Average Tipping % in USA?

[DutchsMommy]

Just curious - if you have an average meal, good service, nothing outstanding that would cause you to tip 'extra', would you say 20% is the norm for tippingin the USA? This is higher than my experience in Canada. We usually add the tax (about 13%) and maybe round up a bit but 20% is a very generous tip. There may be some big tippers who are Canadian so no need to tell me if you happen to be one, but in general I would say we are 13-15% tippers. I don't want to appear stingy to the CMs at WDW and as they say 'forewarned is forarmed' so I am curious if an American norm exists. Thanks

 

[patsal]

15-20% is the norm--we're in Buffalo,NY our taxes are at a bit over 9% so I just double the tax for the most part. Overall in the US the minimum wage for waitstaff is very low--somewhere in the $3.00 or under per hour category.

Buffet norm is 10%

WDW raised the bar a bit by stating that tipping should be in the 18-20% range regardless of the venue. Parties of 6 or more will be charged an automatic 18% gratuity.

 

[mkycrzy1971]

The "norm" in America is 15-20%...I usually tip at least 20% if the service is excellent and more toward 15% if the service is very average or somewhat sub-par...although, if I get terrible service I have been known to leave 10% if they are lucky...now before anyone flames me, FIRST I try to judge if the bad service is the fault of the server (not returning to refill drinks or check to see if we need anything else, not brings things we ask for)...yes, then they will defiantly only get 10% at the MAX...if it is the fault of the kitchen staff (such as an overcooked steak) or something out of the server's control, NO, I do not cut the tip...NOW....on the up-side, NORMALLY if I have a waiter that is very attentive I tip at least 20% and sometimes even more...we used the DDP last year and many times left $5 or $10 in addition to the 18% included in the plan (our bill was normally $100-$150).

I say use your own judgment...if you get satisfactory service tip AT LEAST 15% (most will agree though that 20% has become the "new" norm)...what ever you decide, have fun and EAT MUCH!!

 

[housemouse]

Maybe this will help. http://www.besttripchoices.com/planning/tipping.php#usa