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Tipping is a significant part of the dining experience in many countries. It’s a way to show appreciation for the service you’ve received, and in countries like the USA, tips are an essential part of a server’s income. Most people consider themselves considerate tippers, but there are some tipping faux pas that can really annoy servers.
You Don’t Tip Enough
People who tip less than 15 to 20 percent of their total bill are probably the biggest annoyances to servers. Tips are part of a server’s total income, and they use them for day-to-day expenses, such as buying groceries and paying bills. 10% may be okay in an inexpensive, casual eatery, but at a sit-down restaurant, expect to pay at least 15%.
Deducting From Your Tip for Mistakes
Of course, expect good service, but you shouldn’t think leaving a lower tip is okay because of mistakes. Penalizing a server for things that might be out of their control is unfair. Servers work hard to ensure you have a pleasant experience, and if you don’t, give some polite, constructive criticism instead of deducting from your tip.
Tipping Verbally
Compliments are fantastic, and servers love to hear them. But they don’t pay the bills. So, don’t give compliments and skimp on the tip. Make sure your tip is still at least 15%.
Tipping After Discounts
If you’re lucky enough to get a discount on your bill, don’t calculate the tip on the discounted amount. The server still worked hard to ensure you had a good experience, so remember to calculate your tip on the original amount before any promotions or discounts.
Comparing Tips
Every dining experience and every server is unique, and comparing one to another is unfair on the server as it overlooks the circumstances that can affect quality and the server’s effort to provide you with a good dining experience.
Tipping with Conditions
Never use the promise of an excellent tip to get freebies or extras. This turns what should be a gesture of appreciation into a transaction and puts servers in an uncomfortable position.
Not Tipping Enough on a Large Party
Large parties can be a server’s nightmare. They require more coordination and effort, so you should expect to pay a little more than a 15% tip. Some restaurants add an automatic tip for large parties to ensure the server is fairly compensated. Unfortunately, some customers ask for the automatic tip to be removed and then leave a lower tip.
Leaving Loose Change
Every penny helps, but leaving a pile of loose change can feel like you didn’t value the server’s efforts. If you really aren’t able to leave a decent tip, give the server a polite explanation so they know you appreciate their work.
Not Leaving a Tip for a Small Order
It doesn’t matter whether you ordered a cup of coffee or a three-course meal. The server still had to make an effort to bring you your order, and you should tip appropriately.
Ignoring Tip Suggestions
Many restaurants include tip suggestions on the bill to help customers know what’s appropriate without having to do math at the table. Opting to tip less than the lowest recommended amount undervalues the servers’ efforts.
Complicating the Tip
Complicated math doesn’t belong at the dinner table. If you don’t use the tip suggestion, just round up the amount you are going to tip to the nearest dollar.
Tipping on Personal Biases
The quality of your service should be the only factor you use to determine the amount of tip you leave, not personal opinions or stereotypes. Judging someone by their age, appearance, gender, or ethnicity is discriminatory and unfair.
Not Tipping for Takeout
It’s not unusual for staff to not get tipped if they are working on a takeout order. However, they still deserve recognition for the work they put into the orders.
Tipping with Gifts
Servers rely on tips as a large part of their income. Gifts and other non-cash tips can’t be used to buy groceries or pay bills. They can also create practical problems, especially if the servers share tips, which they often do.
Basing a Tip on Perceived Lifestyle
Don’t be judgmental when you tip; it’s frustrating and unfair. You don’t know what your server’s lifestyle is like, whether they live at home and have no bills or whether they are in school with student loans, for example. Tip appropriately without an opinion of the server or their lifestyle.
Giving Advice Instead of a Tip
It’s surprising how many people will leave a note on their bill giving advice on how to improve service instead of a tip. It’s unfair and doesn’t help the server pay the bills. If you think they could improve their service, leave a tip and offer some constructive criticism.
Leaving the Tip on the Table
If you leave the tip on the table, it could be stolen or overlooked by the server. It can also seem disrespectful. Hand the tip directly to the server. It’s more personal and shows them you appreciate their service.
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