Talking of tipping - % to tip at buffets

[Mom of 3]

I've always been a bit confused about how much to tip at buffets. I don't feel you are getting the same level of service when you have to go up and get your own food but the wait staff does refill drinks and takes away dirty plates.

So, how do you tip wait staff at buffet places as a percentage of the total bill?

Thanks

[starbox]

I've always been a bit confused about how much to tip at buffets. I don't feel you are getting the same level of service when you have to go up and get your own food but the wait staff does refill drinks and takes away dirty plates.

So, how do you tip wait staff at buffet places as a percentage of the total bill?

Thanks

We always tip 20%.

[sleepingbean]

At buffets, we still need help because of our allergy restrictions, so I still tip 20% and if someone is just AMAZING, we tip above that. 20% is our minimum. If I NEVER saw the server, and got my own plates, drinks, everything...then maybe I would reconsider, but at most buffets the servers still bring drinks, specialty items, bus tables, and provide a level of service. I would still tip something :)

[rentayenta]

20% here too. I think sometimes buffet servers work as hard if not harder than traditional servers. At a buffet, people are getting up and down, eating at different times, needing new plates etc,.

[Princess_Belle]

I work in a pretty busy restaurant in Alabama. We are known for being cheap people around here. Traditional gratuity is 18%. That should be the minimum you EVER TIP ANY SERVER!!!!!!! We only get paid $2.13 an hour and if people don't tip well we don't even make minimum wage! So I always leave about 20% - 25% because I know how hard it is to make enough money to pay bills. Please tip all your servers at least 20% because we do have a harder job than you realize.

[bicker]

Standard gratuity at buffets is 10% for good service.

[prncess674]

20% on a buffet is just ridiculous. Buffet restaurant wait staff generally have more tables than regular TS restaurant. 10-15% is perfectly acceptable.

Tipping 25% is just ridiculous and ludacris. :confused3

[beattyfamily]

We tip 20%. Isn't ridiculous to us.

[wilma-bride]

We usually tip at least 10% at a buffet. If our waiter/ress has been overly helpful we will often leave more.

Edited to add that as this is on the DDP board, do you mean how much to tip in addition to the 18% included in the plan. If that is the question, I would probably only leave an extra couple of dollars for outstanding service at a buffet if I were on the DDP.

[prncess674]

We tip 20%. Isn't rediculous to us.
Peggy Post of Good Housekeeping says 10% is customary

http://magazines.ivillage.com/goodhousekeeping/etiquette/peggy/qas/0,,284566_291653,00.html


PS- rEdiculous isn't a word.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ridiculous

[beattyfamily]

Peggy Post of Good Housekeeping says 10% is customary

http://magazines.ivillage.com/goodhousekeeping/etiquette/peggy/qas/0,,284566_291653,00.html


PS- rEdiculous isn't a word.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ridiculous

First, wow, thanks for pointing out my spelling mistake. :rolleyes:

Second, the key word is 'customary'. Tipping is not manditory and is a matter of choice/opinion. I gave mine as you gave yours; there is nothing to debate.

I tip 20% and to me it isn't ridiculous. You can certainly disagree with that opinion.

[traviesojmt]

I work in a pretty busy restaurant in Alabama. We are known for being cheap people around here. Traditional gratuity is 18%. That should be the minimum you EVER TIP ANY SERVER!!!!!!! We only get paid $2.13 an hour and if people don't tip well we don't even make minimum wage! So I always leave about 20% - 25% because I know how hard it is to make enough money to pay bills. Please tip all your servers at least 20% because we do have a harder job than you realize.

While I agree that 20% should be the starting point for tipping, there is no way that I can agree that every server deserves this tip. I have had incidents where the server was too busy talking to other servers to refill drinks or hardly ever came back to the table. We have had servers who were rude and provided horrible service. Why would I reward this person as I would someone who gave decent to excellent service? By the way, I do realize how hard of a job that it is, but I also realize that not every server attempts to work hard at the job.

As far a buffets go, it will always depend on the level of service. The servers at buffets at Disney seems to wait on our table more than the average buffet off-site. They seem to visit the table almost as often as regular sit-downs, so I can see justifying paying 20% at Disney.

[mom2alix]

What we do is 15% for buffets and 20% for full service. Obviously, subject to the level of service we might leave more.

[graeme1299]

I work in a pretty busy restaurant in Alabama. We are known for being cheap people around here. Traditional gratuity is 18%. That should be the minimum you EVER TIP ANY SERVER!!!!!!! We only get paid $2.13 an hour and if people don't tip well we don't even make minimum wage! So I always leave about 20% - 25% because I know how hard it is to make enough money to pay bills. Please tip all your servers at least 20% because we do have a harder job than you realize.

My one table is not responsible to tip enough for you to make minimum wage. For instance, 3 people eating at a $15 per person buffet is $45 for the bill x 20% is a $9 tip. Most buffets have waitresses that hold down 4-6 tables (we'll use 5 for this example). If the average is 3 people per table and they all tip 20%, that's 5 x $9 per table, $45.

Most people don't take up a table for an entire hour at a buffet so you are actually making more than $45 per hour if everyone tips 20%. Not bad at all but I think it's a bit much.

Just my opinions. By the way, I'm from Alabama originally and I tip well for good service and poor for poor service.

[Lewisc]

Disney treats the servers at buffet restaurants the same as the servers in other restaurants. Disney currently gives those servers an 18% tip for guests on the DDP. Parties of 8 or more, rumored to be reduced to 6 or more, have the same 18% gratuity added on to their check as in full service restaurants.

I guess the theory is the total check tends to be less and a good server works at explaining the food, promptly clearing used plates and refilling drinks.

I'll agree most tipping guides say 10-15% is an appropriate tip for a buffet restaurant but Disney seems to think the tip should be the same.

[mom2my3kids]

As a server myself, I personally don't think buffet servers do as much work as a full service type server. But as a server I always leave 20 percent tip, Here in Indiana they only make what I do and that is 2.13 a hour..

[wildeoscar]

I hear over and over that servers make 2.13 an hour... if that is not enough for you to live on you should probably work else where. Oh, what is that you say, if you provide good service you will get tipped? if you are quick and smart, do a good job, and provide excellent customer service you can easily make $45 an hour in an average to upscale joint.... hm, me thinks you should be working hard to earn that tip then.

At a typical buffet, a couple bucks per person is plenty. Clearing plates and filling glasses in not on par with discussing my wine selection to match the truffle sauce.

[prncess674]

I hear over and over that servers make 2.13 an hour... if that is not enough for you to live on you should probably work else where. Oh, what is that you say, if you provide good service you will get tipped? if you are quick and smart, do a good job, and provide excellent customer service you can easily make $45 an hour in an average to upscale joint.... hm, me thinks you should be working hard to earn that tip then.

At a typical buffet, a couple bucks per person is plenty. Clearing plates and filling glasses in not on par with discussing my wine selection to match the truffle sauce.
Bravo!

My one table is not responsible to tip enough for you to make minimum wage. For instance, 3 people eating at a $15 per person buffet is $45 for the bill x 20% is a $9 tip. Most buffets have waitresses that hold down 4-6 tables (we'll use 5 for this example). If the average is 3 people per table and they all tip 20%, that's 5 x $9 per table, $45.

Most people don't take up a table for an entire hour at a buffet so you are actually making more than $45 per hour if everyone tips 20%. Not bad at all but I think it's a bit much.

also should be noted that a regular TS waiter has fewer tables than a buffet restaurant server.

[The Sweetness]

They seem to visit the table almost as often as regular sit-downs, so I can see justifying paying 20% at Disney.

I have never been to a buffet where the server wasnt at my table at least 3X more often than at a traditional TS:confused3 I tip at a buffet as I would anywhere else 18%, a little more if I feel service was exceptional, or on holidays (I'm weird about that) and less if I feel service was substandard

[mom2my3kids]

I hear over and over that servers make 2.13 an hour... if that is not enough for you to live on you should probably work else where. Oh, what is that you say, if you provide good service you will get tipped? if you are quick and smart, do a good job, and provide excellent customer service you can easily make $45 an hour in an average to upscale joint.... hm, me thinks you should be working hard to earn that tip then.

At a typical buffet, a couple bucks per person is plenty. Clearing plates and filling glasses in not on par with discussing my wine selection to match the truffle sauce.


For some reason your comment hits a nerve with me.. Me thinks if I bust my butt as a server and I am a great server at that. Yes I expect to be tipped. This is how our system works, you get good service then you tip what you are suppose to. Today that is anywhere from 15-20 percent of the bill. I bet 90 percent of people on this board could not handle being a server, its one tough job and you put up with the rudest people who want to take it out on you for no reason other then you are a server. Yes I am a 34 year old married mother of 3 who bust her butt to make a living in this world. This is the job I have chosen for the moment, it lets me pick and choose my hours so I can take care of my kids. I don't work at a fancy place, I work at my local IHOP and let me tell you I don't make anything near 45 a hour you are talking about. I am lucky on days to get a 5.00 tip, so please don't look down on servers they have one of the hardest jobs. Wine and truffles no thanks, couldn't afford them anyway.:rolleyes1

[rentayenta]

For some reason your comment hits a nerve with me.. Me thinks if I bust my butt as a server and I am a great server at that. Yes I expect to be tipped. This is how our system works, you get good service then you tip what you are suppose to. Today that is anywhere from 15-20 percent of the bill. I bet 90 percent of people on this board could not handle being a server, its one tough job and you put up with the rudest people who want to take it out on you for no reason other then you are a server. Yes I am a 34 year old married mother of 3 who bust her butt to make a living in this world. This is the job I have chosen for the moment, it lets me pick and choose my hours so I can take care of my kids. I don't work at a fancy place, I work at my local IHOP and let me tell you I don't make anything near 45 a hour you are talking about. I am lucky on days to get a 5.00 tip, so please don't look down on servers they have one of the hardest jobs. Wine and truffles no thanks, couldn't afford them anyway.:rolleyes1




:thumbsup2 I was a server for years and I agree 110% with this post!


I think serving should be a college course. Anyone who plans on going to a restaurant should have to experience what it feels like to have your pay be at the mercy of someone else. Not only at the mercy of someone else but at the mercy of how their day went, how their marriage is, how their children are behaving (or not), if their car is in need of repairs, if they have bed credit, if they are ill, unemployed, whatever life is holding for them at that moment when the check arrives.


It is very easy to tell the servers from those who wouldn't serve.


ETA: to add to having our pay at the mercy of someone who: didn't get that raise, found out their spouse was cheating, lost a loved one, bought a new home, is pinching pennies, in school, in a domestic violence relationship, is self medicating, argued with a love one, drank too much, drank too little ;), got a bad haircut, their former love was a server who just happens to look like I do............my point is that the list really is endless.

[just another guy]

Buffet restaurant wait staff generally have more tables than regular TS restaurant. 10-15% is perfectly acceptable.

Not as disney they don't. I know, my ex worked at one, and I know a handful of disney servers.

At a typical buffet, a couple bucks per person is plenty. Clearing plates and filling glasses in not on par with discussing my wine selection to match the truffle sauce.

...fine, then don't expect anything but robot like service. Don't ask your server "whats in this?" don't expect anything special on your birthday, don't ask what time the parks close, don't ask advice for which parks to visit when, etc. Just expect some random person to walk by your table every 5 minutes, taking away what plates you have, and if you need a refill, they will just ad it to their list of things to do when they get around to it.

Its a good thing people like you at disney are rare. My ex averaged 15-20% in tips every night she worked. I hate yo break it to you, but those buffet server you look down upon, at the Crystal Palace make more in 6 months, than you probably do in a year.

[disneyjunkie]

I hate yo break it to you, but those buffet server you look down upon, at the Crystal Palace make more in 6 months, than you probably do in a year.

Do you think this statement will make people WANT to tip more? :confused3

[starbox]

Its a good thing people like you at disney are rare. My ex averaged 15-20% in tips every night she worked. I hate yo break it to you, but those buffet server you look down upon, at the Crystal Palace make more in 6 months, than you probably do in a year.

And, IMHO, servers should make a decent, professional, living wage - which is why I always tip 20%!

