What Makes You Tip Well?

[rhineholt]

SOOOOOO, I just got a job as a waiter at a place called flattop. I'm not sure if you guys know what it is. Basically, its a stirfry place where you go up to a buffet and get your own veggies and meat and put it in a bowl. Then you sit back down and wait for the cooks to cook it.

I won't be doing much, just bringing drinks, the food, and the appetizers to the table (which actually sounds like what every other waiter does) but I was wondering what I could do to get a good tip.

What do you like to see from your waiter/waitress that makes you give them a good tip?

[Chreees]

Being personable and friendly (genuine, not fake). Frequently checking to make sure everything is okay. Never leave a person with an empty glass. Making sure to say thank you and goodbye when they're leaving. Those are things that make me tip more than I normally would.

[joytron]

I pretty much always tip the same no matter the service. Sounds like a Mongolian BBQ place, that also sounds like you will get lousy tips. I dont even really people think it is necessary to tip somewhere like that.

[rhineholt]

[quote name='joytron' timestamp='1319507534' post='528808']
I pretty much always tip the same no matter the service. Sounds like a Mongolian BBQ place, that also sounds like you will get lousy tips. I dont even really people think it is necessary to tip somewhere like that.
[/quote]
Yeah, like a mongolian bbq place. and i agree. whenever i went there i would always be reluctant to tip because i didnt think they did much, but now that i'm on the other side of the spectrum, i gotta do what i can.

[quote name='Chreees' timestamp='1319507444' post='528807']
Being personable and friendly (genuine, not fake). Frequently checking to make sure everything is okay. Never leave a person with an empty glass. Making sure to say thank you and goodbye when they're leaving. Those are things that make me tip more than I normally would.
[/quote]
Good advice, keep it comin!!!

[jorlyfish]

I agree with Chris, but try and find a good balance of checking on people - I hate being left alone when I need a refill on a drink or something, but I also hate having my conversation interrupted every 3 minutes with "Everything alright over here?!"

[Hellz]

I tip based on looks, cause I'm a shallow fuck.

Also, Yea, I hate waiting for a damn drink. If you cant find the time to refill my drink or grab me another beer, We are gonna have issues

[A13lackFish]

Refill drinks, but don't interrupt if you don't need to. Check back if its been over like 15-20 minutes without the food or if you just notice the customers getting restless. And don't overdo it, I personally hate the type that come up to you all "HOWDY DO FOLKS?!?" just be your normal friendly self, and be cordial.

Goodluck with the new job my man!

[mustang67n]

i normally tip good to begin with.. then lower it depending on how it goes. usually 25% to start. then if my drinks arent filled often, or food takes a long time or is wrong, i dock it to 10-15%

the basics, times service and be polite...

[jorlyfish]

Oh, and this is more of a personal pet peeve, but on the topics of waiters, I hate the phrase "Are you still working on that?" (and variants) in regards to me being done with my food... Eating is not working. If it is, there is a problem in the kitchen.

[SaintPendulous]

Gratuitous Cleavage,,,,,unless our a dude, then just consistency without seeming TOO attentive

[Cp44]

making sure my glass will never go below half full/half empty, this will ensure a good tip from me.

[herbalsmoke]

Honestly, sometimes no matter how nice you are to a person they just aren't going to tip you well. I remember when i was a waitress at a restaurant i was serving a table of 10 people by myself and i was doing my best to get a decent tip because it was a big table. The bill came out to be over 100$ for sure and i got a 10 cent tip. I wanted to take the 10 cents and throw it back at the person who paid because i rather get no tip then a ten cent tip. It was horrible.

That said though, some customers when they come in will only have a 20 dollar bill but tip me 10$. I try to be nice and serve everyone the same, but at the end of the day it depends on the person and if they want to tip you or be an ass and leave a 10 cent tip.

[Stuie]

I have to agree with a lot.

