Tipping at Buffet Meals

[kapica3]

Although I usually tip 15-20% at regular full service restuarants, I thought I read somewhere that its customary to tip 10-12% for buffet service. Is this what everyone is doing? Have I been overtipping? Now that you think of it, your not getting as much actual "service" at a buffet as a regular restuarant. Guess I don't look at this the same was as others as I was once upon a time I was a waitress in my younger days.

What percentage do you tip at the buffet restuarants such as Boma, Crystal Palace, 1900 Park Fare, etc? Thanks for your replies.

 

[kapica3]

bump

 

[kathylovesdisneyworl]

Usually tip aroung 15% for buffet. We tip 20% a full service so it is a little less.

 

[Terk-1]

I tip 15% at buffet meals. For me it depends on the level of service that I am receiving from my server. If they are excellent, a little more. If I don't see them again after my order is taken or I have to consistently be looking for them or asking other servers for help, then it's a whole lot less. The latter version has only happened a couple of times in all my visits.

 

[ducklite]

As long as the service is good (drinks brought/refreshed promptly, plates cleared in a timely manner, special needs attended to) I tip 20% at buffets, same as full service.

The big difference for me is that seldom if ever will I go over 20% at a buffet, however if the service is exceedingly good, particularly in a trying situation (restaurant is overloaded, we have ansty children with us and need to get in and out, etc.) I'll go over 20% on full service.

Anne

 

[MHopkins2]

Ditto, Anne.

 

[heffalump9]

Normally buffet service is minimal so we tip 5-10%, but if the service is excellent (ie Boma or Cape May Cafe) we tip 15%.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

I'm a server, so you can't go by my standards, because they are much different than all others. Except for Chinese buffets, I always leave $5 no less. So on a check total of about $16.00, I've left well over 20%. That's just me, it's what I do for a living so I ALWAYS take that into effect. Even on less than average service, I will drop at least 10% if I see that the server is really trying.

Just a heads up for those who may care...the tip average is no longer 15%...it's 17%!!! YEA!!! Listen, that 2% makes a big difference when it comes to big party checks. The difference between $2 and $5 is major when it comes to all the hard work a server has done waiting on a party of 10 or more.

 

[taylor1293]

It depends on the service.

Usually no more than 10% depending on the level of service. Honestly, I can't justify giving a server at a buffet the same as a server at a sit-down restaurant.

There is no comparison between the server who provides full service vs someone who just brings my soda's and cleans my plates off. So why would I tip the same?

I tip between 15% - 20% for full service. Assuming great service was provided.

If service was poor, I will tip nothing. I don't understand why people still tip when the service was bad?

Teresa

 

[solotraveler]

15-20% at buffets. I'll usually tip 20% for good service at a sit-down, so I'm right about the same.

Having waited tables before, I realize that the buffet servers need to make a living too. If the service has been prompt, plates cleared away, drinks refilled and I'm checked on from time to time, what's the difference, outside of having my food delivered to me? (at least in my book)

And I'll always tip at least 10%, even if the service is slow or poor. Often times it isn't the servers fault if things go wrong during a meal. And having served before I truly understand how much even that 10% is important

Solotraveler

 

[mom2bandp]

For a buffet usually 15-18% for average service, 20-22% if exceptional service, and 10% for poor service (only happened once at WDW, at Chef Mickey's).

 

[floridagirrl2]

In 1996, I worked with a woman whose parents owned a Chinese restaurant, and she informed me that 10% was the correct tip for a buffet. May have gone up a couple of percentage points since 1996, if the standard full-service tip is now 17%.

 

[kahiko]

Judge the service and tip accordingly.

I was at a buffet yesterday and my coffee cup was never empty and whenever I turned away from my empty plate when I turned back around there was a fresh clean plate in front of me. I left $5 on a bill of $13.95 (this was not at WDW but the principle is the same).

I would never wait until the end of a meal for which I was receiving poor service and then walk out leaving no tip. The server would probably just think I was cheap and not have had a chance to correct their behavior.

I would express my disappointment with the service as soon as I observed that it was unsatisfactory and tip according to the change in service.

I also tip if the kitchen messes up and the management comps my meal. I tip the server based on what I would have paid for the meal.

I don't know what Disney pays but where I live most servers are payed $2.35 an hour so they need the tips to survive.

 

[PamNC]

I get good service at a buffet style restaurant, meaning they keep my drinks coming I still tip 15%. I never go to 20% which I will do at a regular restaurant for superior service.

PamNC