[mom2my3kids]

In the end it really does not matter what you think a server makes. Yes they may make good tips one day and bad tips the next. It usually evens out, so even if people think oh well they make this much anyway why should I have to give them more, they make more then me. Its not the case, really so please tip you server accordingly. I mean if you get bad service by all means tip what you want but if you get good service tip what you are supposed to.:laundy:

[goofy4tink]

At a buffet, our base tip is 15%. However, if we have a server who has really been great and attentive, we go with 20%. And I have to say..the servers at CP have almost always been left 20%!!! I see the same servers there, year after year. We have actually had the same server twice...over a period of 3 years!!! They must make a pretty fair living there. Otherwise, I'm sure they would move on to better waters, so to speak.
Do the servers at a buffet do 'less'? Sure. But, on the other hand, they are at your table more frequently. If they keep our beverage glasses filled, our used plates removed, we are more than happy. I have had better service at CP than at some 'regular' restaurants with servers who brought my meal to me.
It's something that can, and does, change according to the service provided. I have had terrific service at Chef Mickey's. On the other hand, I have had a deplorable experience there. Our server must have gone on her dinner break when we were there. Couldn't get her to return to our table for love nor money!!! We had to get other servers to get us drinks...twice!!! But, that was an unusual experience.

[wildeoscar]

Not as disney they don't. I know, my ex worked at one, and I know a handful of disney servers.



...fine, then don't expect anything but robot like service. Don't ask your server "whats in this?" don't expect anything special on your birthday, don't ask what time the parks close, don't ask advice for which parks to visit when, etc. Just expect some random person to walk by your table every 5 minutes, taking away what plates you have, and if you need a refill, they will just ad it to their list of things to do when they get around to it.

Its a good thing people like you at disney are rare. My ex averaged 15-20% in tips every night she worked. I hate yo break it to you, but those buffet server you look down upon, at the Crystal Palace make more in 6 months, than you probably do in a year.

You make my point more clear then I ever could... if that is the service I receive, the tip would be commensurate. If ya work it, and provide a great customer service experience, you get the 15-20%. You read my words and do not hear what the words actually say. If service is robotic, it is not worth a big tip, if service is excellent well then you can have your opinion on how much I make vs. a server at a buffet. I guess I wasted my money on 4 years of undergrad, 3 years of grad school to pull down the $2.13 an hour that servers are making. Clearing plates and keeping coffee full is not rocket science, as a rocket scientist I am in a position to know. I am not looking down on anyone, I like to believe that everyone is doing the best that they can in life, but we all know that is just not true.

How about this, you spend the next 8 years in medical school, ace all your rotations, do all your internships, then jump on a board about WDW and complain that now that you are a Dr. you have to deal with sick people all day. The job is lousy if you make it lousy; it is the singer not the song. And if the servers were really making more in 6 months then I do in a year, I'd drop what I am doing in a heart beat and move to Orlando. I’d pour that coffee, I’d have every park schedule memorized, I’d know the quickest transportation route from POFQ to Blizzard Beach, I would know each and every ingredient in every selection on the buffet, I’d do it with a smile and I’d laugh all the way to the bank. But the servers don’t have the information, and do not always do it with a smile. I am not the rare exception at WDW, I am the most favorable demographic to which they are marketing.

[wildeoscar]

To get off of CP as a specific, lemme tell ya about 2 very different dinning experiences from last years trip.

At Boma we waited 15min for water (I sat and waited as I had pills to take, and yes I made it clear that I needed a glass of water to take medication). The server did not clear plates once, filled drinks once as part of bringing the check, and 10 min. after we were done eating, disappeared with my card for 45min before bringing the bill to sign. Knowing what I know now I would have called over a manager and had the tip removed. But I signed the bill and she got her DDP 18% (9pm ADR DDP).

Measure this against Breakfastasouras... our server Mikeasourous did some slight of hand magic tricks, our coffee and oj was never less that half full, we watched as he greeted every guest as they were seated, his timing was perfect to take our pics as the characters came around, the bill was presented as we were getting to the end of the meal and I barely had time to blink and he was back with the paper work for me to sign. (8am ADR OOP)

Guess which one got the $40, 100% tip? Guess which we are going out of our way to see twice this year? Guess which one we recommend to everyone that is going to WDW? I’d be willing to bet that Mike makes a decent living, as the tables on either side of us commented what a great server, make sure he gets a good tip. It's the singer, not the song... Go figure! I don't wanna hear one excuse for the bad server... if you went to see Festival of the Lion King and the monkeys were rude, showed no interest, and basicly looked like they were going though the motions... wait take that to the next step if you went to see the broadway production of Lion King (which was just here in Cincinnati again, great show, go see it when it comes to your town) and the cast was ho hum about the whole thing, would ya think ya got your monies worth? Would ya take the cast out for drinks after? Man that was a large bar tab, what was I thinking!

[Mad4Dizne]

depending on the service... I wish we had it like European countries and the tips were all included. Wait staff should be treated like professionals. How is the job any different than any other customer service job?

PS-I always was mad that the wait staff minimum wage was so LOW....many places I worked in high school and college had so much "side work" that you had to do it was very unfair!!!

[averysmom]

I usually tip 8-10% at buffets - 14-15 % at TS and family style.

At home, servers make minimum wage - which is 8.00.

At WDW I know that servers make less, so I tip closer to 15-18% for TS and family style, but still around 10-12% for buffets.

[mefordis]

To get off of CP as a specific, lemme tell ya about 2 very different dinning experiences from last years trip.

At Boma we waited 15min for water (I sat and waited as I had pills to take, and yes I made it clear that I needed a glass of water to take medication). The server did not clear plates once, filled drinks once as part of bringing the check, and 10 min. after we were done eating, disappeared with my card for 45min before bringing the bill to sign. Knowing what I know now I would have called over a manager and had the tip removed. But I signed the bill and she got her DDP 18% (9pm ADR DDP).

Measure this against Breakfastasouras... our server Mikeasourous did some slight of hand magic tricks, our coffee and oj was never less that half full, we watched as he greeted every guest as they were seated, his timing was perfect to take our pics as the characters came around, the bill was presented as we were getting to the end of the meal and I barely had time to blink and he was back with the paper work for me to sign. (8am ADR OOP)

Guess which one got the $40, 100% tip? Guess which we are going out of our way to see twice this year? Guess which one we recommend to everyone that is going to WDW? I’d be willing to bet that Mike makes a decent living, as the tables on either side of us commented what a great server, make sure he gets a good tip. It's the singer, not the song... Go figure! I don't wanna hear one excuse for the bad server... if you went to see Festival of the Lion King and the monkeys were rude, showed no interest, and basicly looked like they were going though the motions... wait take that to the next step if you went to see the broadway production of Lion King (which was just here in Cincinnati again, great show, go see it when it comes to your town) and the cast was ho hum about the whole thing, would ya think ya got your monies worth? Would ya take the cast out for drinks after? Man that was a large bar tab, what was I thinking!

:lmao: I'm sorry, this is one of the funniest posts I've read in a while! :lmao:

[That70sGuy]

20% on a buffet is just ridiculous. Buffet restaurant wait staff generally have more tables than regular TS restaurant. 10-15% is perfectly acceptable.

Tipping 25% is just ridiculous and ludacris. :confused3

Peggy Post of Good Housekeeping says 10% is customary

http://magazines.ivillage.com/goodhousekeeping/etiquette/peggy/qas/0,,284566_291653,00.html


PS- rEdiculous isn't a word.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ridiculous


Isn't Ludacris a rapper? I think the word you were looking for is ludicrous.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ludicrous ;)



T7G, 3rd Grade Spelling Bee Champion, reminding you to always be careful when playing with boomerangs. :cool2:

[Becky2005]

In the real world, I probably tip $1 or $2 because the buffets we go to, the *only* thing the person does is remove dirty dishes.

I've never had them refill our drinks, bring us clean plates (the plates are up at the buffet stations anyway). That's it, they come around ask if everything is OK & clean your dirty plates. Sometimes not even take the plates until you have 3 or 4 of them stacked up.

I really can't imagine tipping more than a $1 or $2 for that...of course when buffets first started you weren't expected to tip at all just for them to clear your table but times have changed. I remember when they first started putting cards on the table telling you about tipping, I know I remember thinking "oh, I had no idea you were supposed to tip here". Never heard of that before for restaraunts where you basically went and got your own stuff & the only thing they did was clear the table.

Edited to add: At Disney we were on the Premium plan so our servers got whatever the % was that Disney included at the time. PLUS, the buffets there certainly did more than our local ones here. I would definitely tip more for that.

[Pumbaa_]

Good discussion, never read Peggy Post -that buffets was 10%, interesting.

Please remember when posting to keep it friendly. If people have different opinions, friendly debate is fine, but please keep it friendly!

thanks everyone! :thumbsup2

[DaisyD]

I tip the same whether it is a buffet of a standard sit down. I think the servers at buffets work just as hard, if not harder then the regular server. Personally I don't care what others tip.

[perd]

Isn't Ludacris a rapper? I think the word you were looking for is ludicrous.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ludicrous ;)



T7G, 3rd Grade Spelling Bee Champion, reminding you to always be careful when playing with boomerangs. :cool2:

:lmao: 4th Grade Spelling Bee Champion here. ;)

[DebbieB]

At a character dinner, an 20% tip adds up to about $6 per adult. If I'm there with 3 friends, they deserve $24 for bringing our drinks and clearing plates? Even if they just had our table (which they don't) that would be a great hourly wage!

[just another guy]

At a character dinner, an 20% tip adds up to about $6 per adult. If I'm there with 3 friends, they deserve $24 for bringing our drinks and clearing plates? Even if they just had our table (which they don't) that would be a great hourly wage!

...and does Ford's CEO deserve thousands a day for sending the company more and more down the drain? No, but thats what they get paid. You really can't look at simply their hourly wage while taking tables, as they have a lot of setup work, and closing work they do at $3 an hour.

[smartestnumber5]

I tip similarly at buffets and regular table service restaurants.

I don't understand the idea that a server at a buffet does less work than a server at a regular table service. We just ate at Red Robin a few nights ago and the breakdown of who did what was:

Server: took our order, brought our drinks (1 each), cleared appetizer plate, refilled our drinks, brought us boxes, dropped off the bill, ran my card for the bill

Someone else actually delivered our one appetizer and our two burgers baskets.

Our last time at Boma the breakdown was as follows:

Server: took our order, brought our drinks (2 drinks each--one specialty/coffee and one water), refilled our waters, cleared 1st round of plates, cleared soup bowls, cleared 2nd round of plates, cleared 3rd round of plates, cleared dessert plates, dropped off the bill, ran my card for the bill

Clearly our server at Boma did more work than our server at Red Robin. Yet if I followed the etiquette advice linked to earlier, I'd be tipping the Red Robin server more for less work. :confused:

And even if it were true that buffet servers do less work than servers at al la carte restaurants, why would the logic of "more work deserves more tip" not require us to distinguish amongst servers at a la carte restarurants? Our
"usual eating out" dinner includes one drink and one entree. Our rare "special occastion dinner", though, can include specialty drinks in addition to water, an appetizer, and dessert. So the "special occasion" server will obviously be doing more work in delivering food and clearing plates than the "usual eating out" server because we order more in the former case. Does that mean we should be tipping the "special occasion server" 5-10% more than the "usual eating out" server?

[The Sweetness]

If the servers got 18% of your bill at either meal (just another meal out, or a special occaision, the one who served you for the special occaision with more things ordered (and in my fam there would be anywhere from an additional 2- 6 ppl as well)~ The server from the special occaision, where I ordered 3 beers, 2 soft drinks, 2 coffees, 3/4 aps for the table, 7 entrees, and at least 4 desserts,gets alot more $$$ ((more than tripple, usually)) than the server at Fridays, where I ordered 2 soft drinks, 2 entrees, and a dessert.


