tipping at buffet's

[LakeAriel]

I ALWAYS WONDER ABOUT THIS. IF YOU GO TO A DINNER BUFFET IS THERE ANY REASON TO TIP 15 TO 20% FOR DRINKS AND TABLE CLEARING? WHAT TO DO??

 

[CarolMN]

We generally tip 10% in buffet restaurants unless the server is especially attentive/helpful. In that case, we tip more.

We also tip more for "family-style/all you can eat" buffet restaurants (where wait staff actually brings the food to your table).

 

[Beca]

We generally tip $1-$2 per person. These workers are NOT paid the "waitress" minimum wage (which, I believe is still around $2 per hour), but they usually are paid minimum. I think this is one of those cases where you tip if you want to, but there is NO reason to have to tip the 15-20%, or anything at all (unless you just enjoy doing that.) We have a small child...I tip...enough said!!!!!



Beca

 

[dianeschlicht]

Depends on the buffet. We usually tip $2 per/person, at a regular buffet, but if it is at a place like Boma we usualy do the 15-20%, because they certainly do a great job of keeping track of our plates and drinks!

 

[Cinderella37]

Unless the server was inattentive, we always tip 20% at buffets. We usually don't eat at buffets now, but when we did (mostly character meals) my fiance tipped the same as at any other restaurant.

 

[idratherbeinwdw]

My thoughts on tipping: I tip very generously for servers who go above and beyond the call of duty, 20-25%, a standard 15% if the service is adequate but nothing special, and 10% or less if the service is substandard.

There is one server at Chef Mickey's (Rebecca) that absolutely makes the experience special every single time, and to me that deserves "rewarding". I don't differentiate between buffets and non-buffets, but I don't tip according to percentage, I tip according to service.

 

[eeyoregirl]

At buffets: tipping is generally 10%, more if your server is exceptionally quick and/or attentive.

Everywhere else: regardless if the meal is served family-style or if the server actually "takes your order," the general rule of thumb is 15-20%.

As a server, I get $2.82 per hour. There's a lot more involved in serving than taking an order and bringing it out. There's a lot of prep that customers don't see.

Plus, what most people do not know is, at most places, servers do not take home all of their tips. For example, at my restaurant, I give 10% to my busser, a percentage to food runners, and a percentage to the bar.

Thanks for reading my rant!

 

[sugermouse]

What most people don't realize is that servers at buffets may actually do more work in terms of serving and clearing depending on the number of trips that your party makes to the buffet tables. Also keep in mind that the server needs to give up a percentage of tips to the support staff.

Having a daughter who works as a waitress to earn college money and hearing stories of the number of people that stiff her has taught me to tip generously unless the service is horrible.

 

[suzannews]

Originally posted by Beca
We generally tip $1-$2 per person. These workers are NOT paid the "waitress" minimum wage (which, I believe is still around $2 per hour), but they usually are paid minimum. I think this is one of those cases where you tip if you want to, but there is NO reason to have to tip the 15-20%, or anything at all (unless you just enjoy doing that.) We have a small child...I tip...enough said!!!!!



Beca

At Disney, at servers are paid $2.50 an hour. Doesn't matter if you work in a full service or a buffet restaurant.

 

[mic_key_mouse]

I tend to tip at the high end of the scale- AS LONG AS the server was taking care of our needs. Also, I have heard there are some countries that don't believe in tipping (Please let me know if this is true or a 'rumour')- so I feel that these folks have families just like I do and need to make a living. On the other hand, if service is lousy, I have no problem leaving less than 10%- even at a 'full service' restaurant

Blessings,
mic_key_mouse

 

[floridagirrl2]

Originally posted by mic_key_mouse
I tend to tip at the high end of the scale- AS LONG AS the server was taking care of our needs. Also, I have heard there are some countries that don't believe in tipping (Please let me know if this is true or a 'rumour')- so I feel that these folks have families just like I do and need to make a living. On the other hand, if service is lousy, I have no problem leaving less than 10%- even at a 'full service' restaurant

Blessings,
mic_key_mouse

In some countries, servers are actually paid a living wage, OR the tip is included in the price of dinner, so sometimes people from these countries don't realize they need to tip in the USA. I don't think it's so much that they don't believe in tipping, it's just unnecessary in their countries.

 

[mamalle]

tip 20% regardless of buffet or take your order unless service was poor- than 15%. These servers need to make a living too.

 

[sugermouse]

Originally posted by Beca
We generally tip $1-$2 per person. These workers are NOT paid the "waitress" minimum wage (which, I believe is still around $2 per hour), but they usually are paid minimum. I think this is one of those cases where you tip if you want to, but there is NO reason to have to tip the 15-20%, or anything at all (unless you just enjoy doing that.) We have a small child...I tip...enough said!!!!!



