Comments on: The Money Crasher’s Guide to Tipping http://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/ Personal Finance Blog, Your Guide to Financial Fitness Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:28:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: not givenhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-16971 not given Fri, 19 Nov 2010 08:26:28 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-16971 I'll tip 20% on service if I never had to flag someone down to get something i needed. They come by every so often to ask if I need something or bring me things almost everyone needs without asking. 10% if I had to try to get their attention multiple times for a couple of different things I told them upfront that I would need and I had to wait to eat until they brought it, even having to ask a different server at a nearby table. A couple of times the service was so atrocious that I left 2 pennies. Once or twice I've left 25% for exceptional service when we asked for a lot and got it without a scene. If you are a server, attention MATTERS. I’ll tip 20% on service if I never had to flag someone down to get something i needed. They come by every so often to ask if I need something or bring me things almost everyone needs without asking.
10% if I had to try to get their attention multiple times for a couple of different things I told them upfront that I would need and I had to wait to eat until they brought it, even having to ask a different server at a nearby table.
A couple of times the service was so atrocious that I left 2 pennies. Once or twice I’ve left 25% for exceptional service when we asked for a lot and got it without a scene.
If you are a server, attention MATTERS.

]]> By: Erik Folgatehttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-16961 Erik Folgate Fri, 19 Nov 2010 04:12:03 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-16961 I think it's cool to tip the postal work on the holidays. I think it’s cool to tip the postal work on the holidays.

]]> By: Paulhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-16945 Paul Thu, 18 Nov 2010 19:12:16 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-16945 Well, this sign makes me nervous, knowing how severs are taxed on 15% of tabs. I learned this fact back when I was bussing tables during college. Basically, the IRS presumes that a server will receive an average of 15% of the tab as their tip on each check, and that amount is imputed to them as income (and calculated and reported to the IRS by the employer). Obviously, the IRS does not trust servers to report the true amount of their tips! I therefore feel guilty unless I leave a server at least a 15% tip, which I almost always do, unless the service is really bad. Well, this sign makes me nervous, knowing how severs are taxed on 15% of tabs.

I learned this fact back when I was bussing tables during college. Basically, the IRS presumes that a server will receive an average of 15% of the tab as their tip on each check, and that amount is imputed to them as income (and calculated and reported to the IRS by the employer). Obviously, the IRS does not trust servers to report the true amount of their tips!

I therefore feel guilty unless I leave a server at least a 15% tip, which I almost always do, unless the service is really bad.

]]> By: Ghttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-16942 G Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:48:56 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-16942 You should be tipping on the whole bill, including drinks, but excluding tax. Your server is often the one filling your drink order, or if not, forced to split tips with the bartender. Look at your subtotal before tax, and tip 20% for good service, round down as you see fit for substandard service, or more for exceptional service. Only people tipping 25% are those in the service industry who know how it is. Not required. You should be tipping on the whole bill, including drinks, but excluding tax. Your server is often the one filling your drink order, or if not, forced to split tips with the bartender. Look at your subtotal before tax, and tip 20% for good service, round down as you see fit for substandard service, or more for exceptional service. Only people tipping 25% are those in the service industry who know how it is. Not required.

]]> By: Ghttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-16941 G Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:40:16 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-16941 It is what it is, and it's not going to change. The cost would just be added on to the goods and services sold, with no guarantee of good service if the employer paid all the wages. You would have sticker shock looking at a menu. The tips at least encourage good service. Servers in Utah make $2.13 an hour. It is what it is, and it’s not going to change. The cost would just be added on to the goods and services sold, with no guarantee of good service if the employer paid all the wages. You would have sticker shock looking at a menu. The tips at least encourage good service. Servers in Utah make $2.13 an hour.

]]> By: Erik Folgatehttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-16560 Erik Folgate Mon, 08 Nov 2010 01:47:00 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-16560 Hey Paul, yeah that's tough. I think if you're tipping at least 15% for appropriate service, then there's no reason to feel self-conscious, so it doesn't matter when you leave it . I understand the thing with the busboy, but servers are usually pretty good with grabbing cash when they see it on the table. Hey Paul, yeah that’s tough. I think if you’re tipping at least 15% for appropriate service, then there’s no reason to feel self-conscious, so it doesn’t matter when you leave it . I understand the thing with the busboy, but servers are usually pretty good with grabbing cash when they see it on the table.

