How much should you tip at a restaurant?

This is my own habit, not a rule: I tip 20 to 22% for an average server. If they hold a conversation and recommend something, I go to 25%, because tips are how servers make most of their money.

Should you tip at a coffee shop?

I'm not against tipping for good service. If someone chats with me or recommends a drink, I'll happily leave a dollar or two. What I won't do is hit 25% on a screen when the person at the register isn't making the drink and already earns at least minimum wage.

When should a server bring the check?

In my view, when you ask for it. I worked as a server and wouldn't drop the receipt unless the guest wanted it. I've heard that in Europe servers keep checking on you and only bring the check on request.

Is Tipping
Out of Control?

By Quinton Heck · Charleston, SC

The other day my girlfriend and I got two coffees. After I paid, the screen turned around and the tip options were 25, 30, 35, and 40%. Not 10, 12, 15. Forty percent. That moment is what this post is about: has tipping gotten out of control, and where is the line? It's an opinion, and it's mine.

The full rant is in the video (under five minutes).

The tip screen problem

At that coffee shop the person at the register didn't make the coffee. She grabbed it from the people behind her and handed it over. They also make full wages. I'm not saying someone never deserves an extra dollar. If a person chats with me or recommends a drink, I'll be the first to leave a dollar or two. But I'm not leaving 25% for handing me a cup. And the worst part is the stare while you pick "no tip," like you're the weird one. I blame the checkout software behind these screens (I named Toast in the video).

What I actually tip

I'd call myself a good tipper. At a sit-down restaurant I give 20 to 22% if the server is average, and 25% if they engage, recommend something, and hold a conversation. Servers earn most of their money from tips, so that's fair to me. I've done the job for a while and so has my girlfriend, so I know it isn't easy dealing with people.

Two habits that annoy me

Announcing the total. A server finishing your meal with "87.32 will be your final" in front of the whole table feels wrong. Hand me the paper receipt and let me sign and tip in peace.
Dropping the check too early. On a family trip back to Ohio we had brunch, a Bloody Mary, and a mimosa, and the receipt landed right after the food, around $90, while I was still eating fries. When I served, I never brought it unless asked. I've heard that in Europe they won't bring it until you ask and just keep checking on you, which I think is respectful and, as a bonus, tends to earn a bigger tip.

Where I land

Tip for service, not for a screen. For a server who works the table, 20 to 25% is reasonable. For a counter handoff, a dollar or two when someone goes the extra mile is plenty. I'm curious where you land, and whether I'm overreacting; the comments on the video are open.

FAQ

How much do I tip at a restaurant? My habit: 20 to 22% for average service, 25% when the server really engages.

Do I have to tip at a coffee shop? Not in my view. I leave a dollar or two for standout service, not a percentage because the screen suggests it.

Keep reading

What It's Like Working on a Ship — my other job, 21 days at a time
Should I Quit My Job to Pursue My Passion? — why I'm keeping the day job for now

Written by Quinton Heck

I'm a YouTuber in Charleston, South Carolina. I've worked as a server, so this one comes from both sides of the table. More about me.

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Is TippingOut of Control?