Necessary to tip?

Question

My parents 25th anniversary is soon and my brother and I want to take them out for dinner, but seeing as he just graduated college, and I am in my 3rd year, we are very low on money. I make minimum wage at my job, haven't been out to eat in over 5 years. I know it's common to tip 15-20%, but I barely have enough to feed myself at times.

Is it necessary to tip when going out to a restaurant (nothing fancy, just simple)?

Answer 1

NO, My wife is a waitress and she cannot tell if someone tipped her or not most of the time, they pay with a card and tip with a card. she to busy to pay any attention, she makes great money and if one person didn't tip her it would not even matter, in fact she said black people never tip it doesn't bother her. Go out and enjoy yourself you deserve it

Answer 2

You should tip.  You should factor the tip in to the cost of the meal, as part of the cost.  If you can't afford the tip, you shouldn't be eating out.  Perhaps you could prepare them a nice meal, instead.

Answer 3

Simple rule: If you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to eat there.

Answer 4

Yes, it is necessary. How would you feel if you weren't paid for the work you did at your job? That's how they make their money. If you can't afford it, don't bother going. It's a luxury to eat out, and that includes tipping.

Answer 5

It isn't exactly necessary, especially if you get poor service.

At least you're eating at the establishment! That alone keeps the servers employed at least.

I'd say if you can't tip you can't tip, but it might be a nice idea to get creative. Perhaps you could leave a necklace you don't wear anymore with a note? Maybe you practice aromatherapy in your spare time and could offer your server a short session sometime? Or you could just take down the server's name and hope to come back and leave a tip some time when you're doing better.

Honestly though, I'd take a good long look at the whole idea of going out to dinner. I bet your parents would be more touched if you made them a special meal, and it could cost you less.

Whatever you decide to do, remember that this is about YOUR family first and foremost, and that you must take care of yourself and your own first. That being said, remember that you should always spread kindness, but that there are many ways to do that.

Blessings,

Lady Ament-Drake

Addition:

No, resturants do not require a tip. It's a matter of etiquette. Tipping is like volunteering, you can't force someone to volunteer, and a tip is seen as a thank-you for service above the basic.

My suggestion to take a look at whether you should go out was not meant as a slight. It was just an idea. I know my father always asked for home made perogies if he was being serious about wanting a special meal. I was just thinking that there might be something special that you could come up with that wouldn't be served in a resturant.

By all means, have your fun out if that's what you and the family feel like!

Have a great day!

Answer 6

I would say yes.  I was a server and our money is based on tips.  But honestly, it happens and most times we understand or won't be too pissed off about it.  Don't be too friendly or else we'll think we will get a tip!  Just be nice and courteous and try to leave whatever you can.

You can always apologize for "lack of tip" on receipt.  Then they will understand and won't feel bad.  I've gotten that before and it makes you feel better.

Answer 7

yes just try to leave a dollar or two. do you have a credit card? you could always use that

Answer 8

No...have a card prepared before hand explaining yourself. The others that say you MUST leave A TIP DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE NOT TO HAVE MONEY.

So let's start seeing all of the fat spoiled little "thumbs down"

OINK OINK

Answer 9

are you serious. is it necessary for your boss to pay you.

thats how they feed there families. if you cant afford it then don't go

and don't ever consider that again it's a crappy idea!

Answer 10

Your attitude says much...... I assume you want an honest answer and not some bull, as you have made clear.

Don't worry. The server will figure out by actions, speech and attitude that you probably won't tip and give the appropriate service. It probably won't be a very nice occasion.

What you do is you or your brother go find the server and insist on getting the bill. Then you leave whatever tip and no matter who at the table is the wiser.

It matters not if you are rich or not. It is being able to have class.

You might consider making a nice dinner at home and have an evening of great conversation and togetherness. Being a family together goes a lot further than dropping serious cash at a restaurant.