What percentage do you tip when you go out to eat?

Question

I have been a server for 9 years in an upscale, downtown restaurant. I was just curious to know what your tipping guidelines were.

Thank you for your responses!

Answer 1

always 15%. If the service is outstanding, 18%

Answer 2

at the minimum 15% is fair

Answer 3

Typically 20 - 25% because we usually great service, but here is our sliding scale:

15% - Forgetful server, forgets to check in on us, slow with the check when asked (more than 10 minute wait)

10%-BAD service--brings us the wrong meal, rude attitude, doesn't bring us bread or the other standard pre-meal stuff

0 - 5%-Nasty attitude, throws down silverware and drinks, yelling at customers.

Answer 4

15-20% is the norm for my family.

If we have to hunt for the waitress to get refills, napkins, etc..15%

If they take care of us well 20%

If the service is great we usually leave and extra five bucks on top of the 20%

Lately we have had a string of waitresses who come to the table to take our order, and come to bring our food...and that's it....or  a runner brings the food and we don't see the waitress until she brings the check.  I hate this kind of service...

Answer 5

20% at any sit down restaurant where waiters/waitresses serve you. Unless it is a buffet, tip 20%. If it is a buffet, tip 10%.

Answer 6

Tax X2  to 25%

Answer 7

15% - 20% is customary

Answer 8

If I have received great service I will tip 20% or more.  If the service was average - nothing that WOWED me I will still tip 15% because it's the norm.  I have tipped less than 15% on below average service - rude waiter/waitress.  I don't penalize the waitstaff for kitchen mistakes, though.

Answer 9

10%-15% for average service

20%-25% for amazing service

Answer 10

fifteen to twenty...

Answer 11

I have been a server for years, and It is interesting to see how people view tipping.  Depending on the amount of the check, and level of service, I will tip anywhere from 20-50%.  If you tip your server less than 15% for anything other than bad service, you probably should not go back to that restaurant.  By tipping you pay for a service.  The restaurant cooks and sells you food.  THEY ONLY PAY SERVERS $2.13 /HR.  You may not think so, but the restaurant only pays our taxes!!! ...Barely.  So essentially servers are independant contractors.  We serve you food.  And if you don't tip, then that server has paid about 3% (tipout to bar, bussers, and host staff) of your total to serve you.  Even bad service deserves better than that.  If you don't like to tip then eat at home.  Don't steal from us.  We work very hard!!!

Answer 12

We generally tip 15-20% depending on the level of service and the amount of the bill.  Both of my daughters are waitresses and I see how hard they work for their tips, so we try to be generous.

Answer 13

It varies. At some restaurants, they aren't known for service and don't expect much in manner of tips. So I tip only a small amount. For buffets, I might tip $1-3 for the person who clears the plates.

At regular restaurants, the tip might be from 15 to 25% or more. If the service is atrocious, the tip might be less. Or sometimes I tip well when the service is bad or the staff has been rude to me and never come back again.

Answer 14

15% for average service up to 20% (before tax) for exceptional service.

I have tipped as low as 2 cents for atrocious service just to make sure the waitstaff didn't think I forgot to tip.

Answer 15

I would say about 15%.

That is customary.

But I usually just do it in bills, no change.

Answer 16

Well usually it's not a percent it's a dollar amount. Between 1 and 5 dollars. Depending on my service. Usually I only spend $25 when I go out, so my ratio isn't that far off, now is it? Plus, I always get bad service, it's just my luck!

Answer 17

twenty percent is standard unless the service is really bad.

i overtip like crazy because i know cheapskates will come along and average things out.

Answer 18

Tax is 6%, I tip 3 X the tax or 18% always. For great service I tip a little more

Answer 19

15% for average to good service, 20% for good to great service, and 25% or more for amazing service.  I also always round up to the next dollar.

Answer 20

It varies on how well the service is although I still tip rather well even for mediocre service. I wouldnt be short on a tip unless the service was completely incompetent. 15 percent at the least. (although i must admit i am a sucker for a pretty face and I tip more in those cases=P)

Answer 21

Well the tip percentage varies. If your waiter/waitress is good then you could tip him/her well. If they are bad then you would tip her badly. It all depends on how good or bad your waiter/waitress is.

Answer 22

20% has now become more of the norm. for tipping. 15% if your service was just okay. and 25% of more if awesome service!!!

an easy way to figure it out is to double the first number- the bill is $38- round up to $40 and tip $8.  

Take care of your service industry people- we take care of you!!

Answer 23

20% unless service was extremely bad

And if service was better, I tip more.

I worked as a server for 3 years so I understand that they usually only make $2.50 an hour or less and rely completely on tips for income. Also, if I am going somewhere expecting someone to literally wait on me while I enjoy my food, then I think it is more than fair to pay for it. Besides, who wants to be known as a bad tipper????

Answer 24

at least 10%