Should tipping be an obligation or can I tip based on how well the job was done?

Question

Should tipping be an obligation or can I tip based on how well the job was done?

Answer 1

The correct answer may be along the lines of, "Whatever you feel the most comfortable doing." As wishy-washy as that sounds, it may be the case.

The reason behind tipping was to reward better-than average service, and non-tippers or low-tippers catch much flack for their difference of opinion. The truth is that tipping is cultural, and you should not feel pressured to tip because society tells you to. You will have dates who are judgemental if you don't tip, and odds are they won't ask why you didn't tip, they'll just assume you're a jerk or that you're cheap. So be aware of that when you decide whether or not to tip in front of people you might want to impress. Regardless of your feelings, sometimes you have to live by the old code, "When in Rome...". It's common sense that you respect other people's culture, and you should never assume a person you're with would respect you if you are a low or non-tipper -- because clearly you're in a very small group of people if that is the case.

Aside from that, I don't think you should let society get under your skin. I think more annoying than people who are low-tippers are people who are self-righteous and believe that a 15% tip should be required because the servers are barely paid minimum wage. That is a ridiculous stance to take, because there are several hard-working people out there who get paid minimum wage and put every ounce of sweat and effort into their job -- and since they are not in the service industry or they work at a fast food joint, they don't see one tip, ever. They are working just as hard and trying to live off of just as little money. If that is your justification for tipping, then it's selective and unjustified to tip a waitress/waiter, but then refuse to tip someone at the window at McDonald's. If they want more money, they should get a better education and find a better job.

For the record, I do tip, but not because waiters/waitresses are "making minimum wage". I'll leave a nice tip if someone shows more effort than I thought was necessary to ensure that myself and my guests are comfortable.

Answer 2

Tipping isn't an obligation and should be based on how well the job was done.  I usually get good service while at a restaurant, so I will tip 15-20%.  But, if I don't get good service or it wasn't the best service, I will only give 10%.  There are very few times when I haven't given a tip (when I found part of a chicken foot in my General Tso's chicken).  When I get take-out, I usually don't tip because I walk into the restaurant and get the food, but for Applebee's and those restaurants who insist they bring it to your car, I tip 10%.

Answer 3

Tip as well as you like. You could not tip at all and still be fine; it isn't an obligation, though very much appreciated.

Answer 4

Tips should be based on the service you receive. You are not under any obligation to tip if service was poor.

Answer 5

I think people need to realize that being a waiter/waitress is not an easy job and they are getting paid minimum wage an hour so they really depending in your tips. If they did an okay job give 10-15% but if you think they blew you away with their service then I give 20%. There has only been two times where I havent tipped and that was when I felt that they were actually going out of their way to make my time at the restaurant a bad one... So no I dont think it should be an obligation, you need to work to earn it.

Answer 6

You should always tip, unless the server did a bad job. If they didn't, I don't see why there would be any reason to NOT tip?

Answer 7

It is definitely a personal choice based on how satisfied you are.

I always leave something for food and drink servers because they usually have very low hourly wages but I feel that if one expects a good tip they should give worthy service. If I think they are just having a bad day I won't deduct from their tip to make it even worse.  You can usually tell a bad day from a bad attitude (which deserves no reward).

When money is tight I try to avoid places where tipping might be expected.

Answer 8

Tipping shouldn't be an obligation. However the service maker is much appreciated.

Some times it's embarassing for me when I don't tip but oh well it's my choice and it should be your choice too.

Some restaurants make the choice of the tip on the bill and I personally think that that should be stopped.

Answer 9

with 4 patrons the waitress takes the order in about 1 minute.

to bring the food takes approximately 3 minutes.  With the price of food being so expensive, the tip can be as much as $15.

Why?

Less than 5 minutes attention and to make $10-15 is outrageous.

Leave $1 per person regardless of the bill.

Answer 10

You don't have to tip but many peole like servers only make like $4 an hour so that's why people tip.

Answer 11

As a breakfast and dinner waitress, I know that personally, i greatly prefer when people leave tips, and I am much more likely to overtip a server than undertip one. Servers can be under a lot of stress, and even though the actual amount of time they spend on each table can vary, it does not include the amount of time they take putting in orders and special requests, as well as the work that they put into making sure that your food comes out as you've ordered it. With that said, it is completely understandable to leave a small tip if you receive bad service--your server was rude, the food was cold, or your requests weren't honored. However, if all of the above were okay, and there was not anything wrong with your meal or the service, I would definetely leave a decent tip (15-20%).

Answer 12

on how well the person did the job and how well they did it

Answer 13

Tipping is by no means automatic. If the service is bad you shouldn't reward it. The service, not other things like when in a restaurant you shouldn't not tip well because the food was not good ect.

Answer 14

I tip according to the service I receive.

Answer 15

Tipping is originally designed to praise good and above average service.  To be tipped meant you went above and beyond, thank you.

Nowadays tipping is expected.  Regardless of the service you received.  As a matter of fact, some restaurants automatically add tips to the bill.  I think this should be stopped.

Answer 16

people who wait on diners earn very little and of course should do a decent job.  they count on tips to earn a living wage and if the food is slow in arriving at your table, it may be the fault of the kitchen, not the waiter.  A tip is both an obligation and statement.  If the waitress was really lousy, then leave her a dime.  She'll get it.  But don't short tip someone just because you're a tightwad.  You try waiting tables some day and let me know how it goes for you.

Answer 17

Its definetly up to you.  Nobody should expect a tip either.  If I have great service I'll give them more than a 15% tip, but if they were horrible or rude, I leave them the change in my purse as a hint.  You don't deserve a tip if you can't satisfy the customer.

Answer 18

I agree Ruby.  I HATE when they add a gratuity!  They usually s***w themselves by doing this because if they add a 10-15% gratuity, I would have tipped at least 20% generally if service was fine.  If they automatically add it, they get NOTHING Extra!  A tip is earned and should be earned.  It is up to the consumer on how much your service is worth.

Answer 19

A tip should be based on the quality of service. Some people have been really bad and even rude and definetely do not deserve tips. If you provide good service you should not worry about tips since you will most likely get a good one. Obligated Tips may even cause some people to do a bad job since they know they will automatically be tiped anyway,