One of the most embarrassing things is sitting at a table with a group of cheapskates that split pennies at dinner and then short change on the tip. Not only is it idiotic to think that the two or three dollars will really make a difference in your financial situation but it shows no class.
On the other hand there are a lot of servers out there that are lazy, ignorant and think that providing good service is beneath them because one day they will be a famous actor or actress.
I tend to be generous especially if the server does a good job but I do not consider good tips an entitlement. Tips are a reflection of service and average service earns an average tip unless you have really great legs.
The dispute in today's Sharp Report is less important than the overall debate. I have never been treated poorly by a waiter or bartender that knew me to be a regular. A good server knows where their bread is buttered and a good tip for a job well done usually leaves an impression.
I follow a simple system of tipping so that I don't look like that guy hunched over the bill with a calculator.
10% on the pre-tax amount for below average service
15% for doing your job
20% for doing your job well
30% for a happy ending
Ok, so maybe not the last one but it is a simple system.
I don't know why when the bill comes that extra one or two dollars seems to be a back breaker for some people. Servers know the numbers and the difference between 15% and 20% on a $50 bill is $2.50.
If you are not good at math here is an easy way to remember. Move the decimal point one place to the left. .
EXAMPLE: If your bill is $38.50
Move the decimal one spot to the left. $3.85; that amount is 10%. If the service was average you take that amount and add another 50% or $1.92 which would give you a total of $5.77. Round up to $6 just because you are not cheap. If the service was good then double the 10% amount; $7.70 or $8.00
There good servers and bad ones but when your out, live a little. If a server is that terrible, talk to the manager and explain what happened. That is much more useful to the server and the establishment than lousy tip.
Stay Sharp!
STORY: Woman Called Poor Tipper Procures Lawyer
STORY: Woman banned from restaurant for bad tipping
TIP GUIDE FROM iTipping.com
