Do You Know How Much to Tip Your Server?

There are thousands of restaurants in the United States. Just about everybody has gone out to eat at some point. Even though we have all gone out to eat, it is surprising to see how many people are unaware of proper restaurant etiquette. The biggest mistakes people make is related to the server and how much to tip. Anyone that has worked as a server knows how seriously mislead the customers tend to be.

The first thing people do not realize is how much a server gets paid. This will vary from state to state, but it is consistently less than minimum wage. Before the minimum wage raise of 2007, Ohio servers were paid $2.13 an hour. They currently make just over $3. These rates are low because it is expected that they will earn tips. So, if you have "stiffed" a server, it means you have contributed to them making less than minimum wage.

Also, there are other important facts to know about tipping. Your server is not the only one getting a portion of the tips. The host and/or busser, and the bartender also get a percentage of the tips that is determined by the check, not by the actual amount that you tip. In other words, when you do not tip a server, they will end up having to pay to serve you.

Most people do not know the appropriate amount to tip. For years, it was said that 15% was the standard and 20% was good for great service. This is no longer the case. A 15% tip is considered very mediocre. Nowadays a tip should be at least 18%, but preferred is 20% by servers. Remember that with inflation and skyrocketing gas prices it is necessary for servers to make more money.

The last thing people do not realize is that there is more than just tipping on the percentage of the check. Time should also be a factor. For instance, if you order a cup of coffee, but you sit at a table for several hours, it would not be fair to leave a tip based on the small amount of the coffee. This is a common mistake with business people who use restaurants for meetings. Servers are assigned sections in the restaurant. All corporate restaurants have a maximum amount of tables that one server can have at a time. So when you sit in their section, you are taking up a table that cannot be sat again until you leave. If you sit at the table for a long period of time, such as over half an hour, you are now taking away from the potential money the server should be making.

There is an easy system to decide proper tipping when you are camping at a table. If your table is not a large party, you can usually be safe to assume that $3 every 20 minutes a good amount. Another way to come up with an amount can be used no matter the size of your party, and works good for large parties. You determine this amount based on your check, times the amount of time you stayed. For example, an average dining experience usually is about 40 minutes long. If you stay for 80 minutes, you should consider doubling the tip. This can seem pricey, so choose a price that is reasonable. If your server has been refilling your drinks and giving your service, this service should be worth at least half the tip from the original meal.

Proper tipping is very important. It should either be illegal to pay servers less than minimum wage or for customers to refuse to pay a tip. Since this is not likely to ever happen. So, as a restaurant-going patron, it is your responsibility to tip. You should be grateful that someone is willing to serve you and make sure your meal is satisfactory. Otherwise, giving a poor tip reflects on your personality, and is just disrespectful.