How to Make Sure the Waiter's Tip Gets to the Waiter When You Leave

Tip the waiter at least 15 percent unless he was rude or unprofessional.

Waiters and waitresses are typically paid below minimum wage and relay heavily on tips to earn a decent living. Most costumers leave the tip for the waiter on the table as they are leaving. When the tip is in cash, however, there are certain circumstances when the money might end up in the wrong hands, and the waiter who worked hard to earn the tip does not receive it. There are a few ways to ensure the waiter receives his tip.

Instructions

1. Hand the tip directly to the waiter. You can do this after he hands you the bill, after you pay for the meal, or as you are leaving.

2. Include the tip with the cash when paying the bill. For example, if the bill comes to 50 dollars and you are leaving a 20 percent tip, give the waiter a total of 60 dollars and tell him to keep the change.

3. Place the tip inside the bill holder. The waiter will put the bill inside the holder and hand it to you for you to place your payment inside. After the waiter returns with the receipt and change, if applicable, place the tip back into the bill holder and hand to the waiter. Make sure to tell him that his tip is inside the bill holder.

4. Add the tip to the bill when paying with a credit card. After the waiter has run the credit card, he will bring you the receipt. At the bottom of the receipt above the signature line there is an area for you to write in the tip you want to leave the waiter. This tip is taken off the credit card and added to the waiter’s paycheck.

References

• Rick Steves' Europe: Tipping Tips from the UK and Europe
• iTipping.com: How Much Should I Tip at Restaurants?