Even on the extremely rare occaision where me and DH are celebrating just the kiddos, there is still 2 or 3 alcoholic drinks, 1 or 2 aps, 3 entrees (if not a kids meal as well) and 2 desserts (afterall, it **is** a celebration)

I totally stink at math, but there's no need to use a sliding scale for percentages here. Special occaisions double or quadruple (or more) the tip every time, at the same percentage

[bicker]

That's a good point, and it also highlights a corollary. Restaurant servers and their advocates often defend their efforts to increase the percentages (from the standard 10% for buffets to 15%, and from the standard 15% for table service to 18% or 20% or higher) by asking, "When we restaurant servers get a pay increase?" However, the reality is that while the rest of us are at our employers' mercy when it comes to getting a pay increase, restaurant servers automatically get a pay increase whenever their employer increases prices. Their income is directly tied to the rate of inflation.

[disneyfan2kids]

I am generally a decent tipper (or at least I think so). I am a well educated person who worked as a server while an undergraduate. I can tell you that my current finance position is NOWHERE near as physically demanding as my server position was years ago. So I tend to tip towards the high end (20% always unless the service is horrible...then I stick to 15%) Buffet I tip the same.

I'd just like to say that NOBODY really gets a feel for how many rude/ignorant/ungrateful people servers really have to put up with UNLESS you've been a server. I'd venture a guess that approx. 25 -30% of the people that I waited on were polite, respectful, and "tippers" (usually 10 - 15% on average.) However the other 75% tipped under 10% or sometimes nothing at all. More important then the lack of tip... they were usually pretty miserable towards servers. I'm not sure what I hated more about serving...the lack of tips...or the inconsiderate attitude of the tables. Is it that hard to just add "please" to your requests or at least phrase it in a question? Meaning "Can I have another drink?" as opposed to the way many people treated us servers which was by obnoxiously snapping their fingers and yelling "Get me another drink". Seriously, you wouldn't believe the lack of respect for others that many people displayed.

Anyway - I try to tip a bit on the higher side to makeup for the fact that I know SOMEONE will just not tip at all.

(A bit off topic...but how can someone afford a thousand dollar vacation (often more) and daily $100 TS meals, but then use the excuse that they can't afford more than a $5 tip. That makes no sense to me?!?)

Servers work very hard... help them make a decent wage and tip 15% or more (providing they do their job with some sense of politeness of course.)

[bookgirl2632]

Isn't Ludacris a rapper? I think the word you were looking for is ludicrous.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ludicrous ;)



T7G, 3rd Grade Spelling Bee Champion, reminding you to always be careful when playing with boomerangs. :cool2:

:lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl:

[mom2my3kids]

Just one example of poor tippers you get on a daily basis.. The other day I had a group of 5 travelers from Canada, I gave them excellent service. Even offered to make them up some coffees for the road, the were traveling to Oklahoma. There bill was 45.00 do you know what they left me?????????


A whole 2.00 tip, I ran my butt off for them and I get 2.00. I just had to assume they did not understand our dollar system yet.:confused3

[bookgirl2632]

I'd just like to say that NOBODY really gets a feel for how many rude/ignorant/ungrateful people servers really have to put up with UNLESS you've been a server. I'd venture a guess that approx. 25 -30% of the people that I waited on were polite, respectful, and "tippers" (usually 10 - 15% on average.) However the other 75% tipped under 10% or sometimes nothing at all. More important then the lack of tip... they were usually pretty miserable towards servers. I'm not sure what I hated more about serving...the lack of tips...or the inconsiderate attitude of the tables. Is it that hard to just add "please" to your requests or at least phrase it in a question? Meaning "Can I have another drink?" as opposed to the way many people treated us servers which was by obnoxiously snapping their fingers and yelling "Get me another drink". Seriously, you wouldn't believe the lack of respect for others that many people displayed.

Anyway - I try to tip a bit on the higher side to makeup for the fact that I know SOMEONE will just not tip at all.

(A bit off topic...but how can someone afford a thousand dollar vacation (often more) and daily $100 TS meals, but then use the excuse that they can't afford more than a $5 tip. That makes no sense to me?!?)

Servers work very hard... help them make a decent wage and tip 15% or more (providing they do their job with some sense of politeness of course.)

Very well said. I'll admit that I've never been a server, but I have worked retail for the last 15 years and encounter much of the same rudeness that you illustrated in your post. This is why when I am at a restaurant, I say please when I would like the server to get something for me and I say thank you when they bring it. I can't tell you how many surprised looks I get from servers when I simply say thank you when they bring me a soda that I didn't even have to ask for.

Regardless of whether it's a buffet or not, I tip anywhere from 15% to 20% in the norm, though very rarely at that low end. I reserve the 15% tip for poor service. And if I get exceptional service, it can go higher than 20%. I know the stuff these servers have to put up with and sympathize wholeheartedly.

[That70sGuy]

I'd like for you all to know that despite my attempt to cover the sting of my last post with sarcastic humor, I did (rightfully) get a spanking for it, in the form of a private warning from the moderator.

Jodi, I respect the fact that you had to issue the warning (I'm a message board Admin, myself). After all, two wrongs don't make a right, and I'm fully aware of the rules against sarcasm. Know that your advice is well-taken.

And Princess, now that I've already done it, I stand by the point I was attempting to make (people in glass houses, and all that). Unfortunately, things just can't be unsaid. But I do admit that it wasn't really my place to make the point to you, much less to be snarky in doing so. I do hope you'll forgive me.


Mea Culpa

T7G

[Hodder]

I work in a pretty busy restaurant in Alabama. We are known for being cheap people around here. Traditional gratuity is 18%. That should be the minimum you EVER TIP ANY SERVER!!!!!!! We only get paid $2.13 an hour and if people don't tip well we don't even make minimum wage! So I always leave about 20% - 25% because I know how hard it is to make enough money to pay bills. Please tip all your servers at least 20% because we do have a harder job than you realize.


Do you mean the minimum EVER as in even if bad service? I know you have a hard job. Here it is 15% but the staff make minimum wage here as well ( I think it is $7 here now)

[Hodder]

Just one example of poor tippers you get on a daily basis.. The other day I had a group of 5 travelers from Canada, I gave them excellent service. Even offered to make them up some coffees for the road, the were traveling to Oklahoma. There bill was 45.00 do you know what they left me?????????


A whole 2.00 tip, I ran my butt off for them and I get 2.00. I just had to assume they did not understand our dollar system yet.:confused3

I had to reply to your post because it made me giggle.

Not use to your dollar system, do you think we pay here in beach rocks??? At one point I think they may have tried but too heavy in the pockets (good for windy day though...LOL)When I worked service I could talk about the people from -insert country here- but you know what we are all the same. Some people are tippers some are cheap.

[wildeoscar]

...and does Ford's CEO deserve thousands a day for sending the company more and more down the drain? No, but thats what they get paid. You really can't look at simply their hourly wage while taking tables, as they have a lot of setup work, and closing work they do at $3 an hour.

Much as there is a differance in the skill between clearing plates and filling drinks at a buffet, and recomending a wine to go with the truffle sauce... running a Fortune 500 company pays what the market will bear. Even when the CEO is running the company into the ground, the skills set is vastly different then clearing plates from a table.

I am trying not to sound harsh here.... If you are so feed up with bad tippers, and the non-living wage that you are harping on... get an education, make the right friends, work the right jobs, and get yourself on the board at Disney. Or get better at your job... The servers I know that are good at what they do, pull down a nice income.

[DebbieB]

...and does Ford's CEO deserve thousands a day for sending the company more and more down the drain? No, but thats what they get paid. You really can't look at simply their hourly wage while taking tables, as they have a lot of setup work, and closing work they do at $3 an hour.

Their base salary maybe $3 an hour but even if they have tables with poor tippers, chances are they are making far more than most people with similiar skills. I have a friend who works direct care in a group home for retarded adults and she only makes $8 an hour, no tips. She lifts them out of their beds and into their baths, she feeds them, changes their diapers. Meanwhile, a server at a character dinner deserves a $24 tip for serving drinks and picking up plates for a table of 4 (20%)? 15% would be $18, still alot. Plus they are working several tables each hour.

[mom2my3kids]

Double Post..

[mom2my3kids]

I had to reply to your post because it made me giggle.

Not use to your dollar system, do you think we pay here in beach rocks??? At one point I think they may have tried but too heavy in the pockets (good for windy day though...LOL)When I worked service I could talk about the people from -insert country here- but you know what we are all the same. Some people are tippers some are cheap.


Beach Rocks..LMAO:lmao:

[mom2my3kids]

Much as there is a differance in the skill between clearing plates and filling drinks at a buffet, and recomending a wine to go with the truffle sauce... running a Fortune 500 company pays what the market will bear. Even when the CEO is running the company into the ground, the skills set is vastly different then clearing plates from a table.

I am trying not to sound harsh here.... If you are so feed up with bad tippers, and the non-living wage that you are harping on... get an education, make the right friends, work the right jobs, and get yourself on the board at Disney. Or get better at your job... The servers I know that are good at what they do, pull down a nice income.


You can be the best server, bend the person over and kiss there butt and they can still leave you crap or nothing at all..:rolleyes1

[TDC Nala]

I am curious, do those who see tipping as a wage supplement continue to tip 20 percent if the service is terrible? Not just a little off, not even just bad, but terrible.

[Disney8704]

Here is a helpful chart

http://www.itipping.com/tip-guide-restaurant.htm

We usually just tip $2 for buffets if there is someone to bring our drinks and refill them. If its a buffet where there is no waiter then we dont leave a tip.

[rewok]

Just one example of poor tippers you get on a daily basis.. The other day I had a group of 5 travelers from Canada, I gave them excellent service. Even offered to make them up some coffees for the road, the were traveling to Oklahoma. There bill was 45.00 do you know what they left me?????????


A whole 2.00 tip, I ran my butt off for them and I get 2.00. I just had to assume they did not understand our dollar system yet.:confused3

People in Canada are used to tip, and 15% is customary here, even if servers make minimum wage. And 15% of 45$USD is as easy to figure out as 15% of 45$CAD, just have to give out those green bills instead of colored ones! Our bills don't look the same, but we have the same system, we live just north of you. Please do not judge on that experience.

[juttawdw]

I live in the Netherlands, we don't tip normally at restaurants, because here they get full pay just over minimum wage. When we get very good service most people leave 1 or 2 € .
So going th WDW in september on DDP, can anyone explain who and how much i should tip?

[PrincessTrisha]

Just one example of poor tippers you get on a daily basis.. The other day I had a group of 5 travelers from Canada, I gave them excellent service. Even offered to make them up some coffees for the road, the were traveling to Oklahoma. There bill was 45.00 do you know what they left me?????????

A whole 2.00 tip, I ran my butt off for them and I get 2.00. I just had to assume they did not understand our dollar system yet.:confused3

Some people, regardless of where they are from, don't tip (or tip very low).

I don't think that their being Canadian really had anything to do with it.

In fact, I have to say that some of the experiences of American servers seems extreme to what we are used to here in Canada. Our servers make a living wage and tipping is expected at or around the 15% rate.

My friend used to serve at a local fish and chip eatery (small, family owned, cheap food). It was not unusual for her (average waitress, even she admited that she wasn't great at it) to bring home $50 - $70 a night in tips (plus her wages).

I worked at an office where I was paid $10 an hour (oh, and I had to pay taxes on all of it, she never claimed all of her tips).

She used to laugh at how hard I worked and that I made less than her.

Although I understand tipping and do so appropriately, sorry, I'm not going to cry for anyone "who only makes $2.14 an hour" because actually what you make is $2.14 an hour PLUS tips. For a server to bring their wages up to minimum wage they only need to earn at most $4 an hour in tips.

