14 tipping tips for your next trip

14 tipping tips for your next trip

Brush up on gratuity etiquette and travel with confidence.
Updated:
2009-10-11 11:08
Published:
2007-03-07 00:00
By 
Dee Van Dyk

Travel tipping tips: Tips 1-3

Who, when and how much to tip can spark heated debate. If you're going on vacation, it helps to know gratuity expectations before you travel, rather than wondering about them as you pen the tip onto your bill at the end of the night.

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines a gratuity or tip as "something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service." And while it's important to remember that tips should be a voluntary expression of gratitude, they're definitely expected in certain places and situations.

Travel guides with tip expectations and recommendations
There are extreme tipping differences in countries around the world. Even in North America, where the tipping culture is reasonably consistent, there are disparities. In some countries, like Japan or New Zealand, tipping is almost nonexistent. If you're travelling to a foreign country, check out tipping policies in established travel guides like Frommer's, Lonely Planet or Fodor's. 

Who is on the "must tip" list?
Technically you should never feel you must tip, but in reality, there are often situations in which tips are customary. Here are some of those places, with the mostly commonly tipped services leading the list.

1. Restaurants
Tip between 15 and 20 per cent of the bill. In Canada, a quick calculating guide is to triple the GST, which will give you a tipping amount in the 18 per cent range. If you're dining on a coupon, it's good form to tip on the full amount, not the discounted cost.

It's reasonable to leave a smaller tip at a self-serve buffet, but keep in mind that tips are often split between back-of-the-house staff (cooks, dishwashers, etc.). What's reasonable? Offer $1 per person if you get everything, including the drinks, yourself and give 10 per cent of the bill or higher if waitstaff bring your beverages.

Note: If you're dining out with a large group (eight or more), you may find a gratuity automatically added to your bill.

2. Bar service
Leave a tip of 10 to 20 per cent, depending on the quality of service.

3. Cruise ships
Frequent cruisers know that tips are an often-discussed piece of the cruise experience. Tips are usually expected, with many cruise lines now automatically adding tips to the cost of your trip. The onus is then on you to have the auto-tip removed.

Tipping policies vary from cruise line to cruise line and some high-end cruise lines have a no-tipping policy. Per diem tips work out to between $9 and $12 per person and that can be a hefty tab at the end of the trip. To avoid a nasty surprise, check out your cruise line's website for tipping guidelines before you set sail.

It's customary to tip cabin stewards, dining room staff, busboys, spa staff, bartenders and servers, table captains, and almost everyone else whose services you use during your voyage.

Click to continue...

Page 1 of 2

Travel tipping tips: Tips 4-14

4. Spa treatments (hair, nails, massage)
Tip between 10 and 20 per cent of your services.


5. Pizza delivery
While a $2 tip is considered adequate, you may want to top it up a bit on those cold Canadian evenings.

6. Bellhop
A good rule of thumb is to tip $1 per piece of luggage.

7. Room service
Check the room service menu. Often, room service gratuities are automatically added to the bill. If not, tip 15 to 20 per cent.

8. Valet attendant
Tip $1 - $2.

9. Hotel maid
Often nearly invisible, a good hotel maid deserves an appreciatory nod in the form of a tip. Consider leaving behind $1 or $2 per day.

10. Taxi driver
Tip 10 to 15 per cent.

Who's on the "could tip" list?
Admittedly, tipping in North America has hit epidemic proportions in the past few years. Below is a list of services that you might tip if you found the service to be above and beyond your expectations.

11. Flight attendant
Some airlines have a policy about staff not accepting tips. If you've had great service, why not consider a polite "keep the change" to an often-overworked flight attendant?

12. Washroom attendant
Fifty cents to $1.

13. Gas station attendant
It's a self-serve world, but on those subzero days when you choose to roll down the window to pay the gas attendant rather than braving the cold yourself, consider giving a small tip of a dollar or two.

Keep your cash
14. All-inclusive resorts
One of the reasons for choosing an all-inclusive vacation is these bookings generally include tips. Some all-inclusive resorts actually forbid tipping. That said, some vacationers believe -- perhaps with some justification -- that adding a further gratuity might guarantee better service.