I don't tip at Genghis Grill (Similar Place) unless they do the following:
1) Keep me up on my drinks. (My stuff is nuclear hot)
2) Don't disappear for more than 10 minutes out of site anywhere on the floor (Where do they go for half an hour when you need an extra napkin?)
3) Don't ask if I am still working on that. (If my napkin is on the plate, the etiquette rule for being done with a plate, THEN AND ONLY THEN can you ask)

[ryno]

I work as a server/waiter/bartender so heres what I got. It's all about reading people and knowing howto respond to them. Some people like you to go out there be excited, joke around and have a good time with them. Other people would look what I call "silent service" where you're not going to really say much to the person and they don't want to be bothered. About the best thing you can do is smile and eye contact. That to me is a huge part of it and just finding some way to relate and actually talk to the tables that want to be talked to. Drink refills, try not to let them go below half the glass, because by time you get to refilling it below that, its already empty. Always try to get the guest what they want before they have to ask for it. Lastly, just have fun doing your job, no matter how bad that day can be going.

[Hassouni]

Explaining things well when you have a question is a big bonus factor, such as when you go to a place for the first time or are trying a new cuisine for the first time. Also, recommending things not on the menu or that you'd never have thought to order - I discovered one of my favorite dishes this way ([url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuqi_feipian"]http://en.wikipedia....ki/Fuqi_feipian[/url]). Additionally, any little surprises and personal touches get rewarded too - I was at my new favorite restaurant (Lao, hottest food I've had anywhere) and when my friend and I surprised the staff by finishing and enjoying the "Lao hot" starter (truly the hottest dish I've had outside my house), they brought each next course with a little bowl of chopped up chiles, which we didn't ask for, but which was a very nice touch. Or being at a very nice place with my parents, me asking what a certain dessert was, my mom saying "oh those usually aren't very good", and then the waiter bringing us one on the house to show how good they are.

Competent service will get you a decent tip from me, going beyond that and taking the personal touch gets a really good tip from me.

As far as the biggest things that knock the tip down - inattention. If I have to wait 5 minutes to take menus, or 15 minutes to get my order taken, or more than a few minutes for the bill, tip gets reduced. ALSO, if paying with cash and the guy says "do you want change?" That's almost grounds for no tip. Such presumption is unacceptable.


As far as drinks go, I stopped ordering free-refill drinks like soda a long time ago, and for water, whether they're right there with the refill or not generally doesn't bother me. If I'm at a place where that's all I'm getting, usually that place also has a water refill person. If I'm at a more upscale place usually I have some sort of booze, and the water is taken care of by the waiter, and it's just an issue of asking. Like I said, for me, this is usually not an issue, unless the request goes unfulfilled.

[ryno]

Hass brought up a great point in getting the check processed fast. My restaurant wants it done in under 2 minutes which seems about right for me. There's nothing worse than wanting to be ready to go and having to wait to sign for your card or change if you need it.

Menu knowledge is also a must, and it can take some time, but know everything there is and about everything you can make of it.

[Hakooh Bar]

I tip based on a tier scale.

The watier/waitress can earn either an Ok tip Good Tip or Great Tip

[u]Tip Schedule:[/u]
[b]Ok tip [/b]which is 10% is always given no matter the service, for good face.

[b]A good tip[/b] can be earned by keeping my drink full as I need a refill very often, and making sure the order is correct.

[b]A great tip[/b] can be earned by showing me proof that your working for the tip which does not mean be TOO attentive.

