Have your tipping habits changed?

[disneysteve]

It's funny how some people will tip 10% - 20% for a meal, but refuse to pay a professional advisor 3% - 5% to invest their money.

You are comparing apples and kumquats.

I can't go to a restaurant and serve myself. Even at a buffet, there is usually a server bringing drinks, clearing dishes, etc. who I tip when I eat there (though I don't give 20% in that setting).

But why should I pay an advisor 3%-5% to invest my money when I can pay less than 1% to Vanguard and get top-quality professional management? If there were some good evidence that the professional advisor would earn me superior returns I'd be happy to pay for the service, but there is no such evidence.

[jc3900]

I have a question on tipping that is not really related to the discussion, but here it goes anyway. My girlfriend won two free entrees at prom for Logan's steakhouse. Because we could get anything on the menu, we obviously didn't hold back. We both ordered +$20 dollar entrees and our bill ended up twice as expensive as it normally does. Now, the waitor didn't do twice the work she would have done if we had gotten our normal meals, so why should I pay her a percentage when she isn't doing anymore work to earn it?

[disneysteve]

I have a question on tipping that is not really related to the discussion, but here it goes anyway. My girlfriend won two free entrees at prom for Logan's steakhouse. Because we could get anything on the menu, we obviously didn't hold back. We both ordered +$20 dollar entrees and our bill ended up twice as expensive as it normally does. Now, the waitor didn't do twice the work she would have done if we had gotten our normal meals, so why should I pay her a percentage when she isn't doing anymore work to earn it?

Whether we agree with the tipping system or not, it is what it is. Tipping is customarily based on a percentage of the meal cost. You are correct that the server did the same amount of work but by tipping standard etiquette, that warrants a larger tip.

[ceejay74]

but if a lot of people did that then resturants would be without customers.

If people like the food but don't think the service is worth the extra money, get takeout at your favorite restaurant. I do that sometimes. It still supports the restaurant when I don't quite want to shell out more to dine in.

[wblake]

My tipping habits haven't changed. It's just a part of the cost of eating out, so as several people have said, it's a matter of being able to afford eating out, not a matter of being able to afford the tip.

[disneysteve]

If people like the food but don't think the service is worth the extra money, get takeout at your favorite restaurant. I do that sometimes. It still supports the restaurant when I don't quite want to shell out more to dine in.

Couldn't agree more. We've also done take-out to keep the bill down.

Bottom line is if you want to eat out, you need to observe proper etiquette regarding tipping. If you don't wish to do that, don't go eat at a restaurant.

[zakity]

What burns my butt is someone who thinks they tip well and they really don't. I know a lady that will tell the server that she tips well and then only tips like 10% (if that).

I tip 20%. Sometimes, depending where we are, we might do 25% (for a favorite server).

[Well Spent]

I was a restaurant worker. Worst experience of my life. It showed me a meanspirited, stingy side of humanity.

I've also been forced to dine with stingy people (relatives, coworkers, friends of friends) and seen servers be treated badly.

Anyone who tells you they are a "good tipper" at the start of a meal is informing you that you will be screwed.

I believe that restaurant workers should be paid an hourly wage so their living doesn't depend on a disturbingly high number of cheap bastards in our society.

15% - 20% is standard tip in USA. If you can't afford to tip 15%-20%, don't step foot in the restaurant.

[Aleta]

Tipping depends on many things. If you have alcoholic drinks, you should tip extra. I think between 15 and 20% is good. There are times when a waitor just does alot for you and I like to tip them more than I normally would.

[Ima saver]

We find that since we tip well, the waiter-waitress are all so eager to serve us. Just bring us two glasses, a pitcher of ice and check back in about 45 minutes!!

[MiikeB]

I agree wiith IMA, I love it when a waiter drops off a pitcher of the drink. Some people think it is just the waiter being lazy but I am happy to always have my glass full.

[stressedmama]

My family to has cut back on eating out, but has not changed our tipping habits when we go out to eat 10 - 15% ave service, more then 15% for great service. I have a related question. We now tend to order take out from places such as Outback who will bring you food right out the door to your car. Do you all tip the waitress who brings your food to the car? I have started tipping, but in this senerio I usually give a $1 - $2 since that person didn't even take my order. Is that to stingy?

[Well Spent]

No, you're not stingy. That's reasonable.

[Cylenchar]

Nope, not at all. If I eat out, I tip. Usually 20%. No need to puish the servers. Besides, I have also noticed the beneficial trend of having waiters and waitresses recognize us and give us better service since we tip well.

[edmundo]

Tipping is not compulsory it depends on you.