Should I tip when eating out??

Question

In North America, is tipping a necessity? Usually i only tip if the service was great. If the pizza delivery took forever or im in a restaurant and i want my water refilled and i have to ask three times, i dont tip. How do you people tip!!

Answer 1

you have a point but if paying by credit card they'll take out the tip anyway unless you have cash....i'd say go w/ cash , just in case ! i very seldom go out to eat anymore...

Answer 2

Great service I tip.  Lousy service I still tip, "BUT" don't expect me to come back.  Why tip for "lousy" service?  I have class even if the restaurant workers don't.  ( ^ _ ^ )

Answer 3

I think your question should read, "Would the wait staff of North America be better off if I stayed at home?"

You are cheap it is obvious so do all those hard working waiter's and waitresses and Delivery drivers a favor and eat out of your own fridge PLEASE!

These folks make less then min wage as they rely on their tips and you decide because you did not get your water you are going to stiff them.  Go back to where you came from PLEASE!

Answer 4

If you have bad service don't tip. If the service is very good then tip more than the usual amount. I never tip bad service, if they don't get any extra money then perhaps they'll change their attitude - if you pay them anyway there's no incentive to treat you better.

In North America it is usual to tip for most things as waiting staff get paid very poorly without tips. In Europe it is a different matter, tips are more of a luxury than a necessity, as waiting staff are covered by better minimum wage laws.