GKC,
Tell your wife she is WRONG!
Oh, wait...that's a bad tip...
Bob
No, that's bad ADVICE! A tip is a good thing...
A question about tipping
- Thread starter GKC
- Start date
No, that's bad ADVICE! A tip is a good thing...
USAF385
US Veteran
I've actually been tipped twice (HVACR). Both times involved prompt service on busted AC during a hot spell.
I agree with tipping if someone goes above and beyond, but I admit I'm a bit of a cheapo when it comes to tipping. I just find it hard to tip someone for doing their job.
captorquewrench
Member
That waiter still has to total his tickets at the end of his shifts and pay taxes on estimated tips based on that amount....you did the right thing.
Hi:
My life long ambition is to live and die not wealthy or "well off".
Aware that waiters/waitress depend on "Tips" I tip a minimun of 20% regardless of the service. I know that the servers are at the mercy of the kitchen staff and/or managers as to the food I don't hold them responsible for a long /slow wait. If I forget a personal item on leaving, chances are the server will hold it for my return if I left a good tip.
My life long ambition is to live and die not wealthy or "well off".
Aware that waiters/waitress depend on "Tips" I tip a minimun of 20% regardless of the service. I know that the servers are at the mercy of the kitchen staff and/or managers as to the food I don't hold them responsible for a long /slow wait. If I forget a personal item on leaving, chances are the server will hold it for my return if I left a good tip.
My wife and I always tip at least 20% on all service unless it is really bad. We have the resources now and are still young enough to remember how hard it was starting out in life.
Russ
Russ
You hit the nail right on the head! Every soft ice cream stand, Dunkin Donuts,Bagel joint, most Sub shops, gas station type convince mart, or just about any take out place has a tip jar by the counter. Hello that's what your there for to spend about 30 seconds (at the soft ice cream place anyway) to make a cone or pour a bit of soda and as much ice as can fit the carton and hand it to the customer. Other places most times you just ring up the register after spending a short time filling the order.
I believe in a good tip for good service, unless the service is super subpar I leave at least 15% but more likely 25% at SIT DOWN restaurants. Underpaid but good motel clean up staff get a decent tip. Mail guy gets a tip at Christmas; he has to come up my long hilly driveway a few times a year to deliver oversize packages.
reddogge
Member
Tipping took a more personal turn with me because 1 1/2 years ago I started working a part time retirement job delivering catered food for a large catering/supermarket business. We aren't paid a lot of money, $9.50/hour, but the work enviornment is good and the job is fun and it gives me something to keep busy especially in the winter. The job is demanding and requires attention to detail to deliver on time an accurate order, muscle power to carry lots of food, the totes and trays can be quite heavy, and a friendly courteous manner.
We get tips. Not always but enough to let me stash them away in a drawer and they pay for all of my hunting, fishing, and vacation trips I take each year. The tips vary from nothing to $20 and people are more generous on weekends and holidays. During the week we deliver mostly medical reps lunches and corporate lunches and breakfasts and the tips are pooled and we usually get only about $10 for a 4 hour shift. But evenings, weekends and holidays we get it all and I've come home with $50, $75, $100 and one time $175 last Christmas Eve. These good days make up for the bad days. I think what hurts us is the company lists a delivery charge for each order on the ticket and people think we are personally getting that charge, not so.
So anyway, I am more aware of people who receive tips and try to be generous with them also like waitresses and my barber.
We get tips. Not always but enough to let me stash them away in a drawer and they pay for all of my hunting, fishing, and vacation trips I take each year. The tips vary from nothing to $20 and people are more generous on weekends and holidays. During the week we deliver mostly medical reps lunches and corporate lunches and breakfasts and the tips are pooled and we usually get only about $10 for a 4 hour shift. But evenings, weekends and holidays we get it all and I've come home with $50, $75, $100 and one time $175 last Christmas Eve. These good days make up for the bad days. I think what hurts us is the company lists a delivery charge for each order on the ticket and people think we are personally getting that charge, not so.
So anyway, I am more aware of people who receive tips and try to be generous with them also like waitresses and my barber.
