Tipping when will it be too much?

[Andy B]

You all make very good points and I completely understand what you are saying. Most of your explanations reinforce the point that we are not tipping to show appreciation for good service. We tip to make up for what the restaurant will not pay the server. That's what bothers me. We have restaurants here (as well as Disney) that automatically add on 18-20percent tip. This is not just large groups either. We are a family of four. I suppose if I received inferior service I could fuss and have that removed. I don't know since I've never tried. Now when we go somewhere we look very carefully to see if it's added on the bill. Sometimes it's hidden!! We went to a restaurant and had to ask, "Is this gratuity?" It had no label and was just there. Perhaps they should make add-on gratuity an industry standard? Geesh, going out to eat is work

Automatically adding a gratuity to a bill is just another way of putting the prices up without having to show on the menu like tax.

We have a sales tax in the UK but do not show regular prices without tax it just maked life confusing.

 

[SavvyMom]

Automatically adding a gratuity to a bill is just another way of putting the prices up without having to show on the menu like tax.

Exactly.

 

[BoyLovesBuzz]

I also believe there is a gravitation towards 20% because we have a matureing generation that couldn't calculate 15% or 18% of $45, without a calculator, if you put a gun to their heads.

 

[just another guy]

I also believe there is a gravitation towards 20% because we have a matureing generation that couldn't calculate 15% or 18% of $45, without a calculator, if you put a gun to their heads.

Ya think thats bad? I got some BBQ to go from a local restaurant a couple weeks ago. There were 3 ladies and a guy sitting at some table by where I was standing waiting for my sandwich. They were talking to the server, and mentioned that they were teachers, who had just left from teaching summer school. The server dropped off the check, and right away, ALL 4 pulled out their cell phone to figure out exactly what they each owe, the tip, etc. I was speechless. Its a locally owned, cheap BBQ place. They each had a $4-6 lunch, and a $1-2 soda. Its a sad world we live in.

 

[snifflesmcg]

The average tip is between 15%-20%. I tip accordingly. For great service, I tip more. I used to be a server and I know how hard it is.