[Disney8704]

Very well said! I dont get it why people make a huge deal when it comes to tipping. Tip what you want and what you can afford. Its that simple. You wanna leave $1 tip - go for it. You wanna leave a $20 tip - go for it. I know, they have to claim at least 8% of the bill to the IRS for taxes, but thats just how life is. EVERYONE pays taxes and all we are doing when it comes to giving tips is we are bascially paying the waiter or waitress taxes on the bill, so they dont have to. By the time they are done splitting the money and paying their 8% towards IRS, theres either nothing left or very little. But PLEASE people, stop making a huge deal about tipping and stop giving people a hard time when they dont tip the amount you think they should tip. I dont wanna hear about if they cant afford a good tip then they cant afford to go out to eat or to that place. What if they CAN afford to go out to eat and only can afford to leave a small tip. That shouldnt stop someone to go out to eat. Everyone needs to realize that just because someone leaves a small tip or no tip at all, they arent gonna go bankrupt. The normal server probably has at least 5 tables to wait on in 1 hr. Say everyone left $10 tips or more - thats at least $50 right there in 1 hr. What waiters need to start doing is stop expecting tips. This way they arent mad or upset when they get a small tip or no tip. They knew what they were getting themselves into when they took that job. Nobody forced them to take that job. Yeah sure they might bring you your food and etc. but what about the people who are cashiers at retail or grocery stores. Do you tip them for ringing your stuff up and bagging it for you? No. A lot of stores are starting to bring in self checkout registers, where the customer check themselves out and bag their own stuff. They have it at Kmart and Lowes so far (up here in DE anyway) and maybe more stores then that. Its been said that in the future cashiers will be completely fased out. So I stand by my point. Tip what you want and what you can afford. Dont break the bank by tipping something you cant afford. And another thing, do not feel cheap tipping only a few $. You are tipping what you feel they deserve and what you can tip. If the waiter doesnt like it, to bad. Tell them to be happy what they got. Its better then leaving no tip at all.

Some people, regardless of where they are from, don't tip (or tip very low).

I don't think that their being Canadian really had anything to do with it.

In fact, I have to say that some of the experiences of American servers seems extreme to what we are used to here in Canada. Our servers make a living wage and tipping is expected at or around the 15% rate.

My friend used to serve at a local fish and chip eatery (small, family owned, cheap food). It was not unusual for her (average waitress, even she admited that she wasn't great at it) to bring home $50 - $70 a night in tips (plus her wages).

I worked at an office where I was paid $10 an hour (oh, and I had to pay taxes on all of it, she never claimed all of her tips).

She used to laugh at how hard I worked and that I made less than her.

Although I understand tipping and do so appropriately, sorry, I'm not going to cry for anyone "who only makes $2.14 an hour" because actually what you make is $2.14 an hour PLUS tips. For a server to bring their wages up to minimum wage they only need to earn at most $4 an hour in tips.

[rolshuk]

I think the wages system for servers is well over due for a rethink in the USA.
Why should people have to pay an extra 20% for a tip? :confused3
Who makes all the profit on these expensive meals...Disney.
Disney should pay the servers a decent minimum wage...like the do here in the UK,that way any tips are for excellent service not because we feel we have to make up for crummy wages.

[smartestnumber5]

So I stand by my point. Tip what you want and what you can afford. Dont break the bank by tipping something you cant afford. And another thing, do not feel cheap tipping only a few $. You are tipping what you feel they deserve and what you can tip. If the waiter doesnt like it, to bad. Tell them to be happy what they got. Its better then leaving no tip at all.

Wow! If you follow your own advice and ever get the same server twice you must get a lot of spit in your food before its served to you.

I don't understand the idea of only "tipping what you can afford." Tipping 15% at a normal sit down restaurant with good service is an understood part of the price of the meal (I'll ignore the buffet issue since there seems to be To me it is no different than tax.) I know you say you don't want to hear that "if you can't afford the appropriate tip you can't afford a meal." Does this apply to tax as well? Do you try to buy a $100 stereo with 6% tax and then say, "Oh, I can't afford a $6 in tax, I can only afford $1. So be happy with that" to the salesperson?

It seems your logic--Too bad if the server doesn't like it; they'll have other tables which will tip them higher so that they can barely afford to pay their taxes--would also justify paying only a small percentage of the bill (so long as you can get away with it) even though the server will have to pay the rest herself. After all, all of the other tables will pay the whole bill and leave a tip, so she'll make enough that she can cover your bill if it's a busy night.

Perhaps you see tipping as somehow in a completely different league than paying the bill such that tipping is completely optional and at the whim of the consumer. If I were to leave an extremely low tip after good service I would feel that I was stealing from the server just as surely as if I had not fully paid the bill. The fact that if all of her other tables are not like me then she'll be able to pay her taxes would not make me feel better about it. Personally, I think leaving the minimum tip after good service should be just as legally enforceable as paying tax. I'd like to see people who stiff the servers get chased down on the way out the door just like those who try not to pay the bill and threatened with calling the police.


What waiters need to start doing is stop expecting tips. This way they arent mad or upset when they get a small tip or no tip.

:confused: You must be kidding right? Am I missing that your whole post was supposed to be sarcastic--a joke? (I usually have an okay eye for that sort of thing.)

[rentayenta]

popcorn:: This thread has taken an interesting turn.


My opinion is that if you cannot afford to tip, you cannot afford the meal. You can't buy a car and then say you can't afford to insure it. You can't buy a home and not pay the electric bill. You cannot purchase a pet and then not afford to feed it. It's the same logic.


Tipping is part of the experience. Period.

[Disney8704]

Couldnt agree more! You know its strange. People living in other countries feel the same way as I do when it comes to leaving tips. But people here in the US feel differently then I do. Am I living in the wrong country? :rotfl:

I think the wages system for servers is well over due for a rethink in the USA.
Why should people have to pay an extra 20% for a tip? :confused3
Who makes all the profit on these expensive meals...Disney.
Disney should pay the servers a decent minimum wage...like the do here in the UK,that way any tips are for excellent service not because we feel we have to make up for crummy wages.

[Disney8704]

See thats the beauty about the US. TIPS ARE OPITIONAL. You are NOT forced to leave any tips. And for your info, I live in DE. There is NO tax. If im in a state that require to pay tax, well duh of course Im gonna pay the tax. I have to. But you DONT have to leave a tip. Tax and tips are 2 completely different things. And no there is no joking here. Im dead serious. The waiters knew what they were getting themselves into when they took on their jobs. If they didnt know, well I guess they got a serious wakeup call. Nobody should be forced to leave a tip unless its mandatory to do so. And Im sorry I dont see leaving tips is mandatory unless its already included in the price or the place has rules of party of 8 or more there will be an automatic gratuity included. You cant expect everyone to follow YOUR rules and leave at least 15% tip. Let me ask something here. What about homeless people? Say they get just enough $ to go into somewhere to get a nice warm meal but dont have the money to leave a tip. Do you suggest they dont go into that place because they cant leave a tip? In my opinion, waiters who EXPECT tips are greedy people, especially those who expect a certain %. You cant expect anything in this world cuz when you do and you dont get it, you are let down very hard and it hurts. Why go through that? If I was a waitress I would appreciate tips, not expect them. Oh yeah, paying for tips is NOT understood part of the meal. If it was it would be included on the bill. It's very obious people from different states think differently when it comes to leaving tips. Here in DE. Its rare you see people leave tips. DH and I always leave $5. Its generally 20-25% of the bill. The other night DH and I went to Olive Garden, and we were sitting in a area where we around a bunch of other tables. Whenever someone got up, we never saw money left on the table. One time I asked a waitress at Texas Roadhouse if she ever gets tips just out of curiosity. She says she rarly does and she expects that because people in DE hardly leave tips. And she was awesome. We've have had her a few times before and she would remember us and she gave us the same respect and service as she did to everyone else. I told her that last time we couldnt leave a tip cuz we didnt have the money, just enough to eat out and she perfectly understood. So point is different people=different opinions.

Wow! If you follow your own advice and ever get the same server twice you must get a lot of spit in your food before its served to you.

I don't understand the idea of only "tipping what you can afford." Tipping 15% at a normal sit down restaurant with good service is an understood part of the price of the meal (I'll ignore the buffet issue since there seems to be To me it is no different than tax.) I know you say you don't want to hear that "if you can't afford the appropriate tip you can't afford a meal." Does this apply to tax as well? Do you try to buy a $100 stereo with 6% tax and then say, "Oh, I can't afford a $6 in tax, I can only afford $1. So be happy with that" to the salesperson?

It seems your logic--Too bad if the server doesn't like it; they'll have other tables which will tip them higher so that they can barely afford to pay their taxes--would also justify paying only a small percentage of the bill (so long as you can get away with it) even though the server will have to pay the rest herself. After all, all of the other tables will pay the whole bill and leave a tip, so she'll make enough that she can cover your bill if it's a busy night.

Perhaps you see tipping as somehow in a completely different league than paying the bill such that tipping is completely optional and at the whim of the consumer. If I were to leave an extremely low tip after good service I would feel that I was stealing from the server just as surely as if I had not fully paid the bill. The fact that if all of her other tables are not like me then she'll be able to pay her taxes would not make me feel better about it. Personally, I think leaving the minimum tip after good service should be just as legally enforceable as paying tax. I'd like to see people who stiff the servers get chased down on the way out the door just like those who try not to pay the bill and threatened with calling the police.




:confused: You must be kidding right? Am I missing that your whole post was supposed to be sarcastic--a joke? (I usually have an okay eye for that sort of thing.)

[smartestnumber5]

I think the wages system for servers is well over due for a rethink in the USA.
Why should people have to pay an extra 20% for a tip? :confused3
Who makes all the profit on these expensive meals...Disney.
Disney should pay the servers a decent minimum wage...like the do here in the UK,that way any tips are for excellent service not because we feel we have to make up for crummy wages.

I think this is one way restaurants could go. I've never really understood the history of how it came to be that servers got paid $2 an hour from their employers and tipping became part of their wages.

I think changing at this point though would be bad for servers and possibly bad for customers too. I assume if employers had to pay another $5 an hour to every server they would raise their prices to do so. If they raise the prices 15% or more the customer would end up paying more than they were paying under the tipping system. (And if the 15% is included in the price we have to pay the 6% tax on that 15% which we don't have to do when the 15% is given as tip.)

This would also mean MUCH lower wages for servers--barely above minimum wage. Right now it seems serving is one of the few non-degree requiring/non-technical skill requiring jobs one can make a decent living at. But that would certainly change if servers were paid minimum wage and I assume many long term servers who depend on their jobs to feed their kids would need to quickly find another job since $7 an hour for a family of one adult and one child puts them just $1000 above the poverty line.

ETA: I don't know why anyone who is a bad tipper would like this system though because they'd likely be forced to pay something like the price of the tip in higher food prices.

[disneyfan2kids]

In my opinion, waiters who EXPECT tips are greedy people, especially those who expect a certain %. You cant expect anything in this world cuz when you do and you dont get it, you are let down very hard and it hurts. Why go through that? If I was a waitress I would appreciate tips, not expect them.

:scared1:

OK to use your scenario...

Server "A" has "5 tables" in an hour. Each table has a $100/bill. Each table leaves $2 (you said this is a good tip right?). That's $8 in tips and $2.14 in wages. That's $10.14 the server just made... WAIT... he/she has to pay taxes on 8% of the bill ($400 in checks = taxes being paid on $32) OK. Let's assume 15% tax bracket. That servers is paying $4.80 in taxes. Subtract that from the $10.14 they made. That server just ran his/her butt off, refilled your cups, cleaned your dirty plates and carted food to and from you (let's assume this was done pleasantly) and you think the fact that they cleared $5.34 after taxes is enough? I'm sorry... but I strongly disagree.

Again - I'm not arguing against those people that think poor service should be reflected in the tip (to each his own)...but I am against "not tipping" based purely because it's supposedly "optional" and people say they can't "afford it".