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Mickey D
Member
I tip my barber $5, sometimes more on a $20 haircut.
I make my next appointment before I leave and sometimes I have to call last minute to cancel due to working late. She always accommodates me to reschedule without a fuss. She does a great job, and being one of the most beautiful Vietnamese woman I've seen helps to here advantage.
I nearly always leave 20% at any sit down place. I read a similar thread and sales tax was brought up. Around here sales tax is 9.45% on top of the bill, so if you tip 20% of the total bill you are leaving quite a bit more than a 20% tip. I always tip my barber, and a little extra at Christmas.
Mickey D
Member
I have a daughter who is a waitress, so I know tips are depended upon dearly. If the service is decent or better than acceptable, I tip at least 20%. At one breakfast house I frequent, I sometimes tip over 50% if I'm eating alone, $5 for a $11 breakfast, and always cash. These girls really take care of me.
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Recently, I picked up a take-out order from a restaurant...not one with a drive through. A waiter took my order at the bar, took the order to the kitchen, offered me a drink while I waited, and then when he brought the order out, he unpacked it and showed me each item to make sure it was as I had ordered. I paid the check and tipped 10%. (Normally I tip 20% when we eat in, unless the service is either particularly good or bad, and then I adjust the tip accordingly.)
When I got home, my wife was unpacking our order from the sack, and she saw the receipt. She asked me why I had added a tip, and I told her that the waiter had to do some work on the order, and while it wasn't a full serve, sit down meal, I felt like he deserved something for the time he spend doing it. She disagreed and felt that a takeout order didn't warrant a tip. (This was a male waiter, so it wasn't a "boobs" thing, either...which my wife has accused me of allowing to influence my tipping.)
What do you think?
Unless the Take Out person gets a higher hourly wage they absolutely deserve a tip, maybe not 20% though
feralmerril
Absent Comrade
How do you tip in a casino?
Mickey D
Member
Tell the" Plant your corn early"
Cooter Brown
Member
Glad to see most here are good tippers. Restaurant work is tough. Good tippers are not always the case.
I used to guide on a quail preserve. What the owner--a neat old guy--paid guides was barely enough to cover my gas. But it was fun and got my dogs into birds, even if they were released birds.
I had a pair of hunters, an older fellow and a younger man--bus. associates. Great day, low 50s, overcast, perfect conditions. My dog was in his prime and had 4 seasons of wild grouse in MI under his belt. Solid dog. The whole time we hunted the older fellow bragged on my dog. He talked about the trips he'd taken in the last year, bird hunting in Africa, trout fishing in New Zealand, phez in ND, dove and perdiz in Argentina, a couple of others I forget, all in the last year. Said he had to take his wife on a long cruise to make up for all his gone time.
He said my little Brit was the best of any guide's dog he'd seen. He was a dead shot--he killed most of the birds. They limited on what they paid for and killed a couple more on top of that, which I didn't charge them for.
After the hunt I cleaned the birds and packaged them. Took them out to him and he said "I've done a lot of traveling, didn't know I could have such a good hunt this close to home. Thanks!" He handed me a 5 dollar bill like it was a holy relic. His partner who was behind him looked at me and shrugged his shoulders and mouthed the word "Sorry!" They got in the older guy's Mercedes and left.
A couple of weeks later I had another party. It was a couple of days before Thanksgiving. Father/son, father retired school teacher, son a technician on the pipeline. Son took me aside and said he only got to see his dad a couple of times a year and wanted a special day. Literally saved money in a pickle jar all year for the hunt.
Terrible day for a hunt. Cold, very dry, super windy. Dog did well given the conditions, but the guys hadn't shot a lot for a while and only killed 6 birds or so. But we had a good time because the guys were so nice.
After I gave them their birds, the son took me aside and thanked me for making a special day for him and his dad, and put a 100 dollar bill in my hand.
You sho' nuff can't buy class.
Sorry about the long post.
I used to guide on a quail preserve. What the owner--a neat old guy--paid guides was barely enough to cover my gas. But it was fun and got my dogs into birds, even if they were released birds.
