I'm not swimming in money, heck I haven't worked in about a year and a half. However, I go out of my way to help out a server whenever I eat out. It's not always in the form of money either...

For instance, I always joke around with my server and try to get them to open up and relax. I usually makes the service better, and probably helps them get in a better mood so they get better tips elsewhere too. If they play along and have some fun, and aren't complete jerks, then I will tip 2-3 times the tax (which where I live is about 8%). I always round up too.

If the service is really bad, my minimum is basically 10-12%. If it is REALLY bad, maybe less. I realize sometimes people have a bad day and try not to punish them too much. Plus, a good tip may help them get in a better mood for everyone else.

At the end of the day, I think good service is very important, and if and when I receive it I tip very well.

 

$2-$10, depending on service. btw, nice sig hogfan

 

generally, I just double the sales tax amount which equals 16.5% around here. this is when everything with my meal goes well. i honestly don't have a problem leaving no tip when service is lacking. besides many restaurants now pay wait staff a minimum wage markup for when their tips don't equal up to the amount they would have made if they worked for strictly minimum wage.

 

i normally do 20% whenever i go eat somewhere.

how much do you all tip at places like sonic?

 

Before I walking into any establishment, I’m tipping 15%. With it set at 15%, it’s up to the personnel at the establishment to either maintain the 15% or increase/decrease that amount based on the service. You either bring that percentage up or down based on my overall experience.

For those who leave .01 or nothing, be more mature and inform the management and/or the service personnel on what they can do to improve themselves.

 

I'll tell them to keep the change if the service is good.

 

I disagree. Leaving very little or no tip sends a message to the wait staff that you were unhappy with their service. A tip is earned. Quality of food/atmosphere is something that I would inform the manager of.

 

So when you get bad service because the guy before you left a penny, you just keep the cycle going?

Good thinking there.

 

Agree!

 

Nothing wrong with leaving nothing or very little....but give the service personnel your feedback on why you did so. This only helps build on the overall service.

 

I agree the guy we had this afternoon sucked. He knew that he wasn't doing a good job, but did nothing about it. He told me his manager was coming over to talk with us. The manager never showed up. The fastest service all night was when he took the credit card to ring up the bill and returned the table even faster. I joked when I told him that was the fastest service I received all night. He just smiled and walked off... Oh well he got the on the tip line.

 

No, I would hope that the waiter/waitress would have a desire to improve her service so they could earn a better tip.

 

Don't know about this: When I go out to eat, I am going as a customer, not to run someones elses business-> I have enough problems running mine without poking my nose into someone else's. IF I know the owner/manager, then I may let them know, but for the most part, that is what the manager/owner gets paid for: to keep track of what is going on in their place and to see that the customer has a good time.

I start off at 20%, then it up to the staff in increase/decrease it. Been known to double the bill as well as leaving $1.00.

Woof
Bowser

 

20% normally unless they suck and I'll be a doushe and give them a penny.

If you leave a small amount of money, it sends the message that you suck and to step it up. If not, you'll keep getting crap for a tip.

Bar tabs, I'll usually give a big tip if the service is good.

 

Oh, I gotcha. You write how they can improve their service on the penny.