I ask again...everybody else's financial history is none of my business...but where is the logic in paying thousands for a vacation and claiming you can't afford more than $1 or $2 tip? It does not sound logical to me. My $0.02

[mefordis]

See thats the beauty about the US. TIPS ARE OPITIONAL. You are NOT forced to leave any tips. And for your info, I live in DE. There is NO tax. If im in a state that require to pay tax, well duh of course Im gonna pay the tax. I have to. But you DONT have to leave a tip. Tax and tips are 2 completely different things. And no there is no joking here. Im dead serious. The waiters knew what they were getting themselves into when they took on their jobs. If they didnt know, well I guess they got a serious wakeup call. Nobody should be forced to leave a tip unless its mandatory to do so. And Im sorry I dont see leaving tips is mandatory unless its already included in the price or the place has rules of party of 8 or more there will be an automatic gratuity included. You cant expect everyone to follow YOUR rules and leave at least 15% tip. Let me ask something here. What about homeless people? Say they get just enough $ to go into somewhere to get a nice warm meal but dont have the money to leave a tip. Do you suggest they dont go into that place because they cant leave a tip? In my opinion, waiters who EXPECT tips are greedy people, especially those who expect a certain %. You cant expect anything in this world cuz when you do and you dont get it, you are let down very hard and it hurts. Why go through that? If I was a waitress I would appreciate tips, not expect them. Oh yeah, paying for tips is NOT understood part of the meal. If it was it would be included on the bill. It's very obious people from different states think differently when it comes to leaving tips. Here in DE. Its rare you see people leave tips. DH and I always leave $5. Its generally 20-25% of the bill. The other night DH and I went to Olive Garden, and we were sitting in a area where we around a bunch of other tables. Whenever someone got up, we never saw money left on the table. One time I asked a waitress at Texas Roadhouse if she ever gets tips just out of curiosity. She says she rarly does and she expects that because people in DE hardly leave tips. And she was awesome. We've have had her a few times before and she would remember us and she gave us the same respect and service as she did to everyone else. I told her that last time we couldnt leave a tip cuz we didnt have the money, just enough to eat out and she perfectly understood. So point is different people=different opinions.

You have obviously never worked in food service industry, so let me educate you on a few things.

When a restaurant employer hires a waiter, they specifically state they will be paid x $ per hour PLUS TIPS. The employer/restaurant owner is EXPECTING that you tip thier employee. He/She knows that these employees will not work for $2.50 or whatever an hour. The tips make up for the low wage. Is the employer being greedy to expect that you tip? Is the IRS being greedy when they hit the server with 8% of their sales for taxes (to ensure the server pays taxes ON THEIR TIPS).

People thinking like you and not tipping servers would force the employers to pay the servers a living/minimum wage and in turn restaurants would raise their prices. Either way, you would pay.

Just know the server is still paying taxes on your bill, even if you leave no tip.

One thing I"ve observed in life is that cheap people are some of the most miserably unhappy people I've ever had the misfortune of coming into contact with. I almost feel sorry for them.

[Disney8704]

Well lets see. There is a difference here when it comes to paying thousands of dollars on vacation and cant afford decent tips. Take me and DH for example. We have bills to pay every month of course like everyone else. DH is in the air force. He only brings home $2323 a month and thats on Staff Sergent pay and includes is BAS. His BAH goes to Pennacile who is the property owners for base housing. Now, after paying bills we usually have just enough to put money towards christmas, our Disney trip in december and go see 1 movie and thats it and maybe go out to dinner. The HUGE difference is this. If we were to tip like you say, we wouldnt be able to take the trip this December. It would have to be cancelled or seriously postponed, due to DH chances getting deployed in Jan are extremely high. We have enough money to pay for the trip and leaving some sort of tip and thats it. Now I dunno about everyone else, but Im not gonna cancel my trip that we have been saving up for a while now and planning for awhile now just so I can leave like 20% tips on the table. Im sorry but anyone who does that, is out of their minds. No waiter is that good, to where you have to postpone or cancel your trip because you cant leave a proper tip.

:scared1:

OK to use your scenario...

Server "A" has "5 tables" in an hour. Each table has a $100/bill. Each table leaves $2 (you said this is a good tip right?). That's $8 in tips and $2.14 in wages. That's $10.14 the server just made... WAIT... he/she has to pay taxes on 8% of the bill ($400 in checks = taxes being paid on $32) OK. Let's assume 15% tax bracket. That servers is paying $4.80 in taxes. Subtract that from the $10.14 they made. That server just ran his/her butt off, refilled your cups, cleaned your dirty plates and carted food to and from you (let's assume this was done pleasantly) and you think the fact that they cleared $5.34 after taxes is enough? I'm sorry... but I strongly disagree.

Again - I'm not arguing against those people that think poor service should be reflected in the tip (to each his own)...but I am against "not tipping" based purely because it's supposedly "optional" and people say they can't "afford it".

I ask again...everybody else's financial history is none of my business...but where is the logic in paying thousands for a vacation and claiming you can't afford more than $1 or $2 tip? It does not sound logical to me. My $0.02

[Disney8704]

Just gonna say 1 more thing and I think Im done with this thread. We all can go on and on about tipping until we are blue in the face. Point is everyone has a different view and opinions on tipping. You cant expect everyone to tip the same or to tip at all. Tipping is an issue that just doesnt wanna seem to die. Everyone has the right to tip what they want. If they wanna tip nothing or tip 20% thats up to them, not you. Unless tipping is enforced by law dont expect everyone to tip the same amount because its not gonna happen.

[disneyfan2kids]

Well lets see. There is a difference here when it comes to paying thousands of dollars on vacation and cant afford decent tips. Take me and DH for example. We have bills to pay every month of course like everyone else. DH is in the air force. He only brings home $2323 a month and thats on Staff Sergent pay and includes is BAS. His BAH goes to Pennacile who is the property owners for base housing. Now, after paying bills we usually have just enough to put money towards christmas, our Disney trip in december and go see 1 movie and thats it and maybe go out to dinner. The HUGE difference is this. If we were to tip like you say, we wouldnt be able to take the trip this December. It would have to be cancelled or seriously postponed, due to DH chances getting deployed in Jan are extremely high. We have enough money to pay for the trip and leaving some sort of tip and thats it. Now I dunno about everyone else, but Im not gonna cancel my trip that we have been saving up for a while now and planning for awhile now just so I can leave like 20% tips on the table. Im sorry but anyone who does that, is out of their minds. No waiter is that good, to where you have to postpone or cancel your trip because you cant leave a proper tip.

We're going to have to agree to disagree on this one.

If I couldn't afford to properly pay for those people that are providing me a service, I would not use that service.

I cannot afford to go to Europe every year because I can't afford the airfare. I just don't go. I don't choose to go anyway and not properly pay for the services.

Once again... we will have to agree to disagree. If it were me, I'd cut out one TS meal during the trip and use that saved $$ to properly pay my servers for the remaining TS meals. OR, if I couldn't tip...I'd use Counter Service.

You mentioned how hard you save for your DW trip...that's commendable. However, please realize that your servers are saving hard for something too...maybe a trip... maybe tuition...maybe food for their children. Everyone works hard to save.

[smartestnumber5]

See thats the beauty about the US. TIPS ARE OPITIONAL. You are NOT forced to leave any tips. And for your info, I live in DE. There is NO tax. If im in a state that require to pay tax, well duh of course Im gonna pay the tax. I have to. But you DONT have to leave a tip. Tax and tips are 2 completely different things. And no there is no joking here. Im dead serious. The waiters knew what they were getting themselves into when they took on their jobs. If they didnt know, well I guess they got a serious wakeup call. Nobody should be forced to leave a tip unless its mandatory to do so. And Im sorry I dont see leaving tips is mandatory unless its already included in the price or the place has rules of party of 8 or more there will be an automatic gratuity included. You cant expect everyone to follow YOUR rules and leave at least 15% tip. Let me ask something here. What about homeless people? Say they get just enough $ to go into somewhere to get a nice warm meal but dont have the money to leave a tip. Do you suggest they dont go into that place because they cant leave a tip? In my opinion, waiters who EXPECT tips are greedy people, especially those who expect a certain %. You cant expect anything in this world cuz when you do and you dont get it, you are let down very hard and it hurts. Why go through that? If I was a waitress I would appreciate tips, not expect them.

If you got paid $2 an hour you would be greedy to expect more than that? :confused3 While I've never been a server, I would assume that when one is hired the employer explains that the server can indeed EXPECT a certain amount in tips. And it seems the federal government and the IRS think it is appropriate that servers EXPECT tips since they do not bust restaurant owners for breaking minimum wage laws. So yes, they did know what they were getting into--they knew they were getting a job in which they could and should expect to be tipped! (Of course, I'm sure they also knew that some customers would stiff them. Similarly they probably also were told ahead of time that some customers would try to leave without paying the bill, would try to get things taken off the bill by saying there was a fly in the last bite of their food, some would verbally abuse them or sexually harass them. The fact that they knew these things ahead of time doesn't make them okay.)

It sounds like you are saying that you only pay tax because you would get thrown in jail if you didn't. What do you do in situations in which a casheir gives you too much change back? It seems in such cases that they probably have to pay back any missing money at the end of the day out of their own wages. And I would think it obvious that the right thing to do is give the money back because it would be harming the casheir to keep it. But if tipping is completely morally optional and you only pay tax because they'll throw you in jail if you don't, it sounds like you would keep the money, no?

I think we would all understand a homeless person not leaving a tip in order to get a meal. (Though, if the person ordered one of the more expensive items on the menu I would think that perhaps they should have gotten a more moderately priced but just as filling and satisfying item so they could have left a tip. This is what I don't understand about the "I can't afford to tip" crap. I have a diner near my house that has prices that are cheaper than McDonalds--you can get a special for $5. I have a very hard time believing that there are significant numbers of people who have EXACTLY enough money to pay $10 for the meal plus $.60 for tax, but do not have another $1.50 for tip. I can believe the homeless person example, but I just don't believe there are a slew of Disboarders who have EXACTLY $10.60 available for dinner and not a cent more.) If they really could not leave a tip and afford the meal, then I would hope they might leave a note to the server and apologize explaining that they are in an extreme situation and they are sorry they cannot tip her. (Not that they'd tell her she was greedy for expecting more than $2 an hour!) I would just as much understand them not having the money for tax at a coffee shop. I would hope the server would understand and wouldn't begrude the person the tip. Similarly, I would hope that the coffee shop cashier would say, "I'll cover the tax for you." I would also hope that if a homeless person were stealing a loaf of bread from the supermarket the check out clerk would look the other way. But since being homeless is an extreme situation, I wouldn't apply those hopes to any other situation.

[rentayenta]

What's being lost is what actually constitutes good service. Some folks expect the world and are too cheap to tip regardless of the service provided. Again, you cannot teach class and respect even to the cheapest soul. :goodvibes

[mefordis]

Well lets see. There is a difference here when it comes to paying thousands of dollars on vacation and cant afford decent tips. Take me and DH for example. We have bills to pay every month of course like everyone else. DH is in the air force. He only brings home $2323 a month and thats on Staff Sergent pay and includes is BAS. His BAH goes to Pennacile who is the property owners for base housing. Now, after paying bills we usually have just enough to put money towards christmas, our Disney trip in december and go see 1 movie and thats it and maybe go out to dinner. The HUGE difference is this. If we were to tip like you say, we wouldnt be able to take the trip this December. It would have to be cancelled or seriously postponed, due to DH chances getting deployed in Jan are extremely high. We have enough money to pay for the trip and leaving some sort of tip and thats it. Now I dunno about everyone else, but Im not gonna cancel my trip that we have been saving up for a while now and planning for awhile now just so I can leave like 20% tips on the table. Im sorry but anyone who does that, is out of their minds. No waiter is that good, to where you have to postpone or cancel your trip because you cant leave a proper tip.

After reading your scenario, I completely understand why you wouldn't tip 20%. No judgements from me. What i have a problem with is when people are supposedly high paid "rocket scientists" or doctors or whatever they profess to be and can't seem to bring themselves to tip because they are too busy crying over not having water as soon as they put their pills on the table, or some such nonsense.

As a former server, I would not have wanted a family to forgo their vacation in order to tip on the top end, but I am saying that from a viewpoint of 15 years later, when I have much more financial stability. I figure with my tips I will make up the difference for those who truly cannot afford it, but not for cheap curmudgeons.

[disneyfan2kids]

What i have a problem with is when people are supposedly high paid "rocket scientists" or doctors or whatever they profess to be and can't seem to bring themselves to tip because they are too busy crying over not having water as soon as they put their pills on the table, or some such nonsense.

.... I figure with my tips I will make up the difference for those who truly cannot afford it, but not for cheap curmudgeons.