I had a pair of hunters, an older fellow and a younger man--bus. associates. Great day, low 50s, overcast, perfect conditions. My dog was in his prime and had 4 seasons of wild grouse in MI under his belt. Solid dog. The whole time we hunted the older fellow bragged on my dog. He talked about the trips he'd taken in the last year, bird hunting in Africa, trout fishing in New Zealand, phez in ND, dove and perdiz in Argentina, a couple of others I forget, all in the last year. Said he had to take his wife on a long cruise to make up for all his gone time.
He said my little Brit was the best of any guide's dog he'd seen. He was a dead shot--he killed most of the birds. They limited on what they paid for and killed a couple more on top of that, which I didn't charge them for.
After the hunt I cleaned the birds and packaged them. Took them out to him and he said "I've done a lot of traveling, didn't know I could have such a good hunt this close to home. Thanks!" He handed me a 5 dollar bill like it was a holy relic. His partner who was behind him looked at me and shrugged his shoulders and mouthed the word "Sorry!" They got in the older guy's Mercedes and left.
A couple of weeks later I had another party. It was a couple of days before Thanksgiving. Father/son, father retired school teacher, son a technician on the pipeline. Son took me aside and said he only got to see his dad a couple of times a year and wanted a special day. Literally saved money in a pickle jar all year for the hunt.
Terrible day for a hunt. Cold, very dry, super windy. Dog did well given the conditions, but the guys hadn't shot a lot for a while and only killed 6 birds or so. But we had a good time because the guys were so nice.
After I gave them their birds, the son took me aside and thanked me for making a special day for him and his dad, and put a 100 dollar bill in my hand.
You sho' nuff can't buy class.
Sorry about the long post.
Barber yes..(Even though I'm almost all bald). Plumber..Haven't needed one
Those that have their hand out stretched, or have one of those "tip Jars" probably not...
I prefer to tip in cash to the waiter, and not add it to my card. That way I know the waiter gets it, not the owner/mgr.
But I will protest a place that automatically adds a tip to my bill.
WuzzFuzz
WuzzFuzz, your tipping philosophy mirrors mine exactly. We recently had our basement finished. Probably a dozen different people worked on the project over a 2 month period. I tipped the 2 common laborers that were here most days and a Hispanic painter, who worked especially hard, $100 each. The skilled tradesmen (electricians, carpenters, plumbers, etc. earned plenty w/o a tip)
A side benefit of tipping someone who doesn't have much money is seeing them happy. I got much more out of the tips than they did.
One of them bought a .22 rifle with his tip. His wife makes him account for every penny he earns and this was "mad money" he could spend as he wished.
I worked at a high dollar steak house in college. All tips went in a common pool. Everybody got the same split, but the cooks who were paid a living wage.
We prided in giving good food, and great service. If a waiter or bus boy was slack they didn't last long. A waiter depends on his bus boy to clear and clean a table fast. So they add value. Plus if they don't get a fair cut, they will steal from the waiter. (Just my experience)
The best waiters, and cute little bartender sometimes feel shorted by this. But overtime they see it is a team effort. I once saw the bartender get left a $100.00 tip from some guy.
I was probably the only guy that saw it. I could tell she was torn with the desire to put it in her pocket or the pool.
She put it in the pool. I made sure when we made the cut she got $80.00 extra.
I tip 20.00 % unless service sucks. If service sucks I ask to speak to the manager. (My wife hates this, but it has only happened a couple of times). I tell him why I am leaving no tip. His team has let me down!
Guy22
We prided in giving good food, and great service. If a waiter or bus boy was slack they didn't last long. A waiter depends on his bus boy to clear and clean a table fast. So they add value. Plus if they don't get a fair cut, they will steal from the waiter. (Just my experience)
The best waiters, and cute little bartender sometimes feel shorted by this. But overtime they see it is a team effort. I once saw the bartender get left a $100.00 tip from some guy.
I was probably the only guy that saw it. I could tell she was torn with the desire to put it in her pocket or the pool.
She put it in the pool. I made sure when we made the cut she got $80.00 extra.
