How To Tip Like A Gentleman

Sat, Feb 23, 2008

Proper tipping etiquette is still a trait rarely found in modern men yet, when perfected, it can actually become quite enjoyable. It’s a selfless act of giving to others based on the level of service you’ve received. A lot of these people get a pitiful wage and the tips they get go a long way to supplement their income. Make them happy and you’ll be looked after. Annoy them and you’d be best advised to eat your meal with caution!

Tipping like a Gentleman

Tipping really is an art form and when you’re giving your tip you want to be as discrete and gentlemanly as possible. Hand over the tip with your palm facing down and shake hands with the person you are tipping, simultaneously placing the money in their hand. What you want to avoid doing is waving the money around and making a big deal of it. You’ll look like an idiot for starts and if that isn’t enough, you’re going to make the person receiving the tip feel uncomfortable because, believe it or not, you’re coming across like a condescending jerk. You’re not throwing a treat for Fido here.

So how do you figure out how much to tip? Well the truth is there are no tipping rules per se, however there are guidelines which suggest how much is appropriate to give. Let’s investigate.

The restaurant waiter/waitress

This is the one that causes most debate because there is no hard and fast rule. It is also made even more difficult by waiting staff who have lost sight of the fact that a tip is a gratuity and is not actually required. As a guideline though, I’d say you can safely use the following without a disgruntled waiter spitting in your salad:

Self-serve/Buffet restaurant – 10-12%. If the service was fantastic, you could up this to 15%.
Local restaurant – 15%. Again, you could up this by a few percent if the server worked particularly hard or went out of their way to help you.
A 4-star restaurant – You’ll want to tip the maitre d’ as you’re being seated, particularly if you’re a regular and he/she goes out of their way to reserve you a table or get a table when the restaurant is busy. The standard tip here is anywhere from $20-100. For the service of the meal itself I’d recommend a tip of around 20-22%. Don’t forget to tip the wine steward (a few dollars per bottle of wine) and/or the coat check attendant ($1 for a couple of coats).

Taxi driver

Unless you want to annoy the Travis Bickle-esque taxi driver by stiffing him on a tip you’d better go ahead and give 15% of the fare.

Hair salon

You want to make sure your hair looks as good as possible and tipping will ensure that your hair stylist gives a polished cut. They’ll also be more likely to look after you next time you visit too (I’ve been given a free colour before simply for tipping well). An acceptable amount is somewhere in the region of 10-15% of the cost.

Hotel staff

There are a number of staff members at the hotel that can make your stay very pleasant or a living nightmare depending on how you tip them. Here’s who you should tip and how much to give them:

Chambermaid - $5 per night you stay. That is, if you want clean sheets, towels and plenty of toilet roll.
Room service waiter – Again this is the standard 15%.
Bellhop - If you let the bellhop carry your bags up to your room and show you around said room without giving them a tip then you’re going to hell. Tip them around $10-15 for their efforts.

The casino

If you’re going for a night out at the casino, you better be prepared to tip. Of course if you’re a professional gambler (or just extremely lucky) you’ll be able to tip from your winnings.

Blackjack dealer – $5 chip (or more) per session. It’s also common place in casinos for the players to place a small side bet for the dealers. You can agree the amount with other players but a $1 chip is usually sufficient.
Craps dealer – Those craps dealers love the action as much as you. It’s common to place up to a 10% side bet for the dealer.
Poker dealer – $5 per session. Winners usually tip at least $10 and sometimes as much as 10% on bigger wins.
Drink waitresses – $1 chip per drink.

Parking attendant

You don’t want some juvenile attendant ruining your prized Bentley Continental because you didn’t tip the lad, do you? On second thoughts, why would you let a juvenile attendant park your prized Bentley Continental unless you’re asking for trouble?

You should tip, at the very least $1 ($5 if they help with your luggage) but I would tip a little extra to get a better level of service. Perhaps $10-15 to make sure they don’t take it for a joy-ride ? la Ferris Bueller. Oh, that reminds me, always check the mileage of the car before handing it over to a parking attendant!

But what if I don’t want to give a tip?

There are some occasions where you feel unjustified to give out a tip, but let me tell you why you should.

The food was terrible. If the food was terrible, then complain to the manager (you might get a discount on the bill) but don’t take away the tip from the waiting staff because you’re punishing them for someone else’s mistake. Chances are they worked very hard for you and to not reward them would be unfavourable.
The service was below par. If the service was below par then you should tip at a lower rate than normal. Usually, I’d speak to the waiter I’m tipping and politely explain the reasons for the lower tip. Just make sure you’ve eaten all your food before you tell them!
You are a stingy and grumpy old man. So you don’t want to tip. Why not? You’re rewarding someone for doing good work. How would you feel if your boss decided to not give you the pay raise you’ve been asking for or taking your bonus away from you just because he felt like it? As the old saying goes, “Treat other people the way you expect to be treated yourself.”

Oh and for those of you wondering how to deal with people who flat out ask you for a tip. I like to go with the following:

Yeah, I’ve got a tip for you. Never eat yellow snow.

What’s your etiquette for tipping? Is it more or less than I’ve suggested? Also, if you’ve got a great tipping story from a restaurant for example, let us know in the comments.

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368 Responses to “How To Tip Like A Gentleman”

chris the restaurant manager Says:
February 28th, 2008 at 4:03 am

at least you actually got me to visit his web site though. interesting.

Jimmy the Crip Says:
February 28th, 2008 at 4:16 pm

I hope all you americans realize how important this election you have coming up is. I am Canadian and would give up my vote in the next federal election here to vote in the 2008 american election, not because I am not a proud Canadian but because there is some real evil taking place in the government of the world’s super power right now. Pop onto amazon and order End of America by Naomi Wolf. Don’t let them dumb you down anymore! Don’t let their ridiculous fear mongering get to you. Question EVERYTHING!

Joey Says:
February 28th, 2008 at 10:59 pm

The standard’s gone up in restaurant delivery, too. $2 for a $10 pizza was OK in 1990 when gas was $1 a gallon, but it’s not OK anymore.

The tips average about $4 per delivery where I work (we tend to give pretty good service). Add in the restaurant’s reimbursement of $.95 for my vehicle, and I gross about $5 per delivery, plus minimum wage. (Minimum wage is pretty insignificant. After paying my taxes and health insurance, there’s only about $100 left per week.)

I say $3 minimum (the price of a gallon of gasoline) and go from there: More if you’re more than a mile or two away, more for lousy weather, more for larger orders (15% is good, and indeed many of my customers tip 20%), more for professionally excellent service, more if you expect the driver to park their car downtown downtown during rush hour and bring it to your office on the 40th floor, etc.

And remember, if there is an added delivery charge, that is a fee that the restaurant charges you, not a form of automatic gratuity. It should not affect the amount you tip. (While many restaurants pay the driver’s vehicle reimbursement out of that fee, generally about half of it flows directly to the restaurateur’s bottom line.)

Never stiff your pizza guy!

Joey Says:
February 28th, 2008 at 11:09 pm

I’d like to add, that I’ve never harmed a customer’s food, and I’ve never known a coworker to do so either. That truly is abhorrent behavior–definitely outside the norm.

cohnsey Says:
February 29th, 2008 at 4:15 am

What about the Tow Truck Guy? Do you tip him? that has always been a tough one.

dave Says:
February 29th, 2008 at 4:54 am

Wondering about tipping the baggage guys at airports? I generally give them $1/bag. Also, I’ve often found myself waived thru foreign customs with a baggage guy pushing my bags.

