Being a restaurant server is no easy job. It requires long hours on your feet dealing with difficult customers, and all for a low wage. Tips are what most servers turn up to work for, but it doesn’t always work out that way. Let’s look at 18 tipping habits that rattle overworked and underpaid restaurant servers. Remember, they have bills to pay, too.
Stiffing the Bill
Leaving no tip at all is the ultimate frustration for servers. They rely on tips for a significant portion of their income, and not tipping feels like a slap in the face. Sadly, all they can do is smile sweetly and move on to the next table.
Leaving Coins
Dropping a handful of coins as a tip can feel like an insult. Understandably, many people carry change in their pockets, but throwing it on a table after being waited on can seem a bit rude. It also means the server has to stand there counting it. Servers appreciate paper money much more than a pile of loose change.
Tipping Below 15%
It might seem entitled, but hospitality gratuity says that anything below 15% is considered a low tip and can be disappointing, especially if the service is decent. Most servers aim for at least 20%.
Verbal Tips
Compliments like ‘You did a great job’ are lovely, but they don't pay the bills. Servers prefer to see appreciation reflected in the tip amount. What’s better is to leave a tip and still tell them they did a great job. It makes their shift a bit easier, and they’re not panicking about the rent bill.
I’ll Get You Next Time
Promising a better tip next visit doesn't help in the moment. Most of the time, it’s a polite fob off, and they don’t return. It's better to tip appropriately each time.
Leaving a Mess
Tipping poorly after making a huge mess with spilled drinks and grubby tables is a double whammy. Extra cleanup should come with extra compensation. Not tipping at all and leaving the same mess is downright impolite.
Lingering
Lingering at the table for hours with a low tip impacts a server’s ability to turn tables and make more money. If you’re lingering, consider tipping more generously. If you’re not planning on tipping, eat your meal and get out of there. Show a bit of respect for these hard workers.
Tip Sharing Assumptions
Assuming that all tips are shared evenly among staff might lead you to tip less. Often, servers only get a portion, so tip with that in mind. Granted, it can be tricky to know how it works from one place to the next, but you can always ask the question. They won’t bite.
Subtracting for Mistakes
Docking the tip for kitchen errors or other issues outside the server’s control is unfair. Communicate the problem, but don’t punish the server’s wallet. If the server has been particularly terrible, that’s perfectly understandable, but don’t begrudge them a few extra dollars that’s the fault of the restaurant and not them.
Double the Tax Method
In regions with low sales tax, doubling the tax might result in a very low tip. Stick to 15-20% of the total bill to ensure fairness. We’re all counting cents, but just show a bit of kindness.
Writing Notes
It’s more common than you’d think, but writing a thank you or ‘great service’ on the receipt or napkin without including a tip is confusing and frustrating. Kind words should accompany a decent tip. It’s a bit of a cop-out.
Tipping with Coupons
Leaving a coupon or voucher instead of a tip isn't helpful. Servers can't pay their bills with discounts. It might appear to be better than nothing, but the chances are that the server will hand it over to management and reap no rewards for their hard work.
Splitting Tiny Bills
If a large group splits the check and each person leaves a small tip, the server might end up with less than they would from a single-payer. Work out how much you plan to leave the server as a group, and you can walk away knowing you’ve shown some gratitude. Serving large groups is no easy task.
International Guests
In countries where tipping isn’t customary, visitors might not realize it’s expected in the US. Educating oneself about local tipping norms can avoid misunderstandings. The British aren’t renowned for tipping, so they need to learn a lesson or two about how to pay respect to servers.
Complaining Loudly but Tipping Poorly
If you had a bad experience, leaving a low tip without explaining the issue can be disheartening. Constructive feedback is more helpful, and it allows the server to correct it. You might even find that you get some money knocked off the bill or a free round of drinks.
Leaving Before Calculating
Rushing out and leaving an ambiguous or barely adequate tip suggests carelessness and can be annoying. Often, it can even look like a predetermined ploy to get out of there without having to face the server. It doesn’t look good.
Forgetting the Bartender
When dining at the bar or getting drinks, don’t forget to tip the bartender. They work hard and deserve their share of tips, too. It’s one of the most overlooked aspects of tipping, and bartenders are on their feet for hours on end.
Custom Tip Percentages
Deciding your own tipping percentages, like 12% or 17%, instead of the standard 15-20% can seem stingy and out of touch. Always try and be fair about it. Any issues, let them know. Be kind. That server might be one of your kids in the future.
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