I tip 20.00 % unless service sucks. If service sucks I ask to speak to the manager. (My wife hates this, but it has only happened a couple of times). I tell him why I am leaving no tip. His team has let me down!
Guy22
I agree with the OP. I would have done exactly the same. Anytime I am served at a table I automatically tip the standard 20%. If the service was special I will add to that and offer a verbal thanks. It this case there was no table service but the employee went to lengths to satisfy the customer and deserved some recognition.
As a youngster I had several jobs where tips were part of my income. Those jobs are just as hard as others and the pay scale is much lower because tipping is involved. I know how it feels to get stiffed for good service and I also know how it feels to get a good tip which I worked hard to earn.
A quick story about tipping. I don't know if it's true or not but I hope it is:
A traveling salesman stopped for lunch in a small town cafe. The food was good but the server was slow, distracted, never offered refills of beverage or checked to see if anything else was needed. Towards the end of the meal she came by and rudely slapped the check down on the table without comment or eye contact and kept on walking.
The customer stood up and left a $100.00 bill on the table, paid at the cash register and walked out.
A month later he went through that little town again and since it was about lunch time he stopped in at the same cafe. The server from his previous visit saw him come in and rushed over to take his order. She was all smiles and made a big show of welcoming him. She turned his lunch order in to the cook and stood right there to grab it as soon as it came up. She served him his lunch and topped off his iced tea and asked if there was anything else she could bring him. She returned periodically to see what else he needed and to refill his tea glass. When she brought his check she laid it down on the table and touched him lightly on the shoulder and thanked him profusely and invited him to come back again soon and gave him her best smile as she walked away.
He stood and took a penny out of his pocket and put it down on the table. Paid his check and walked out. His server followed him out to his car and rudely asked him what was the big idea of leaving a such a big tip the first time and such an insulting tip the second time.
He told her that the first tip was for the service he got today and the tip he left today was for the service he got the first time. She just just hung her head and walked back inside the cafe.
Be friendly and respectful and tip your wait staff. They have hard jobs and they have to deal with "the public" which can be unpleasant in itself.
As a youngster I had several jobs where tips were part of my income. Those jobs are just as hard as others and the pay scale is much lower because tipping is involved. I know how it feels to get stiffed for good service and I also know how it feels to get a good tip which I worked hard to earn.
A quick story about tipping. I don't know if it's true or not but I hope it is:
A traveling salesman stopped for lunch in a small town cafe. The food was good but the server was slow, distracted, never offered refills of beverage or checked to see if anything else was needed. Towards the end of the meal she came by and rudely slapped the check down on the table without comment or eye contact and kept on walking.
The customer stood up and left a $100.00 bill on the table, paid at the cash register and walked out.
A month later he went through that little town again and since it was about lunch time he stopped in at the same cafe. The server from his previous visit saw him come in and rushed over to take his order. She was all smiles and made a big show of welcoming him. She turned his lunch order in to the cook and stood right there to grab it as soon as it came up. She served him his lunch and topped off his iced tea and asked if there was anything else she could bring him. She returned periodically to see what else he needed and to refill his tea glass. When she brought his check she laid it down on the table and touched him lightly on the shoulder and thanked him profusely and invited him to come back again soon and gave him her best smile as she walked away.
He stood and took a penny out of his pocket and put it down on the table. Paid his check and walked out. His server followed him out to his car and rudely asked him what was the big idea of leaving a such a big tip the first time and such an insulting tip the second time.
He told her that the first tip was for the service he got today and the tip he left today was for the service he got the first time. She just just hung her head and walked back inside the cafe.
Be friendly and respectful and tip your wait staff. They have hard jobs and they have to deal with "the public" which can be unpleasant in itself.
Old Unk
Member
Most people, usually women, who have NEVER worked where tipping was a part of the compensation tend to be cheap as to gratuities.
Our youngest daughter worked her way through college as a waitress and tips were a big part of her compensation for which she WORKED hard.
Any service person would love to have her as a customer now as she knows good service and how to reward it...and does it.
A tip for good service is part of the COST of eating out..if you can;lt afford it..stay home. The rationale that if the business owner would pay higher wages no tipping would be necessary is false - name one restaurant where tipping is prohibited by management.