As for movers, i was one in college. What I really appreciated was having the homeowner buy our lunch. That way we knew we were appreciated. Of couse, a few dollars and a couple of beers *after* the move is appreciated as well.

Rafael Says:
February 29th, 2008 at 6:04 am

I guess you have to be rich to be a gentleman. I valeted in college and learned to appreciate folks that tip well. As a result I’ve learned to tip what i would consider well, but the numbers posted in this article are something only the wealthy could afford.

Ryan Says:
February 29th, 2008 at 8:46 am

Well I have lived of tips for a couple years now as a pizza driver. I hate people that only give my a buck or two after I drive across town, use my gas and bring them their dinner.

I make sure I tip $5 or %20 which ever is higher just about everywhere that needs a tip.

chris the restaurant manager Says:
February 29th, 2008 at 5:21 pm

the interesting thing about the canadian… he thinks we capitalist americans can get real answers out of a book someone is SELLING. Sorry, bud. I am a capitalist, ergo I am a conservative. And you are right that there is real evil out there, but the bottom line is that there is no significant candidate to avoid that evil. John McCain may be the most viable thing, and as interested as I am in Huck and Paul; I can’t see giving my vote to anywhere that will most likely give a better chance to the Liberal Dem candidates. If they get in full power, they will crush this country and we might as well just take all the conservatives down and take over Mexico, and create a new America.

It’s interesting how the world always comes full circle. These are nearly the exact situations (politically speaking) that led the Confederacy to succeed in the 1800’s. Political instability and an entire massive sect of the country being utterly left out in all decision making. Unfortunately, we do not have the same strength in collective unified numbers in a specific area of the country to try it again, but you see my point.

If you want to research, research both sides. If you want to read criticism, read all the issues. Learn liberal, learn conservative, learn democrat and republican. Ask questions and enlighten yourself. Than read the constitution and start over. Once you understand the differences between the framers image of the future and what the future has become, you will understand.

Chris.

Jimmy the Crip Says:
February 29th, 2008 at 7:43 pm

The book is free as a torrent download audio book style there bud, i’m right. You’re Wrong.

Jessica Says:
March 1st, 2008 at 3:44 am

Reply to “Sir H”
I’m appalled by your attitude…while it’s true that it would be fair for employers to pay their people at least minimum wage or better, they don’t. There are a lot of folks out there who can’t afford to not take a job based on the principle that the employer ought to pay more rather than relying on the tipping system. I sincerely hope that you don’t take your frustration with the system out on those who serve you (for about 2.33 an hour) by not tipping.

chris the restaurant manager Says:
March 1st, 2008 at 4:06 pm

any financial planners in here? cause there’s another industry that you dont make money upfront, only on your ability to perform your job functions.

jimmy… Immigrate to America. We need more smart people Thanks for the “tip”

Roland@thebar Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 6:23 pm

Do NOT EVER complain that a drink is too weak if you dont even know how to tip your bartender.
Not tipping bc you think Im doing my job? at $2/hr?
If you dont tip, you can expect to wait until all the tippers are served.
Not happy? dont bother going out to bars.
If you want the best drinks and dont want to wait too long for your drink, introduce yourself to the bartender at the beginning, hand him a nice tip (min $5), and keep tipping him for every drink you get.
You will have the best drinks, loaded with sometimes higher quality alcohol, and youll be served right away.
ESPECIALLY when you ask for 10 different drinks in a round, be sure to tip well.
Also order all the drinks at once. DO NOT order them one by one as the bartender brings them to you.

In conclusion, be courteous, make sure you tip your bartender, and youll have a lovely night out. (dont forget bartenders have to tip out their barbacks as well)

Ted Says:
March 11th, 2008 at 12:38 pm

Good piece, but I think you’re missing at least two degrees of freedom: tip as much as you can afford, and be friendly. Then you’re a gentleman every time.

dan Says:
March 11th, 2008 at 3:10 pm

if bartenders/waiters/bellhops etc. _need_ tips just to survive, then that should form labour-unions and demand better treatment from their employers. it is also the government’s responsibility to make sure that with the minimum wage you are getting, you can make a decent living.
admittedly, there are some exceptions – people who didn’t have any other choice and are working in bars and such, but waiters in high-end establishments are often paid more than firemen or nurses. and they are doing what – bringing drinks and carrying luggage.
if you discriminate people grossly because of not being tipped, you should be certainly getting fired.
people who expect tips are nothing more than legalized beggars.

please bring on the automated bartenders, waiters, hotel staff, casino staff etc. machines are much more efficient anyway and don’t require tips.

chirayu baxi Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 9:59 pm

There have been situations where I forgot to tip. I’m not proud of it, I know, but when you’re in a hurry to get somewhere and you’re leaving a restaurant and you pay at the front before you walk out the door, a tip maybe the last thing on your mind. If that happens to me, I usually tip a little more the next time I dine at that place, and write a little note on the bill (”Sorry I didn’t tip before, here’s something extra to show you I’m sorry and I appreciate the service”, something along those lines).

iWasThere Says:
March 13th, 2008 at 8:37 pm

Although I currently work in IT, I spent almost 20 years in the Canadian restaurant business. For most of that period I was a full-time bartender in a lounge setting.

Serving/bartending is a decent paying job. The pay is usually just at or above minimum wage, but tips are expected. Blame the restaurant owners, if you like, for not paying a higher wage. But the reality is, if a restaurant bans tipping you can safely assume that their meal prices will be padded with the extra 20% required to meet higher wage costs. They will also soon be out of business, because they charge more than their competitors.

You can have a career as a waiter or bartender. If you are good at your job (which means much more than just timing the appetizers or knowing a few hundred drink recipes), you can make a decent living. It is not fair to compare these jobs to other minimum wage jobs like in a fast food franchise. Most minimum wage jobs are considered to be short term, and are focused on a younger, less mature work force. They are a place to earn some pocket money, gain some experience in the workforce, and then move on.

Most restaurants (Canada, anyway), use a tip pool to supplement the wages of all their staff, both in the front and the kitchen. The tip pool is usually based on the server’s total sales, and can be a figure anywhere from 5% to 10%. The server is allowed to keep anything earned above that amount. So if you run up a tab of $200, and do not tip, that server STILL pays out $10 to the tip pool. So it actually cost them to serve you!

This does not mean that tipping is mandatory. Personnaly, I will almost always overtip. But that’s because I used to do that for a living. However, if the service is really poor I’ll tip less. If the service is non-existant, I may not tip at all. If someone is such a poor performer that they do not get a tip from me, they should be in a different line of work.

I never base a tip on the quality of the food. If I do not like the food, next time I’ll eat somewhere else. If there was something wrong with the food, I’ll tell my server. How the server/restaurant handles my problem will determine whether I eat there again. (And please do not offer to take it off the bill, or a free dessert, or stuff like that. What I want is acknowledgement that there is a problem and an apology, perhaps even an explanation.)

In my current line of work, I do not gets tips. Oddly enough though, when I apply the same work ethic and commitment to service that I had while bartending, I do seem to get these things called bonuses. They are awarded in recognition of going above and beyond. Of not just doing your job, but doing it well. So maybe I’m still earning some tips after all.

Don't be a jerk about it Says:
March 14th, 2008 at 3:59 am

“Hand over the tip with your palm facing down and shake hands with the person you are tipping, simultaneously placing the money in their hand.”

Uhhh that’s more than a little sleazy. Who are you, Don Corleone? You forgot to mention slicking your hair back first and winking while clicking your tongue and doing the index finger “gun” thing. Your suggestion turns the tip into an act of power and attitude, not to mention demeaning and humiliating for the recipient.

