Tipping is customary in many countries, especially in the restaurant industry. While it’s meant to show appreciation for good service, some tipping habits can irk even the most patient server.
Here are 15 tipping habits your restaurant server can’t stand.
The Stiff Tipper
We get it. Times are tough, but leaving little to no tip is a slap in the face for servers who rely on gratuities to make ends meet. If the service was satisfactory, tipping below the standard amount can demoralize your server.
The Pocket Change Toss
Finding some coins left behind instead of a proper tip can be frustrating. It’s not just about the money; it’s the gesture that counts. Leaving a handful of pennies or dimes communicates a lack of appreciation for the service.
The “Keep the Change” Assumption
While this might seem generous, it’s often not. Servers depend on tips, and assuming they can keep the change from a large bill might shortchange them. Always clarify if you want your change returned or intend for it to be the tip.
The Religious Pamphlet Tip
Instead of a monetary tip, some patrons leave religious pamphlets or inspirational messages. While the sentiment might be well-intentioned, servers can’t pay their bills with good wishes. Stick to tipping with actual currency.
The ‘I’ll Tip Next Time’ Promise
Promising to tip better next time is of little consolation to your server. They rely on tips to make a living in the here and now. If you received good service, show your appreciation appropriately rather than putting it off for a hypothetical future visit.
The DIY Gratuity Calculator
Some patrons meticulously calculate the tip to the cent, resulting in odd amounts like $17.42 on a $34.83 bill. While it’s essential to be fair, overly precise tipping can come off as stingy and excessively analytical.
The Dollar Per Drink Rule
While this rule might work at a dive bar, it doesn’t hold up in restaurants, especially if you’ve ordered complex cocktails or expensive wines. When tipping, be mindful of the effort and expertise involved in crafting each drink.
The “I Didn’t Like the Food” Excuse
Tipping poorly because you didn’t enjoy the food is unfair to your server. They don’t have control over the kitchen, and their service should be judged separately from the quality of the meal. If the service was good, tip accordingly.
The Split Bill Dilemma
Splitting a bill among friends is common, but leaving separate tips can be a hassle for servers to keep track of. It’s courteous to consolidate tips into one payment or ensure each person tips individually.
The Excessive Demands, Minimal Tipper
If you’re the diner who makes endless substitutions and special requests but leaves a minimal tip, reconsider your tipping habits. Extra work deserves extra recognition, and your server should be compensated accordingly.
The “Service Was Too Slow” Penalty
While slow service can be frustrating, it’s not always the server’s fault. Factors like kitchen delays or a busy night can impact service speed. Penalizing your server with a low tip for factors beyond their control is unfair.
The “I Know the Owner” Discount
Dropping the owner’s name or claiming familiarity doesn’t exempt you from tipping appropriately. Your server still provides a service, regardless of your relationship with the establishment’s management.
The “I’ll Just Venmo You” Offer
While digital payments are convenient, offering to Venmo or digitally transfer the tip later might not materialize. Servers rely on immediate cash tips to cover their expenses, so if you can tip in cash, do so.
The Ignored Gratuity Suggestions
Some restaurants include suggested gratuity amounts on the bill for convenience. Ignoring these suggestions and tipping below the recommended amount, especially if the service is satisfactory, is considered cheap and disrespectful.
The No Tip, Just a Compliment
While compliments are appreciated, they don’t pay the bills. If you received exceptional service, let your server know, and also tangibly show appreciation by leaving an appropriate tip.
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Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. Victoria writes for multiple media outlets where she writes about, saving money, retirement, ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.