is considered the new 15% and 25% is nice and it's always cool to see people go above and beyond. You will generally be remembered and more than likely have excellent service whenever you go back. Be aware of who you tip well and who you don't tip well! The servers at your favorite bars and local restaurants DO NOT reward repeat offenders with a drink on the house here and there or a free meal once in a while. It's important to give in life... it comes straight back to you always. Believe me, nobody wants to give outstanding service or a free glass of wine to a table that hasn't left much on previous visits......
Bottom line: This is what life is all about, giving and receiving, and living life with dignity. Just don't forget to think about others around you.
I'll tell you from experience, it feels so much better to be of service when you know that your service and work is appreciated, then it doesn't really seem like work at all.
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