If you were a waiter in a restaurant (small, chain, upscale, etc) and a customer asked how much of a tip you think you should get, instead of just putting down x percentage, what would you say?

17 comments

  1. “15% is customery, but ultimately its up to you.”

    Tips are almost always discussed as a percentage in that scenario, so it would be extremely weird to avoid it.

  4. Yeah, customers can be very rude sometimes, but as a waiter I’d have to suck it up.

    No idea how I’d handle it in the moment.

    Trying to think back on how I handled asshat customers…usually a smile and a “thanks for visiting” and walk away…

  8. I *like* tips, but asking for them just feels tacky.

    This means, sometimes, *generally* discussing what the typical range for the place I’m working at would be, without bringing me into it.

  9. None, I wouldn’t accept a position where I wasn’t paid honestly and fairly and tips were 100% optional.

  10. I was never asked back when I was a server. However, I probably would have just said that 20% is standard but that it’s entirely up to them.

    If they tried to argue with me about why I thought I deserve that much I’d just reiterate what I said polite but firmly and not let them bait me into an argument over how much my work is worth.

    If they had an issue with the service or food that led them to not want a tip and wanted to talk to me about it than I would listen and see if there was a way to resolve it or at least apologize.

  11. I would know that’s a trick question and say, “whatever you feel is necessary” because old people will look you in the eye and say, “How do you think you earned 15%?”

    “Well, putting up with your table has not been the easiest.”

  12. Please don’t ask that. It’s very awkward and kind of rude. The general rule is 15-20%. Just stick to that.

  17. “$5,000 is customary, but you’re welcome to tip less if you can’t afford it.” /s

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