How do you tip?
Just curious, but how does everyone tip when they go out?
I was told to tip 20% in New York - no matter what.
The other night we were at some pub and the waitress didn’t seem to have such a great day and got pretty annoying while we were there like she didn’t want to take back a drink which no one had ordered etc., and in the end - I believe we probably tipped 15-17% “only” - she even came back to request the full 20%.
In Berlin or most places in Europe, you really tip whatever - I think 10% is ok. Or that is what the tourist guide says, but no one would ever demand it. But I am all up for comments.
When it is a "required" %20 percent such as when serving large groups, gratuity is stated or even included in the check…otherwise it is up to the customer. I know people count on tips as base salary here whether the job was well done or not but that my friend is an attitude of "entitlement". It just sort of sucks that servers and customers alike (not saying you, you actually sound quite nice) have grown accustomed to such rotten attitudes without the consequences. A normal consequence in this scenario is a lower tip. It is certainly up to you to extend grace and goodwill when undeserved and give the server the benefit of the doubt and a full tip but that should be YOUR choice.
Groups of 6 or more usually have a "gratuity" added on to the check, but if service is awful, you can dispute it with management.
I almost always tip 20% or more just because I waited tables for years and I know what it takes, which is never obvious from only the customer’s seat. But I do not reward poor service or bad attitudes. I happily cut the tip or skip out all together, which is rare, but still… I’ll do it. It has to be pretty bad service for me to do that. A server with a "bad attitude" doesn’t usually get faulted by me unless that is mixed with poor service. It’s the level of service that matters more to me. Living in New York City has taught me to appreciate a more raw attitude over a "service with a smile" attitude that feels so gross and fake and sugary… (I hated that fakeness in the south).
At bars, I always tip $2 per mixed drink and a dollar for anything else (beer, water, soda).
In Europe the base pay is not counting on tips, so duh, it makes sense that tips are less-important. It was weird for me to not tip over there! I did it anyway and they loved it, but it was never necessary… however, service is very different over there. Once you’ve been noticed (which can take up to 30 minutes to even GET service, then once you are served, you are never checked again and you do not automatically receive your bill… you usually have to go and get your bill or get up and ask for more of something needed… so, it’s not all that better just because tips aren’t necessary. There are pros and cons for both systems.
I always tip as well. I’ve had a girlfriend who waited tables and she taught me well. ;) So I know it’s a hard job.
Last night I was at Spitzer’s, someone spilled my beer and the waitress instantly offered to refill. Like I would never ask that, but she just did. That’s service I guess.
Technically, we’re supposed to tip 15-20% for personal service. In Europe, tips are for exceptional service, and, otherwise, not expected. I’ve never not tipped someone, but I have left restaurants if the staff takes too much time to take my order. For example, I once was having lunch with a friend when our waitress kept conversing with a table right by us, the people at which she obviously knew in her personal life. When she finally got around to taking our drink order, she went right back to the other table and started talking again, without even placing the order for our drinks. We were angry, and chose to leave.
I tip because I know service workers rely on tips for a livable income in the US. 20% on food, 15% on drinks only, $2 a bag for lugging around my luggage, $2 a night per person for housekeping at hotels, about 10% for cabs. That’s about it for me. I don’t use a concierage, but if I did I would tip them well for good advice and last minute dinner reservations or great show tickets.
In the US many professions that provide service are underpaid and under estimated for their value to those who use their services. Let’s give these professionals credit for their role in the big scheme of things!