:thumbsup2 :love: :yay: :banana: :hippie: :cheer2:

[Disney8704]

I to agree that people who can afford high tips, could leave those kinds of tips. But people like me and DH who arent rich we actually live paycheck to paycheck needs some sort of slack. We have the right to go out to eat to once in awhile, even to nice places. Now DH and I always tip $5 which comes out to be 20-25% of the bill, cuz our meals never come out over $25. We never order deserts, so thats why we can come out ahead and not spend a lot of $ going out to eat. Plus living in a state with no tax helps out a lot as well. When we go to Disney in December we will be doing a lot of CS meals plus a lot of TS meals. However, some of he TS meals in the morning are Buffets, so therefor we will eat a light lunch and have a early dinner around 5pm. The day we go to AK we plan on eating at the Mara, eat lunch at flame tree and dinner at RFC in DTD, so only 1 TS meal that day. Then we have 1 day at MGM and 1 day finishing up AK and MGM. The day we do MGM we will eat breakfast at Boma around 7:30am and have a very early dinner at sci-fi around 4pm and right afterwards catch Fantasmic. So therefor we completely skip lunch to not only help not being overally stuffed but to help save money as well. And if we get hungry later we'll just grab a snack. Same thing for the day we do MGM and AK. We will eat breakfast at Donalds (which will be the new one at Tusker House) and then have another early dinner at 50s around 4pm. Now the days we go to MK and Epcot is where it gets expensive. Most days we will have 2 TS meals. However the breakfasts are mainly buffets and we will once again have early dinners around 5pm. Setting our meals up like this is gonna allow us to tip 15% at the TS meals. I know its not the 18% like on the DDP or 20% like most people do tip, but the norm is 15-20% so I think im in the clear.

After reading your scenario, I completely understand why you wouldn't tip 20%. No judgements from me. What i have a problem with is when people are supposedly high paid "rocket scientists" or doctors or whatever they profess to be and can't seem to bring themselves to tip because they are too busy crying over not having water as soon as they put their pills on the table, or some such nonsense.

As a former server, I would not have wanted a family to forgo their vacation in order to tip on the top end, but I am saying that from a viewpoint of 15 years later, when I have much more financial stability. I figure with my tips I will make up the difference for those who truly cannot afford it, but not for cheap curmudgeons.

[just another guy]

Couldnt agree more! You know its strange. People living in other countries feel the same way as I do when it comes to leaving tips. But people here in the US feel differently then I do. Am I living in the wrong country? :rotfl:

You are MORE than welcome to leave!

Here in DE. Its rare you see people leave tips. DH and I always leave $5. Its generally 20-25% of the bill. The other night DH and I went to Olive Garden, and we were sitting in a area where we around a bunch of other tables. Whenever someone got up, we never saw money left on the table.

:lmao: BS! I'm not going to believe for a second that DE is some magical state where no one tips, and all the servers are completely happy not getting paid(your hourly wages goes to taxes, and therefore the check is often ZERO). Just because you don't see cash piled up on the table doesn't mean they are not tipping. They could easily hand the sever the check, cash, and tell the server to keep the rest. Also, an ever growing number of americans pay with plastic more than cash. That means the tip is written in.

[illiniowl]

Point is everyone has a different view and opinions on tipping.

Actually, this isn't true. In this country, the vast, VAST majority of people understand that when you're at a TS-type (non-buffet) restaurant, you are required by societal custom to tip at least 15% of the pre-tax bill for standard service. Some people feel the minimum tip for standard service should be more (18%, 20%, whatever), different people define "standard service" differently, people differ about how much to reduce a tip (or whether it's OK to not leave one at all) for bad service, and what constitutes bad service, and whether it's OK to tip less than 15% at a buffet - these are all things on which, yes, people can legitimately disagree. And one certainly has the right to wish that we had a different system - that restaurants would be required to pay minimum wage to servers, or that the tip would be automatically added to the bill, or that the custom of tipping would never have arisen in the first place. Heck, feel free to lobby your elected representatives to change the system. But at present we don't have a different system (and, I might add, we never will), and the bottom line is that someone who leaves less than 15% for standard service in this country is either ignorant of what society expects of them (a possible excuse for a foreign tourist although responsible people educate themselves ahead of time on the customs of the countries they're going to) or just plain selfishly cheap, thoughtless and rude.


Everyone has the right to tip what they want.

Wrong. Everyone has the power to tip what they want, because there isn't an official law on the subject. But just because one can leave a $5 - or $1, or $0.02, or whatever - on a $100 tab even though the service was acceptably standard doesn't make it right to do so. It is, in fact, wrong - society says so. Do not eat at a TS-type restaurant if you are not prepared to tip 15% of your bill for standard service. Period.

[PlutoLuvr]

No judgments here, either, Disney8704. Just like I mentioned in the last thread where you stated your beliefs on tipping, you do what you believe is best for your family.

I will say, however, this is NOT a Delaware thing. I'm from DE, lived in Wilmington, New Castle, Dover; come from a massive family and still have lots of friends we dine with when we're back home. It is customary, at least from anything I've ever witnessed in 35 years, to tip the standard 15 to 20 percent, more if the service is extraordinary; less if it's poor. Some of my cousins have had jobs as servers in DE, and they most certainly rely on the standard percentage of the bill in tips as their income.

I, too, have traveled all over this beautiful country of ours and have had the pleasure of dining at many, many restaurants. I know you said one's choice to tip at all depends upon the region, but I have yet to visit any region of the USA where 15 to 20 percent is not customary. What region of the country specifically are you referring to where $1 to $5, or "whatever you can afford" is an acceptable and customary tip? Seriously, I'd like to know, just in case I find myself there one day.

[Disney8704]

I didnt say that they were happy. I said that they were understanding. The servers know themselves weither or not people tip. I have a friend who used to work as a waitress and she was one of the best in the restaurant she worked at. But she told me, that she was lucky if she came home with more then $20 in tips per week. She's waited on me and DH. Of course we would leave a tip. But we would watch her as she would wait on the other tables, same excellent service as us. But no tips, or very little tips. I think the reason why not many people leave tips is because DE is a poor state. The cost of living around here is not cheap! Sure we may have no tax, but people buying homes, I can only imagine 3/4 of their paychecks goes to their house payments. The cost of homes start about $300,000.

You are MORE than welcome to leave!



:lmao: BS! I'm not going to believe for a second that DE is some magical state where no one tips, and all the servers are completely happy not getting paid(your hourly wages goes to taxes, and therefore the check is often ZERO). Just because you don't see cash piled up on the table doesn't mean they are not tipping. They could easily hand the sever the check, cash, and tell the server to keep the rest. Also, an ever growing number of americans pay with plastic more than cash. That means the tip is written in.

[disneyfan2kids]

FYI - I've never multi-quoted before...so forgive me if this doesn't work.

I to agree that people who can afford high tips, could leave those kinds of tips. But people like me and DH who arent rich we actually live paycheck to paycheck needs some sort of slack.
There IS slack...nobody is saying you have to tip 20%... but at one point you mentioned that decent service is worth $2 or $3 to you, regardless of cost of meal. The "slack" is built into that 15% option (or lower for poor service.) But $2 or $3 for a $100 meal is NOT the 20-25% that you mentioned you normally leave.


We have the right to go out to eat to once in awhile, even to nice places.
Of course you do. But if I couldn't afford a tip, I would choose not to eat there.
Setting our meals up like this is gonna allow us to tip 15% at the TS meals. I know its not the 18% like on the DDP or 20% like most people do tip, but the norm is 15-20% so I think im in the clear.

OK, this statement above is QUITE different than your tone in previous posts. You've stated (earlier) that you feel that a dollar or two is sufficient...that servers are GREEDY if they want more... and that tipping is OPTIONAL.

These things you said are not indicative of you tipping in the 15% range. If you do in fact tip servers in this range...well then I don't think anyone would disagree with that. What some (many?) here were disagreeing with were your multiple previous posts saying that $1, $2, or $3 dollars is more than enough for any amount of meal. And your statement regarding greed.

And, I live 10 minutes from the Delaware border.... tipping is the norm no matter where you live.

[mefordis]

I to agree that people who can afford high tips, could leave those kinds of tips. But people like me and DH who arent rich we actually live paycheck to paycheck needs some sort of slack. We have the right to go out to eat to once in awhile, even to nice places. Now DH and I always tip $5 which comes out to be 20-25% of the bill, cuz our meals never come out over $25. We never order deserts, so thats why we can come out ahead and not spend a lot of $ going out to eat. Plus living in a state with no tax helps out a lot as well. When we go to Disney in December we will be doing a lot of CS meals plus a lot of TS meals. However, some of he TS meals in the morning are Buffets, so therefor we will eat a light lunch and have a early dinner around 5pm. The day we go to AK we plan on eating at the Mara, eat lunch at flame tree and dinner at RFC in DTD, so only 1 TS meal that day. Then we have 1 day at MGM and 1 day finishing up AK and MGM. The day we do MGM we will eat breakfast at Boma around 7:30am and have a very early dinner at sci-fi around 4pm and right afterwards catch Fantasmic. So therefor we completely skip lunch to not only help not being overally stuffed but to help save money as well. And if we get hungry later we'll just grab a snack. Same thing for the day we do MGM and AK. We will eat breakfast at Donalds (which will be the new one at Tusker House) and then have another early dinner at 50s around 4pm. Now the days we go to MK and Epcot is where it gets expensive. Most days we will have 2 TS meals. However the breakfasts are mainly buffets and we will once again have early dinners around 5pm. Setting our meals up like this is gonna allow us to tip 15% at the TS meals. I know its not the 18% like on the DDP or 20% like most people do tip, but the norm is 15-20% so I think im in the clear.

Completely understood. In fact, I would feel terrible if I let anyone believe that I think a person should not eat at TS unless they have 20% to tip. As a former server, I feel that 15% is fine. My DH still thinks that is good. I just over do it because I was a former server before and I do tend to be the type to shove a $1 in the Starbucks tip jar, even when I just ordered a small coffee. I think my DH would have a comment to make about me throwing my money to and fro. I don't care because it makes me feel good, and if it came to taking $$ away from our family in a meaningful way I wouldn't do it.

I say have a great time, eat at the TS restaurants and tip what you can!!! :)

[mom2my3kids]

People in Canada are used to tip, and 15% is customary here, even if servers make minimum wage. And 15% of 45$USD is as easy to figure out as 15% of 45$CAD, just have to give out those green bills instead of colored ones! Our bills don't look the same, but we have the same system, we live just north of you. Please do not judge on that experience.


I didn't mean anything against Canadians, I love Canada. I was just giving a example we have cheap people here also. I just thought maybe they thought 2.00 was a lot..

[mom2my3kids]

Bottom Line.. In the United States its Customary if you get good service you leave anywhere between 15-20 percent of the bill. PERIOD!! Let me tell you we servers remember the bad tippers..If I can't afford to tip properly we don't go to a sit down restaurant we go to McDonald's..I want to thank all the people on this board who know right from wrong and know how to tip a server. I am not saying leave a big fat tip if you get bad service, I am saying leave a good tip if you get service and let your server know she did a good job. We work very hard, I just got home after working 9 hours on my feet and I am exhausted so I know and I didn't make enough to buy that convertable. I made just enought to pay my electric bill..:hippie: :love: :love:

[Disney8704]

No. I never said decent service to ME was $2 or $3, I was saying if someone wants to leave that, they can. We NEVER have a $100 meal. Not even in Disney, that $5 if you read correctly, was for meals HERE not in Disney and the total coming to $20-$25 before tip. $20 x 25% = $5.00. The $1 or $2 is sufficent if we are going to a buffet where theres someone to give us refills on the drinks. I dont feel the need to give them more. I've done research online and even found that the $1 or $2 for buffets with servers is perfectly suitable. And by the way we will be leaving 15% tips in Disney and $2 tips for the buffets.


FYI - I've never multi-quoted before...so forgive me if this doesn't work.


There IS slack...nobody is saying you have to tip 20%... but at one point you mentioned that decent service is worth $2 or $3 to you, regardless of cost of meal. The "slack" is built into that 15% option (or lower for poor service.) But $2 or $3 for a $100 meal is NOT the 20-25% that you mentioned you normally leave.


