Additional Coverage:
- 10 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Tipping Restaurant Staff (financebuzz.com)
Tipping Troubles? Navigate Restaurant Etiquette Like a Pro!
Dining out in the U.S. comes with an unwritten rule: tipping your server. It’s a fundamental part of their livelihood, but let’s be honest, the whole system can be a bit of a head-scratcher.
Are you leaving too little? Too much?
Fear not, fellow diners! We’ve got the lowdown on 10 common tipping blunders to help you master the art of the gratuity and keep your wallet happy.
1. The 20% Rule: It’s Not Just a Suggestion
While some might debate between 15% and 20%, seasoned servers will tell you that anything less than 20% can signal a problem. In most American restaurants, servers and other staff rely on tips to make ends meet. So, unless it’s a “no tipping” establishment, aim for that 20% mark.
2. Don’t Let Discounts Discount Your Tip
Got a coupon or gift card that slashes your bill? Awesome!
But remember, your server put in the same amount of work. Calculate your tip based on the original, full price of your meal, not the discounted total.
3. Freebies Aren’t “Free” for Your Server
Birthday dessert on the house? A complimentary drink from the bartender?
While you’re enjoying a freebie, it’s customary to tip based on the item’s standard cost. Your server or bartender still provided the service!
4. Money Doesn’t Buy Immunity from Etiquette
Leaving a generous tip is fantastic, but it doesn’t give you a free pass to disregard basic restaurant manners. Always be respectful of staff and fellow diners. If your party does cause a bit of extra work (think a messy toddler), a larger tip can certainly help make amends.
5. Don’t Blame the Messenger (or the Server)
Things go wrong in busy restaurants – a kitchen delay, a sold-out dish. These are often beyond your server’s control.
Etiquette experts agree: don’t penalize your server’s tip for issues they can’t fix. Better yet, communicate the problem so they can try to resolve it.
6. Bartenders Need Love (and Tips) Too!
While a full 20% might not be expected on a casual bar tab, a few dollars per drink is standard. For simple orders like beer or wine, $1-$2 per drink is typically fine. But if you’re ordering elaborate cocktails, consider a 15-20% tip.
7. The Taxman Cometh… But Should He Be Tipped On?
When calculating your tip, don’t forget about the sales tax! For smaller bills, it might not be a huge difference, but on larger group tabs, it can add up. Tipping on the pre-tax total is generally acceptable, as long as you stick to that 20% model.
8. Even Bad Service Deserves Some Gratuity
Nobody likes bad service. Your initial instinct might be to skip the tip altogether.
However, remember that tips are often pooled and split among the staff, including bussers and other support staff. If you truly feel the service warrants a lower tip, consider aiming for around 15% to avoid unduly penalizing the entire team.
9. Don’t Be a Screen-Slammer
Those tipping screens at checkout? Take a moment!
Payment platforms allow restaurants to customize suggested tip amounts, which can sometimes be higher than 20% or calculated post-tax. Give it a quick glance before you tap “confirm.”
10. Automatic Gratuity: The Hidden Gem
Dining with a large party (typically six or more)? Check your bill for an “automatic gratuity” charge.
Many restaurants include this, usually around 20% pre-tax. You don’t want to accidentally double-tip and end up paying 40%!
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a coupon connoisseur or a frequent fine diner, tipping appropriately is key. There’s no need to go overboard, but understanding these common mistakes can help you leave a fair tip, support the hard-working staff, and manage your finances wisely.
Read More About This Story:
- 10 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Tipping Restaurant Staff (financebuzz.com)