]]> By: Paulhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-16533 Paul Sat, 06 Nov 2010 18:07:17 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-16533 WHEN is the appropriate time to leave a restaurant server their tip? I usually like to leave the tip on the table so that the server gets it in cash on the spot, rather than wait to be "credited" with it later by the cafe when ringing up the day's receipts. However, I sometimes worry that if I do that possibly a busboy or some other worker (or even another customer) might swipe it off the table before the server gets it. Then there's the awkward moment at the register (for places that pay at the register still) when they ask whether you want to add a tip to the check. I usually respond "no, I've left it on the table" so it doesn't look like I'm some kind of skinflint. The one thing that irks me, though, are servers who come take the tip off the table before you leave the table. There is an IHOP here where the servers have a bad habit of doing just that, and I have complained before to management anonymously about the practice, to no avail. I think that behavior is just plain rude, and makes it look like the server either doesn't trust their fellow workers, are afraid you might change your mind about the tip, or to make you feel self-conscious if you left them a small tip. WHEN is the appropriate time to leave a restaurant server their tip?

I usually like to leave the tip on the table so that the server gets it in cash on the spot, rather than wait to be “credited” with it later by the cafe when ringing up the day’s receipts. However, I sometimes worry that if I do that possibly a busboy or some other worker (or even another customer) might swipe it off the table before the server gets it. Then there’s the awkward moment at the register (for places that pay at the register still) when they ask whether you want to add a tip to the check. I usually respond “no, I’ve left it on the table” so it doesn’t look like I’m some kind of skinflint.

The one thing that irks me, though, are servers who come take the tip off the table before you leave the table. There is an IHOP here where the servers have a bad habit of doing just that, and I have complained before to management anonymously about the practice, to no avail. I think that behavior is just plain rude, and makes it look like the server either doesn’t trust their fellow workers, are afraid you might change your mind about the tip, or to make you feel self-conscious if you left them a small tip.

]]> By: Melissahttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-16292 Melissa Sun, 31 Oct 2010 02:10:54 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-16292 Wow, Zane, did you ever stop to think that maybe that single mom is a single mom because her husband DIED and she might be taking care of a mentally ill child that she has to be home to take care of and can't work a 9-5?. You're a serious asshole! Wow, Zane, did you ever stop to think that maybe that single mom is a single mom because her husband DIED and she might be taking care of a mentally ill child that she has to be home to take care of and can’t work a 9-5?. You’re a serious asshole!

]]> By: zanehttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-16287 zane Sat, 30 Oct 2010 22:29:39 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-16287 i know !! let start tipping everyone the trash man the cable guy the nurse at your kids school the bus driver the surgeon who ties your tubes (just a suggestion!) by the time i tip everyone, i will need a second job, hope fully i will get good tips i know !! let start tipping everyone

the trash man
the cable guy
the nurse at your kids school
the bus driver
the surgeon who ties your tubes (just a suggestion!)

by the time i tip everyone, i will need a second job, hope fully i will get good tips

]]> By: zanehttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-16286 zane Sat, 30 Oct 2010 22:24:00 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-16286 if you dont like the service industry, then finish high school and move on why should i have to foot the bill because you are a single mother with no taste in men, if i dine out and get some impressive service, then i tip accordingly, DONT tell what i SHOULD be tipping p.s. buy some nicorette if you dont like the service industry, then finish high school and move on

why should i have to foot the bill because you are a single mother with no taste in men,

if i dine out and get some impressive service, then i tip accordingly, DONT tell what i SHOULD be tipping

