Do you tip in restaurants?

SingleSue

I only tip for exceptional service or where someone has gone above and beyond to make us comfortable. I don't do a set amount, it's usually a couple of quid (although others on the table will also usually do a couple of quid each too). They are paid for doing the role, to the best of the their ability and with good customer service as a basic, I reward when they go beyond that.

I earn minimum wage, can only do restricted hours and despite being customer facing in the leisure/recreation sector, the only tips we get is the occasional banana or a cream cake (same customer, think he gets a cream cake for whoever is on so that he doesn't feel guilty about having one). We are still expected to give the customer the best customer service, with a smile on our face, being at their beck and call and making drinks when asked.

caseyblue

I go out to eat very rarely, so it might be different from regular goers, but I try to tip the staff a bit extra. I live in a country where tips aren't expected, but I've noticed that even a small extra tip can really make a waiter's day.

DigSunPap

I do like to leave a tip - but only if it has been earned. This doesn't mean the server jumping through all sorts of hoops for us, but simple politeness and the smooth running of the meal is all that is required i'd say. Then I would be happy to tip 10% minimum.

Purpleperil5433

mai_taylor said:

I've always worked in customer service often dealing with very difficult customers on not much more than minimum wage. I don't get tips nor would I expect to. I don't see why restaurant staff should get tips for doing their job, they should provide good service regardless as this is what they are paid for. I only ever tip if someone has gone above and beyond but eating out is so expensive anyway I don't feel like I should have to pay any extra.

I agree, we don’t eat out very often either, mainly because there are 4 of us in the house and to go to a restaurant and eat meals that are nowadays around £16-£20 on average in the general high street restaurants it can be expensive especially if you add on drinks you could be looking at £85-£100 so with this in mind I sadly don’t tip, if however I had a pot of gold then maybe I would 

inmypocketnottheirs

Yes, I agree with tipping.  I’m a big believer in trickle down economics and if I can spread the wealth with a decent tip I will, in return for good service.  

Squierel

Absolutely, leaving a tip is like a little thank-you note for the service you've received. Having been on the other side as a waiter myself, I totally get how crucial those tips are. That's why I always make sure to leave at least 10% as a tip—it's a small way to show appreciation for their hard work. Plus, it helps ease any lingering guilt knowing I'm doing my part to support them.

oldernonethewiser

Squierel said:

Absolutely, leaving a tip is like a little thank-you note for the service you've received. Having been on the other side as a waiter myself, I totally get how crucial those tips are. That's why I always make sure to leave at least 10% as a tip—it's a small way to show appreciation for their hard work. Plus, it helps ease any lingering guilt knowing I'm doing my part to support them.

Regardless of the service?

Huilpp

Tip culture is arguably one of the most nonsensical practices that exist. In countries like Japan or China, tipping is considered an insult. This reflects the consequences of imitating Western cultures.

Grumpy_chap

We had a "tipping" dilemma at the weekend.  After our meal - excellent food - appalling service - the bill arrived with 12.5% gratuity already added to the total.  Unfortunately, the desire not to make a scene won out and the gratuity was paid.  Quite annoying really.  It's one thing to pay when the experience was superb but quite another when the experience was "wanting"

MobileSaver

Grumpy_chap said:

Unfortunately, the desire not to make a scene won out and the gratuity was paid.

We Brits are far too polite! I'd like to think I'd have requested they remove the gratuity but in truth I know it would have depended on the circumstances; if with family or good friends I would have insisted on removal but if with people we didn't know really well then yes I'd have done the same and quietly paid it through gritted teeth.

Grumpy_chap said:

the bill arrived with 12.5% gratuity already added to the total. 

This is a pet hate of mine and I always deal with it in the same way:

1. After the event I make a point of leaving a review; the review is a fair comment of the food and service but I always deduct a star or point for the tip issue. In the review I explain why I've given a lower score and I also explain that for the same reason I will not be dining there again.
2. I never dine there again.

These steps probably don't make a blind bit of difference to anyone else but they do make me feel better.