Of course you do. But if I couldn't afford a tip, I would choose not to eat there.


OK, this statement above is QUITE different than your tone in previous posts. You've stated (earlier) that you feel that a dollar or two is sufficient...that servers are GREEDY if they want more... and that tipping is OPTIONAL.

These things you said are not indicative of you tipping in the 15% range. If you do in fact tip servers in this range...well then I don't think anyone would disagree with that. What some (many?) here were disagreeing with were your multiple previous posts saying that $1, $2, or $3 dollars is more than enough for any amount of meal. And your statement regarding greed.

And, I live 10 minutes from the Delaware border.... tipping is the norm no matter where you live.

[Nancyg56]

I didnt say that they were happy. I said that they were understanding. The servers know themselves weither or not people tip.

Your server may tell you that they understand but that may not be the case. The server simply was not rude. You can choose not to leave an acceptable tip, that is your right. I wonder what you would say though, in the event your job was to wait on tables. You never know what tomorrow will bring and somehow when the shoe is on the other foot.......

[just another guy]

And by the way we will be leaving 15% tips in Disney and $2 tips for the buffets.

Why don't you tell the buffet server you are leaving them only $2 as you get sat and see what service you get. They work just as hard if not harder than other servers. They didn't pick to work at a buffet vs a normal sit down restaurant.

[Disney8704]

WOW, well then I guess every website I read online is wrong then. I've checked several websites, including a website that deals with Las Vegas buffets (and we all know how classy las vegas is) and they all say the same thing. Any buffets that have someone coming around and filling your drinks $1-$3. Im sorry but just to pick up dirty dishes and fill ur glass doesnt require much effort not to mention they generally wait on more tables then a normal server. I cant see giving them $10 or more to just fill your glass. Now if it was more then me and DH then I would tip more. Family style meals like at LTT I will tip 15%. But a regular buffet like Boma or CP, 10% of the cost wouldnt be more then $5 anyways. More work = more pay. Thats just how the working industry is.


Why don't you tell the buffet server you are leaving them only $2 as you get sat and see what service you get. They work just as hard if not harder than other servers. They didn't pick to work at a buffet vs a normal sit down restaurant.

[Nancyg56]

More work = more pay. Thats just how the working industry is.

May I ask what you do for a living? I am not trying to be rude, I'm am really interested because it seems that you have a narrow viewpoint regarding those who are not employed in white collar professions.

[Andy B]

I hate yo break it to you, but those buffet server you look down upon, at the Crystal Palace make more in 6 months, than you probably do in a year.

This contradicts the sob stories some servers are putting forward here:confused3

[just another guy]

This contradicts the sob stories some servers are putting forward here:confused3

The servers making good money don't walk off the streets and start tomorrow. They've been with the company 20-35 years. They've invested 1/4th their life(if they hit 100) serving others. I know a server at CP and she is highly asked for. People come back year after year always requesting her. This server has come to know MANY families on a first name base, and even keeps tracks of when they are coming back. In her day planner she'll mark down "Sept 2nd: The Petersons from RI, and little suzy's birthday was 2 weeks prior" or so. She goes extremely above and beyond and fully deserves her income.

[Disney8704]

Well for starters Im a Air Force wife - the toughest job in the air force! Im also in college getting my 2nd degree in accounting. I already have my 1st degree of course in Wedding Planning. Im using the accounting degree to put towards my wedding planning business. I used to work in retail as a cashier but also did many other jobs there to: Layaway, customer service and fitting room. Sometimes did all 4 jobs plus did a managers roll for a few hrs all in 1 day - 9 hrs. And guess how much I got paid for all my hard work: $6.75 an hr which was the minimum wage. Oh yeah for the servers not making much money - I would rather have their job making $2 an hr then have to spend 5 months at once without my DH and worry about him 24/7 and get one phone call a week for 15 mins. They say they have it hard? Theres nothing harder then being a military spouse and Im sure every military spouse on here can agree with me on this one.

May I ask what you do for a living? I am not trying to be rude, I'm am really interested because it seems that you have a narrow viewpoint regarding those who are not employed in white collar professions.

[Andy B]

Wow! If you follow your own advice and ever get the same server twice you must get a lot of spit in your food before its served to you.


So bad tipping justifies this? I'm afraid I feel this loses a big part of the argument.

[Andy B]

The servers making good money don't walk off the streets and start tomorrow. They've been with the company 20-35 years. They've invested 1/4th their life(if they hit 100) serving others. I know a server at CP and she is highly asked for. People come back year after year always requesting her. This server has come to know MANY families on a first name base, and even keeps tracks of when they are coming back. In her day planner she'll mark down "Sept 2nd: The Petersons from RI, and little suzy's birthday was 2 weeks prior" or so. She goes extremely above and beyond and fully deserves her income.

OK thats for good service but a number of the servers have been advocating 20-25% all the time!

My Nephew is a trained chef and is now a number 2 at a hotel to the General Manager. When he was a restaurant manager in a large hotel he would occasionally work as a server if they were short and then he would make more than normal or the chef!

[Andy B]

I already have my 1st degree of course in Wedding Planning.

I didn't know there were degrees in Wedding Planning. I thought it was all useless stuff like Mathematics, History, Astrophisics, Law or Medicine.:rotfl:

[Andy123]

:-)

[Disney8704]

Well I got my wedding planning certificate but its still classified as a degree and I dont see whats so funny about that.

I didn't know there were degrees in Wedding Planning. I thought it was all useless stuff like Mathematics, History, Astrophisics, Law or Medicine.:rotfl:

[Nancyg56]

Well for starters Im a Air Force wife - the toughest job in the air force! Im also in college getting my 2nd degree in accounting. I already have my 1st degree of course in Wedding Planning. Im using the accounting degree to put towards my wedding planning business. I used to work in retail as a cashier but also did many other jobs there to: Layaway, customer service and fitting room. Sometimes did all 4 jobs plus did a managers roll for a few hrs all in 1 day - 9 hrs. And guess how much I got paid for all my hard work: $6.75 an hr which was the minimum wage. Oh yeah for the servers not making much money - I would rather have their job making $2 an hr then have to spend 5 months at once without my DH and worry about him 24/7 and get one phone call a week for 15 mins. They say they have it hard? Theres nothing harder then being a military spouse and Im sure every military spouse on here can agree with me on this one.

First, I understand that it is difficult when your spouse is serving our country. My nephews are both Marines, one has served three tours in Iraq so I will be the first to think you and your DH for your service.

Having said that, I wonder if you will feel the same when you are in the service of others who will disparage your job because to them planning a wedding looks as though it is a walk in the park that anyone can do. Once you are in the business of having to deal with others and having to address them even when they feel that the amount of money that you charge is more than the job is worth.

[mom2my3kids]

This contradicts the sob stories some servers are putting forward here:confused3

This is just wrong in so many ways, how rude. Most servers bust their butts for what they make and if they are good at their job yes they can make good money. How you ask?? By being one darn good server and having customers asking for them and leaving them good tips for being a good server. Disney is just a tiny percent of servers around the country and they may make good money there and good for them. But most places unless its a 100.00 a plate restaurant does not make that kind of tips. I make 2.13 a hour, my checks say 0000000000.000000 because they tax my little paycheck for my tax's. It's not a sob story its the truth.

[mom2my3kids]

First, I understand that it is difficult when your spouse is serving our country. My nephews are both Marines, one has served three tours in Iraq so I will be the first to think you and your DH for your service.

Having said that, I wonder if you will feel the same when you are in the service of others who will disparage your job because to them planning a wedding looks as though it is a walk in the park that anyone can do. Once you are in the business of having to deal with others and having to address them even when they feel that the amount of money that you charge is more than the job is worth.

Ditto!!!!

[mom2my3kids]

Well for starters Im a Air Force wife - the toughest job in the air force! Im also in college getting my 2nd degree in accounting. I already have my 1st degree of course in Wedding Planning. Im using the accounting degree to put towards my wedding planning business. I used to work in retail as a cashier but also did many other jobs there to: Layaway, customer service and fitting room. Sometimes did all 4 jobs plus did a managers roll for a few hrs all in 1 day - 9 hrs. And guess how much I got paid for all my hard work: $6.75 an hr which was the minimum wage. Oh yeah for the servers not making much money - I would rather have their job making $2 an hr then have to spend 5 months at once without my DH and worry about him 24/7 and get one phone call a week for 15 mins. They say they have it hard? Theres nothing harder then being a military spouse and Im sure every military spouse on here can agree with me on this one.


You sound very bitter, we need a group hug :grouphug:

[Maria395712]

my DD 23 is a server in nj she makes $2.13 a n hour her paycheck is 000.00 void. no paycheck the money goes to taxes on the tips they feel she should make .so the only pay are the tips and she only is allowed 3 tables not 5 or more like someone said and not 50$$ an hour like they said /could be anywhere from 5-15 $ an hour. on sat she got 1 $ tip to bust her butt on some one whose check is 30$$ that's cheap and crazy. I think peple don't realize they don't get a pay just what they give them. also the ones that don't tip are always the nasty ones that want this and that or this is cold this doesn't look like the picture
maria

[bookgirl2632]

WOW, well then I guess every website I read online is wrong then. I've checked several websites, including a website that deals with Las Vegas buffets (and we all know how classy las vegas is) and they all say the same thing. Any buffets that have someone coming around and filling your drinks $1-$3. Im sorry but just to pick up dirty dishes and fill ur glass doesnt require much effort not to mention they generally wait on more tables then a normal server. I cant see giving them $10 or more to just fill your glass. Now if it was more then me and DH then I would tip more. Family style meals like at LTT I will tip 15%. But a regular buffet like Boma or CP, 10% of the cost wouldnt be more then $5 anyways. More work = more pay. Thats just how the working industry is.

I have eaten at several Las Vegas buffets. I tip 15% to 18%, depending on the level of service. If they don't collect my plates or refill my drinks, it's 15% for them. If they are way more attentive and helpful, they get 18%.

Oh, and I am not well off, not by any stretch. I save my money for my vacations, budgeting wisely in order to afford them. And when I am budgeting money for vacation, I budget how much I will be spending on food, including tips.

[wildeoscar]

The servers making good money don't walk off the streets and start tomorrow. They've been with the company 20-35 years. They've invested 1/4th their life(if they hit 100) serving others. I know a server at CP and she is highly asked for. People come back year after year always requesting her. This server has come to know MANY families on a first name base, and even keeps tracks of when they are coming back. In her day planner she'll mark down "Sept 2nd: The Petersons from RI, and little suzy's birthday was 2 weeks prior" or so. She goes extremely above and beyond and fully deserves her income.

and that seperates the wheat from the chaff... if I had a server with that attention to detail, they would get 100% tip everytime, even if I had to write a bad check to cover it.

[Disney8704]

Actually I've already have had a few clients and they think my rates are hard to beat. Especially since theres only 2 other wedding planners listed in DE and they are all the way in the northern part of DE. I specialize in military weddings and give military discount of 10%. My rates depends on what I do for the wedding. For me to do everything, its $1500. Most wedding planners charge at least twice that amount. With military discount its $1350. Yes, people do think its a cake walk to plan their own, but when they realize they dont have the time to plan, they call me. Of course I dont charge the full amount flat out. I take 10% to start with as a down payment and then they can pay me monthly payments if they choose to. Of course they to also have the opition to pay the full thing right away. I just got done doing a wedding in Feburary. And I was told by both the bride, groom, the parents and guests that I did an outstanding job and what the bride and groom paid ($1350 - the groom is in the AF) didnt compare to the job I did. A guest came up to me and asked me how much it cost for me to do their wedding and when I told her she couldnt believe it. She said that I took a wedding and made it look like it cost $20,000. I told her thats how my wedding went to. Mine cost $5000 including flowers, cake, dresses, ceremony & reception, etc and by the time it was done, it looked like I spent way more then that.


First, I understand that it is difficult when your spouse is serving our country. My nephews are both Marines, one has served three tours in Iraq so I will be the first to think you and your DH for your service.