Unless you’re obviously rich, powerful and famous, you’re gonna come off like a pompous douche for this. Just offer the money, smile, and say thank you. Geez.

Morons Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 12:03 pm

How about this – instead of tipping everyone who stands between you and what you want, how about insisting in your country, that employers PAY THEIR OWN STAFF so they don’t have to grovel to customers. This whole tipping culture is demeaning and above everything else a pain in the arse to customers who should be able to pay the bill and get out without having to feel like they’re being mugged every time they pay for a service.

America, you’re setting an appalling example here. In Japan, tipping is banned. That’s how it should be, unless you really feel you’ve been done a favour.

Bug Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 5:55 pm

I don’t like the idea of being blackmailed into giving someone a couple of bucks so that they won’t spit in my meal / coffee. Tipping is an excuse for a restaurant owner to pay less….the bigger the tip, the bigger the savings on salary to the bottom line of the house.

and don’t go piling on me here….I tip, I just don’t like to; I work too hard for my money.

TAco Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 6:15 pm

No tipping ever!

Scott Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 6:19 pm

15% at a local restaurant? Local restaurants are no different than “4 star” restaurants. The servers still take care of you hand and foot and deserve the same tip you would give at any other place. 20% is standard now. It’s 2008 for christ’s sake. Maybe 10-15% was acceptable in 1980 but not anymore.

simone Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 7:13 pm

This applies only to US.
In all the rest of the world people are paid with a fixed salary, they don’t live on tips…
So unless you want to look like the typical “American tourist”, don’t give 15? of tip for a 80? dinner bill, or you will see the most amazed faces you ever seen in your life

Artur Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 7:16 pm

# Panera Worker Says:
February 25th, 2008 at 4:01 am

For anyone that eats at Panera Bread:

Either bus your own damn table or leave a tip.”

Well, that’s the LAST time I go to Panera!

Gman Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 8:03 pm

Frank Sinatra once said “Tim Big and Tip Quietly.

Good advice when someone makes your day.

Pete Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 9:25 pm

Very nice set of tips. For self-serve/buffet type of restaurants, I typically tip even lower than 10-15%. I wonder if you’re tipping too much or me tipping too little… I mean, the waiters don’t really do much besides taking away dishes… I even get my own drinks, you know?

Joe, ex-news carrier, pizza driver & bartender, brother and son of former wait staff Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 9:36 pm

A little sociology lesson for the anti-tipping guys (and, in my experience, you’re pretty much all guys, with unwarranted persecution complexes and senses of entitlement as deep as they are unearned).

Tipping is not compulsory, but it is customary. We are all free to tip or not, and if we do, we are free to adjust the tip we give, so as to be in line with the quality of service.

It’s also not compulsary, but very much customary, to believe that those who never tip are assholes.

Many of you trot out the old line “No one tips me for my job, why should I tip them?” This is a non sequitur. If you don’t know why, look up the definition of non sequitur. If you still don’t know why, then you’re a stupid asshole.

Your pal,

Joe

(and, yes, I also know the definition of “ad hominem”)

E-Fro Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 10:10 pm

Sure tipping is a North American thing, In Europe no tipping and shit service, no extra care, if you eat at the same place 4 to 5 times a week in Europe your still treated like they don’t care if you come back. I like tipping, I don’t want the only people who are able to afford to work as a watress or bartender to be some lowlife scumbag who just gets by in life. I wish more people had to relay on tips then maybe they would give a shit when servicing me, instead of thinking it’s my duty to pay them money no matter what kind of service they provided. By the way all you asswads from over seas that think you don’t have to tip because you don’t at home get over it, your somewhere else where the pay scale is different. All you bastards who feel that you don’t have to tip are worms, why don’t you have the guts to tell the person before they service you that you don’t believe in tipping, see how that goes for you, but of course you won’t do that because it really comes down to you want the service but your not willing to pay for it.

Ergolad Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 11:54 pm

it’s absolutely fabulous how many responses this post has generated. Obviously strikes a chord in a lot of people. I worked briefly in the food service business in the USA. The fact is, the way wages are structured, servers/bussers DO rely on their tips for the bulk of their income. Like it or not, it’s the way it is, and the way it has been for ages. Now, shaking hands with your server… I have to say that struck me as funny. One thing if I have a established relationship as a customer, or it comes naturally, but otherwise I’d forgo that. Enough to smile, make eye contact and be genuinely appreciative. As a matter of fact, that might not be a bad way to approach just about anyone… Hmmm.

Uberfiend Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 12:23 am

Some people question the reason we tip. Often, this is due to a failure to understand how pricing works in some industries. In the U.S., the labor market is such that restaurant owners pay servers little and expect that it will be made up by gratuities. If the business is run properly, the prices you pay reflect the prevailing local labor market prices. Period. If you can’t afford to tip when you dine out, or don’t want to, then you either can’t afford to eat out or you are uncivilized. (In other countries, no gratuity is expected because staff are well paid and that is accounted for in pricing.)

In the U.S., who to tip can sometimes be esoteric. Generally, unskilled work with little effort required does not require a gratuity. This is why you don’t tip at fast-food joints. Although I once worked as a barista, I am less and less inclined to tip at Starbucks because the skill seems to have been removed from the job. (Since I’m a regular, however, I tip about $0.50 to $1.00 per milk-based drink.)

Those who have done it well can tell you that waiting tables properly takes skill. It also takes skill to be an effective maitre’d, or wine steward. It is well worth tipping them properly, especially if you will be back again. Even more so if you entertain there, either socially or for business. The percentages you’ve quoted seem to be fairly accurate, except for automobiles.

For parking valet service, tip $2-3 when your car is returned undamaged and without excessive mileage. (This, in addition to the parking fee.) If your car was left in a privileged spot (like the drive in front of a 4 or 5 star hotel), tip $10.

For bellhops, generally tip between $1-$2 per bag, and extra if they give you any good local information. (Often you can get non-tourist trap information that you won’t get from other hotel staff.)

When traveling abroad, it is prudent to investigate beforehand the prevailing attitude toward gratuities. In Egypt, I found that tips were appreciated, but that $1 or $2 was way too much (locals informed me that $1 US was actually a lot of money).

Other places, it is considered an insult.I have, however, found that most places, special service may be rewarded with an inexpensive gift brought from the United States but not normally found locally. In Japan, for example, a gift of American chocolate and other sweets were looked upon very favorably, as were some other locally grown kitschy knick-knacks. But that stuff was reserved for truly great help, which really stood out since the service standards in Japan were very, very high when I was there.

palinode Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 12:24 am

Not only is tipping a supplement to employees in the service, it’s also good manners. Declining to tip for competent service is churlish.

You may not like the institution of tipping. Maybe you despise the laws that favour the business and pass the hassle on to the workers and customers. Maybe you don’t rake in the cash in your own job and feel that those uppity waiters are lording their great wealth over you. Be a grown-up and leave a tip.

Roop Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 1:27 am

Tipping was the norm in France until (approximately) 7 years ago, when the unions finally got the government to introduce the minimum wage. One of the stipulations from the government was that if all employees had a guaranteed wage, tipping was no longer required to supplement their income.

As an ex-waiter I appreciate the value of tips and in the UK was always happy to receive 10%. The increase in the percentage of tips in the USA from 10-15 to 20-25% is crazy. Yes it’s 2008, but inflation has put up the cost of the bill/service over the years, so 15% is more $$$ now than the same 15% would have been 20 years ago.

