Waitstaff- your experience with tips under different min. wage laws? (employees, sample)

[AlaskaAma]

I've worked as a waitress for about 10 years, until very recently in Massachusetts where the minimum wage for tipped employees was $2.63. I've always been told that I'm pretty good at my job, and in general I've averaged at least 20% tips. At my most recent place, which was an upscale-casual white tablecloth sort, but not actually fine dining, I would usually take home 20% even after tip-out to bussers and the bar.

Now I'm in Alaska, where tipped employees must be paid the same wage as non-tipped employees, and I've noticed a definite dip in my average tip percantage. I'm working both at a diner-style family restaurant and a small italian place, and while I expected tips to be lower at the diner I'm seeing this from customers at both places. I've also had that thing where customers tell you everything was great and you were awesome and then leave less than 15% happen far more frequently than it did in MA.

I've only lived here three weeks, so it's entirely possible that this can be attributed to small sample size, the demographics of the area, or something else that hasn't even occured to me. I'm definitely not complaining, as I'm still averaging an hourly income similar to what I'm used to, but I was just wondering if others have noticed this phenomenon or if it's just my imagination?

[Three Wolves In Snow]

Originally Posted by AlaskaAma

I've worked as a waitress for about 10 years, until very recently in Massachusetts where the minimum wage for tipped employees was $2.63. I've always been told that I'm pretty good at my job, and in general I've averaged at least 20% tips. At my most recent place, which was an upscale-casual white tablecloth sort, but not actually fine dining, I would usually take home 20% even after tip-out to bussers and the bar.

Now I'm in Alaska, where tipped employees must be paid the same wage as non-tipped employees, and I've noticed a definite dip in my average tip percantage. I'm working both at a diner-style family restaurant and a small italian place, and while I expected tips to be lower at the diner I'm seeing this from customers at both places. I've also had that thing where customers tell you everything was great and you were awesome and then leave less than 15% happen far more frequently than it did in MA.

I've only lived here three weeks, so it's entirely possible that this can be attributed to small sample size, the demographics of the area, or something else that hasn't even occured to me. I'm definitely not complaining, as I'm still averaging an hourly income similar to what I'm used to, but I was just wondering if others have noticed this phenomenon or if it's just my imagination?

I used to live in WA state. Yes, you get your minimum wage + your tips, none of this b.s. with paying you lower because you earn tips, (I think that is such crap, as well as pooling tips, that is also massive crap). I made a killing. I was able to live comfortably working basically part time because of it.

I would never wait on tables or bartend in a state that doesn't allow minimum wage + tips, (and I mean same min wage as those who don't work for tips), nor one that says people have to pool their tips. Hell with that, if I worked for it, it's mine.

Keep in mind:

1) You're in Alaska. People don't tend to throw their money around like they do in Taxachussettes.

2) You're new. They can tell.

3) It's a little too early to be making comparisons.

[North Beach Person]

Yeah, I eat in restaurants in a few different states and have zero clue about the minimum wage. I tip on service.