[u]Description:[/u]
-Keeping my drink full is as simple as bringing me another when mine is below half empty. You don't need to talk to me though you can just drop it off and leave. Talkign to me is not bad though.
-My order being correct is important. I do not want to eat without the other people in my party and vise versa. Bring a notepad if you need to it does not offend me, however [b]you look like an idiot trying to remember the order and messing it all up and you lose tip.[/b]
-Lastly, being too attentive can be annoying. When i walk in ask what I want to drink and when you arrive back ask if I need more time. Upon placing my order check my drink and bring more bread/other appatizers if they are freely offered (like at an outback). Once the food is ready bring it out drop it off and ask if everything [b]looks[/b] right. Then once you leave come back in 2 minutes to ask if everything [b]IS[/b] cooked correctly( only important if there is a meat most of the time). Then just keep an eye on my drink and thats it. Do not ask if I am done with anything either as in reality I am, but my party may feel obligated to quicken their eating habits because I am sitting there waiting.


Just my opinion an advice and everyone is different. Hope this helps.

[angekfire]

There are a couple realities to waiting, and they cannot be avoided whether you like it or not.

First, some people are bad tippers, or don't tip, for whatever reason. Give them the best service they've ever seen and it won't make a difference. Give them the worst, and you're going to get the same, but probably a complaint to the manager in addition.

Secondly, realize different people tip differently depending on the venue. Someone who may tip 20% at a normal sit in restaurant may only tip 10% at a buffet/mongolian BBQ type place.

Third, realize some people will tip more in different circumstances. A guy on a first date with a girl where he is paying might tip more in an attempt to impress her or make her think he well off/money is not an object.

I usually tip around 10% at a buffet. You are not bringing me my food, I am getting it myself. All you have to do to get my 10% tip, is make sure to refill my drink frequently (I usually get water, and I drink a lot of it), and make sure my empty plates are gone by the time I get back with another plate. Bring the bill promptly, and you'll get a 10% tip. Don't do these things, and I may drop a 5% tip, and if it is really horrible service, maybe no tip (very rare, maybe done twice ever). On the other hand if you find a way to go above and beyond, I will tip around 15%-20%. At a buffet, I generally do not want to talk to the server. Ask what I'd like to drink, bring me that. Ask me if I'm ready for the bill when I look like I am done, and bring it to me. Say thank you once I have paid and am leaving. If I need anything else from you, I will ask.

At normal sit in places, I tip at around 15% for average service. Bring me my food correctly, hot, and bring it fast. If it is cold, I will not be happy. If it is wrong, I will not be happy. If I complain about either, and you don't make a fuss and fix it ASAP, I will still tip around the 15% mark, as long as you are friendly and attentive. Don't make excuses or blame the cook, just apologize and fix it. I don't care why it is wrong, or if it is the cook's fault, that isn't my problem. Keep my drink refilled or offer to leave the pitcher and I will be happy. Be genuinely friendly, or go above and beyond, and I will leave 20%-25%. I have tipped 50% once or twice, but the service was truly outstanding, and the server was incredibly personable.

For delivery, I usually tip 2-3 dollars. My orders are usually at least $25. If its over $35, I will tip closer to 4-5. I expect my food within an hour, if not, I am not going to be happy, and regardless of the amount, you'll likely get a $1 tip. Edited October 25, 2011 by angekfire

[atalanta]

BF waited tables for many years - upscale Italian, Chinese/Korean, and American (a la Friday's). So usually I turn to him for his opinion when the tip is on me.

Generally - If its someplace where we're regulars, we are a lot more forgiving of the service because if they screw up, they tend to do a great job making up. If it's a new place, tends to get a lot more scrutiny. I think you're also seeing a BIG theme here - tend to the drinks!!!

We don't usually do buffet so I can't offer any suggestions there. But, when doing sushi and sitting at the sushi bar, we will often do 10% to the person to brings the drinks and the menu, maybe a little more if they take the order but usually the sushi guy takes it. The sushi guy gets 10+% depending on the quality of the fish (it's his job to make sure the fish is not "fishy"), how "interesting" his non-standard offerings are, and the general vibe we get from him. Hey, if he doesn't like his job (we went one place where it seemed they just wanted to get done and go home - never went back) that's either the restaurant/staff or him and not cool. And if he's the "dinner show" (entertaining and personable, after all who likes a dull bartender and technically he is a bar tender), the tip goes up accordingly. Same would go for the hibachi tables. If we don't want the "show" we sit at a table (though, more often than not, we'll just go somewhere else).

