Tips?

[RapThaTachNWH]

Alright Im a waiter at EL Chico's and I got in an argument with one of my friends about tiping, he says that everyone always tips 10-15% of the bill, what do u do?

[Miracle]

Good service.... I usually tip anywhere between 15-25%.

Bad service.... Usually 5-10%

HORRIBLE service... no tip.

I take care of people who wait on me at resturants...

Good service = drinks always full... COURTESY, focusing on ME as a customer instead of things that may be going on.

Bad service = having to ask for refills, messing up order and not caring, Ill mood

HORRIBLE = you just plain SUCK ASS. :)

[jdmpwr07]

id say 10-15%...but im a poor high school student/valet parker

[scftw]

I usually leave $5, unless the service was great. Then I'll leave $10. However, I took my girlfriend to that aquarium restaurant in Opry Mills and ran up a $110 bill, and left the guy $20. I think I tip pretty fair.

One of my friends lays out twenty $1 bills on the table when he eats places, and every time the waiter/waitress "messes up," he takes one away. Whatever's left when he's done eating is the tip. :P

[.BigSexy]

Alright Im a waiter at EL Chico's and I got in an argument with one of my friends about tiping, he says that everyone always tips 10-15% of the bill, what do u do?

I tip depending on the waiter. take for instance last nice, me and the girlfriend were eating at shoney's bill was 24.84. The waitress was very nice to us, and always kept my drink filled, big plus in my book. SO I tipped her 5.16 to make it an even 30 bucks for the bill. That comes out to be a 17.2% tip. I have tipped as much as 30%, and I have tipped as little as zero before. But if you are good at what you do, I know you are working hard for tips, believe me, I have done valet and waited tables, and you bust your ass...so I can sympathize somewhat.

[.BigSexy]

id say 10-15%...but im a poor high school student/valet parker

which valet did you work for? I worked for Towne park for a year and a half. I hated working for tips! 2.13 an hour just doesn't cut it.

[ZacCarter]

Double the tax on the bill, if they are damn good I throw in another 4 or 5 bucks.

[CARMandP-NWH]

x2. Almost always double the tax which for this area makes it almost 20%. Depends upon how full my tea glass is when I am done. ;) I have never not tipped because usually there is a reason for bad service, even if I can't see it. I have tipped large on a few occasions, like the time I tipped double my meal to the little highschool girl that was at least 8 months pregnant but a very good waitress. She was going to need the money as bad as me and my wife and I were impressed with the service.

[-auSTIn-]

I've read that waiters/waitresses expect more than 10-15% now...
It's more like 15-20% for average service- I normally tip 15% bare minimum no matter how the service is.

If the food is crappy that's a different issue and I will usually bring it up with the manager instead of take it out of the servers tip since they arent the ones in the back making it. Plus, I never really want my server to be waiting on my ever whim, I prefer the privacy...

[DBurgLT1]

I be POST WHORE

[mintygood]

I'm not really looking for an internet fight, but I'll play along.

Typically if you have bad service at a restaurant, its not because the server doesn't care about you. I've been a server at outback for a pretty long time and do very well for myself so I'm speaking from experience.

Part of being a patron is understanding how a server's job works... if you get shit service, it is likely that you helped make it shit. Here's the process that a server will typically go through:

1. Greet - "Hey guys, how are yall doing tonight?" "My name's Sam and I'll be your server for the evening, what can I get you guys to drink" Obviously I wouldn't say "hey guys" to a bunch of old men but this is generally what I say.
2. Get drinks/bread/ring in appetizer if they want something
3. Return with drinks/bread
4. Get food order
5. Scream at the mexicans to make your app faster
6. Bring app, then ring in food order
7. Wait around, check in every now and then, fill drinks when needed
8. When they are slowing down, I bring the check and then it goes from there

If a table lets me do that process then the entire night will run cleanly and efficiently. If they don't however, then I'm fucked from the get-go. Lets say the second I bring drinks out, the fat mother fucker sucks down his tea like its his lifeblood... well then while I'm in the back preparing fuckhead's appetizer and running other person's food, douchebag thinks I'm back there playing with myself and ignoring his precious tea and I will get likely not get tipped because of it.

Another common way for me to get 10% is if the food isn't prepared correctly. A lot of the time, the morons who come into OB think that I take their order and then go back and make their steak... In case you guys aren't aware, the server does not make the food. Yet, I get fucking 10% almost every single time something is over cooked and it has to be remade. Listen, I like rare/medium rare steak so I can understand why you are upset; I would be too. But don't take it out on the server, we don't have any control on how fucked up the cooks are. The only thing we can do is be sympathetic and try to make things better.

