Do i still have to tip servers in the California? (gated, restaurants)

[TaxPhd]

Originally Posted by saibot

With all due respect, I believe the first mention to tax on that steak was mine in post #41.

Oops! You're right.

[highlanderfil]

Originally Posted by TaxPhd

No, I don’t pay tax.

Where in California do you live that this is an actual choice you get to make on a restaurant bill?

[TaxPhd]

Originally Posted by highlanderfil

Where in California do you live that this is an actual choice you get to make on a restaurant bill?

I don't live in California.

[AngelWing]

Originally Posted by MikeJaquish

Rule 1:
Never tip.

Rule 2:
Never eat in the same place twice.

LOL!...reminds me of a quote - "I wish I had the nerve not to tip." ~ Paul Lynde

[highlanderfil]

Originally Posted by TaxPhd

I don't live in California.

My mistake. You'd been so vocal in this thread, I mistook you for OP.

[TaxPhd]

Originally Posted by highlanderfil

My mistake. You'd been so vocal in this thread, I mistook you for OP.

I was simply responding to a question that Ruth posed.

[highlanderfil]

I've always been a proponent of a 15% tip for OK service, 20% for good, 10% for poor (in states where tips subsidize the sub-minimum wages) and add on an extra couple of bucks if the check is small (20% on a $10 check is $2, which isn't much), but that seems to be an outdated way of thinking in 2024. That approach has conditioned me over the years, though, to feel awkward when declining to tip in situations such as fast food places or those where servers earn a living wage (or what passes for it, anyways). Perhaps I need to reassess my approach to tipping.

[TaxPhd]

Originally Posted by highlanderfil

I've always been a proponent of a 15% tip for OK service, 20% for good, 10% for poor (in states where tips subsidize the sub-minimum wages) and add on an extra couple of bucks if the check is small (20% on a $10 check is $2, which isn't much), but that seems to be an outdated way of thinking in 2024. That approach has conditioned me over the years, though, to feel awkward when declining to tip in situations such as fast food places or those where servers earn a living wage (or what passes for it, anyways). Perhaps I need to reassess my approach to tipping.

You may already know this, but even in those states, servers never earn less than minimum wage. Even if NOBODY tips. Unless their employer is breaking the law.

[JGC97]

Originally Posted by highlanderfil

I've always been a proponent of a 15% tip for OK service, 20% for good, 10% for poor (in states where tips subsidize the sub-minimum wages) and add on an extra couple of bucks if the check is small (20% on a $10 check is $2, which isn't much), but that seems to be an outdated way of thinking in 2024. That approach has conditioned me over the years, though, to feel awkward when declining to tip in situations such as fast food places or those where servers earn a living wage (or what passes for it, anyways). Perhaps I need to reassess my approach to tipping.

I've also been conditioned to tip accordingly. Much like what you describe. I don't go over 20%, though. Traveling hasn't changed my tipping rule. It's just easier to follow what I know. And this is for restaurant dining, not fast food establishments but I haven't been to one of those in years so I have no clue of the prices now; only what people say online.

[highlanderfil]

Originally Posted by TaxPhd

You may already know this, but even in those states, servers never earn less than minimum wage. Even if NOBODY tips. Unless their employer is breaking the law.

Back when I first started dining out, that wasn't the case. But I hadn't thought to check in a while. Shows my privilege, I guess (or how often I dine out), that I could afford to tip 15-20% all these years without really paying attention to whether or not I need to do so.