I dont understand why we tip at restaurants.

Question

I understand it is "etiquette" but thet are already getting paid! And a tip is just extra! I work 10 times harder than them and can't accept tips. I always tip, because I was taught to, but does anyone feel the same as I do?

Answer 1

They are getting paid very low, slave wages. Servers make about 2 bucks an hour so they depend on the tips to earn a livelihood. I, myself, work in a job that often leads to crazy stress and drinking at times and I don't get tips.

If you don't like it or can't afford to leave someone a decent tip for good service, then don't go out to eat. It's that simple.  

Answer 2

It depends on how good the service is and where they work. Some restaurants pay waitors half the wage of the other employees because they can earn tips. But then there's those other restaurants that have the tip added into the tab! I give tips because people gave me good service so I wouldn't have to get up and do it myself. But if the waitor sucked, I leave him a tip telling him to do a better job.

Answer 3

Yes, they are getting paid, but waiters/waitresses get paid less than minimum wage because they are expected to make up the difference in tips.

However, I do feel that it would make sense for the restaurant just to pay their wait-staff enough in the first place, even if it means charging a few more cents for a meal.

Answer 4

Wait staff get paid very little if anything.  They are NOT covered by minimum wage requirements.  Tips are by far their greatest source of income.

I hope that since you can't accept tips that you're getting paid a good wage.  If not, look for another job.

Best wishes.

Answer 5

I feel tipping has strayed from a nice gesture to something that is expected. Now servers expect to get tipped and if someone tips poorly they don't take that as a hint of their poor service. Instead,  they make it seem like the people are cheap, and that's not right.  

Answer 6

Yeah, it's custom. I was at a hotel in Florida and we actually had to pay the tip, I mean it was on the bill. That's ridiculous.

Answer 7

If the restaurant had to pay the waiters and waitresses a decent wage, you would pay substantially more for your meal.  In a lot of restaurants the waiters and waitresses have to 'tip share' their tips with the bartenders, the food runners and the bus people (all of whom are under paid).  If you cannot afford to tip - stay home.  Simple as that.  And, if you feel you work 10 times harder than a server I am very curious to know what you do - serving is hard work and putting up with the public is even harder!  I waitressed and bartended my way through college and it is grueling work.

Answer 8

In my opinion tips are only for the person who has served you during the meals (and only if said person did a good job). The money is best given separately to the person you are tipping as a reward to make sure it wont' end up in a collective jar.

The only way to show your appreciation to a restaurant though is by visiting again another time.

Answer 9

They only get paid a couple bucks an hour. The tips motivate them to provide you with good service. If the restaurant paid them a full wage, what would be the motivation to run around for your every whim? Actually, the term "tips" stands for "to insure prompt service"  I certainly doubt you work 10 times harder than someone waiting tables. It is exhausting work with little reward.

Answer 10

Waitresses depend on thier tips to make a living, they do not get paid minimum wage because they have to claim thier tips. if you cant afford to leave a good tip then don't go out to eat. Waitresses/waiters  work alot harder than you think it isn't easy to deal with people all day longh especially ones that don't tip after they worked so hard.

Answer 11

Because waiters get about $2.50/hr so tips are what helps them survive. I tip all the time, except of course when the service is horrible