p.s. buy some nicorette

]]> By: Kristihttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-15245 Kristi Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:54:24 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-15245 You tip more at a fancy restaurant because you are not only tipping the server. You are tipping on what you purchased. However, the tip should be based on getting good service. To justify tipping a Denny's server more than you tip a fine dining server is just ridiculous. You are tipping on quality of food as well. When you tip the server most of the time they are tipping a percentage to others that make their job possible and your dining experience more pleasant. For example they tip the food runners, the bussers, hostess, expiditor in the kitchen, and bartenders which can add up from anywhere from 30%-40% of what you tip them. So for every $10 tipped the server will only make $6 or $7. Also, the United States Government assumes that you tip accordingly and taxes the servers as if you tipped according to the standard. If you tip 10% or less the server is actually paying for your dining experience in the taxes that they pay. I will say again, you should tip according to quality service. You tip more at a fancy restaurant because you are not only tipping the server. You are tipping on what you purchased. However, the tip should be based on getting good service. To justify tipping a Denny’s server more than you tip a fine dining server is just ridiculous. You are tipping on quality of food as well. When you tip the server most of the time they are tipping a percentage to others that make their job possible and your dining experience more pleasant. For example they tip the food runners, the bussers, hostess, expiditor in the kitchen, and bartenders which can add up from anywhere from 30%-40% of what you tip them. So for every $10 tipped the server will only make $6 or $7. Also, the United States Government assumes that you tip accordingly and taxes the servers as if you tipped according to the standard. If you tip 10% or less the server is actually paying for your dining experience in the taxes that they pay.

I will say again, you should tip according to quality service.

]]> By: Gabriellehttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-14928 Gabrielle Sat, 18 Sep 2010 17:01:27 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-14928 What about tipping Table Games Dealers in a casino. How come that wasn't included in this article? Is there an ettiquette rule for them? I am a dealer and would like to know. Thanks. What about tipping Table Games Dealers in a casino. How come that wasn’t included in this article? Is there an ettiquette rule for them? I am a dealer and would like to know. Thanks.

]]> By: big beehttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-14652 big bee Thu, 09 Sep 2010 06:32:35 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-14652 Tipping by percentage has gotten out of hand. Why would you tip the hard-working waitress at Denny's only $1 after you ate your "$5 Grand Slam" breakfast (20% right), while at a "fancy" restaurant with inflated prices you might spend $100, but the waiter might be terrible (horrors, how could you give him less than 15%!!). Why should I give him $20? If he waits on 2 tables an hour, he makes alot more than me! I believe you should tip on a sliding scale (% wise). I might give the Denny's waitress a huge tip percentage-wise (60%-100%), but if I give the waiter at the fancy restaurant only 10% ($10), he still makes much more than the Denny's waitress. Not that long ago, a tip of 10% to 15% was standard. That has now grown to 15% to 20%, and I hear some saying 20% to 25%. Somehow the service industry is beating these ever-increasing percentages into the public psyche. Tipping by percentage has gotten out of hand. Why would you tip the hard-working waitress at Denny’s only $1 after you ate your “$5 Grand Slam” breakfast (20% right), while at a “fancy” restaurant with inflated prices you might spend $100, but the waiter might be terrible (horrors, how could you give him less than 15%!!). Why should I give him $20? If he waits on 2 tables an hour, he makes alot more than me!

I believe you should tip on a sliding scale (% wise). I might give the Denny’s waitress a huge tip percentage-wise (60%-100%), but if I give the waiter at the fancy restaurant only 10% ($10), he still makes much more than the Denny’s waitress.

Not that long ago, a tip of 10% to 15% was standard. That has now grown to 15% to 20%, and I hear some saying 20% to 25%. Somehow the service industry is beating these ever-increasing percentages into the public psyche.

]]> By: Reihttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-14644 Rei Wed, 08 Sep 2010 07:09:18 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-14644 @Melissa: You know what, I don't know what happened to you in this life to make you so damned bitter, but Brandy is not the embodiment of every evil in the universe, and the fact that you are acting like she is doesn't make it so. Get over it and yourself already. @Brandy: My only issue with your last comment is that perhaps a restaurant isn't the best place to teach a kid to eat pancakes. The kid will almost inevitably end up eating part of it directly off the table and you can never be 100% on how clean those tables are (damage to the surface could mean that even a very good wipe-down might not be enough when pancake syrup can pick up any yuckiness in the tiniest cracks). Also, slippery, sticky pancakes can be challenging for a child of kindergarten age, let alone two. I've even had a bit of pancake or waffle slip off my fork as an adult, but thankfully it always fell on the plate. Your own dining room table which you can be sure is clean to your own satisfaction might be better for that. You can do whatever you want, and I'm not judging, I'm just putting it out there. @Melissa: You know what, I don’t know what happened to you in this life to make you so damned bitter, but Brandy is not the embodiment of every evil in the universe, and the fact that you are acting like she is doesn’t make it so. Get over it and yourself already.

