Tipping at buffets?

[dpic]

I saw mentioned on another thread by someone who said they just can't give a normal (15-20%) tip at a buffet. The reasoning is that the server really doesn't do as much as at a "normal" (for lack of a better word) restaurant where orders are taken. Does anyone else feel the same way?

I must say when we ate at Boma last year and the waitress said, "hi" and pointed us to the buffet I had a little heartburn giving a 15% tip (even though I did). I know they still deal with the drinks and clear up the plates (in some places buss people do the plates), but there seems to be less work per table involved at a buffet.

Do servers have more tables to work at a buffet thereby reaping a huge tip potential? Is there more work than meets the diner's eye for a server at a buffet? I would be interested to hear all lines of argument on this.

Do you still tip 15-20%, less, more?

 

[tkldisney]

The servers take care of your drink orders, and clear away your plates so we normally leave 10 to 15% tip. Just depends on service.

 

[KathylovesPooh]

Standard tip for counter or buffet service is 10% - take it from there based on service.

 

[JodyTG]

Hi, I think that I was the person that said that . What I "usually" do is leave 5% if I never, EVER have to ask for refills because they're always there before I run out of drink and then a little less if I keep having to ask for refills.

You have to understand that the average buffet is $20. With a family of 4 "adults" that's $80. Does the "drink refiller" really deserve 15% ($12) for that or even 10% ($8)? $4 sounds more reasonable to me seeing how they didn't help with the food AT ALL so why should their tip be tied to the amount of the bill. Plus, why should "drink refillers" make more in tips than baggage handlers?

I used to wait tables, so I know how much work it is. I also know that if you are happy, cheerful, and good at your job then that shows in the amount of your tips. I've never worked at a buffet, though, but you can obviously see that the waitstaff doesn't have to work as hard, so why should they make the same amount in tips as the harder working, full service personnel?

JMHO

 

[Forever42]

These threads always turn out the same, but we tip 20% at Disney buffets because they always work as hard as, if not harder than at the table service restaurants.

 

[t&csmom]

They do work hard and in some places they share their tips with the people in the back refilling the food.

 

[Bumbles]

These threads always turn out the same, but we tip 20% at Disney buffets because they always work as hard as, if not harder than at the table service restaurants.

 

[jann1033]

These threads always turn out the same, but we tip 20% at Disney buffets because they always work as hard as, if not harder than at the table service restaurants.

my thought exactly however i did just recently read( think it was miss manners or someone, a national column anyway) that the customary buffet tip is 10% ( the snooty is a JOKE)

 

[dpic]

These threads always turn out the same...

Hey, it's not like I asked about pool hopping or mug refilling, you know.

 

[Bumbles]

Hey, it's not like I asked about pool hopping or mug refilling, you know.

or about pooling adult/child credits or *gasp* 5 in a room

 

[dpic]

or about pooling adult/child {dining} credits

That one is a rising star.

 

[back2disney]

Depends on the service. If they are attentive and friendly then higher tips than ordering off menu.

 

[Missy1961]

On my solo trip last week, I ate at the Crystal Palace buffet lunch, which is a character meal. My waitress got me clean plates, I never had to ask for a refill, and she took my picture with the characters. I also saw her ask the characters to wait for people to return to their tables. I gave her a 20% tip because to my mind she earned it. She gave me better service than the service I got Monday night at a restaurant at home!

 

[jann1033]

or demanding a slipper desert at crt while using your refillable mug from cr for free smoothies on the dining plan with your 10 yr old in a stroller, blind uncle albert driving an ecv & auntie cooking saurkraut in the crockpot in your room at pop as all the toilets flush in syncronization

 

[jann1033]

That one is a rising star.

or the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs depending on your pt of view

 

[dpic]

or demanding a slipper desert at crt while using your refillable mug from cr for free smoothies on the dining plan with your 10 yr old in a stroller, blind uncle albert driving an ecv & auntie cooking saurkraut in the crockpot in your room at pop as all the toilets flush in syncronization

I'll give 25% for that!

 

[MScott1851]

It depends...at the Pizza Hut Buffet, I usually leave a dollar or two. I customarily tip 15-20% at WDW or other buffets. The servers still bring extra plates, napkins, silver, refill drinks, bring extra butter, etc, offer coffee, clear tables, etc. The only thing a sit down restaurant waiter does any different is make ONE trip to your table bearing food...not much extra.

But at WDW...we were on the dining plan when we ate at Cape May. Dh's drink went empty ALL night, we waited over 15 minutes after we were finished for our server to walk by, and basically felt stuck in the far back corner all alone. Not only did she earn 15% on our tab, but we had ordered crab legs a la carte to pay for out of pocket, but she added a nice little 18% tip on there for herself. I was LIVID. All night long, other servers brought us extra plates, etc. We had to get others' attention just to get our basic needs met. I would have left her a crayon drawing as a tip, I was so dissatisfied.

 

[Forever42]

Hey, it's not like I asked about pool hopping or mug refilling, you know.

I can't really get into those, or the dining plan ones either, so the tipping threads are my only entertainment

 

[Bumbles]

That one is a rising star.

we really need a DIS version of the Oscars...

Best Topic to get your Knickers in a Twist over

Rising Star Award

I'm sure the list could go on and on and on.....

 

[jarestel]

Tipping is ALWAYS up to the individual and very dependent on quality of service. Everyone works hard at their jobs, so that's a given, not a reason for tipping. We leave what we feel the service has been worth to us. Good service = good tips, bad service = bad tips.