MD Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 2:49 am

I used to fuel corporate jets at an airport in “flyover country”. They would stop for a “gas and go”, sometimes calling ahead for a pizza or food to be delivered to the plane when they landed, usually on the ground for 30 mins or less.
We only occasionally got tips… mind you these are guys with $10+ Million dollar airplanes, with EXTREMELY wealthy people onboard. Think all that you do in a restaurant, and take it outside (in all weather: 100 degree summers, -10 degree winters), and makes the distances even greater. We got tipped maybe 2-3 times a week, and it was perhaps $10-20 per person (normal crew was 4 guys, 2 per aircraft).
So you had the recipe for good tipping: I am getting you where you need to go faster and perform extras for you at no charge (you pay for the pizza itself, not extras). I clean the bugs from the windscreen and give you a fresh bag of ice, and you fill the plane for $3000-$5000 dollars, and tip MAYBE .8% of that?
Yeah, I tip 15% as a standard*. If you have a problem with what you make, talk to your boss, or get some education and get out of the WAITING game. (If you are a woman and are attractive, I will bump that up quite a bit) [Q: for those that do wait, how are tips from the opposite sex?]

Ajay Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 2:54 am

Presumably this article is ONLY for America. Pls don’t export this culture around the world. Tipping left right and center for everyday activities means that you need to plan a 15 to 25% amount to your pensions and savings to compensate this. What a load of rubbish!

If you don’t want to tip don’t feel pressurised. You are already paying for the service.

mex Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 3:10 am

This whole tipping business is just such a terrible expercience for the client! I want to eat and pay in a restaurant. Don’t want to think about tipping etiquette or be the judge of good service.
I am glad to read in the replies that some upper end restaurants understand that.

Mike Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 6:26 am

@UberPat, I have several custom tattoos and have some input on the tipping of tattoo artists. If your artist does custom work for you tip around 20% or so depending on the work. If he/she spends hours working out your design and doing study paintings to get it just right tip according to the level of work you receive. If it is flash art (off the flash wall/portfolio) or minor changes to standard flash you can tip congruent with a waiter’s service around 15% or so.
I have never seen any hard and fast rules to this effect, but I think it is good practice to use these levels. I guess it all depends on the hourly rate and wether or not you are charged for the design phase of the process. Expect to spend money for quality work. An excellent artist will likely charge $100+/hr for custom work.

Joe Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 7:23 am

Panera worker: you’ll bus my table and like it or get another friggin job.

Joe Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 7:53 am

Tipping has gotten out of hand. I have a professional degree yet I know girls that make twice as much as me bar tending working 25 hrs a wk. So everybody that says tip 1 dollar a drink. Shove that drink up your Azz.

Bryan D. Hughes Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 8:13 am

I think this may be the sole reason my couch/xbox get so much use these days.

Mongo Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 8:41 am

Ok the only thing I got out of this was, if you don’t tip the servers will do something to your food. Now to me that just doesn’t seem right.

mikebike Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 8:56 am

I am a bit puzzled by the comments about 15% tipping is too low due to inflation and price increases cost of living etc. Why should the % rise. Inflation will cause the total bill to rise, thereby increasing the dollar amount of the tip to rise.
Increasing the tip % amount is fuelling the whole problem with tipping. The servers should be paid a fair amount for their services by their employer and then tipping should just be for exceptional service or to reward someone for making your experience special. All Americans should rise up against this low wage slavery. I especially like the comment regarding politicians taking 10-15% service fee from a corporate for recognition of their good service to their industry, this would be viewed as corruption but the low paid need and expect this as a just reward.
Fight against this and become more in-line with the rest of the free world.

kmart Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 10:21 am

From a completely objective point of view, all of the comments that seem to be against the idea of tipping seem to have the same theory in common…
“why should I tip someone for doing their job, the government should pay them fair wages!”
expecting a small part of the population to revolt and alter laws seems a bit ludicrous and ignores a very obvious truth. tipping is a part of the culture in America. I have a problem with the fact that hospitals charge my insurance company 30$ for a box of kleenex that I may use if I am in need of a hospital stay, i however, do NOT take it out on the nurse that is just doing her job by helping me. If you have a problem with the way legislation is handled, do your research and vote for leaders that may reform economic practices such as paying service employees pitiful wages and expecting consumers to make up the difference, do not take it out on everyday people who are just trying to make ends meet. In addition, most of the posters that reference other countries that do not allow tipping and pay much higher wages ignore the fact that citizens in those countries are taxed at a MUCH higher rate and end up supplementing the wages of service employees indirectly!
in conclusion: when I am in Europe i do not enjoy paying a VAT on everything i buy, but i pay it… when I am in Canada i do not enjoy paying twice the sales tax that i do if i am in the states, but i pay it… and when I am in America I may not enjoy tipping service based workers, but I do it.

Thom Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 12:41 pm

It’s funny, all the people who work in “the business” will always tell you to be a great tipper. I’ll be the first to tell you, I firmly believe in tipping well when justified. But you try to give me poor service and see what it gets you. I’ve seen so many times, even if they don’t do a good job you should still tip 10%. Of course, it always seems like it’s somebody in the business that says this.

For me, I budget the projected tips when I’m planning. So, for me, it’s not a matter of being cheap. It’s a matter of how I’m treated.

You want a fair tip, provide fair service.
You want a great tip, provide great service.
You want a lousy tip, I think you get it, provide lousy service.

A tip must be earned, it is not automatic.

Just my observation and 2 cents.

skippy Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 5:28 pm

C’mon, let’s be a little analytic here! In the US, an employer is allowed to pay a ridiculously low wage IF the employee is the recipient of tips. Thus, this is a method of moving costs from the vendor to the customer. Tip a hotel employee you have never seen to make the bed in your $150 a night room? What if you make your own bed? It is sad that articles like this attempt to shame or frighten people into establishing this weird relationship. Here’s a reasonable guide for discussion:
1. In a restaurant with table service, the waiter/waitress is your proxy. They must refuse to serve you food that is burned/raw or otherwise unacceptable. There is no choice, you must leave a tip. This is their living.
2. Someone who pours coffee in a paper cup, puts a lid on, and hands it to you gets no tip, whether it is McDonalds or Starbucks.
3. It is a “gratuity”: “…something given voluntarily or beyond obligation…” (thank you Merriam Webster) not part of the price or extortion. There are many facets to being a gentlemen. Recognizing someone working at making a living is part of it. Feeling threatened by someone who believes they are entitled is not.

diver90 Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 6:03 pm

Some disagreements:

1) $5 night for the maid? Sorry I don’t think so. If I ask for something other than standard service than I tip the maid who provided the service.

2) Room service waiter? There is always a service charge for room service on the bill. I give them a few dollars in cash on top of that.

3) Restaurants – Just OK / regular service – 15-18% / Good service 18-20% / Go out of their way – excellent service 20-25% and more

4) Restaurants – Terrible, awful, snooty, condescending, forgetful service – One Penny – It says you didn’t forget, you noticed and it was awful.

5) Shoe shine – fair job – price + $1 / great job – round up – If it was $7 give ‘em $10

Just Me Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 6:08 pm

I usually tip my hair stylist, 20% for dinners out and I tip the person at the all you can eat place who brings your drinks but it is wearing thin listening to how many other people I should tip. But what really annoys me is when those of you who get tips say that if you do not get a tip you are more likely to give poor service as a retaliation! I have heard horror stories of what happens to low tippers and I think that is just wrong! I should not be threatened by having my wall dinged for not tipping or having my bags lost.