Of course, this isn't to say that the server just doesn't suck. Sometimes you might get a new guy that gets in the weeds with a 2 table section, it happens... but just think about the position he is in. It takes a very long time to be able to accurately and confidently serve a 4-5 table section. It just comes down to experience.

Whenever you receive bad service, its not because the server doesn't like you. Its because something either went horribly wrong or the server is new and is just learning the ropes. Believe me people, when you are getting shit service, the fucking server knows it and you can bet that he's in the back screaming at the cooks and pushing people out of his way just so they can get you your fucking A1 that much faster. In fact, when you are getting shit service, the server is working 10 times harder to try and correct what went wrong for you. We care about our customers and we want you to have a good experience so please just take him/her into consideration and try to keep in mind that you are 1 table out of 5 in his section and while he's dealing with your bullshit, he has to keep 4 other groups happy.

And just in case you guys aren't aware, here's the tipping hierarchy:

0% - Unacceptable... Honestly people, learn some respect.
10% - This is an insult to the server.
15% - Not bad, but certainly not good.
20% - This is the standard tip. Servers are very, very grateful for people who know this
21+% - This is when you just fucking love the server... 21+% tips rarely happen but I get them every now and then if the table and I have good chemistry. Typically these are the kind of people who invite you to sit down and just have a conversation with them.



So some people might say "BUT MINTY, WHAT IF I'M POOR AND DON'T WANT TO TIP DERP?"

well, then don't go out to eat... Honestly, Friday and Saturday are my worst nights because people just got paid who normally don't dine out want to go out for the weekend. Its amateur night there at the outback where broke ass people come and take out their poorness on their server. If you're so poor that tipping 20% will wreck your bank account, then fuck off... seriously.



As for OP's question, I tip 20% every time. Every. Time. If the service sucked, I tip 20% and write "service sucked" on the credit card slip. That way, I get the message across that I didn't enjoy my time and I don't completely fuck the server over in the process. He might have been having a bad night, shit happens. Just be a good person.



"BUT MINTY, IF YOU DON'T LIKE HOW CUSTOMERS CONTROL HOW MUCH YOU MAKE THEN WHY DON'T YOU GET A DIFFERENT JOB DERP?"

I don't get a different job because I'm good at what I do and I make fucking bank. Serving is either extremely lucrative or completely useless. I'm a very friendly, sociable guy so I earn my 20% about 90% of the time.


tl;dr don't be a fuckhead, leave 20% regardless

[WAHPSHH]

A Nigga ballin hard like I done sold 5 million.

[SmokeyThaLo]

Minty took 10 minutes responding to a thread from 2007... good info though i guess lol.

[mintygood]

rofl you're right, oh well.

[mintygood]

This wouldn't have happened if what's his name wasn't trying to get his first 1,000 posts. aww 1k posts? how cute.

[Zeppelin]

I tip no matter how "bad" they serve.

I realize that waiters make shit (for the most part) and rely heavily on their tips.

normally leave a 10'er.

[85rx-7gsl-se]

Since when did 20% become the "standard" tip?

[mintygood]

since the roaring 20's ended

[nismojunkie]

As long as they don't tell me they will get me a new drink and then come back 10min later....and gives me general respect and talks to me and welcomes me and says goodbye I always take care of my waitor/waitress. I give alot of times $20 tip especially if the waitior remembers me comming in last week...

[85rx-7gsl-se]

since the roaring 20's ended

Everywhere I have found online says 15-20% Sam. My roommate has been working as a waiter for about 5 years and currently is a shift leader at Ruby Tuesday here in Memphis and he has never said 20%. Maybe you are used to it where you are at or would like 20% but fact is in places like Memphis you would be grateful for 15%. I know the tip systems are screwed up but again I have never heard anyone but you say 20% is the industry standard.

[85rx-7gsl-se]

As long as they don't tell me they will get me a new drink and then come back 10min later....and gives me general respect and talks to me and welcomes me and says goodbye I always take care of my waitor/waitress. I give alot of times $20 tip especially if the waitior remembers me comming in last week...


$20 tip? You must not either eat out often or you are making bank....

[mintygood]

ok, that's fine. just don't sit in my section

[85rx-7gsl-se]

Why? Would you tamper with my food if I refused to pay what "you" consider standard tip? :rofl: I mean hell most chains who have automatic tips for parties of 8 or more are only 18%....

[mintygood]

I don't tamper with food... that's a no no. if I know that 20% is impossible to attain from you, then I'm going to ensure that my other 4 tables with class are going to get superior service

[85rx-7gsl-se]

Class? This is honestly the stupidest thing I have ever heard from you. 15% is considered the standard from everyone and every source I have seen besides you. Why not supply a little proof for your position instead of just acting like those who dont agree with you are uncultured. I am sure as hell every waiter would like to make 20% but that doesnt make it the standard Sam...