Still not sure whether to tip?
Check with a guidebook for the area you're visiting, or do some Internet research to get answers.

Some forums that might be able to address your specific tipping questions:
• Fodor's
• Lonely Planet
• VirtualTourist
• AardvarkTravel
• Cruise Critic

A final word on the tip jar
They're everywhere, often cloaked with cutesy pleas like "Afraid of Change? Leave it Here!" Tip jars are popping up in unexpected places where you might not even consider leaving a tip. Remember, tipping is voluntary and based on outstanding service.

Don't leave a tip if you don't feel it's warranted. Just as importantly, don't use the fact that it's voluntary as an excuse to cheap out on good service. 

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  • bob wrote:

    Nov 05, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:48 AM

    Hi I was reading the "14 tipping tips article". Have you considered tipping for private entertainers, like a kids magician for example. It's usually a way of showing that the show was great and appreciated.

  • Joe Carruthers wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:48 AM

    I'll tip 10% and no more. Having to tip is an annoyance.

  • Mel wrote:

    Nov 13, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:48 AM

    Tipping at a restaurant is expected because waitresses make less than the legal minimum wage. We may make 20-40 bux an hour during the dinner rush, but just remember, that's only two hours out of our 7 hour shift that we're getting paid 6.75 an hour for. I never realized before how much the waitress actually does! We set all the tables, make all the drinks, have to know the menu backwards and forwards, ensure that the food ordered is correct (kitchens can make mistakes, it's our job to catch it before it comes to you!) garnish the plates, add any condiments, make the desserts, coffee, and clean up the tables after you leave (please don't leave cloth napkins on the plates! It's gross and oh so rude ...) and then stay long after the dinner rush to clean up the kitchen, and dining area for the next day ... Then on top of that we have to tip out the bar and the kitchen based on how much food we served, not on the amount of tips made by us, so it is possible to have to pay that out of your pocket if you made truly terrible tips all night. Now if you've had terrible service, leave a very small tip. But also be aware that sometimes terrible service is a result of overworked waitresses being given more tables than they can handle. If you think this is the case, instead of leaving no tip, speak with the manager! If they realize that trying to cut costs is actually costing them customers, they will do something about it.

  • Sandi Horton wrote:

    Nov 14, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:48 AM

    I have worked in the service industry all my life and am now a Front Desk Clerk. My co-workers and I do many things to make sure that our guests have a enjoyable experience while staying at our resort. Although Front Desk rarely earns cash tips-a satisfied client can leave an Employee Nomination telling how a particular person impressed them with their service. This nomination translates into cash rewards from our employer during staff appreciation week each April. It is nice to know that we are appreciated for our good service during the preceeding year. Cheers, Sandi Horton Guest Services and Relations Beach Acres Resort

  • Paul Rodrigue wrote:

    Aug 18, 2008

    2009-09-22 10:48 AM

    I do not agree with your tipping advices. Restaurant and cruise ships paid their workers taking into account the amount of tyips they wsupposely wiill receive. the cost of going in a cruise or eating at restaurants is expensive enough without giving extensive tips for service they should provide regardeless of tips for service rendered. We tips for good service. 10 years ago it was 10to 15% , now you advice 15to 20%. SAnother 10 years it will be 20 to 25 %.

  • restaurant server wrote:

    Nov 09, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:48 AM

    I have been a server for over 20 years and I'd like to point out that servers work just as hard, and sometimes harder, in "all-you-can-eat" buffet restaurants since they have to make many trips to the table to remove used dishes, replenish napkins, etc. and therefore deserve the same tip you would leave in a "full service" restaurant.

  • Toshi wrote:

    Nov 10, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:48 AM

    I don't agree to some of the stuff in your article. I think tipping 10% is more than enough for anything... You have to remember that they are also get wages too. Also, your suggestion for tipping Flight attendant is ridiculous... you know that they make good enough.. and you think they are the only one that overwork... What are you going to suggest next... tipping bank tellers, sales person too. You cannot just call people don't tip are cheap. I think that those expect tips is greedy because all jobs get paid (wages) to do their job. So why some industry get tips and some don't. I think the best thing is that everyone should not tip. (In Japan there is no tipping, but you still get excellent service.)