I personally think it has gotten way out of control. I went on a cruise and expected to pay tips there and on excursions but when I pay almost $400 for an excursion which is highly overpriced to start with and then am expected to throw $5 to every person I see who remotely helps me times 3 because there are three of us all of a sudden my excursion is $500! There were 60 people on our bus for one trip and if we all paid him $20 like someone told me that would be $1200!! For standing there talking and telling bad jokes. Wish I had his job! But the mentality went way too far when these kids sat outside the bathroom door demanding tips at a Subway restaurant in one of the islands! For what? Because we were tourists, forget it. I saw that happen more then once on one trip.

Don’t get me wrong I am a good tipper but it irks me that only certain jobs can get tips for service but other service jobs get nothing but insults. I worked at Target and was expected to help customers even if they were ranting and raving over something trivial and as a cashier I made sure they got rung up and out quickly. I guess what the thought is for the cashier to go slow unless they tip then ring fast and call them to the front of the line next time they come in. I understand it is a custom and I comply but to threaten people and hold it over their head is wrong in so many ways!

some guy Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 10:17 pm

in following ‘Sir H’s comment. I agree. Firstly, this tipping deal is really getting people to not get an education and keep working for these high-tipping jobs. People don’t tip sometimes because they “think” they got bad service, then the servers or whoever complain and get pissed. TIP IS SUPPOSED TO BE A COMPLIMENT TO GOOD SERVICE, NOT A REQUIREMENT. Now that it’s “common courtesy” to tip, it’s expected, which is sad because it is what determines whether or not a person can pay their rent. I feel like the food industry is full of uneducated people living above their means (not including business managers, cooks, and accountants, etc.). I can understand that if you want better service, you’d tip, but when it is expected, it annoys me. In the end, it’s about money that is expected. I worked in the food industry and hated it. I always tip (including barbers, taxi, etc.) knowing how it feels to not be tipped, but this culture of tipping just has people living for it. It should be unexpected and when there is a noticeable extra mile in your service, tip.

WedgeTalon Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 11:35 pm

Ok everyone – hold it.

This article wasn’t about whether or not you should tip. This article was about how to tip like a gentleman.

A gentleman will leave a tip for good service, full stop.

I don’t care if the job isn’t typically perceived as a non-tipped job. If you receive good service, offer them a tip anyway. A good example is Chris (above, http://www.justaguything.com/how-to-tip-like-a-gentleman/#comment-707) who tipped the car rental place. Good job, Chris! You are a true gentleman!

Betty Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 1:57 am

Please don’t try to be so discreet that you try to palm the money and hide it with a handshake. That is too funny and 1950-style. I’ve had the dear old WWII vets slip me a folded up dollar with a wink. That’s for you, dear. There’s a lot of room between that and being flashy. Just hand the money to the person and say, Thank you for the good service.

Having been a diner waitress; the cheaper the food, the higher the percentage.

zkam Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 4:00 am

Panera Worker: Actually, when I worked at Panera (2 years ago), tips were not allowed, at least at the registers. When someone wanted to tip, we would put it in the charity bin (and tell the customer so). As for bussing the tables – that’s part of the job (no tip expected) for the employees working dining room.

chris the restaurant manager Says:
February 28th, 2008 at 4:03 am
at least you actually got me to visit his web site though. interesting.
Jimmy the Crip Says:
February 28th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I hope all you americans realize how important this election you have coming up is. I am Canadian and would give up my vote in the next federal election here to vote in the 2008 american election, not because I am not a proud Canadian but because there is some real evil taking place in the government of the world’s super power right now. Pop onto amazon and order End of America by Naomi Wolf. Don’t let them dumb you down anymore! Don’t let their ridiculous fear mongering get to you. Question EVERYTHING!
Joey Says:
February 28th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
The standard’s gone up in restaurant delivery, too. $2 for a $10 pizza was OK in 1990 when gas was $1 a gallon, but it’s not OK anymore.

The tips average about $4 per delivery where I work (we tend to give pretty good service). Add in the restaurant’s reimbursement of $.95 for my vehicle, and I gross about $5 per delivery, plus minimum wage. (Minimum wage is pretty insignificant. After paying my taxes and health insurance, there’s only about $100 left per week.)

I say $3 minimum (the price of a gallon of gasoline) and go from there: More if you’re more than a mile or two away, more for lousy weather, more for larger orders (15% is good, and indeed many of my customers tip 20%), more for professionally excellent service, more if you expect the driver to park their car downtown downtown during rush hour and bring it to your office on the 40th floor, etc.

And remember, if there is an added delivery charge, that is a fee that the restaurant charges you, not a form of automatic gratuity. It should not affect the amount you tip. (While many restaurants pay the driver’s vehicle reimbursement out of that fee, generally about half of it flows directly to the restaurateur’s bottom line.)

Never stiff your pizza guy!
Joey Says:
February 28th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
I’d like to add, that I’ve never harmed a customer’s food, and I’ve never known a coworker to do so either. That truly is abhorrent behavior–definitely outside the norm.
cohnsey Says:
February 29th, 2008 at 4:15 am
What about the Tow Truck Guy? Do you tip him? that has always been a tough one.
dave Says:
February 29th, 2008 at 4:54 am
Wondering about tipping the baggage guys at airports? I generally give them $1/bag. Also, I’ve often found myself waived thru foreign customs with a baggage guy pushing my bags.

As for movers, i was one in college. What I really appreciated was having the homeowner buy our lunch. That way we knew we were appreciated. Of couse, a few dollars and a couple of beers *after* the move is appreciated as well.
Rafael Says:
February 29th, 2008 at 6:04 am
I guess you have to be rich to be a gentleman. I valeted in college and learned to appreciate folks that tip well. As a result I’ve learned to tip what i would consider well, but the numbers posted in this article are something only the wealthy could afford.
Ryan Says:
February 29th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Well I have lived of tips for a couple years now as a pizza driver. I hate people that only give my a buck or two after I drive across town, use my gas and bring them their dinner.

I make sure I tip $5 or %20 which ever is higher just about everywhere that needs a tip.
chris the restaurant manager Says:
February 29th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
the interesting thing about the canadian… he thinks we capitalist americans can get real answers out of a book someone is SELLING. Sorry, bud. I am a capitalist, ergo I am a conservative. And you are right that there is real evil out there, but the bottom line is that there is no significant candidate to avoid that evil. John McCain may be the most viable thing, and as interested as I am in Huck and Paul; I can’t see giving my vote to anywhere that will most likely give a better chance to the Liberal Dem candidates. If they get in full power, they will crush this country and we might as well just take all the conservatives down and take over Mexico, and create a new America.

It’s interesting how the world always comes full circle. These are nearly the exact situations (politically speaking) that led the Confederacy to succeed in the 1800’s. Political instability and an entire massive sect of the country being utterly left out in all decision making. Unfortunately, we do not have the same strength in collective unified numbers in a specific area of the country to try it again, but you see my point.

If you want to research, research both sides. If you want to read criticism, read all the issues. Learn liberal, learn conservative, learn democrat and republican. Ask questions and enlighten yourself. Than read the constitution and start over. Once you understand the differences between the framers image of the future and what the future has become, you will understand.

