What Should Factor in Tipping at Restaurants

Everyone knows it is proper "etiquette" to tip 15-20%. Not everyone follows these guidelines. Some tip less, some more.

Here are a few things to take into consideration when tipping the next time you eat out.

First of all, how friendly is your server? Sometimes servers act cheesy, and unfortunately assume that means they are polite. However, they are making an effort to charm you. If the server approaches the table and introduces themselves instead of rudely asking, "what do you wanna drink" then give them a few points for being nice. If they continue to show proper customer service, then you should consider them a good server.

Don't let your tip go down immediately if service is slow. Take in your surroundings. Is it really busy for how much staff there appears to be? Servers know that their income depends primarily on their tips, they usually try their hardest to make sure nothing stops them from reaching their highest potential. Before getting angry at them because it is taking a little while for a drink refill, take into account that maybe some people called in and they are having a higher amount of customers to attend to, or that there was a sudden rush and several of their tables came in all at the same time. Things like this happen. If they continue to have a great attitude and are trying their hardest to please you, show them some gratitude.

If your food takes a long time, don't blame the servers first. Do you really think they are the ones cooking everything? There are several reasons that it could be taking awhile, such as a low amount of cooks for the amount of business there is. Even if not, it is still not the servers fault if it is taking too long in the kitchen. Don't make them pay for it. This also goes if your food tastes bad or is not to the standard that you expected.

Basically, maintain a heart for the servers efforts. If they are maintaining their calm and patience during a stressful, busy shift, then they are giving you true customer service. If your glass is never empty and you are checked on frequently to assure that your experience is good, your server is doing their job.

If your experience was bad food wise and time wise and your server didn't make up for it through a great attitude, then still tip them 15%. Chances are they are making below minimum wage. Many states are allowed to pay servers at less than half of minimum wage because they receive tips. If the server was horrible, examples, rude, didn't tend to you very much during a really slow shift, etc, then 15% is still proper, but it is still your choice.

If the server really satisfied you, tip them 20%. If they really impressed you, give them even more. Just like you want to show someone that they're service to was poor, by making your tip poor, you should factor in the same example when your server was great. Getting a really good tip is a great incentive to keep up the good work.

The next time you go into the restaurant, the server will recognize you, no matter what size your tip. If it was horrible, then they will hope they don't have to wait on you. If it was great, they will want to wait on you and give you even better service. Chances are if you're not in their section, they will still pay attention to you, ask you if you need some extra napkins or otherwise. If you have come in twice to their knowledge, then you will come in again and maybe get them as a server again.

Tipping is a great way to establish a "regular" status at any restaurant. Just like customers show their loyalty to an establishment with their pocketbooks, staff show their loyalty with wonderful service and a welcoming attitude.