  • Chris wrote:

    Nov 08, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:48 AM

    Good little informative article. However the only people I tip are waiters or waitresses, never at a buffet. I think tipping is dumb and should not be expected. I think there should be a law concerning employers to pay at least the real minimum wage. If the waiter or waitress gets a tip that's bonus for them but it shouldn't be expected. Restaurants could afford paying them minimum wage just by raising everything on their menu by 20 to 25 cents! It's not always the case but why would a waiter make $25 in tips in an hour serving 4-5 tables. That's ridiculous!

  • Liz wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:48 AM

    Re. restaurants - tips should not be calculated on the tax portion of the bill - this is ridiculous. What some people do is calculate the tip bygiving the equivalent of the total tax. Hotel maid deserve far more than $1-2 a day. What makes them so lowly in comparison with a waiter? An overnight stay is worth at least $5, and $20 - 30 for a week.

  • You are nuts wrote:

    Nov 08, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:48 AM

    You are nuts. Tip quidelines.. please. No one 'tips' me for a job well done.

  • Amanda wrote:

    Nov 05, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    A "tip" I learned from my father, was to never leave no tip at all - especially for bad service! Should you leave no tip when in receipt of bad service, your server may just assume you are cheap or have forgotten-thus ensuring that someone else will receive the same service you just did. This may sound insulting, and maybe it is, but in cases of extrordinarily bad service, we will go out of our way to leave a nickle. Pennies are often seen as "throw away change" so it is always a nickle to make sure our server thinks about how our customer interaction went. Interestingly enough, we once encountered a server who had bee tipped a nickle by us, and before we even ordered, she appologized for how we had been treated last!

  • Don wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    If the service at a restaurant has been very poor, I leave a quarter on my plater for the tip. Not leaving anything may lead the server to think that you simply forgot, so giving them a small piece of change lets them know that you did not appreciate their bad service, and hopefully they will clean up their act for the next customer.

  • Sue wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    Is a tip expected at a hairdresser when she is the owner of the salon? I always thought that you tipped the staff for services but not if it was the owner? Sue

  • Fred Johnson wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    And What about a retired pensioner?? They have a fixed income and only have a pension to live on. I know you say "one does not have to tip", but... then they are considered CHEAP!! I think expecting a certain percentage is not the best thing. I agree if you receive good service, then one should tip, but it should be what one can afford., not based on percentage. Tipping has become redicules. Whenyou serve yourself at the bar or buffet, why would you tip the jar when you are serving yourself.

  • joe wrote:

    Nov 13, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    i think tipping is way overrated, and I don't think it should be mandatory. just because the owner is too cheap to buck up then why should I. I am on the road all the time and tipping every day really adds up. if you are only occasionally going out then it doesn't hit you so hard. But to expect that I am going to give 15-20% of my after tax dollars is just ridiculous. I work alot harder than anyone in the hospitality industry and no one tips me. Don't get me wrong, I tip really good service, but to expect it or add it to my bill will surely mean the amount of 0$. Let the owner buck up.

  • Bob and Peggy Cooper wrote:

    Nov 10, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    Perfect timing. We are teaching ESL in China, and this article will be invaluable for the business students. Thanks. Bob and Peggy Cooper

  • Michelle Gibson wrote:

    Nov 07, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    Tips should be earned not expected! How come only certain sections of the service industry deserves them and not others? Also how come we are tipping them for 'doing their job'? Isnt that what their salary is for? And if their salary is not adequate thats an issue for thier employer not me!

  • Becky wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    Why are people complaining soo much about tipping? Its mandatory for large groups because the waiter/tress won't be able to work the usual number of tables. It's voluntary everywhere else, you don't have to tip if you don't want to.

