Additional Coverage:
- 10 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Tipping Restaurant Staff (financebuzz.com)
Tipping Etiquette: 11 Common Restaurant Mistakes to Avoid
Tipping can be confusing, but it’s an important part of dining out in the U.S. Here are some common tipping mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Remember the Standard: While some debate exists, 20% is the generally accepted tipping standard. Servers rely on tips, so anything less might be interpreted negatively.
- Factor in Discounts: Coupons or gift cards reduce your bill, but your server’s effort remains the same. Calculate your tip based on the original, pre-discount amount.
- Tip on Freebies: Complimentary items, like birthday drinks or desserts, should be factored into your tip as if you had paid for them.
- Money Doesn’t Buy Everything: A generous tip doesn’t excuse disrespectful behavior.
Be mindful of staff and other diners. A larger tip can, however, compensate for unavoidable disruptions, like a messy child.
- Don’t Penalize Uncontrollable Issues: Don’t reduce your server’s tip for kitchen errors or other issues beyond their control. Communicate any problems to your server directly.
- Tip Your Bartender: While not typically 20%, a few dollars per drink is customary for bartenders. Increase this for complex cocktails.
- Account for Tax: Especially with larger bills, remember that tax can significantly impact the final amount. Tipping on the pre-tax total is acceptable, as long as it’s around 20%.
- Address Bad Service Appropriately: While reducing a tip for genuinely bad service is understandable, consider the impact on other staff members. A slightly reduced tip, around 15%, might be a better approach.
- Scrutinize Tipping Screens: Don’t blindly select the suggested tip. Payment platforms allow customizable percentages, so double-check the amount before confirming.
- Automatic Gratuity Awareness: Large parties often have an automatic gratuity added. Check your bill carefully to avoid double-tipping.
- Be Fair, Even with Deals: Even if you’re using a Groupon or taking advantage of a special, appropriate tipping is still crucial. Be generous, but within reason.
Read More About This Story:
- 10 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Tipping Restaurant Staff (financebuzz.com)