Having said that, I wonder if you will feel the same when you are in the service of others who will disparage your job because to them planning a wedding looks as though it is a walk in the park that anyone can do. Once you are in the business of having to deal with others and having to address them even when they feel that the amount of money that you charge is more than the job is worth.

[just another guy]

My Nephew is a trained chef and is now a number 2 at a hotel to the General Manager. When he was a restaurant manager in a large hotel he would occasionally work as a server if they were short and then he would make more than normal or the chef!

...and many chefs will clearly say they would never want to put up with what the servers have to deal with. Its a trade off. Raw food products don't have attitudes, ask stupid questions, demand stuff, complain, etc.

[rentayenta]

Having said that, I wonder if you will feel the same when you are in the service of others who will disparage your job because to them planning a wedding looks as though it is a walk in the park that anyone can do. Once you are in the business of having to deal with others and having to address them even when they feel that the amount of money that you charge is more than the job is worth.


:thumbsup2 I completely agree with this.



This whole issue boils down to perspective or lack there of. For those so unwilling to see the other side I hope for you the one writing your paycheck never sees your inadequacies. I hope they don't want to hear the reason you were late or that your child is sick or that you got bad news that morning. I also hope they don't deduct your pay because they are cheap or feel they have paid enough for your service even though you were counting on more and earned it. I hope they don't deny you the benefits you so deserve regardless of what kind of day they are having. I hope your pay is not based on their mood or their vacation fund.


Bleh. This whole thing leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

[rentayenta]

And again, poor service should not be tipped but please look at what service is and what it is not. It is not babysitting your kids, filling your ego, laughing at your lame jokes, or any of the other ridiculous things servers are expected to do. It is about being courteous and helpful. Servers are not miracle workers. We cannot make the miserable less miserable. If you cannot afford the tip, you cannot afford the meal. When money was tight DH and I did not go out to a nice restaurant and order thinking that we'd save $20 by stiffing the server. Legally it may be okay but morally it sucks! When we plan our vacation budget we budget in the tips too for housekeeping, bell people, servers, etc,. :thumbsup2

[smartestnumber5]

So bad tipping justifies this? I'm afraid I feel this loses a big part of the argument.

No I don't think bad tipping *justifies* spitting in someone's food. I never intended to argue for that.

I just think that continually refusing to tip or tipping very badly is rude, inconsiderate, and wrong. I do get a little chuckle out of thinking that such folks are getting their just desserts, but I would hope that servers don't actually do this to anyone.

[bookgirl2632]

And again, poor service should not be tipped but please look at what service is and what it is not. It is not babysitting your kids, filling your ego, laughing at your lame jokes, or any of the other ridiculous things servers are expected to do. It is about being courteous and helpful. Servers are not miracle workers. We cannot make the miserable less miserable. If you cannot afford the tip, you cannot afford the meal. When money was tight DH and I did not go out to a nice restaurant and order thinking that we'd save $20 by stiffing the server. Legally it may be okay but morally it sucks! When we plan our vacation budget we budget in the tips too for housekeeping, bell people, servers, etc,. :thumbsup2

Well said! We had an excellent Mousekeeper last September (Rosa). Our room was always spotless. She left towel animals even though we were clearly four adults staying at POR. And she was kind enough to leave shampoo and soap every day. :banana: We tipped her very well. Now, if she had done the bare minimum during our stay, it would have been less. She earned her tip and this is as it should be. We also make sure to tip the bell people every time they handle our bags. And being four adult women, we had a lot of bags. :rolleyes1 :laughing:

We tip for a service provided. If the service provided is done so exceedingly well, then we tip accordingly. This applies to mousekeeping, bell services, and servers (buffet or not). I mean, it's not rocket science. :laughing:

[Andy B]

Well said! We had an excellent Mousekeeper last September (Rosa). Our room was always spotless. She left towel animals even though we were clearly four adults staying at POR. And she was kind enough to leave shampoo and soap every day. :banana: We tipped her very well. Now, if she had done the bare minimum during our stay, it would have been less. She earned her tip and this is as it should be. We also make sure to tip the bell people every time they handle our bags. And being four adult women, we had a lot of bags. :rolleyes1 :laughing:

We tip for a service provided. If the service provided is done so exceedingly well, then we tip accordingly. This applies to mousekeeping, bell services, and servers (buffet or not). I mean, it's not rocket science. :laughing:
I'm glad you had ggod service but wouldn't replenishing soap and shampoo be considered expected to be included in the room rate?

[bookgirl2632]

I'm glad you had ggod service but wouldn't replenishing soap and shampoo be considered expected to be included in the room rate?

Well, she gave us extra. ;)

[bicker]

I'm glad you had ggod service but wouldn't replenishing soap and shampoo be considered expected to be included in the room rate?Yes, absolutely. The determining factor is whether the job position itself is compensated based on an expectation that the basic service to be provided is included in the room rate or not. Unlike restaurants (where the menu price does NOT include the full cost of basic service provided, and therefore the diner is expected to provide a gratuity), hotels in the US vary with regard to how they compensate their staff, and therefore whether or not gratuities are expected. Check with the manager of the hotel if you're concerned. I've done so at WDW, and Disney's housekeepers are classified the same as theme park custodians, they're non-tipped personnel, and there is no expectation for a gratuity for basic service provided.

[Nancyg56]

:thumbsup2 I completely agree with this.



This whole issue boils down to perspective or lack there of. For those so unwilling to see the other side I hope for you the one writing your paycheck never sees your inadequacies. I hope they don't want to hear the reason you were late or that your child is sick or that you got bad news that morning. I also hope they don't deduct your pay because they are cheap or feel they have paid enough for your service even though you were counting on more and earned it. I hope they don't deny you the benefits you so deserve regardless of what kind of day they are having. I hope your pay is not based on their mood or their vacation fund.


You articulated so well the point that I was attempting to make. While I would never excuse terrible service, I always make an allowance for outside influences that may affect performance. What I have noticed here is that for some there is no leeway. Every job is of value and because the job is providing service to another, many times a service that that person would rather not do themselves, there is a sense of entitlement. For some there is power in determining another's value based on a scale that only you know.

[Andy B]

My feeling is that for a standard tip (and here I am willing to accept the Disney DDP figure of 18%) the service should at least be competent ie, get order right, bring things at the right time, top up drinks etc. Fail in some of that then perhaps 15% very bad then maybe 10%. make our life a misery then I will be speaking to the manager. Conversely, make our meal special and I will tip more, up to 25% or more if I have the bills on me.

I feel a lot of the time although a tip is aimed at as a percentage it then can be impacted by the cash in pocket. If I had loose cash which only totaled say 16.5% tip I may leave that rather than dip into breaking a $100 bill. which as a tourist I sometimes have.

[rentayenta]

You articulated so well the point that I was attempting to make. While I would never excuse terrible service, I always make an allowance for outside influences that may affect performance. What I have noticed here is that for some there is no leeway. Every job is of value and because the job is providing service to another, many times a service that that person would rather not do themselves, there is a sense of entitlement. For some there is power in determining another's value based on a scale that only you know.



:thumbsup2 And it's that sense of entitlement that is communicated loud and clear to the server, host, busser, etc., That info is passed on. I can't say how many times a host has apologized for seating an ornery party or a party that is known for being cheap. A guest's attitude when they first walk through that door is known by all.


And again, I ask myself, what is the guest, who continually receives poor service, doing to keep receiving poor service? Yes, we will all encounter a lazy server but for the most part we work our tails off knowing it's our bread and butter!

What part does the guest play in the service they get? A lot!

[disneyfan2kids]

No. I never said decent service to ME was $2 or $3...

Yes you did...you said it right here:
(This is quoted from your post in the DDP gratuity thread:)

Thats how DH and I are. We tip based on the service. I set up a tipping thing where we tip $1 - $5 depending on service. If service is VERY horrible, the most I'll tip is $1 or nothing at all. However, my stepdad brought out a good point one time. He told me its more of an insult to tip 1 penny then nothing at all, cuz the waiter might think we just couldnt afford to tip or forgot to. So being that said, the worst service you can ever think of, 1 penny. If its perfect then $5. As for $2-$4 - $2-$3 depending on what happened with service, and $4 if it was good but not great. There are times I wont tip at all. Like one time me, DH went to applebees for dinner with 3 friends. Well for starters, the waiteress was OK. I expected more from her, cuz I actually worked with her before at another job. Then applebees decide to run out of chicken? I ordered, she didnt tell me straight off that they were out of chicken and came back and told me like 10 mins after I ordered. Then on top of it all, the didnt fix my DH burger right. Then all of us ordered drinks, a couple beers, I ordered a strawberry daquire with no alchoal, and it took FOREVER to get our drinks. Our food came out before the drinks did! Luckly the manager caught wind of this and came and told us the drinks were on the house. So yeah, it was a pretty bad meal. DH and I are not doing the DDP. We were considering it, but my biggest fear was not using all the credits. About 98% of our breakfasts are TS (character meals mainly) so which means we might not be hungry for lunch and the dinners are about 98% TS as well. So I could end up having all these CS credits going to waste PLUS I dont like the fact that the tipping is included believe it or not. I like to tip my own amount. If the service is bad, they get the most $1 - NOT 18%! I mean say the meal came to $50 - thats a $9 tip, they most certainly wouldnt deserve if it was horrible.

[illiniowl]

Yes you did...you said it right here:
(This is quoted from your post in the DDP gratuity thread:)

As much as I would like to watch that whole debate unfold again popcorn:: the poster you are quoting did say (somewhere, I'm too lazy to look it up and quote it) that she and her DH NEVER run up a bill of more than $20-$25 so she always ends up tipping at least 15% for standard service (well, at least if she tips $3 on a $20 check; 15% on $25 is $3.75). Obviously she tips less for substandard service and most people wouldn't disagree with that practice.

What was said a few times by multiple posters that I really disagreed with was something to the effect of that if you are strapped for cash, you still have the right to eat out once in a while at a nice restaurant even if you can't afford the minimum (15-20%) tip. Wrong-o. Nobody has the right to something they can't afford, basic human rights excepted. A meal at a sit-down restaurant isn't a basic human right, and a 15-20% gratuity for standard service is simply part of what one has to be able to afford in order to purchase that meal.

[Disney8704]

That $2 or $3 is for when service isnt great. Like everyone on here, you give the waiter less if the service is bad. Speaking of bad servers I remember this one time me and DH went to IHope for breakfast and OMG talk about the worst service in the world! We waited for a good 30 mins before we even got seated. Then when we did, it took another 5 mins before the waitress even came around to get our drinks. 10 mins later she finally shows up to get the drinks and our orders. We waited for almost an hr to get our food. During the meal DH needed a refill and our waitress was no where to be found and so DH actually got up walked to where the kitchen was and had to end up getting another waitress to get my DH refill. Mind you the waitress never even stopped to check up on us at all during the meal. After we got done eating, the same waitress that gave DHs refill, gave us our check. She said that she was sorry for the poor service and that she couldnt believe our waitress was slacking off like she was. When we left, I over heard the same waitress who gave us the check told our waitress that she hasnt gotten any tips at all, all morning. Another time I remember dont know if its funny or rude or both, but same place - IHop. The waiter was checking me out hard core. He kept staring at me and smiling. When he talked to me to get my order he was smiling at me the entire time and when he took DHs order he stopped smiling. We both had ordered large OJ. Well, he comes to bring our drinks, mine was overflowing and DHs was half full! :eek: We were like what the? DH asked to speak the manager, so the manager came and said sorry and we ended up getting the OJ for free. I wanted to leave some sort of tip for the guy, but DH said no way. I couldnt do anything about it, cuz we never carry cash on us, and DH always pays the bill, so he always fills out the slip and hands it back to the cashier.

Yes you did...you said it right here:
(This is quoted from your post in the DDP gratuity thread:)

[mom2my3kids]

Enough said already.. Its simple if you get good service you tip 15-20 percent of the bill. Now if you get less then good service then tip what you think they deserve. Its very simple, and its not the servers fault if it takes 30 minutes to be seated and how long the food takes. Now there is times maybe the server forgot to put the order in or the cooks lost the ticket. It does not happen alot but I have seen it.