Triumphrat

Tbirdnz · 04-21-2008

Tipping as in giving a percentage of a bill for service rather than falling off a bike !

Being from NZ where tipping in general is in some circles is thought to be demeaning but generally accepted if offered in eating establishments is not very wide spread. It varies in most countries and I believe rightly or wrongly is expected in the US.

Lots of people have different views, there was a trend to place a service charge on restaurant bills to eliminate tipping but in countries where this happens tips are still expected thus creating a double tip.

Here's an extract from a BBC report on a restaurant trend in tips:
Should restaurant managers take a percentage of staff tips?

Service charges may be diverted into a restaurant’s takings without the customer knowing, the trade union, Unite has told the BBC. Should there be a more transparent system of tipping?

Some companies are said to keep a percentage of every service charge paid while others, including the Italian chain Carluccio's, expect tips to take pay up to the legal minimum.

Groups found to hold back a proportion of staff tips include Pizza Express - which keeps 8% - and The Real Eating Company gourmet food chain in Sussex, which retains 22%.

The Real Eating Company defended the company's tips policy, saying it reflected the administrative burden of distributing tips among staff.

What's the general view here on tipping ?

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Ride on !

ruscook · 04-21-2008

TBirdNZ - with the number of cultures/countries here I doubt we'll get consensus

My personal view on tipping in Oz, where we have reasonably strong labour laws, is it is for exceptional/outstanding service, not basic service which in my view comes with the price.

Russ

DaveM · 04-21-2008

Wot Big Russ said!

DaveM

Silverado57 · 04-21-2008

15%-20% is common in the US depending on level of service.
Many a good barman has been even more richly rewarded.

steventhechef · 04-21-2008

If I get good service, I'll tip (generally) 10% to the service person. Not the tip jar, not the manager, but the server.

No service, no tip. I was abused in the U.S. because of my Aussie attitude to tipping.

There were places that gave **** service and still expected a tip!! Not on my watch sunshine!!

LightningJack · 04-21-2008

We tip for many kinds of service providers, e.g. servers/waiters/waitresses (typically 15%, and more for exceptional service)/as well as people who come to our home for repairs, installation of home improvement items, etc. Restaurant servers are expected to receive a tip as this, I believe, helps supplement their otherwise lower wages in the U.S.

kidtwist · 04-21-2008

In the US the government assumes a server will be tipped and they tax accordingly.

LoVel · 04-21-2008

I have been a 15% tipper for average service for years. It was rcently explained to me it should be 20%.

I guess I better start tipping my motorcycle mechanic.

barneys · 04-21-2008

[quoteas well as people who come to our home for repairs, installation of home improvement items, etc. [/quote]

Not bloody likely here in the UK where hourly labour charges for plumbers & the like can be £60-£100 per hour!!!

danf_florida · 04-21-2008

Some eating establishments have a set amount for tipping when there is a set number of people in your party. I have shown up with friends at a restaurant and been told that they expect a tip of 18% for a party of 6. My normal reply is "My bill has only two meals that I have been charged for. How does that equal 6?"

Depending on service, I normally tip 20% (but I have left 2 cents for terrible service)