My thoughts on tipping...

[Marcela]

I mostly tip between 15%-20% depending on the quality of service. I wouldn't hesitate to tip less if my waiter/waitress were unattentive or rude. I work hard for my money, doing what I am supposed to do. So it is not unreasonable for me to expect professional service. Regardless of what we say, some people tip less, some more, and some not at all, and there is nothing we can do to change that.

 

[chimo2u]

If one does not want or cannot afford to tip what is a socially agreed upon amount, then one should not eat at an establishment where it is expected.

The last time I checked, I didn't know there was a "law" about what was a "socially agreed upon" amount....I stand by what I stated: GRATUITY is a monetary "thank you" for good service left at the discretion of the giver, not to be determined by anyone else.

If a "tip" was meant to be a "determined amount" it would be a mandatory fee and added to the bill, and thus eliminating the need for the incessant debate it seems to get everytime someone disagrees about what "a socially accepted amount" is for a tip. Instead, the last I checked, a tip is still determined by the giver and therefore, I will choose to leave/not leave a tip based upon the quality of service and the amount I determine I wish to leave for my server. I don't have to validate my actions to anyone else, it is a gift and I will determine what I leave, and it will be a gift given of my free will and thanks, not given out of guilt or shame or a sense of conforming to society's perception of what is a "socially agreed upon/acceptable amount" Each to his/her own

 

[okeydokey]

I wonder how many of the people who say that a tip is not required give a tip at all. I have a feeling it has more to do with cheapness than with taking a stand against the idea of tipping.

 

[PrincessBelle09]

chimo2u, I noticed that you are from Canada and I wonder if this somewhat of location difference. I am taking a very firm stance on the 15-20% because where I am from in the southern US, it is absolutely what customers are supposed to do for average to good service. I understand that the same rule applies in Canada, but southerners are pretty fierce on our idea of politeness.

I don't mean to be rude, but I do tend to get aggravated by improper tipping. My DH is a college graduate and has not been able to find a job in his field so far. He is working two jobs as a delivery driver and I am again working as a hostess until school starts back, so we are depending on tips for over half of our livelihood. It's a pretty personal matter for me.

 

[chimo2u]

chimo2u, I noticed that you are from Canada and I wonder if this somewhat of location difference. I am taking a very firm stance on the 15-20% because where I am from in the southern US, it is absolutely what customers are supposed to do for average to good service. I understand that the same rule applies in Canada, but southerners are pretty fierce on our idea of politeness.

I don't mean to be rude, but I do tend to get aggravated by improper tipping. My DH is a college graduate and has not been able to find a job in his field so far. He is working two jobs as a delivery driver and I am again working as a hostess until school starts back, so we are depending on tips for over half of our livelihood. It's a pretty personal matter for me.

Hi Princess Belle No hard feelings! Yes, I am from Canada so our servers are guaranteed a minimum wage (8.50/hr) so this might be a big, big difference in the way we see things!....average tip amounts here tend to be 10 % - 15% but seem to be rising, because when I leave 10% I feel kind of cheap now!! I am not against tipping at all. If I am given good service, I will definitley leave my appreciation/gratuity...but I feel it is up to me to decide the amount! I hate feeling like I am being guilted into leaving a determined amount based on "societal expectations" this just steams me.....because I hold strong on the fact that a tip/gratuity is a gift only determined by the giver. I guess it will always be a hot topic and a very personal decision, which is why these conversations get so heated with so many opinions and views!! I usually stay off of these hot topic threads, but I just couldn't hold it in....I had to speak my mind. It will never be a concensous, I am sure, and people will do what they believe is right within their own set of personal beliefs.
I will continue to tip as the service warrants. I hope this thread doesn't close as I enjoy hearing other's views, in the end though, it is a personal decision

 

[PrincessBelle09]

Yeah, servers in my area of North Carolina are generally only paid $2-3, which really sucks. I would be less adamant about giving a healthy tip if I knew every server was making at least minimum wage. Then, I would personally consider it a gift rather than paying to use their waiting services.