Tipping in America

[zachnsamsmommy]

Before this thread turns into a huge fight which it looks like it will be there soon. Can't we all agree that anywhere from 15% - 20% is acceptable?

Agreed...

Where I live, 20% is usually for excellent service, 15% is closer to norm. So I think the 15%-20% would cover it for about anywhere.

 

[disney1990]

In Nevada, tipped employees get full minimum wage.

http://www.laborcommissioner.com/faqs.htm

I tip 15% on the pre-tax amount. I hope I don't get flamed, but the restaurant just collects the tax and sends it to the government agency that levies it, and I don't feel my gratuity should be based on an amount that the restaurant and I have nothing to do with. It drives me nuts when I pay with a cc and the server doesn't bring back the itemized receipt (and then I try to remember or even guess what the tip should be); and it also drives me nuts when there's a suggested amount printed on the bottom of a receipt that is based on the full amount of the bill. I ignore that and figure it out myself.

But if it's excellent service, or I make any special requests then I'll tip more.

Wow, nice to wait tables in Nevada. Guaranteed minimum wage, guaranteed breaks and guaranteed lunch period -- none of these benefits are guaranteed under law in the State of Maryland.

 

[Sparx]

aren't gratuities added to the bill automatically at table service restaurants?

or is it just the dining plan that adds them?

Mikeeee

the dining plan no longer does this.

 

[merryweather20]

The memo

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.co...oney/HeresATip20PercentIsTheNew15Percent.aspx

When I waited tables, we expected 20%.

Nope, not a memo just a quickie opinion peice from one person at MSN.

 

[NotUrsula]

Waitstaff didn't change the expectation; restaurant owners did. When more customers switched to paying by credit card, more restaurant owners starting holding back a percentage of the tip to go to personnel overhead costs, and sometimes, if they were generous, to share with dishwashers and busboys. The larger the tip, the larger the cut.

The reality in the US is that 20% is now standard in major cities and in resort areas (because restaurant operating costs are higher there), while 15% is still quite acceptable in most rural and suburban areas.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

For food service at Full service and Buffet, WDW now suggests tips of 18% or 20% and the amounts are preprinted on the bill. If you use TIW the 18% is automatically added.

15%-20% is a good and fair amount to tip. The IRS still presumes a tip of 10% on each sale, so anything above that is nice.

WDW does not pay it's bartenders or servers a decent hourly wage, so the tips really are their income. Other places in Florida pay bartenders at better wages, but almost none pay their servers better.

We don't tip housekeepers as they get paid a "fair" wage. Bell Hops get tipped per piece, and depending upon how heavy those pieces are. Cabbies get 10% of the meter. Hair Stylists get 20% if they were good. Nothing if they didn't follow directions.

Others, like Sommeliers, Maitre d'hotels, etc. are dependent upon the restaurant and the custom of the area. (Larger city, etc.).

I refuse to tip for counter service and will not put change in those begging cups.

 

[paintnolish]

I don't know if you'll find a "memo" or official rule on tipping, but I agree with others who said that 20% is standard in bigger cities and tourist areas. I am a waitress, in a bigger city and nicer restaurant. We are expected to maintain 20% and mot servers are always in the 18-20%. Percentages are posted and it is rare to see anyone less than 18%. If I saw that next to my name, I'd be worried.

 

[Carly_Roach]

The memo

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.co...oney/HeresATip20PercentIsTheNew15Percent.aspx

When I waited tables, we expected 20%.

Yet another reason not to eat out anymore. Thanks for the update!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Nope, not a memo just a quickie opinion peice from one person at MSN.

Funny that the same piece includes a chart and it still says 15-20%. I thought it funny that the reason for 20% was simpler math and not necessarily consideration of the service.


Staff Appropriate tip
Waiter/waitress
15% to 20% of pretax bill

Bartender
$1 to $2 per round or 15% to 20% of tab

Wine steward
15% of bottle's cost (less as price rises), clearly earmarked on bill

Room service
15% to 20% of pretax bill (if not already included)

Valet parking
$2 to $3 when car is returned

Taxi driver
15% plus $1 to $2 per bag

Hotel doorman
$1 to $2 to hail cab; $1 to $2 per bag for help with luggage

Hotel bellhop
$1 to $2 per bag

Hotel maid
$2 per night, paid daily, clearly marked 'Housekeeping'

Skycap
$1 to $2 per bag, $2 minimum, in addition to any fee

Hairdresser
15% to 20%

Manicurist
15% to 20%

Spa services
15% to 20%

Food delivery
10% to 15% with $2 minimum

Golf caddy
$20 or 50% of the caddy fee, whichever is greater

 

[PlainJane]

Waitstaff didn't change the expectation; restaurant owners did. When more customers switched to paying by credit card, more restaurant owners starting holding back a percentage of the tip to go to personnel overhead costs, and sometimes, if they were generous, to share with dishwashers and busboys. The larger the tip, the larger the cut.

The reality in the US is that 20% is now standard in major cities and in resort areas (because restaurant operating costs are higher there), while 15% is still quite acceptable in most rural and suburban areas.

I don't know if you'll find a "memo" or official rule on tipping, but I agree with others who said that 20% is standard in bigger cities and tourist areas. I am a waitress, in a bigger city and nicer restaurant. We are expected to maintain 20% and mot servers are always in the 18-20%. Percentages are posted and it is rare to see anyone less than 18%. If I saw that next to my name, I'd be worried.

I guess, this explains why I've never heard of anything less than 20% being normal, unless it's added automatically (Never been a waitress btw).

Anyway, back to the original poster. Before you pay any of your tabs, make sure that the tip has not been added onto the bill automatically.