Chris.
Jimmy the Crip Says:
February 29th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
The book is free as a torrent download audio book style there bud, i’m right. You’re Wrong.
Jessica Says:
March 1st, 2008 at 3:44 am
Reply to “Sir H”
I’m appalled by your attitude…while it’s true that it would be fair for employers to pay their people at least minimum wage or better, they don’t. There are a lot of folks out there who can’t afford to not take a job based on the principle that the employer ought to pay more rather than relying on the tipping system. I sincerely hope that you don’t take your frustration with the system out on those who serve you (for about 2.33 an hour) by not tipping.
chris the restaurant manager Says:
March 1st, 2008 at 4:06 pm
any financial planners in here? cause there’s another industry that you dont make money upfront, only on your ability to perform your job functions.

jimmy… Immigrate to America. We need more smart people Thanks for the “tip”
Roland@thebar Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Do NOT EVER complain that a drink is too weak if you dont even know how to tip your bartender.
Not tipping bc you think Im doing my job? at $2/hr?
If you dont tip, you can expect to wait until all the tippers are served.
Not happy? dont bother going out to bars.
If you want the best drinks and dont want to wait too long for your drink, introduce yourself to the bartender at the beginning, hand him a nice tip (min $5), and keep tipping him for every drink you get.
You will have the best drinks, loaded with sometimes higher quality alcohol, and youll be served right away.
ESPECIALLY when you ask for 10 different drinks in a round, be sure to tip well.
Also order all the drinks at once. DO NOT order them one by one as the bartender brings them to you.

In conclusion, be courteous, make sure you tip your bartender, and youll have a lovely night out. (dont forget bartenders have to tip out their barbacks as well)
Ted Says:
March 11th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Good piece, but I think you’re missing at least two degrees of freedom: tip as much as you can afford, and be friendly. Then you’re a gentleman every time.
dan Says:
March 11th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
if bartenders/waiters/bellhops etc. _need_ tips just to survive, then that should form labour-unions and demand better treatment from their employers. it is also the government’s responsibility to make sure that with the minimum wage you are getting, you can make a decent living.
admittedly, there are some exceptions – people who didn’t have any other choice and are working in bars and such, but waiters in high-end establishments are often paid more than firemen or nurses. and they are doing what – bringing drinks and carrying luggage.
if you discriminate people grossly because of not being tipped, you should be certainly getting fired.
people who expect tips are nothing more than legalized beggars.

please bring on the automated bartenders, waiters, hotel staff, casino staff etc. machines are much more efficient anyway and don’t require tips.
chirayu baxi Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
There have been situations where I forgot to tip. I’m not proud of it, I know, but when you’re in a hurry to get somewhere and you’re leaving a restaurant and you pay at the front before you walk out the door, a tip maybe the last thing on your mind. If that happens to me, I usually tip a little more the next time I dine at that place, and write a little note on the bill (”Sorry I didn’t tip before, here’s something extra to show you I’m sorry and I appreciate the service”, something along those lines).
iWasThere Says:
March 13th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Although I currently work in IT, I spent almost 20 years in the Canadian restaurant business. For most of that period I was a full-time bartender in a lounge setting.

Serving/bartending is a decent paying job. The pay is usually just at or above minimum wage, but tips are expected. Blame the restaurant owners, if you like, for not paying a higher wage. But the reality is, if a restaurant bans tipping you can safely assume that their meal prices will be padded with the extra 20% required to meet higher wage costs. They will also soon be out of business, because they charge more than their competitors.

You can have a career as a waiter or bartender. If you are good at your job (which means much more than just timing the appetizers or knowing a few hundred drink recipes), you can make a decent living. It is not fair to compare these jobs to other minimum wage jobs like in a fast food franchise. Most minimum wage jobs are considered to be short term, and are focused on a younger, less mature work force. They are a place to earn some pocket money, gain some experience in the workforce, and then move on.

Most restaurants (Canada, anyway), use a tip pool to supplement the wages of all their staff, both in the front and the kitchen. The tip pool is usually based on the server’s total sales, and can be a figure anywhere from 5% to 10%. The server is allowed to keep anything earned above that amount. So if you run up a tab of $200, and do not tip, that server STILL pays out $10 to the tip pool. So it actually cost them to serve you!

This does not mean that tipping is mandatory. Personnaly, I will almost always overtip. But that’s because I used to do that for a living. However, if the service is really poor I’ll tip less. If the service is non-existant, I may not tip at all. If someone is such a poor performer that they do not get a tip from me, they should be in a different line of work.

I never base a tip on the quality of the food. If I do not like the food, next time I’ll eat somewhere else. If there was something wrong with the food, I’ll tell my server. How the server/restaurant handles my problem will determine whether I eat there again. (And please do not offer to take it off the bill, or a free dessert, or stuff like that. What I want is acknowledgement that there is a problem and an apology, perhaps even an explanation.)

In my current line of work, I do not gets tips. Oddly enough though, when I apply the same work ethic and commitment to service that I had while bartending, I do seem to get these things called bonuses. They are awarded in recognition of going above and beyond. Of not just doing your job, but doing it well. So maybe I’m still earning some tips after all.
Don't be a jerk about it Says:
March 14th, 2008 at 3:59 am
“Hand over the tip with your palm facing down and shake hands with the person you are tipping, simultaneously placing the money in their hand.”

Uhhh that’s more than a little sleazy. Who are you, Don Corleone? You forgot to mention slicking your hair back first and winking while clicking your tongue and doing the index finger “gun” thing. Your suggestion turns the tip into an act of power and attitude, not to mention demeaning and humiliating for the recipient.

Unless you’re obviously rich, powerful and famous, you’re gonna come off like a pompous douche for this. Just offer the money, smile, and say thank you. Geez.
Morons Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
How about this – instead of tipping everyone who stands between you and what you want, how about insisting in your country, that employers PAY THEIR OWN STAFF so they don’t have to grovel to customers. This whole tipping culture is demeaning and above everything else a pain in the arse to customers who should be able to pay the bill and get out without having to feel like they’re being mugged every time they pay for a service.

America, you’re setting an appalling example here. In Japan, tipping is banned. That’s how it should be, unless you really feel you’ve been done a favour.
Bug Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
I don’t like the idea of being blackmailed into giving someone a couple of bucks so that they won’t spit in my meal / coffee. Tipping is an excuse for a restaurant owner to pay less….the bigger the tip, the bigger the savings on salary to the bottom line of the house.

and don’t go piling on me here….I tip, I just don’t like to; I work too hard for my money.
TAco Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
No tipping ever!
Scott Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
15% at a local restaurant? Local restaurants are no different than “4 star” restaurants. The servers still take care of you hand and foot and deserve the same tip you would give at any other place. 20% is standard now. It’s 2008 for christ’s sake. Maybe 10-15% was acceptable in 1980 but not anymore.
simone Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
This applies only to US.
In all the rest of the world people are paid with a fixed salary, they don’t live on tips…
So unless you want to look like the typical “American tourist”, don’t give 15? of tip for a 80? dinner bill, or you will see the most amazed faces you ever seen in your life
Artur Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
# Panera Worker Says:
February 25th, 2008 at 4:01 am

For anyone that eats at Panera Bread:

Either bus your own damn table or leave a tip.”

Well, that’s the LAST time I go to Panera!
Gman Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Frank Sinatra once said “Tim Big and Tip Quietly.

Good advice when someone makes your day.
Pete Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Very nice set of tips. For self-serve/buffet type of restaurants, I typically tip even lower than 10-15%. I wonder if you’re tipping too much or me tipping too little… I mean, the waiters don’t really do much besides taking away dishes… I even get my own drinks, you know?
Joe, ex-news carrier, pizza driver & bartender, brother and son of former wait staff Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
A little sociology lesson for the anti-tipping guys (and, in my experience, you’re pretty much all guys, with unwarranted persecution complexes and senses of entitlement as deep as they are unearned).

Tipping is not compulsory, but it is customary. We are all free to tip or not, and if we do, we are free to adjust the tip we give, so as to be in line with the quality of service.

It’s also not compulsary, but very much customary, to believe that those who never tip are assholes.

