How do you feel about tips in restaurants?

[Stavros]

All I would add is that the pastor said 'I give God 10%..' whereas one would hope any Pastor gives God 100%. I think its clear from the posts that most people think waiting staff are poorly paid, but it seems to me that wages across the USA and across many professions have failed to keep pace with the rise in the cost of living -I believe the generally low wages now paid in the US are also part of the cause of your sluggish economy. The Bush era tax cuts were supposed to release capital for entrepreneurs to invest in businesses, creating jobs, whereas they just disadvantaged most Americans. The logic suggests the average American should have a wage increase, have more money to spend on their mortgage, their children's education, purchasing goods in shops -and eating out occasionally....

[sukumvit boy]

Having once been in the restaurant,nightclub business I always try to tip 15%-20% or more. They really have to be a total fuck-up to get stiffed by me.

[wiltthestilt]

There ought to a mandatory 15% service charge. This is not a "gratuity." It is a charge. The extra 5% or whatever you give should be contingent on service.

[dskreet2]

In my opinion, whatever product or service you are selling, the price a customer pays should cover ALL BUSINESS RELATED COSTS, Profit, and sales taxes charged by the government.(period!!!) There should not be any service fees, hidden costs, etc. When that business reports income on its tax return, they are not reporting all those separate fees/charges, they are showing GROSS INCOME!!! The taxes are deducted as a business expense.

Gratuity is gratuity, and should only be a mandatory minimum with large parties that require extra service.

Service Fees, etc are NOTHING but a SCAM!!!

[NRT]

does this scene explains it?

[fivekatz]

Having once been in the restaurant,nightclub business I always try to tip 15%-20% or more. They really have to be a total fuck-up to get stiffed by me.

Agreed.

[Jericho]

does this scene explains it?

Fuk, I'd forgotten just how good that film was.
I'm going to go watch it right now!

[Tarik Abaddon]

Man, I came into this thinking about that Reservoir Dogs scene but NRT beat me to it. I think Mr Pink sums it up pretty well.

Tipping is fine if the service deserves it but just assuming that a tip will be given even if you're a terrible server is ridiculous.

Also have to agree with what others were saying about the abysmal wages waiters are paid, but then the minimum wage is pathetic as it is and is certainly not enough.

[Willie Escalade]

Having once been in the restaurant,nightclub business I always try to tip 15%-20% or more. They really have to be a total fuck-up to get stiffed by me.

Agreed.

Same here.

[Remy757Photog]

I use to be a cab driver (4 & 1/2 years), and while I never expected a tip (knowing the human condition) when I did receive one it really made my day at best (2 separate occasions tipped $100) and would at least put a smile on my face ($1-$5). In my book every little bit helps, and so I've always gone with if you are servicing me I'm going to leave a minimum $5-10 tip and usually around $20. I will admit that I don't usually do the math and give the exact percentage though.