  • richard wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    I Always Give 20 to 25 percent. If the service is no good the next time IGet another waiter (tress) richard Skelling

  • Cassidy wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    There always seems to be an omission from the tip list, and of course I am partial to it because to work in the industry. Movers make 10 or 11 dollars an hour to move the things that we work our lives to accumulate. It is the service industry and thus should merit a tip.

  • Joseph Ramakers wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    To take the article even further we never consider the person in retail who spends time and gives of their expertise and works usually for minimum wage.

  • Shane wrote:

    Nov 13, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    This artical is a great refference to tipping. In reading this I now know to tip my message therapist. How ever when I'm out to dinner this is how I tip. I take both the GST & PST round it to the nearest dollar, then if it's $10.68 I will add the extra to make the dollar rounded off too the nearest dollar. Is that tipping too much or too little?

  • Francis wrote:

    Nov 09, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    I work as a barista at Second Cup (a Starbucks-like cafe based in Canada, for Americans). Tips are a much, much appreciated thing when you're working at minimum wage, trying to pay bills. Even a penny doesn't go forgotten. I'm not saying I expect people to tip - I really, really don't - but I try my hardest to ensure that every customer is happy. So next time you get some very small change (I really do mean your pennies, maybe your nickels) and you've ordered a very complicated drink (a half-caffeinated, half-skim no foam latte with two shots of vanilla, for example), consider leaving it in the tip bowl for your barista.

  • JOHN McGRATH wrote:

    Nov 10, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    in canada it uis illegal to split tips!!no question about it, period!! if your boss tells you you have to give half your tips to him tell him no!! if he wants to fire you let him ,the labor board and human rights folks will change his attitude!!

  • Shana wrote:

    Nov 07, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    Always tip your massage therapist...about 15 to 20% is something I've found to be very appreciated. They are with the entire time, more so than a waiter. So if they do an excellent job...tip.

  • Peggy wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    Why don't I get a tip for showing up for work every day? Oh, yah, I do. Its called a paycheck!

  • Jane wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:51 AM

    At my sister's empathetic suggestion I have begun tipping at the fast food drive-through windows and at coffee shop drive-throughs as well. I think these people deserve tips just as much or more than higher-paid waiters and waitresses in the food industry. I wish this would catch on, these employees don't even get paid a living wage, they should be tipped!

  • B Emslkie wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:51 AM

    I usually tip at 15% or equal the tax charge but that's not all besides this i have to pay about 25% tax on the money I 've earned. The peiople serving me perhaps pay no income tax at all and they get all the Gov'T freebees that I have to pay tax on. I once knew a person who was making about 50 grand a year in tips and I have to pay his healthcare because he paid no tax

  • Frances wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:51 AM

    I think tipping has gone overboard. Everybody now expects to be tipped irregardless of quality of service etc. I believe that employers are underpaying their staff because of tipping! I was in Las Vegas and everybody there expects to be tipped! too much.

  • Judy wrote:

    Nov 11, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:51 AM

    I worked in a boutique hotel as a housekeeper and the majority of people staying would tip the bellman or houseman for helping with luggage, bringing ice, robes or towels. Yet the housekeeper, who does a daily stayover that included washing their used dishes by hand, cleaning the bathroom (often with unflushed toilets and 3 inches of water around the sink) making beds, vacuuming and replacing towels (often still folded and thrown into puddles of water on the floor) would get nothing or a couple of pennies left on the coffee table. The housekeeping gratuity IS NOT included in room fees. Next time you stay in a hotel, think of the woman who comes in and cleans up your mess. A dollar or two, exp. when you get daily stayover service goes along way. And by the way, people who don't tip and leave huge messes don't want to know how the housekeeper gets her revenge, esp. those who forget how to flush after taking a "dump".

  • Platinum wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:51 AM

    As a customer, tipping should be based ONLY on the service that you receive, no matter what the situation is. We shouldn't have to concern ourselves about the people cooking our food or how many people we have in our party. The restaurant should be pricing our food accordingly. Why should we be paying for the restaurant workers' wages directly? All costs associated with making the food and serving the food should be included in the price of our food that we order. Besides, usually the tips are paid in cash still. How do we know that the waiters and waitresses are paying tax on the tip that they receive? It's actually an issue of tax. Why should other people be paying tax on their work and people receiving tips not pay tax????????? They should be paying fines for not paying their tax!!! Why isn't there an article about service people receiving tips and paying NO TAX on their tips!!!!!! Ridiculous....

