Things You'll Need:
- patience
- money
- an open mind
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Step 1
Average service: An average server in a restaurant is required to greet you, get you drinks, take your order, get the food to the table correctly, maintain the table cleanliness, present desserts if required and present the check for payment. If your server has done all of these things in a timely, efficient manner, then you have received average service and should leave the standard tip of 15-18% of the total bill.
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Step 2
Extraordinary service: An extraordinary server will do all of the above requirements, but goes beyond what is just required and plays a role in making your dining experience excellent and memorable. For example, if your server has been especially prompt, taken care of your children with patience or taken care of your special dietary needs, then perhaps you should consider leaving a larger tip than the standard. A tip of 20% or higher will show your server that they were beyond average, and he or she will really appreciate it!
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Step 3
Poor or Below Standard service: Yes, the sad news is that many people out there who are waiting on tables shouldn't be. I am very forgiving regarding service because I understand how a restaurant works, so I never blame a server if the food is not cooked properly. It is rarely a server's fault if food takes a really long time or is not cooked to order. Kitchens have a large role to play in getting the food right and a server should not be blamed for another's mistake. Poor service would however include a person who is rarely at the table, if they have a rude attitude and if they completely mess up an order. No one likes to wait or be ignored, and I would consider this to fall under the category of poor service. If you have received poor service, feel free to leave what your heart tells you, but as a rule, I think 10% tells your server that they did something wrong.
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Step 4
As a side note, try to remember that you are giving the person waiting on you their paycheck. Servers almost always get a small minimum wage (in PA it is $2.83 per hour), and with the tips that they make, they often have to tip out several people (hosts, bartenders, bus people), which diminishes what they take home. Most servers do not get a paycheck at all by the time that tips and wages are taxed! By leaving a tip, you are showing your server what kind of service that they provide, and if they choose to improve, it should show in what they take home. Have pity. Waiting on tables is not as easy as many people seem to think. What would you leave yourself?
Comments
williamfjordan said
on 12/5/2009 well written an excellent info on tipping correctly 5*
fcmosher said
on 12/2/2009 Right, solid advice. 5*****
charlotteh said
on 10/16/2009 Very informative and tipping is very important in my book especially to those serving. I'm in the hair industry so I know the value of a tip Lol :-) 5*s
ramblin62 said
on 10/16/2009 A well-written and honest article about how to tip according to service. I've always tried to be a good tipper, but your details here are especially helpful. Servers do work hard, and even on an off day they still deserve some thanks for their efforts. tx.
kinderhook said
on 10/14/2009 Tipping is sometimes a delicate issue among members of a party. Remember that tables with more diners demand much more effort from the server: more to remember, more to carry, more questions to answer. Good article on tipping according to service. 5