Many of you trot out the old line “No one tips me for my job, why should I tip them?” This is a non sequitur. If you don’t know why, look up the definition of non sequitur. If you still don’t know why, then you’re a stupid asshole.

Your pal,

Joe

(and, yes, I also know the definition of “ad hominem”)
E-Fro Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Sure tipping is a North American thing, In Europe no tipping and shit service, no extra care, if you eat at the same place 4 to 5 times a week in Europe your still treated like they don’t care if you come back. I like tipping, I don’t want the only people who are able to afford to work as a watress or bartender to be some lowlife scumbag who just gets by in life. I wish more people had to relay on tips then maybe they would give a shit when servicing me, instead of thinking it’s my duty to pay them money no matter what kind of service they provided. By the way all you asswads from over seas that think you don’t have to tip because you don’t at home get over it, your somewhere else where the pay scale is different. All you bastards who feel that you don’t have to tip are worms, why don’t you have the guts to tell the person before they service you that you don’t believe in tipping, see how that goes for you, but of course you won’t do that because it really comes down to you want the service but your not willing to pay for it.
Ergolad Says:
March 15th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
it’s absolutely fabulous how many responses this post has generated. Obviously strikes a chord in a lot of people. I worked briefly in the food service business in the USA. The fact is, the way wages are structured, servers/bussers DO rely on their tips for the bulk of their income. Like it or not, it’s the way it is, and the way it has been for ages. Now, shaking hands with your server… I have to say that struck me as funny. One thing if I have a established relationship as a customer, or it comes naturally, but otherwise I’d forgo that. Enough to smile, make eye contact and be genuinely appreciative. As a matter of fact, that might not be a bad way to approach just about anyone… Hmmm.
Uberfiend Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 12:23 am
Some people question the reason we tip. Often, this is due to a failure to understand how pricing works in some industries. In the U.S., the labor market is such that restaurant owners pay servers little and expect that it will be made up by gratuities. If the business is run properly, the prices you pay reflect the prevailing local labor market prices. Period. If you can’t afford to tip when you dine out, or don’t want to, then you either can’t afford to eat out or you are uncivilized. (In other countries, no gratuity is expected because staff are well paid and that is accounted for in pricing.)

In the U.S., who to tip can sometimes be esoteric. Generally, unskilled work with little effort required does not require a gratuity. This is why you don’t tip at fast-food joints. Although I once worked as a barista, I am less and less inclined to tip at Starbucks because the skill seems to have been removed from the job. (Since I’m a regular, however, I tip about $0.50 to $1.00 per milk-based drink.)

Those who have done it well can tell you that waiting tables properly takes skill. It also takes skill to be an effective maitre’d, or wine steward. It is well worth tipping them properly, especially if you will be back again. Even more so if you entertain there, either socially or for business. The percentages you’ve quoted seem to be fairly accurate, except for automobiles.

For parking valet service, tip $2-3 when your car is returned undamaged and without excessive mileage. (This, in addition to the parking fee.) If your car was left in a privileged spot (like the drive in front of a 4 or 5 star hotel), tip $10.

For bellhops, generally tip between $1-$2 per bag, and extra if they give you any good local information. (Often you can get non-tourist trap information that you won’t get from other hotel staff.)

When traveling abroad, it is prudent to investigate beforehand the prevailing attitude toward gratuities. In Egypt, I found that tips were appreciated, but that $1 or $2 was way too much (locals informed me that $1 US was actually a lot of money).

Other places, it is considered an insult.I have, however, found that most places, special service may be rewarded with an inexpensive gift brought from the United States but not normally found locally. In Japan, for example, a gift of American chocolate and other sweets were looked upon very favorably, as were some other locally grown kitschy knick-knacks. But that stuff was reserved for truly great help, which really stood out since the service standards in Japan were very, very high when I was there.
palinode Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 12:24 am
Not only is tipping a supplement to employees in the service, it’s also good manners. Declining to tip for competent service is churlish.

You may not like the institution of tipping. Maybe you despise the laws that favour the business and pass the hassle on to the workers and customers. Maybe you don’t rake in the cash in your own job and feel that those uppity waiters are lording their great wealth over you. Be a grown-up and leave a tip.
Roop Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 1:27 am
Tipping was the norm in France until (approximately) 7 years ago, when the unions finally got the government to introduce the minimum wage. One of the stipulations from the government was that if all employees had a guaranteed wage, tipping was no longer required to supplement their income.

As an ex-waiter I appreciate the value of tips and in the UK was always happy to receive 10%. The increase in the percentage of tips in the USA from 10-15 to 20-25% is crazy. Yes it’s 2008, but inflation has put up the cost of the bill/service over the years, so 15% is more $$$ now than the same 15% would have been 20 years ago.
MD Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 2:49 am
I used to fuel corporate jets at an airport in “flyover country”. They would stop for a “gas and go”, sometimes calling ahead for a pizza or food to be delivered to the plane when they landed, usually on the ground for 30 mins or less.
We only occasionally got tips… mind you these are guys with $10+ Million dollar airplanes, with EXTREMELY wealthy people onboard. Think all that you do in a restaurant, and take it outside (in all weather: 100 degree summers, -10 degree winters), and makes the distances even greater. We got tipped maybe 2-3 times a week, and it was perhaps $10-20 per person (normal crew was 4 guys, 2 per aircraft).
So you had the recipe for good tipping: I am getting you where you need to go faster and perform extras for you at no charge (you pay for the pizza itself, not extras). I clean the bugs from the windscreen and give you a fresh bag of ice, and you fill the plane for $3000-$5000 dollars, and tip MAYBE .8% of that?
Yeah, I tip 15% as a standard*. If you have a problem with what you make, talk to your boss, or get some education and get out of the WAITING game. (If you are a woman and are attractive, I will bump that up quite a bit) [Q: for those that do wait, how are tips from the opposite sex?]
Ajay Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 2:54 am
Presumably this article is ONLY for America. Pls don’t export this culture around the world. Tipping left right and center for everyday activities means that you need to plan a 15 to 25% amount to your pensions and savings to compensate this. What a load of rubbish!

