Comments on: As Grandpa Would Say…Here’s a Tip For Ya: Don’t Take Any Wooden Nickels

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:24:04 +0000

I’m late on this I know, but my two cents…

We do exactly what you do. We were both servers/bartenders in college so we know how it feels on the other side.

I agree that restaurants should pay their employees more, not customers. But unfortunately that is the law so they don’t. That also means that, for those of you leaving small or no tips, you are actually taking money out of your server’s pocket. They are required by law to claim a percentage of sales on their taxes, so they are paying that 10% whether you give it to them or not. It’s a pretty crappy thing to do. If you can’t or won’t leave them at a minimum 10%, then please don’t go out to eat. It’s usually broke college kds working at restaurants and they need that money.

By: Soliloquy

Soliloquy — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:08:16 +0000

We are good tippers if drinks are routinely refilled. 25%? If it’s a regular waiter – or bartender at a favorite hangout – we’ll tip even better. We figure it’s a way to establish a rapport – and potentially share Christ…..

However – if the service is poor – I have a hard time tipping even 15%.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:05:40 +0000

15% for okay service
20% for excellent service
a little more for over-the-top service

By: Kristie

Kristie — Sat, 31 May 2008 11:01:39 +0000

I always give at least $10 if the bill is under $50, if the bill is over $50, I give at least 20% like you depending on the service. If the service is bad, they will be lucky to get 15%. From how you described your service, she was lucky she got 15%. Don’t worry, you were right in only giving her 15%.

By: Givinya de Elba

Givinya de Elba — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:02:36 +0000

After reading this post a few days ago, I’m paranoid! Sure we don’t USUALLY tip in Aus, but now I freak out and wonder if some of the Thai & Indian takeaways we frequent are grumbling as we leave, “Stupid Aussies, never leave a tip.” Hmm.

Gramps, I often mis-read things too, and the errors are usually amusingly rude! Wish I could think of an example off the top of my head…. :)

By: Nicole@ApronStringsAflutter

Nicole@ApronStringsAflutter — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:43:06 +0000

I do the same…20% for good service and 15% for ok service. I know people who have left $.25 for terrible service, just so the waiter knew they hadn’t forgot and that they wanted to make a point. I cant bring myself to do that but i have no problem leaving 15%.

BTW, we are going to see Prince Caspian on Monday. Can’t wait! Glad to hear its good!

By: Michelle@Life with Three

Michelle@Life with Three — Thu, 29 May 2008 23:40:23 +0000

I worked as a waitress for a time, so I tend to tip well 20% or higher for good service, because I know how hard it is to give it. For the service you got, I handle it the same way you do — 15% (and they should feel lucky I left that, in many cases).

By: kim

kim — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:12:58 +0000

I remember when the standard for tipping was 10% – and you got the whole 10% if you gave good service. The whole idea that people expect a tip chaps my hide. I do tip, and I am not stingy, but sheesh, a tip is for the quality of service rendered. It is not simply because you brought me my food. Someone has to bring me my food. I can’t go back and get it myself. Don’t even get me started on my whole “People feel so entitled these days!” soapboax. It starts out like this…No one OWES you anything…even respect – that you have to earn.

But I digress…

I at least double the tax and round high if the service is acceptable, then I deduct or pad depending on the level of service is poor or very good.

By: kristenkj

kristenkj — Thu, 29 May 2008 21:52:00 +0000

15%. If it is fantastic service, I’ll go higher. If the service is lousy, I leave a small tip. I hate the idea that the tip is expected. I don’t know why, I just do. Isn’t that what you are paying for in the price of a meal–to be served some good food? Anywho… Gramps, your comments made me laugh! I’m tired…must get some sleep.

By: dcrmom

dcrmom — Thu, 29 May 2008 21:41:49 +0000

15 to 20 here too. I can’t imagine her being grumpy b/c of 15%. That’s certainly adequate. If it’s BAD service, I’d leave 10. But it would have to be BAD.