@Brandy: My only issue with your last comment is that perhaps a restaurant isn’t the best place to teach a kid to eat pancakes. The kid will almost inevitably end up eating part of it directly off the table and you can never be 100% on how clean those tables are (damage to the surface could mean that even a very good wipe-down might not be enough when pancake syrup can pick up any yuckiness in the tiniest cracks). Also, slippery, sticky pancakes can be challenging for a child of kindergarten age, let alone two. I’ve even had a bit of pancake or waffle slip off my fork as an adult, but thankfully it always fell on the plate. Your own dining room table which you can be sure is clean to your own satisfaction might be better for that. You can do whatever you want, and I’m not judging, I’m just putting it out there.

]]> By: Melissahttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-14636 Melissa Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:31:04 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-14636 Brandy I think the people are only nice to you because it is their job to be nice and if they told you what they really think they would lose it. I guarantee that they do in fact mind that you use them to clean up the mess you quite obviously don't want to clean up in your own home. They aren't learning how to eat out at age 2, they aren't going to remember that. It's unfortunate that you probably HAVE taught them that it is okay to treat service people like your own personal slave. They're servers not servants. I'm glad you don't live near me, or at least I pray not, because you are the type of person everyone dreads having to sit next to at a restaurant! Brandy
I think the people are only nice to you because it is their job to be nice and if they told you what they really think they would lose it. I guarantee that they do in fact mind that you use them to clean up the mess you quite obviously don’t want to clean up in your own home. They aren’t learning how to eat out at age 2, they aren’t going to remember that. It’s unfortunate that you probably HAVE taught them that it is okay to treat service people like your own personal slave. They’re servers not servants. I’m glad you don’t live near me, or at least I pray not, because you are the type of person everyone dreads having to sit next to at a restaurant!

]]> By: Reihttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-14634 Rei Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:27:33 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-14634 They could try to do that, but we know they'd only be paying fed minimum. Anybody who doesn't bother to pay attention to how much they're paying for food almost deserves to be fleeced. I apologize if I misunderstood and overreacted. I'm not feeling very well today. They could try to do that, but we know they’d only be paying fed minimum. Anybody who doesn’t bother to pay attention to how much they’re paying for food almost deserves to be fleeced.

I apologize if I misunderstood and overreacted. I’m not feeling very well today.

]]> By: Bumblehttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-14633 Bumble Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:35:17 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-14633 What i was trying to point out is that the owners would pad their prices and use the wages as an excuse. It was not meant as an affront to you, but rather an illustration of the unscrupulous behavior of owners, especially corporate ownership. What i was trying to point out is that the owners would pad their prices and use the wages as an excuse. It was not meant as an affront to you, but rather an illustration of the unscrupulous behavior of owners, especially corporate ownership.

]]> By: Reihttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-14632 Rei Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:37:07 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-14632 I really hope you aren't insinuating that I'd rather do that. That is completely uncalled for. If you think that's would happen with the situation described, fine, but your assertion about me is incorrect at the very least and wildly insulting at the worst. I said I'd like to see them get paid full federal minimum at least like everyone else so they're not dependent on tips so they don't suffer at the hands of some cheap bastard who ignores their hard work and refuses to tip. I really hope you aren’t insinuating that I’d rather do that. That is completely uncalled for. If you think that’s would happen with the situation described, fine, but your assertion about me is incorrect at the very least and wildly insulting at the worst. I said I’d like to see them get paid full federal minimum at least like everyone else so they’re not dependent on tips so they don’t suffer at the hands of some cheap bastard who ignores their hard work and refuses to tip.

]]> By: Bumblehttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-14631 Bumble Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:28:14 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-14631 You would rather line the pockets of the owners than the hard working staff. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. You would rather line the pockets of the owners than the hard working staff. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

]]> By: Reihttp://www.moneycrashers.com/the-money-crashers-guide-to-tipping/#comment-14627 Rei Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:27:08 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/?p=648#comment-14627 I'd be willing to pay the extra straight up and then only tip if the server was really great. Maybe I'm in the minority, but I pay almost that in tip anyhow, and I'd feel better knowing that my server isn't working for slave wages. I’d be willing to pay the extra straight up and then only tip if the server was really great. Maybe I’m in the minority, but I pay almost that in tip anyhow, and I’d feel better knowing that my server isn’t working for slave wages.

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