NO need to tip?

Question

if I found the words on the menu like "a 19% service charge is added to each check". On that case, how can I express my satisfaction level for the server?

I tip "19%" for just as minimum for worst service, and tip more if I have great service. Is this correct?

Answer 1

You know questions like this make me so happy that I live in Australia and do not have to worry about this terrible custom.  This is one thing I hate about going to the US and Canada -I find this such a minefield, if you are finding it difficult and you live there, imagine how bad it is for foreigners in your country.  

My reaction would be to leave nothing if 19% has already been added.

Answer 2

If the tip already comes on the check I don't tip them anymore, unless they were the best service I'd ever experienced.

What sucks is when they are crappy and you still have to tip them.

Answer 3

I still leave more b/c the server will only get about  9% of that tip in some resturants. the rest goes to sales tax(they take 8% of the servers sales) and tipping out bussers and bartenders.  I always tip well.

Answer 4

LOOK, the reason that gratuity is added on to checks in the first place is to ensure that after all the work that they did and extra effort they gave you, they most definitely should get a tip, period! That's to say b/c gratuity is usually added on to 5+ peoples' checks. Not to say that if it wasn't on there you wouldn't tip. But when a server takes a large party, often times they don't have other tables, maaaaybe one (depending on size). And larger parties occupy a table for anywhere between hour and a half to 2+ hours. Therer is also a lot more work to take care of larger parties than smaller ones, like two-four people. Basically it's the restaurant backing up there server, b/c otherwise it's like that server is palying jeopardy with their money. Getting a 10% tip(not good by the way) tip on a small table is easy to brush off and move on, but a 10% tip on a larger party is really tough. Say the bill for a large party is $200, the difference between 10 and 19 % is nearly doubled. What if they didn't even get a tip(unfortunately it happens-crazy right?) And most servers have a tip share and taxes to pay, and that comes out of their tips. Say they made 10% all night and had to tip out about 4%, they walked with 6% of their sales! Servers are required by law to claim at least 8-10% of their sales! Think about it! lol Sometimes the business is rough.

** BUT I do agree with you about having really bad service, you shouldn't have to tip the same as good service. But most places don't put gratuity on EVERY check. If you really wanted to express your satisfaction to the server, by all means leave more money-nobody stopping you. And ask to speak to the manager, tell them your server was top-notch, it helps!

Answer 5

yes but ,you could just leave a dollar or two additional if you found the service"  exceptional " ?

Answer 6

I believe that sounds right to me.  If they are taking out 19% already and you wanna tip 1 more% to make it 20%  or higher if service is better.

Answer 7

I have never seen it written "added to EACH check".  I have only seen "a whatever% gratuity fee will be added for parties of 8 or more".  I guess that is just to ensure the waiter or waitress gets a decent tip considering the work they have to put in for such a large party.  If it was just two people and that was added on I would not give any extra unless I thought they did an outstanding job and deserved it.

Answer 8

i think you are correct but in a way i never tip for bad service and do for good but for great service i think a little extra is needed.

Answer 9

i wouldnt tip if i was forced to pay a gratuity on any bill regardless of party size. it makes me feel like restaraunts are trying to get everyone who dines to tip. tipping is an option not a bill