How Much do You Usually Tip?
Recently, we talked about leaving a tip when dining out. Many people believe that a standard percentage of the bill should be left on the table for the server… no matter what. Still many others believe that the amount of the tip depends on the level of service received. I put this question to my friends to see where their opinions lie.
Wow, I’m kind of saddened that people actually need to use tip calculators. – Louie
Hmmm I tip minimum 20% and generally in the 25-30 range, though I’ve tipped more and less, but almost never less than 20%, you have to do pretty bad to get less than 20%, and seriously a tip calculator, it’s pretty basic math for percentages – Justin Yost
You have to be on your toes for me to tip 20%. But I never tip less than 15% of pre-tax amount. I won’t be guilted into tipping more. 15% is standard; 20% for outstanding service and always on pre-tax amount. – Gregory Pittman via twhirl
I usually just double the tax. – Mark "Rizzn" Hopkins
Depends on the service. Tonight I tipped just barely 10% because our waiter was apparently stoned and took all night to do anything. I’ve left $0.05 before when we received really horrible service. I’ll also happily tip 20-30% for stupendously awesome service. My general tip for decent service is 15%. – Tad Donaghe
My mind always goes straight to 20 percent. I’m a server, and I try to support my fellow F&Bs. – Neil Estep
There is a saying, and it goes…. "asian people don’t tip, lets go" =P – Louie
Lindsay and I ate dinner with a guy from Pakistan one evening when we were all out of town for a tech conference. The service was fine. The bill came out to more than $100. He said, "I’ll get the tip. No worries." He throws down 2 $1 bills. He was totally confused when we told him that was unacceptable. – Tad Donaghe
louie then waiters will love you when you visit europe and do not think about how much to tip. – Nicole Simon
I always start at 20% of the total. If the service is lacking, I deduct from there. Comes from dating lots of service industry types. – Shemp DeYoung
Between 15% and 20%, but I tend not to go to sit-down restaurants. – Morton Fox
Nicole: Not that I don’t tip. (I’ve worked in the service industry for tips before) But honestly, asian people are probably the worst tippers. You just don’t tip in asia. And if someone with that culture went to europe, they wouldn’t give a thought about what the waiters think, unless they were going to be stalked to their hotel or something. – Louie
20%. – edythe
louie that was more towards your comment that it saddens you to see people needing a tip generator. – Nicole Simon
In Japan if you tip someone it’s seen as kind of demeaning to the person being tipped. I’ve made the mistake before with taxi drivers/waiting staff and you get an uncomfortable look at best. Nothing to do with Japanese being cheapskates, it’s more a pride thing. Funnily enough the service is a hell of lot better than anywhere in Europe, where the tip is expected as par for the course – Michael Pick via twhirl
I always tip alot. I like my food spit free – Outsanity
15% to 20% – Todd Jordan
I’m with the Japanese on this. I generally don’t tip (I don’t live in the US). The majority of the time, the gratuity is already added to the restaurant bill anyway. However, I’ll be visiting the US soon, so I’ll have to grit my teeth and do as the Romans do. – Paul Grave
20% rounded up to the nearest dollar – Robert
Usually 20% – Jim Milles via twhirl
20%. 15% if poor service. But having worked food service, I never tip less than 15%, though I have been known to lecture a lacking waitress. – WarMaiden
Here, we usually tip by at least rounding up, normally 10%. If it’s a fancy restaurant, I usually give less than 10%, can’t afford tips of 5 Euros++. – Hannes BrandstätterMüller via twhirl
20% 100% of the time and more if the service was stellar. – Chris Abraham via twhirl
20%. Never ever lower than 15%. It’s a hard job and I actively support the industry. – Anthony K Valley
All in all, it looks like the majority of the people there leave a standard amount. What about you? Do you leave a 15 or 20 percent tip at all times? Or do you base the gratuity on the service provided?





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