I tip for good service even if its rotating and balancing my tires on a maintenance contract.
Best.
Our youngest daughter worked her way through college as a waitress and tips were a big part of her compensation for which she WORKED hard.
Any service person would love to have her as a customer now as she knows good service and how to reward it...and does it.
A tip for good service is part of the COST of eating out..if you can;lt afford it..stay home. The rationale that if the business owner would pay higher wages no tipping would be necessary is false - name one restaurant where tipping is prohibited by management.
I tip for good service even if its rotating and balancing my tires on a maintenance contract.
Best.
keith44spl
Member
There's a couple of diners in my territory that serve LE/Military personnel meals at no charge,
I/we, always tip our waitress' well...The regular price of the meal +.
That way, I never feel gulity for the service or the good eats.
Su Amigo,
Dave
I/we, always tip our waitress' well...The regular price of the meal +.
That way, I never feel gulity for the service or the good eats.
Su Amigo,
Dave
Every year on his birthday, or the closest date to the actual day we can manage, my middle son and I meet for lunch. He always wants to go to Hooters...and I agree, because it's the one time my wife doesn't gripe if I go there.
One time were at lunch and we got a waitress who was "chatty" to put it mildly. She was one of those who in the course of your meal you learn their life story...but she was pleasant and took good care of us, so it was OK. There's no way I can say this without it sounding bad, but the fact is, she was the least attractive girl I have ever seen working at a Hooter's. Not only was she skinny and had no discernible figure, while all the others did, but she was not what even her mother would call pretty. I don't know how she got hired there, especially in a place where looks and "figure" is emphasized. She said that she was working there to put herself through college.
Anyway, during part of her endless patter, she mentioned that they were having a contest to see who got the most tips in one day...and she was in last place. She said it in a way that didn't come across as a hint for a big tip, but generally puzzled and just relating something she couldn't figure out...like I feel about higher math. I felt sure I knew the reasons why: she was spending so much time chatting at each table (not just ours) that she just wasn't getting as many tables as the other girls, and while unfortunate it is true, the better looking/endowed girls are generally going to get bigger tips in places like that.
When I paid the check, I added a $100 tip...not cash, but on the credit card, so it would be recorded for her contest. My son's eyes got big, and as we went to the car, he asked me why...basically his feeling was that she suckered me into feeling sorry for her. Just about then, the girl came running out to the car, and hugged me, saying with tears in her eyes that this was the biggest tip she had ever gotten in her life. She then scampered back inside, like she had already won the contest. I doubt that she did...but I have no doubt that she was sincere, and not trying to fleece me.
One time were at lunch and we got a waitress who was "chatty" to put it mildly. She was one of those who in the course of your meal you learn their life story...but she was pleasant and took good care of us, so it was OK. There's no way I can say this without it sounding bad, but the fact is, she was the least attractive girl I have ever seen working at a Hooter's. Not only was she skinny and had no discernible figure, while all the others did, but she was not what even her mother would call pretty. I don't know how she got hired there, especially in a place where looks and "figure" is emphasized. She said that she was working there to put herself through college.
Anyway, during part of her endless patter, she mentioned that they were having a contest to see who got the most tips in one day...and she was in last place. She said it in a way that didn't come across as a hint for a big tip, but generally puzzled and just relating something she couldn't figure out...like I feel about higher math. I felt sure I knew the reasons why: she was spending so much time chatting at each table (not just ours) that she just wasn't getting as many tables as the other girls, and while unfortunate it is true, the better looking/endowed girls are generally going to get bigger tips in places like that.
When I paid the check, I added a $100 tip...not cash, but on the credit card, so it would be recorded for her contest. My son's eyes got big, and as we went to the car, he asked me why...basically his feeling was that she suckered me into feeling sorry for her. Just about then, the girl came running out to the car, and hugged me, saying with tears in her eyes that this was the biggest tip she had ever gotten in her life. She then scampered back inside, like she had already won the contest. I doubt that she did...but I have no doubt that she was sincere, and not trying to fleece me.
