tipping in florida

lorrenna

thanks. i consider 15 to 20% to be quite high. but i suppose if it makes a difference to the service we receive it might not be so bad.

dickydonkin

Hey I'm from Tampa, it's likea conversation for me! ha!

Tip your meals 15% if it was good, 20% outstanding (make you special orders, really fast service, go out of their way). If it was bad service, speak to the manager. I've only stiffed once, they didn't even bring me my meal! Don't tip in change, it's rude. And never leave less than $2, it's also rude.
Bartenders - tip a dollar or two, depending on how many drinks you get.
Taxi - 10% plus $1 a bag if they help you.
Coffee shops are up to you, I never do.

As for the bit I quoted above - I think that's not exactly true now. You may have to wait for service from a bartender, but they won't refuse to serve you. And wait staff chasing after customers? I have never ever ever seen that, and I lived in America for 25 years.

Some people disagree with it, but I do think it's rather over the top to call tipping immoral. It's the culture - service wages are exampt from minimum wage because of tipping, not the other way round. But please, feel free to sit in judgement of all other cultures and ways. I'm sure it will get you outstanding service in a restaurant if you explain to them you're not tipping because you are taking your moral high ground.

You have compounded my point very well - if you don't tip you get crap service - now if that is your culture...........!

I have no issues with the cultures of many nations - that is one of the attraction of travel, but some may question the morality of a 'culture' of the biggest economy in the world that pays derisory wages to people in anticipation of those wages being subsidised by the punter.

Typical of the US, this 'cultural aspect' revolves around money - the be all and end all.

In many undeveloped or poor nations, waiters in restaurants GENUINELY show warmth, courtesy and great service - not because they are after tips - but because that is the way they are.

Take the tipping aspect out of the equation in service orientated industies in the US and you will see their true colours.

The airline industry is a prime example. Many of their cabin crew are the most cold and unhelpful in aviation, although I concede that this is not unique to US based airlines.

As for being critical of me suggesting the practice is immoral and taking the moral high ground for saying so. Have a look at the sarcastic quote above I highlighted.

I reiterate, why should an EMPLOYEE dictate the service to a CUSTOMER based on tips?

Don't tip in change, it's rude. And never leave less than $2, it's also rude.

Brilliant!
If that is you 'culture' - you are welcome to it!

Voyager2002

In fairness, I should add that waiters and bar staff in the USA have significantly higher incomes than their counterparts in the UK. So the system works well for them; works well for many of their customers who get to enjoy good service and then feel generous for paying for that service; and maybe for the restaurant owners who are able to charge what seem like low prices because the cost of service is not shown on the menu. But it definitely does not work for me.

stephb34

dpassmore wrote: »

The airline industry is a prime example. Many of their cabin crew are the most cold and unhelpful in aviation, although I concede that this is not unique to US based airlines.



I have read your post several times, can you clarify am i supposed to tip the cabin crew as well now, or are you saying because they don't get tips they are rude and unhelpful.

aidansmum_2

lorrenna wrote: »

hi. im visiting tampa florida on the 30th may til 9th june. iv been considering a few things, and one of the things i need to know about is tipping. iv heard it is expected in the USA. is it expected on every purchase?

im not usually one who will leave a tip. maybe a pound or so after a good meal. but usually i just pay the bill price.

is the tip usually added/expected for everything including taxis and porter service at the hotel?

please help.

this is what i do in florida

15% for a meal as standard,
20% for a fantastic meal and service
10% for taxi & $1 per bag
valet parking a few $'s extra
extra quarters and dimes into wee box in starbucks if i have loads in pocket.

enjoy it. I stayed at the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza, wonderful hotel, the mall next door is wonderful

FH_Brit

paulinespens wrote: »

In the UK waiters and bar persons are paid an hourly salary.

In the US they are paid very little per hour I have heard $1 and they make the rest of the pay packet by tips. You should expect very good service in the US not like what you get in the UK. Also expect free refills on your soda.

Not quite $1 - They are pooly paid but the employer must guaantee the Florida minimum wage (about $7 per hour) - so if they dont make $7 ph with their tips the employer must make up the difference - however there are places where the waiters/ess actually PAY to work, as the tips are so great (similar on some cruise lines)

Food 15% usual (10% if buffet - where you go and "fill" your own plate) but if good service 20%.

Some employers ask you not to tip (grocery carry out by Publix staff)

I joke sometimes telling the server that they have $100 tip and I'll "knock it down" when they do bad - then tell them that they will owe me!

Don't be stupid and tell them as in the post about "moral high ground" unless you like spit etc in your food!

Unlike Anna says - it is ok to tip in change - I usually appologise and say it's change or nothing - they will be pleased to take it.

Watch out too - many eateries will add a tip automatically to your bill for large parties (usually 8 or more) but look at your bill - the Passage to India on I-Drive add 18% to all bills in very little print!

Murphy_The_Cat

OP, My tuppence worth.
If you get good service in a restaurant, add 10% to the bill.
If you don't get good service, just pay the bill - as for the bunkum about not getting served their another time, take that with a huge pinch of salt. Besideswhich, if you've had a poor meal and/or sloppy and inattentive service, why would you want to go back ?

Its YOUR hard earned, heavily taxed income and don't let others try to morally blackmail you into frittering it away.

FH_Brit

Very true Murph!

And as an add - no law says you must tip.

Another thought --- There are some "not so honest places" and it was advised here if you pay by debit/credit card they present the bill that has the food price and a space for you to fill in a tip. If you leave cash tip write in the "tip" part of the CC/DC receipt "cash on table" as there was a con for a while (have not heard lately) that after you leave they add their own tip!

misgrace

Why is it, that America is the place that they expect such high tipping?

I have been to loads of countires, not America, and I always tip what I want when I have received good service, I never look at my bill and think, 'right, its £50, so I'll 15% or 20%'.
Even in the Uk I will tip average £2, and they are happy to receive it, if every table tipped £1-£2, then they are doing okay, and as we know they are on minium wage also.

I dont like the fact that its expected that we have to tip 20%, but only in America......;)

FH_Brit

Well speaking of Florida $7 per hour is less that £5 ph! Not great pay! Minimum wage levels are set by each state - I heard S Carolina is less than $5 ph (but then a friend of mine bought a 6 bed, 4 bathroom, HUGE house on 2 acres lakeside for $140k (£97k approx).

You know - I always feel that tipping is comparative, a sinlge mum who saved hard for a couple of years to give her kids a holiday who tips £2 is worth far more than say Donald Trump tipping £2!

I used to own a chauffeur company and the "man on the street" who gave me £5 for taking his family to the airport and return was far more appreciated than the businessman who gave £5 on his expense account!