If you don’t want to tip don’t feel pressurised. You are already paying for the service.
mex Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 3:10 am
This whole tipping business is just such a terrible expercience for the client! I want to eat and pay in a restaurant. Don’t want to think about tipping etiquette or be the judge of good service.
I am glad to read in the replies that some upper end restaurants understand that.
Mike Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 6:26 am
@UberPat, I have several custom tattoos and have some input on the tipping of tattoo artists. If your artist does custom work for you tip around 20% or so depending on the work. If he/she spends hours working out your design and doing study paintings to get it just right tip according to the level of work you receive. If it is flash art (off the flash wall/portfolio) or minor changes to standard flash you can tip congruent with a waiter’s service around 15% or so.
I have never seen any hard and fast rules to this effect, but I think it is good practice to use these levels. I guess it all depends on the hourly rate and wether or not you are charged for the design phase of the process. Expect to spend money for quality work. An excellent artist will likely charge $100+/hr for custom work.
Joe Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Panera worker: you’ll bus my table and like it or get another friggin job.
Joe Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Tipping has gotten out of hand. I have a professional degree yet I know girls that make twice as much as me bar tending working 25 hrs a wk. So everybody that says tip 1 dollar a drink. Shove that drink up your Azz.
Bryan D. Hughes Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 8:13 am
I think this may be the sole reason my couch/xbox get so much use these days.
Mongo Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Ok the only thing I got out of this was, if you don’t tip the servers will do something to your food. Now to me that just doesn’t seem right.
mikebike Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 8:56 am
I am a bit puzzled by the comments about 15% tipping is too low due to inflation and price increases cost of living etc. Why should the % rise. Inflation will cause the total bill to rise, thereby increasing the dollar amount of the tip to rise.
Increasing the tip % amount is fuelling the whole problem with tipping. The servers should be paid a fair amount for their services by their employer and then tipping should just be for exceptional service or to reward someone for making your experience special. All Americans should rise up against this low wage slavery. I especially like the comment regarding politicians taking 10-15% service fee from a corporate for recognition of their good service to their industry, this would be viewed as corruption but the low paid need and expect this as a just reward.
Fight against this and become more in-line with the rest of the free world.
kmart Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 10:21 am
From a completely objective point of view, all of the comments that seem to be against the idea of tipping seem to have the same theory in common…
“why should I tip someone for doing their job, the government should pay them fair wages!”
expecting a small part of the population to revolt and alter laws seems a bit ludicrous and ignores a very obvious truth. tipping is a part of the culture in America. I have a problem with the fact that hospitals charge my insurance company 30$ for a box of kleenex that I may use if I am in need of a hospital stay, i however, do NOT take it out on the nurse that is just doing her job by helping me. If you have a problem with the way legislation is handled, do your research and vote for leaders that may reform economic practices such as paying service employees pitiful wages and expecting consumers to make up the difference, do not take it out on everyday people who are just trying to make ends meet. In addition, most of the posters that reference other countries that do not allow tipping and pay much higher wages ignore the fact that citizens in those countries are taxed at a MUCH higher rate and end up supplementing the wages of service employees indirectly!
in conclusion: when I am in Europe i do not enjoy paying a VAT on everything i buy, but i pay it… when I am in Canada i do not enjoy paying twice the sales tax that i do if i am in the states, but i pay it… and when I am in America I may not enjoy tipping service based workers, but I do it.
Thom Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
It’s funny, all the people who work in “the business” will always tell you to be a great tipper. I’ll be the first to tell you, I firmly believe in tipping well when justified. But you try to give me poor service and see what it gets you. I’ve seen so many times, even if they don’t do a good job you should still tip 10%. Of course, it always seems like it’s somebody in the business that says this.

For me, I budget the projected tips when I’m planning. So, for me, it’s not a matter of being cheap. It’s a matter of how I’m treated.

You want a fair tip, provide fair service.
You want a great tip, provide great service.
You want a lousy tip, I think you get it, provide lousy service.

A tip must be earned, it is not automatic.

Just my observation and 2 cents.
skippy Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
C’mon, let’s be a little analytic here! In the US, an employer is allowed to pay a ridiculously low wage IF the employee is the recipient of tips. Thus, this is a method of moving costs from the vendor to the customer. Tip a hotel employee you have never seen to make the bed in your $150 a night room? What if you make your own bed? It is sad that articles like this attempt to shame or frighten people into establishing this weird relationship. Here’s a reasonable guide for discussion:
1. In a restaurant with table service, the waiter/waitress is your proxy. They must refuse to serve you food that is burned/raw or otherwise unacceptable. There is no choice, you must leave a tip. This is their living.
2. Someone who pours coffee in a paper cup, puts a lid on, and hands it to you gets no tip, whether it is McDonalds or Starbucks.
3. It is a “gratuity”: “…something given voluntarily or beyond obligation…” (thank you Merriam Webster) not part of the price or extortion. There are many facets to being a gentlemen. Recognizing someone working at making a living is part of it. Feeling threatened by someone who believes they are entitled is not.
diver90 Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Some disagreements:

1) $5 night for the maid? Sorry I don’t think so. If I ask for something other than standard service than I tip the maid who provided the service.

2) Room service waiter? There is always a service charge for room service on the bill. I give them a few dollars in cash on top of that.

3) Restaurants – Just OK / regular service – 15-18% / Good service 18-20% / Go out of their way – excellent service 20-25% and more

4) Restaurants – Terrible, awful, snooty, condescending, forgetful service – One Penny – It says you didn’t forget, you noticed and it was awful.

5) Shoe shine – fair job – price + $1 / great job – round up – If it was $7 give ‘em $10
Just Me Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
I usually tip my hair stylist, 20% for dinners out and I tip the person at the all you can eat place who brings your drinks but it is wearing thin listening to how many other people I should tip. But what really annoys me is when those of you who get tips say that if you do not get a tip you are more likely to give poor service as a retaliation! I have heard horror stories of what happens to low tippers and I think that is just wrong! I should not be threatened by having my wall dinged for not tipping or having my bags lost.

I personally think it has gotten way out of control. I went on a cruise and expected to pay tips there and on excursions but when I pay almost $400 for an excursion which is highly overpriced to start with and then am expected to throw $5 to every person I see who remotely helps me times 3 because there are three of us all of a sudden my excursion is $500! There were 60 people on our bus for one trip and if we all paid him $20 like someone told me that would be $1200!! For standing there talking and telling bad jokes. Wish I had his job! But the mentality went way too far when these kids sat outside the bathroom door demanding tips at a Subway restaurant in one of the islands! For what? Because we were tourists, forget it. I saw that happen more then once on one trip.

Don’t get me wrong I am a good tipper but it irks me that only certain jobs can get tips for service but other service jobs get nothing but insults. I worked at Target and was expected to help customers even if they were ranting and raving over something trivial and as a cashier I made sure they got rung up and out quickly. I guess what the thought is for the cashier to go slow unless they tip then ring fast and call them to the front of the line next time they come in. I understand it is a custom and I comply but to threaten people and hold it over their head is wrong in so many ways!
some guy Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
in following ‘Sir H’s comment. I agree. Firstly, this tipping deal is really getting people to not get an education and keep working for these high-tipping jobs. People don’t tip sometimes because they “think” they got bad service, then the servers or whoever complain and get pissed. TIP IS SUPPOSED TO BE A COMPLIMENT TO GOOD SERVICE, NOT A REQUIREMENT. Now that it’s “common courtesy” to tip, it’s expected, which is sad because it is what determines whether or not a person can pay their rent. I feel like the food industry is full of uneducated people living above their means (not including business managers, cooks, and accountants, etc.). I can understand that if you want better service, you’d tip, but when it is expected, it annoys me. In the end, it’s about money that is expected. I worked in the food industry and hated it. I always tip (including barbers, taxi, etc.) knowing how it feels to not be tipped, but this culture of tipping just has people living for it. It should be unexpected and when there is a noticeable extra mile in your service, tip.
WedgeTalon Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Ok everyone – hold it.

This article wasn’t about whether or not you should tip. This article was about how to tip like a gentleman.

A gentleman will leave a tip for good service, full stop.

I don’t care if the job isn’t typically perceived as a non-tipped job. If you receive good service, offer them a tip anyway. A good example is Chris (above, http://www.justaguything.com/how-to-tip-like-a-gentleman/#comment-707) who tipped the car rental place. Good job, Chris! You are a true gentleman!
Betty Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 1:57 am
Please don’t try to be so discreet that you try to palm the money and hide it with a handshake. That is too funny and 1950-style. I’ve had the dear old WWII vets slip me a folded up dollar with a wink. That’s for you, dear. There’s a lot of room between that and being flashy. Just hand the money to the person and say, Thank you for the good service.

Having been a diner waitress; the cheaper the food, the higher the percentage.
zkam Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 4:00 am
Panera Worker: Actually, when I worked at Panera (2 years ago), tips were not allowed, at least at the registers. When someone wanted to tip, we would put it in the charity bin (and tell the customer so). As for bussing the tables – that’s part of the job (no tip expected) for the employees working dining room.

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