When I did bartending at an event, I was warned about and noticed it myself. It was an eastern european event and the crowd was very over 50 and under 30. The over 50 crowd were from a more heavily comunist influenced time and tipping wasn't really heard of. They tipped "the change" if at all. The younger crowd were used to clubbing and partying and would tip accordingly. Now I don't know how this would influence older people not from a communist influenced past, but I would be a little more "forgiving"

And I think tipping is also pretty location specific. I see tip cups at Dunkin Donuts and I don't usually tip. However, there's a place at the train station where I get my take out beer and I tip a buck on a six dollar beer. I don't think a lot of people do, because she'll say "32oz toasted lager?" when I walk up. (hey, it's a long train ride home )

[Arcane]

I think I'm the wrong person to ask, because I tip a minimum of 20% even with lousy service. I go upwards of 30 to 40% in some cases, depending on bill size and service received. (Unlikely I'm tipping $80 on a $200 bill...$50 or $60 is feasible though).

But, my biggest annoyances are getting interrupted and and waiting to get my bill settled. I'm a diner that prefers the "silent service", but I like the waiter/waitress to walk by occasionally and try to make eye contact, usually every 15 mins or so. I don't mind waiting a bit for refills, unless it's longer than 10-15 minutes.

People are different, Greg. You're going to have to develop an ability to read people and quickly deduce what kind of service they prefer. Also, given the type of restaurant you're working at...I think you'd be lucky to get $1/person. Tipping is optional and some people are just plain cheap, so don't get to disheartened if you get stiffed or get lousy tips.

Good luck, buddy.

[Arcane]

I somewhat retract my statement about the 20%. I did tip $0.02 once on a $40 tab. Only because it took 20 minutes for the waiter to come over and take our order plus another 10 to bring us water. Then 40 or so minutes to bring our food and another 15+ minutes to give us our bill after we were done eating. We were there for almost 2 hours for lunch and never got our drinks refilled once. I was thinking of not giving a tip, but I thought $0.02 was more insulting.

[SaintPendulous]

also i usually dont tip when theres gratuity added, their making you tip so i dont think any extra is necessary

[angekfire]

[quote name='SaintPendulous' timestamp='1319607536' post='528888']
also i usually dont tip when theres gratuity added, their making you tip so i dont think any extra is necessary
[/quote]

This is also true. I remember a bunch of friends went out for dinner once, and for parties over X number of people the gratuity was added to the bill but nobody mentioned it. Most people didn't look at the bill, paid it and tipped. The server gladly accepted the tips without any mention of the gratuity already being added. After a few people had paid, someone noticed and told everyone, and they were pissed that they had effectively double tipped. One of them later complained to the owned who offered a free gift card, but they refused to ever go back there.

[atalanta]

We went out to a late night snackering (like 11pm) to denny's. There were probably 10-15 of us. When the bill came, our waitress said, "Now my boss said I had to put a tip on here since you're such a large party. But I know you're good kids and I trust you to do the right thing." She had been a great waitress and we weren't too ornery (i've seen smaller groups who are just "this side" of being thrown out) - maybe a little loud, but the only other patrons were from the same event so they didn't care. When all was said and done, I think we left her about a 30% tip.

(oh, and there are places who add 18% automatically no matter the size of the party. Don't like that. Pisses me off when the service sucks and doesn't really inspire me when its decent)

[A13lackFish]

See in respect to the above, I would have tipped her if she was as good as you said, but if not I definitely would have laughed that comment off.
When gratuity is added, there is no reason I should need to tip on top of that. Hell places in Europe don't even take tips half the time... Its more of a silly U.S tradition that employers have no manipulated to not pay their waiters and waitresses wages outside of bare minimum.