A question about tipping in restaurants

[miasmum]

I have a friend, Sarah, who I go out with once a month. Nearly every time we end up in deep discussion about the tip. She is adamant it should be 10% right down to the pence. I am adamant £3.00 is fine. So I leave £1.50 and she does what she thinks is right. Problem is prices have been steadily increasing so last night I left my standard £1.50 but she left at least a £1 more than me and the shrapnel to make it up to the 10%. I feel awkward about this, but wild horses won't make her deviate from the 'right' thing to do and that is 10%.

Do I continue to just leave my £1.50 regardless and ignore the fact she is paying more and more as time goes on, or do I give in and start going halves with her, which really doesn't sit well with me.

Would appreciate your thoughts and comments on what you do

Thank you

[meriad]

I always tip at least 10% or 12%; depending on level of service. Unless it's really really bad service then I'll leave a bare minimum if anything

Depending on who I'm out with we either split the bill (including tip) between us all, or if someone isn't drinking alcohol, then we always deduct that to split and then split the food cost and add the appropriate tip to that.

But definitely 10% or more

[tonicha]

I think it also is worth thinking about, is the tip deserved?

We normally leave about 10% in the Capri, then end up having an extra (free) brandy

Stick with what you're happy with MM.

Having worked in restaurants, any tip is a thank you

[miasmum]

But why Ria? Does anyone tip you for doing a good job? I spend half my day sorting stuff out for patients, who can't even be bothered to say thank you, let alone tip me.

I thinking tipping is out-dated, and old fashioned and I honestly don't understand why we do it.

[victor]

i am with you miasmum,outdated practice,maybe they should be paid a decent wage

nobody tipped me in my work

[Kaz]

We leave 10% as well. I also often put my loose change in the tip cup, by the till in Coffee#1 (my regular place in town) as they are lovely in there

[miasmum]

so prices are going up and up, but is service going up and up? I doubt it. Your tips are however.

Kaz, I would always do that if I went somewhere regularly, I see that as different

[Kaz]

It's just customary though, isn't it Shell, the 10% If you don't feel they deserve it, then don't leave it

I think your friend should just make sure she leaves what she feels is right, for her own half of the bill, it seems a bit unfair that she feels the need to make up what she perceives as your shortfall

[meriad]

Shell, in Germany waiting staff earn a decent wage and generally rule of thumb over there is that you just round up the amount to make it easier when it comes to giving change (and most people do still pay cash there) and as a token of appreciation.

Whereas here waiting staff are often on minimum wage, if not less, work stupid long hours and they rely on the tips to survive... hence them trying to do their best. As a by the by, in the US you're expected to tip between 18% - 20% because it's these tips that the staff live off. They wouldn't be able to survive on their wage

And actually yes, I do get tipped for doing what I do - I get an annual bonus. And I bet that your salary is a bit (maybe not much, but still a bit) higher than minimum wage?

Maybe I am too generous, but I always tip in restaurants and in the past my hairdresser etc.

[Kaz]

Spot on Ria

I tip at the hairdressers too, I pay the bill by card and then give the stylist cash, so I know she'll get it Same at the nail bar, 10% These guys get paid peanuts!