[nismojunkie]

I eat out once a week if I've got it. Otherwise Kroger and I cook a nice meal. No ramen for me lol.

[85rx-7gsl-se]

Well then that makes the $20 more realistic lol

[85rx-7gsl-se]

BTW where do you work anyways Minty?

[VigVoodoo]

I tip 50-100% on small stuff, drinks, coffee, etc.

And, on full meals 25-50%.

Biggest tip recently was at Sakura in Hermitage. The bill was $250+ for 3 and I tipped $100.

But, I'm Mexican and on any given weekend will also spend $300+ on $15 12-packs of Corona/Modelo lol. Actually, I have 5 empty 24 packs next to me right now :)

[85rx-7gsl-se]

What do you do for a living that allows you to spend $350 on one meal?

[usafdarkhorse]

Nice post Minty. I've got a buddy who works at Outback and he tells me about the crap he has to deal with.

Everyone else, shut up about how much you spend and tip. No one cares lol.

[VigVoodoo]

What do you do for a living that allows you to spend $350 on one meal?

I do a little bit of everything. I interpret/translate, fix computers for friends and family, photography, random car fixes, freelance design, websites, DJ, etc, etc. Anything I can do really. I guess hustle. I also did stocks last year, started the year with $5000 and ended up with $9000 and an 04 Impala SS.

Other than that no real job.

[5series_4_Me]

Nate, hang on now. Yes, I agree that 20% is rather high for me and where I live. I think that location has to do with it. Sam's OB may be in a rather wealthier area of Chattown. I live in Clarksville were "wealthy" is very scattered and few around here. Most people that live here extremely middle class, if not, middle-low class. Basing my information on the stereotype of Memphis, I assume the same is true. Now Chattown maybe a little different. It may be a somewhat wealthier city overall or maybe just Sam's OB is in a wealthy area. Similar to Brentwood or Franklin. Many wealthy and well to do people live there so the I assume the tips would correspond accordingly.

I also think the restaurant itself has a lot to do with it. I don't think I have been to Outback before so I'm not exactly sure what type of restaurant it is other that it is a steakhouse. The only steakhouse I have been to is the one that has peanuts all over the floor and that was like 12 years ago. If Outback is a somewhat more upscale restaurant then I totally understand where Sam is coming from. Very similar to, you would not tip the same at Ryan's as you would for Sakura, Ellendales or any other fine upscale restaurant.

[85rx-7gsl-se]

I know some places may have a higher average tip than others but Sam tried to assert 20% is the industry standard. I disagree. Hell even the built in tip-calculator on my cell phone defaults to 15%. 20% may be the average at his location but that doesnt mean its that way across the board.

[LiveLife2ItsFullest]

i juat usually leave the same everytime. I try not to go out and spend alot of money on a meal. I'll take a girl out to say Demo's, eat and the bill will be around $30.00 15% =$4.50....20% =$6.00. I usually leave about $8.00.

[DAtIntegra35]

Shitty service to me has nothin to do with the food. I know that the cooks control that so if my food is fucked up I don't take it out on the server. Usually the reason I tip 10% is becuse the server was a douche or had a bad attitude about being there or life in general. If they refill my drink in a timely fashion then I'll tip 15%. if the service is excellent and they talk to us and do a great job with it all, then I'm 20% tipper. My bro is a waiter and he has the same view as Minty on tipping. In fact, I felt like I was reading something he wrote.


Question: Should you tip at Sonic? What the hell do they do? Bring me food and a peppermint? Does that deserve a tip?

[85rx-7gsl-se]

I try and always tip at Sonic. I believe they are like waiters and get pair sub-minimum wage base pay.

And I agree with pretty much everything Minty had to say except the 20% part.

[5series_4_Me]

I try and always tip at Sonic. I believe they are like waiters and get pair sub-minimum wage base pay.

And I agree with pretty much everything Minty had to say except the 20% part.


Really? Damnit! I have never tipped there. ok maybe once but that was a looooooooong time ago...All my friends say they don't tip so that why I didn't. I don't know the "sonic etiquette"...

[5series_4_Me]

I try and always tip at Sonic. I believe they are like waiters and get pair sub-minimum wage base pay.

And I agree with pretty much everything Minty had to say except the 20% part.


x2 Although I always was under the impression that 15% was the average for most middle class areas and average restaurants. 20% for very good service or rather upscale restaurants or area.

[ZacCarter]

Carhops at sonic make minimum wage. I don't tip them.

