[jtjtjtjt]

I've recently re-evaluated my tipping and plan on trying a new model for a while.

I look at the server working and estimate how many people/tables/clients/customers that she serves in an hour. Then I make a judgement on the worth of the particular service performed and say the server should be making X dollars / hour. Then I tip so that the server will make that much (not taking any min. wage salary into consideration).

For example, buffet waiter handles 6 tables / hour and I figure for that work she should get $30 / hour in tips. So if each table tipped her $5, she would be making $30 / hour in tips. So I leave her $5.

A buffet waiter who does 12 tables an hour would get $2.50 from me.

If I figure she should be making $15 / hour, I would leave $2.50 or $1.25.

A garbage man gets my highest tip because he should be making $100 / hour.

Lawyers get a tip of 1 penny for an hours work.

The reason I'm re-evaluating my tipping is because I'm thinking 15% or 20% is a flawed system and this is how I plan to fix it. We'll see if my system catches on and eventually replaces the flawed system.

[jfitt]

I agree with the 15-20%. AFter reading these responses, I know why we get great service from the wait staff.

[Buzz123]

How many of you get tips for what you do? Just curious.

But, even for the short time I worked for tips, I hardly ever got any. I even got stiffed by card dealers.

[AlphaBeta]

At buffets it's always a buck a head or more if the service was good. I have had terrible service and great service at the various buffets. They bring me drinks and sometimes refills. They clear plates and sometimes bring me extra napkins. They receive an hourly wage and they receive a tip from me. It's not my responsibility to assess their income standards and make up for what some people feel is less than what they deserve.

And Buzz - I don't get tipped at work, I'm lucky if I get filtered water to drink while at work.

[mojavedxer]

20% to bring me an ice tea or diet coke no thank you. I leave a buck or two per head depending on the service.

[Jimrob1]

If I go to a buffet anywhere in the USA, I leave $1.00 or $2.00. However many buffets I have been to even in Las Vegas, there are times I have never even been waited on. Which is fine with me, I'm capable of getting my own glass of water. I don't really need to be waited on in a buffet to begin with. I'm not getting any other drinks or services. If I'm with a group of people and everyone is being waited on. Then that's a different story. Tip accordingly.

So I eat my meal and leave a buck. Personally I think that tipping is way out of line in this country. I believe in tipping but not to the extent it is carried out here. I still prefer the European way. Good service bad service the tip is in the bill.

[Raiderman]

I tip the same as I do cocktail waitresses on the casino floor. $2 per drink.

[BBMW]

Really, no. You're getting less service from a buffet waiter, and doing more of what would normally be considered waiter service yourself. That level of service does not demand a full waiter tip. Also, these servers are likely covering many more tables at the same time, so they're getting many more tipping opportunities than a waiter full service restaurant.

I do $2 pp

Originally Posted by MSchu

15-20%... no different

[anchoragedan]

Originally Posted by MSchu

15-20%... no different

Don't you think waiters who take your order, bring your food and tend to your needs deserve more than the folks who just bring you drinks?

[MountainBiking]

Since the servers are only bringing me drinks I leave about $2 per person.

Cheers.