  • linda L Robichaud wrote:

    Nov 13, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:52 AM

    i strongly agree only the best service gets the tip. i will not tip a person that does 1/2 a job. i believe a person should have a smile and willing to go that extra mile; before a tip is given

  • bruce sithole wrote:

    Aug 13, 2008

    2009-11-18 2:59 PM

    How about bus drivers on tour buses, or buses that take one from the airport to the car rental services?

  • Kathleen wrote:

    Aug 21, 2008

    2009-11-18 2:59 PM

    I have found that leaving no tip works, but this must be accompanied by a completed comment card left with the hostess, or, in extreme cases, a short discussion with the restaurant manager after particularly terrible service. I once waited over 35 minutes for our "server" to come take our drink order, and even though we ordered our food at the same time as our drinks it took another hour for our cold meals to get to the table. A lukewarm or cold meal can absolutely be prevented by appropriate wait service. Most of the management staff are happy to hear this feedback since it is the restaurant's reputation on the line if their servers are not providing the service you would expect as a paying customer.

  • Marie wrote:

    Sep 10, 2008

    2009-11-18 2:59 PM

    I really feel that tipping has gotten way out of control. I would much prefer that wages ( and thereby, prices) are increased to a proper amount. A waitress may not be tipped because of a bad cook, or the wrong waitress tipped because the proper one had to go on break, leaving her replacement to pick up the tip. I fee as though I am being dollared to death.

  • Kent wrote:

    Aug 13, 2008

    2009-11-18 2:59 PM

    In general, tipping 'requirements' are getting ridiculous. A tip was supposed to be to reward good service, not just a 'tax' on all services. Always adding 18% to the bill means the item was falsely underpriced in the menu, and guaratees I won't give more than the 18% regardless of the service. I also disagree somewhat on tipping at all-inclusives, I always tip at them. I find it does bring better service, and more importantly, most people working at them don't make much money so a small tip goes a long way to improving their lives. And they work their tails off, one place we were at the same people were doing beach activities all day starting at 9 am, in the stage show after dinner, and in the disco dancing with guests at 1 am - 6 days a week!

  • E. A. Handel wrote:

    Aug 18, 2008

    2009-11-18 2:59 PM

    I can understand why a person should be tipped. But what if you get bad service should you not tip? Also I cannot understand that you should tip on the total bill. The total bill includes GST and PST which is not for the food but what goes to the government. Why should I tip on the GST and PST. This does not seem right. If the goverment was interested in more people going out to dinner and employing people I am sure most people would tip more if they did not have to pay the GST and PST.

  • Janet wrote:

    Nov 08, 2007

    2009-11-18 2:59 PM

    I'm a waitress in Canada and have been for years. Tipping should not be considered a mandatory thing, but obviously our government thinks that it is, considering we legally make LESS THAN MINIMUM WAGE! Just a thought for those of you that may not know that. Also, almost every restaurant has to "tip-out" a percentage based on sales to bus staff/bartenders/chefs, etc. This is usually in the 3% area. Hopefully this gives those not in the know some useful information the next time they dine out. Please tip on the service you receive, more for better service, less for bad service, you'll get your point across!

  • gary wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-11-18 2:59 PM

    We in the travel business get asked this question all of the time. Your guidelines are good except in countries that pay their staff well in which case a tip may not be necessary.

  • M. wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    I disagree with this article suggesting to triple the GST for an 'average' tip. When has 20% become the new 10%? I think tipping should be based on good service and definitely not starting from 18%. Also why should we tip Starbucks people? They're unionized, they make good wages. Unless someone performs outstanding service at Starbucks, I wouldn't tip them per se because I wouldn't necessarily want it split 5 ways with everyone on shift. I would take the time to write an email of commendation to their supervisor or just tell the supervisor in their presence what a fantastic job they did. That would go a much longer way for their benefit than a toonie could ever do.

