I missed the memo as well Kevin...

[mytripsandraces]

While true, that is just what they must "claim", legally they are suppose to report ALL the tips not just 8 percent.

I didn't express myself well. I was only referencing the taxes deducted from the server's paycheck. I meant that the taxes were taken out of their paychecks based on the actual tips charged to the credit card and, for bills with no tip marked (because it was paid in cash), the taxes on 8% of the bill are removed from the paycheck (as if the customer had tipped 8%). Of course, the server is required to claim all tips received as income on their annual tax returns.

 

[Cherinva]

I spent a lot of years working as a server in a family style restuarant....I put myself though school and supported myself and my DD...it wasn't a bad living...back then we were "required" to report all tips, but....we were told that we couldn't claim less than 8% per day of our daily sales....now...I would say that 99% of the time, I did make well over that 8% (and claimed it) ...but there were times that I didn't make that...for whatever reason...it happened....I had to claim 8% anyway...and had to make it up on another day. I'm sure it's the same working at Disney...there are people who don't believe in tipping...and that's a shame....they do work hard for that money...even at the buffets....I tend to over tip, depending on service.

 

[Stacy's a freak]

I worked as a server for many years, 3 of those years at at upscale restaurant that had a Sunday Brunch, believe me I worked alot harder on those Sundays than I did at other times. I know you are getting your own food, but servers are constantly clearing plates and bringing drinks, plus people tend to sit longer at buffets so your table turnover is less and you are serving the tables longer.

Thanks for your input WaltD4Me! I have always tipped less for a buffet for the same reasons as the PP. I always tip a few dollars but not the standard %. I will re-think that!

As for me, I generally tip 20% if service is good - not only is it a good tip but it is easier for my silly brain to figure out. If service is excellent, I'll add a couple more bucks and personally tell the server how good he/she was to us. If service is not great, I feel bad tipping less than 15%. I have never been a waitperson but I can imagine that they deal with some cruddy customers so they get a decent tip from me just because ...

 

[rotlex]

I spent a lot of years working as a server in a family style restuarant....I put myself though school and supported myself and my DD...it wasn't a bad living...back then we were "required" to report all tips, but....we were told that we couldn't claim less than 8% per day of our daily sales....now...I would say that 99% of the time, I did make well over that 8% (and claimed it) ...but there were times that I didn't make that...for whatever reason...it happened....I had to claim 8% anyway...and had to make it up on another day. I'm sure it's the same working at Disney...there are people who don't believe in tipping...and that's a shame....they do work hard for that money...even at the buffets....I tend to over tip, depending on service.

Buffets area always a tough one. Generally, I tip 10% at them. There are exceptions of course, sometime more, sometimes less, sometimes nothing at all. Frankly, when the server comes over, points to where the buffet is located and brings me a drink, I tip 5-10%. When they are there, asking if I need anything, refiling a drink without asking, and having the empty plates cleaned, I'll tip 20%. Unfortunately, I find that to not be the case at most buffets we visit.

IMO, at a buffet only restaurant, particularly at a place like Disney, the tip should be either included in the price somehow, or, the wait staff should be paid more than a standard "server" to compensate.

 

[Donaldswife]

I can understand your thinking that unless you walk in someone's shoes, it may be difficult to understand where they are coming from. I feel this way often when it comes to teaching, but that doesn't mean I can't receive input from non-educators. Similarly, I disagree with your comment stating that if you don't have the money for a 20-25% tip, you should not go out to eat. Once again, I am paying for the product and if I am only able to leave a 15% tip, that is more than adequate. If the service is poor, then I have the right to tip lower than that or not at all. There is no rule book when it comes to tipping for a service nor is there a required amount to tip.

I have to say I disagree with the bolded. If you are going out I think you should you should at least be able to afford the 20-25% in the event that you DO receive superb service and it warrants that kind of tip. I don't think the poster was saying everyone SHOULD tip that, but if you are going out you should be able to AFFORD to tip that percentage if the service warrants it. I guess in my mind it is just being prepared for the best case scenario.

I know I would feel terrible if I only brought enough money for the meal and the standard 15% and received some of the best service of my life that really warranted a much larger gratuity.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I have to say I disagree with the bolded. If you are going out I think you should you should at least be able to afford the 20-25% in the event that you DO receive superb service and it warrants that kind of tip. I don't think the poster was saying everyone SHOULD tip that, but if you are going out you should be able to AFFORD to tip that percentage if the service warrants it. I guess in my mind it is just being prepared for the best case scenario.

I know I would feel terrible if I only brought enough money for the meal and the standard 15% and received some of the best service of my life that really warranted a much larger gratuity.

I agree with this, too. You should factor in a 20% tip in calculating how much going out to eat is going to cost.

 

[pittsburghmarc]

Do you tip on a bottle of wine with dinner? I don't mean the $20 bottle feature, but if you splurge on a $200 bottle of wine, to you tip 20% on that?

 

[BriarRosie]

Do you tip on a bottle of wine with dinner? I don't mean the $20 bottle feature, but if you splurge on a $200 bottle of wine, to you tip 20% on that?

The way I see it, if a person is able to splurge on a $200 bottle of wine with dinner, that person should be able to afford a respectable tip to go with it.

 

[hookedonears]

My rule of thumb for Standard Tips.

Double the Tax and round up to the next dollar

So if the Tax on the bill was $5.25, then I would double that amount to $10.50, then round to $11.00 for base tip. I start with the base and go up from there. My base works out to be roughly 18% on average.

I like it. I hope I can remember this in the future

 

[SamSam]

Do you tip on a bottle of wine with dinner? I don't mean the $20 bottle feature, but if you splurge on a $200 bottle of wine, to you tip 20% on that?

Yep, I do, but I must admit I have a little trouble with it.

 

[pittsburghmarc]

Yep, I do, but I must admit I have a little trouble with it.

Me too.