Do you tip at Buffets?

[Kimberly]

I've seen some people who don't tip at buffets, and it's always bothered me somewhat to not tip. Even those cleaning the tables seem to work very hard even though you aren't really "waited on", but they still are providing a service.

I always leave a tip at buffets.

 

[jimmalru80]

We are always on a meal plan, so the tip is automatically included.

 

[makinorlando]

For sure. The servers still provide beverages, and are there is you need anything. As well as keeping the table clean of the dishes you are through with.

 

[beattyfamily]

Yes, I tip a buffets usually the same as a regular restaurant, depending on the service I received.

 

[Big J]

Those that don’t tip at buffets probably don’t ( or very poorly ) tip at other restaurants. I would venture to say that the wait staff at the buffets does more work that when ordering off the menu. Clearing my many dishes (at the appropriate time) is more work, or at the very least the same amount of work, than is asking what I want and bringing it out when it is ready.
JMO

 

[tink too]

We always tip for the buffets, too. We've seen servers run rings around themselves getting drink refills, clearing dirty plates and bring out clean ones, etc. I agree that this could be more work than taking an order and serving!

 

[Mr.Disney]

Yes, I think it is wrong not to tip. If I was the waiter/waitress working hard all day I would be bummed out if I got no tip.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

"They" tell me that 10% at a buffet is typical, as opposed to 15-18% at table service.

And no, I don't remember who "they" are.

 

[pinchy]

I wouldn't think to tip at a buffet to be honest but then I don't tend to eat at them really. We don't have such a tipping culture in the UK, I try to adapt when I'm abroad but sometimes I just forget or just don't realise how much I should be tipping. Obviously I tip at normal meals but I would usually tip 12% and I realise that in the US thats probably considered stingy.

 

[lillygator]

we tip at buffets....

 

[JayS]

"They" tell me that 10% at a buffet is typical, as opposed to 15-18% at table service.

I usually tip 10% or $1/person (whichever is more) at buffets...As for how much work they do, the service does vary, as I've finished my meal and had my salad, meal and dessert plates stacked in the middle of the table, and I've had to just about beg for some more water (neither occured at Disney). Quality of service does (and should) affect tipping just as it does at traditional table service.

 

[jensen]

I worked as a waitress all through high school and college, so I generally tip quite well (18-20%). But, I don't tip at buffets. When I worked as a waitress,the hostess and bus boys were paid a much higher wage than I because they didn't receive tips. I don't recall eating at a buffet where I had an actual server - just a hostess who seated us and brought drinks and bussers who clean the table. If I eat at a family-style all-you-can-eat place that is table served, then I tip the server.

 

[TAKitty]

I've seen some people who don't tip at buffets, and it's always bothered me somewhat to not tip. Even those cleaning the tables seem to work very hard even though you aren't really "waited on", but they still are providing a service.

I always leave a tip at buffets.

For what they charge at some of the buffets, I feel like Mickey himself should be feeding me. . I do always tip. If I can afford going to WDW, I can afford a couple more bucks for a good tip.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

"They" tell me that 10% at a buffet is typical, as opposed to 15-18% at table service.

And no, I don't remember who "they" are.

I'm one of the they.
15% for average full service, Good service more, poor less.
10% for average semi-service (buffet). Good service more, poor less.
The Local Eat em up salad n Steak where they hand you a stack of about 30 plates at the register, and decide to clean up when they're all stacked up dirty on the table, well they get a buck or a buck fifty.

 

[OKW Lover]

We tip at buffets, but not as much as at a full service place. Usually 10-12%, depending on how much the "server" did for us.

 

[mking624]

At Disney buffets? Yes. We are actually served there, therefore I only find it right to tip. With the DDP, your tip is already included.

As buffets in general? Not always. There have been some buffets where we've literally received no service except to pay for our meals as soon as we walk in the door. I do not tip for those if I'm the one doing ALL the work. But I do tip at buffets where we receive service.

 

[daisyduck123]

We always do the meal plan...so our tip is already included.

 

[POLY1985]

Definitely. They still are bringing you drinks.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

My Mom was a waitress, the tipping thing is engraved in my brain....Always..hey I tip for a cup of coffee, but again that is me.

 

[WillCAD]

I'm one of those stingy, skinflinty cheapskates who is of the opinion that the tip should reflect the quality and quantity of service provided. As such, I tip only a meager 10% at buffets. Why? I'm serving myself, that's why; I don't feel that I should have to give a full tip for self-service.

I typically tip 15% at a sit-down for adequate to good service, 18% for outstanding service. If service is sub-par, I may tip less than 15%.