  • art wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    Those of us who at some time made our living serving others are usually fair tippers...think about where you've come from, and give a fair tip for good service, TELL your server if you're not going to tip because of poor service, at least allow them a chance to learn from a mistake

  • Margaret Cooper wrote:

    Nov 14, 2007

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    I was at the grocery store yesterday and there was a tip jar taped to the side of the conveyer belt. I was a little stunned to see it at first, and then I have to admit, a little insulted. I have worked as a cashier many times and never once expected a tip. I know it is up to me whether or not I want to tip, but I find I am feeling more and more frustrated by all these tip jars popping up where I don't think they belong. It is almost as bad as panhandleing, and I don't give them money either ( after my father overheard a group of them say how they made $900 in a week to cover the rent on their appartment...hmmm). I do tip, and offten give my husband grief for not giving enough, but after reading your article I see he was giving the right amount. I also have to say that I get quite peeved when the tip is automatically added to the bill - what happend to it being a voluntary action based on your level of satisfaction with the services rendered??

  • agnes wrote:

    Nov 11, 2007

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    hi yes im a waitress at a truckstop cafe and have been waitressing for about 20 some years and i do enjoy my job working with the public making them laugh and making them want to come back thats also very important. making them feel at home. the atmosphere is great so myself if i go to cafe to eat depends on the service and smile i wont tip maybe thats wrong cause i know its hard work but doesnt cost nothing to smile does it?

  • sue wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    I find it strange that we have arbitrarily decided that certain jobs in the minimum wage/low wage sector should be tipped for their work and others shouldn't. I work in a retail job that involves a great deal of service, I easily spend up to an hour with some customers, and no one ever thinks to tip me for this, and I don't expect it, a simple thank you and treating me with respect is always appreciated. I think that tipping has gone way too far and implies that everyone should subsidize employers poor wages, even those of us who also work for low wages and don't necessarily have the money to do so. I generally only tip for service that I believe goes above and beyond normal; when I go to get my tea and I don't have to order it; when I go to my hairdresser and don't have to describe what I want or worry about how my hair will turn out, then I tip. The idea of tipping at a buffet is crazy...I mean maybe I should leave myself a dollar when I make myself supper!

  • cdg wrote:

    Nov 11, 2007

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    Tipping has gotten out of hand. If your boss is paying you below minimum wage ( that alone is not right ) tell them to pay you a few dollars more and they can keep whatever tips you make.I can see the bosses LOL.

  • Dave wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    Tipping has its place- please remember none of your 20% goes to the person responsible for growing the food, in fact very little of your tab goes there. While the cook, server and establishment get 20% more than they ask- the food producer requires, along with skill, good luck to get paid the cost of production.

  • Louis wrote:

    Nov 11, 2007

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    Remenber Not to Tip; crumpy waitstaff, cab drivers that drive you around town for 1 hour when it should have taken 20 minutes. Don't tip every single time you go to fill up for gas and then stop going to that gas station so you won't have to tip. Tip occasionnaly and be loyal to that buissness. Don't make people expect it, surprise them with an occasional TIP especially the one you don't normally tip!!!!!!!

  • Lea wrote:

    Nov 12, 2007

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    We went to a restaurant and the server was complementing us on what nice customers we were and what a pleasure it was to serve us. Of course we felt complimented and wanted to compliment her by giving her a large tip. We then heard the server giving the same compliment to the table next to us... interesting

  • Julia wrote:

    Feb 24, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    I work as a server and a bartender and, as such, depend on tips to make my living. I would like to add another factor to people's understanding of tipping. Almost every restaurant and bar has their servers "tip out" the bar, bussing staff, host(ess), kitchen and sometimes even management. For example, I pass on 5% of my total ring out. If I sell $1000, I give $20 to the kitchen, $15 to the bartender, and $15 to the busser, regardless of what tips I made. Just something to be aware of, especially if you feel you didn't get very good service. Assume that if you leave your server less than 5%, it costs him/her money to serve you. Was your service really that bad?
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