[boosted s14.5 v2]

I always at minimum double tax which is 9.75%. So I'm at 19.50 % tip at the least.

[85rx-7gsl-se]

Carhops at sonic make minimum wage. I don't tip them.

Really? I wasnt aware of that.

[mintygood]

Just to provide a little info...

-the average ticket for a party of 2 at my restaurant is between 40-50 bucks.
-my area isn't particularly rich
-I have a 4-5 table section on weekdays and a 3 table section on weekends
-If I have the patio for the weekday then I get 8 tables, and around 4 on the weekends.


I don't really think there's an argument here. I get 20% from about 90% of my tables so obviously the vast majority of my customers feel that I've earned it. I also know that all of my coworkers in both ob locations expect 20% for a smooth, clean dinner service.

I personally don't think this is unreasonable... mostly because I understand how much shit servers have to put up with. But, if you insist that 20% isn't standard then you just fit in with the other 10%. No argument here.

[mintygood]

and yes, carhops make like 8 bucks an hour or something. all they are doing is walking to my car, they don't need my tip.

I do tip pizza delivery people though even though they make min wage as well... driving around everywhere is certainly more involved then walking 20 ft to my car

[mintygood]

and double tax is a pretty good policy... another easy way to calculate tip is just double the total and divide by 10.

$80 tab x 2 /10 = $16 tip

server's don't give a shit about change... if your check was 80.68 then there's no real reason to do the math... just look at it as 80.

[BadAzzSentra]

Now for the other senario, Cute waitress is waiting on you. finally comes and greets you after walking by 2-3 times. Gets your drink, then say I'll be back to get your order but Im ready right now. and I tell them Im ready right now, but they insist they will be right back.
Then they do come back it takes fucking forever to get my order.
They bring it out and say I'll be back with refills. Well then you observe them standing at the popped collar queers table being all cutsies and laughing it up.
Then they finally drag their ass away from their friends or wanna be boyfriends and go get your refill.


This is what happens all too much, if I see they are having a rough night and they are trying to be a good waitress then I will still tip pretty damn well.
But it erks me when I still tip those good for nothing waiters/waitresses, why because I guess Im too nice of a guy !

And I have stiffed a waiter/waitress before and on the receipt I wrote "Better Service will get a better tip"

[fintheman]

I tip pretty well but I am also careful to tip on the pre-tax amount. I tip better at cheaper places than I do at a high priced place. 20% of 20, no biggie - 20% of 200 - I don't know about that.

[85rx-7gsl-se]

Just to provide a little info...

-the average ticket for a party of 2 at my restaurant is between 40-50 bucks.
-my area isn't particularly rich
-I have a 4-5 table section on weekdays and a 3 table section on weekends
-If I have the patio for the weekday then I get 8 tables, and around 4 on the weekends.


I don't really think there's an argument here. I get 20% from about 90% of my tables so obviously the vast majority of my customers feel that I've earned it. I also know that all of my coworkers in both ob locations expect 20% for a smooth, clean dinner service.

I personally don't think this is unreasonable... mostly because I understand how much shit servers have to put up with. But, if you insist that 20% isn't standard then you just fit in with the other 10%. No argument here.


Thats awesome man. I am glad you get 20% tip. But I have a feeling if you polled these people many would say they were giving you a little extra for your great service not that were tipping the industry standard minimum....There is a difference. You would lose your mind in Memphis at most places if you thought you should be getting 20% on each table.

[mintygood]

its more important to tip on higher tickets... servers don't get all of the tip, we have to pay a percentage of our total sales to the house so when you tip low on big check then you fuck the server

[DAtIntegra35]

The only time I ever tip change on my card is when I want to make it an even total. Is that acceptable minty?

[mintygood]

yeah I mean that's fine, its not like we are annoyed by change, its just easier for the customer to ignore it and round down

[AutoLuxury]

My tips are 20-25%

[85rx-7gsl-se]

its more important to tip on higher tickets... servers don't get all of the tip, we have to pay a percentage of our total sales to the house so when you tip low on big check then you fuck the server

Exactly. My parents used to be the type that would tip 3 dollars whether they spent 10 dollars of 30. After working at a Ruby Tuesday for a few days I realized how fucked up the whole tip system was. I give people in the waitering business alot of credit for putting up with all the shit they do.

[MeanMrMustard]

The places I eat tend to be fairly inexpensive, so I usually tip a solid 20% or $2 minimum.

Unless, of course, you blow goats. Then I'll stiff you.

[satalac]

20% for me. I'll only tip a car hop at Sonic if she's taken a shower within the hour.

[mintygood]

"I got your tip right here, pretty lady"

[satalac]

"Mushrooms don't come in percentages bitch!"