Beca

Well, at least we all know how Beca affords her trip "home" to BWV.

 

[mic_key_mouse]

I was curious to see what the 'official line' was on this subject- so I went to www.fodors.com (great site by the way) and copied this out of the WDW guidebook

Tipping

Whether they carry bags, open doors, deliver food, or clean rooms, hospitality employees work to receive a portion of your travel budget. In deciding how much to give, base your tip on what the service is and how well it's performed.

In transit, tip an airport valet $1-$3 per bag, a taxi driver 15%-20% of the fare.

For hotel staff, recommended amounts are $1-$3 per bag for a bellhop, $2 per night per guest for housekeeping, $5-$10 for special concierge service, $1-$3 for a doorman who hails a cab or parks a car, 15% of the greens fee for a caddy, 15%-20% of the bill for a massage, and 15% of a room service bill, which is often already included, so be sure to check.

In a restaurant, give 15%-20% of your bill before tax to the server, 5%-10% to the maître d', 15% to a bartender, and 15% of the wine bill for a wine steward who makes a special effort in selecting and serving wine.


I was glad to see that they did not distinguish between buffets and other restaurants, as I have always adhered to the above guidelins- and sometimes give more. If you think about it, it makes sense that it wouldn't be a lower percentage- as the total food bill is generally much lower at a buffet

Blessings,
mic_key_mouse

 

[tinkerbeth]

Originally posted by floridagirrl2
In some countries, servers are actually paid a living wage, OR the tip is included in the price of dinner, so sometimes people from these countries don't realize they need to tip in the USA. I don't think it's so much that they don't believe in tipping, it's just unnecessary in their countries.

Guilty!! Whoa - my jaw just about hit the floor when I read $2.50 an hour! That is criminal! I always thought the amounts people were talking about tipping on these boards was a bit high. Here I think waitresses in bars make about 8 bucks and even that is clearly not enough. That explains why Americans are such good tippers when they're in Canada. (Which I always loved when I was a waitress... ) Now that I know that, I will certainly be rounding up those tips. Wow. 2.50 an hour. I still can't believe it.

Thanks!

Beth

 

[Beca]

Originally posted by sugermouse
Well, at least we all know how Beca affords her trip "home" to BWV.

Thanks...and now we know what kind of "magic" you share!!

I have FIRST hand experience at BOTH types of service. When I worked at a buffet, clearing tables, I made WELL above minimum wage, and did NOT reports tips to the IRS. I NEVER assumed someone was cheap if they left $1-2 per person, per table. It seemed VERY fair...it was a "bonus" that no one knew about!! I did NOT pay tipshare to anyone, as I was the "bus boy". I cannot tell you how many people tip NOTHING. If I got a $3-6 dollar tip off of a 3 top, I was thrilled!! Often that amount would've been 15-20%, depending on the price of the buffet. More often than not, NONE of the "servers" were tipped. I loved the regulars who tipped ANYTHING!!!! In many states, these workers can be YOUNGER because they are "not wait staff", and are not paid as such. For example, in Texas, you can be a "server" at a buffet at 16, but you must be 21 to "wait tables". "Servers" all make minimum+ and do NOT report tips. Waitstaff makes much less, and DOES report tips.

When I waited tables, I brought home appx. $1 per hour (my acutual wage was less than $2). I reported a certain percentage of my income (whether or not I ACTUALLY made it), paid tip share to other employees (bar, expediter, hostess, bus boys and cooks). My 15-20% was a lot less after all of this.

The bottom line is this...we ALL tip differently. That is the "way of the world". I think that's what the OP was asking...for DIFFERING advice. But, bottom line...we all do a LOT of things differently.

And, to Sugermouse...yes, we are VERY blessed to be able to own at WDW...we are truly lucky to be able to call Disney "home".
Maybe someday, you can do the same.



Beca

 

[tci1212]

I always tip at least 20% at buffets. I usually have to argue with the people I am with because they feel the server didn't do anything. I think Buffet servers do work just as hard as any waiter or waitress, because they have to keep coming back and keeping your table clean and your drinks filled.

 

[phyllis1966]

We tip 20% regardless of the type of meal it is, unless we have mediocre service.

 

[alliecats]

Originally posted by sugermouse
Well, at least we all know how Beca affords her trip "home" to BWV.

Wow, I am staggered! I had to read this twice to make sure I was actually seeing what I thought I was. This is a very inappropriate remark for this board. Please refrain from making petty, personal attacks--no one wants to read that kind of thing!

 

[jbwolffiv]

It is good to hear everyones theory on tipping at buffets. We will be going to two this summer and I never stopped to think about how to tip. Thanks for the info!