20 Oct 08 Funny Marketing: Rules 4 Restaurant Tipping

My friend waited tables many years ago at a small, well-regarded spot in Brooklyn. (Incidentally, one evening he waited on a major food critic who later gave the restaurant a one-star review. The critic liked the food but described the service as “friendly but very slow and fumbling.” Oh, well: If you can’t serve ‘em, join ‘em.) Waiting tables is a job everyone should be forced to do at least once, if only to learn that it’s not okay to snap your fingers when you want something, and also to find out what it’s like to eke out a living on tips.

It’s disappointing to receive anything less than 20 percent of the total bill. Most waiters at today’s better restaurants expect that much for average service, and even more if they do it with a smile. So unless you’re planning never to go to the same restaurant twice, the days of 10 percent tips–and even 15 percent tips–are long gone.

The Tipping Rules:

RULE NO. 1: Unless the server is rude, condescending, and/or completely absent, tip between 18 and 20 percent.

RULE NO. 2: Never tip on tax. Tip based on the subtotal. And if you’re calculating your tip simply by doubling the tax, stop it–you’re being cheap.

RULE NO. 3: Unless you drink like Dean Martin or have a taste for expensive wines (i.e., $40 or more, depending on your budget), it’s best to include booze when calculating a tip. Bartenders expect a dollar tip per drink (which is usually about 20 percent of the drink’s price), and it’s no different with waiters.

RULE NO. 4: Never turn a blind eye when others are tipping–especially if they’re unfamiliar with our tipping culture (i.e., Europeans). If you think your tablemate is lowballing the service, it’s best to hand the waiter a few bills on the way out.

RULE NO. 5: If a few dollars here and there really matter that much to your bank account, perhaps you shouldn’t be going out to eat in the first place.

Reader's Comments

1. M. Zoril | 20 Oct 2008 2:18 pm

   Since when did waiters deserve the equivalent of $20/hour in cash tips? I had to sacrifice years of my life in college + take on lots of college debt to have a respectable job. Waiters are way overpaid, considering they didn’t make the same investment in their education as I did.

   That’s not to say they don’t deserve the money, they just don’t deserve the money working as a waiter.

2. Zakk Boner | 20 Oct 2008 3:24 pm

   hey Zoril, I agree with you that waiters are overpaid, sometimes they earn like good manager, but the way they earn it is a cornerstone of restaurant business. And all because of traditions… As for me, it’s unnormal, then everyone should get tip for his work…

3. Beauty | 20 Oct 2008 4:20 pm

   I think its immoral to pay 15-20% for service. Waiters have stable salary, ok, even if it’s low or average, it doesnt mean they should get 20$ per hour for their work… You’re right guys!

4. ChromeMan | 20 Oct 2008 4:31 pm

   Restaurants are for richiezz! Cafes rock!

5. NJ | 20 Oct 2008 7:28 pm

   I tip based on service. I have a few criteria for getting a good tip.
   1) My order must be correct. It is their job to make sure my order arrives as I ordered it.
   2) They must be pleasant. I don’t care if you are having a bad day.
   3) My drink must be refilled.
   4) I shouldn’t have to hunt you down if I need something.

   If you do that I guarantee a full tip. Sometimes more. If you do less you get less.

6. Danny | 21 Oct 2008 5:44 am

   The last tip is the best. Thank you Mr. Boner.

7. Christopher | 21 Oct 2008 6:30 am

   “It’s disappointing to receive anything less than 20 percent of the total bill.”- WHAAAT??!

   20% is a lot of money!!! It’s even more than $20/hour! Ppl spend years on education to get normal job, but waiters get $20 per hour + salary… what the fuck?!

8. Triplex | 21 Oct 2008 3:50 pm

   Why should I pay for service? I pay for food, and it’s enough with that

9. Mari | 21 Oct 2008 8:10 pm

   I work as a waitress and i’m in college. I make $2.63/hr, which mostly gets taken out of my check in taxes, so almost every check i get is void. I need the 20% or so to live. 15% isn’t really acceptable anymore.

10. Khal | 29 Oct 2008 3:15 pm

    Mari’s right, flat rate is too low, so we really need to earn those 15-20%. On the other hand, sometimes it’s a really big money…

11. Zakk Boner | 29 Oct 2008 5:20 pm

    Guys guys guys! Yeah, you’re right, waiters are people too, and they need to eat too, so let’s respect them and thank God we can eat in that restaurant, not serve right?

12. steve | 29 Apr 2009 12:47 pm

    I agree and so does 86BadTips.com

    They have a “top ten rules for customers

    Check em out

Leave a Comment