Do I really need to give a 'tip'?

I know someone who works as a waiter and he doesn't make even minimum wage, he only gets paid about $3 an hour. (This is in the USA.) His income relies on the tips. I was shocked because I though everyone had to be paid minimum wage but not those who are tipped. My suggestion is to ask the waitress who serves you if she makes minimum wage, if not, then be kind to her. She may be raising children or having to pay bills. Cheer her up and make her day. Be grateful that people are kind to you, even when they are not really, really satisfied with you. Understand the other person from their point of view. The more you give, the more it will come back to you.

I do give a tip but I'd look into the receipt first of how much was the service charge incurred. But usually, I would just give about 20pesos.

Hello adnileb. Here in my country those in the food service such as waiters and waitresses are not paid very good. There are high end restaurants in my country where the waiters and waitresses have pay the to able to work in them because of the tips they can make. I try to always a tip even at those buffets. They still have to keep drinks filled and the dishes cleared away and new clean ones on the table.

I leave a tip on any restaurant where I am served by a waiter. It is different in fast food chains. In my country, a tip is expected and that is what waiters earn. In some restaurants, they will ask you whether you want to include a tip in the bill. I round up something neat 10%.

Well it's not a NEED. The restaurant is already giving the waiters wages. But for good measure I do give tips. If I am happy with the service then I'd give a generous tip. If I am not satisfied I give a very small amount.

hi adnileb:) I don't give tips too but not because I don't want to. In fact I want to but I'm thinking if it's proper to do it. My husband doesn't give either as he thinks it's not necessary. Last week when we ate somewhere I saw this guy who gave a tip to the waiter, not on that (what's it called by the way?), but actually handed it to the waiter for everyone to see. The waiter was glad to receive it and the other waiters sort of congratulated him. It must have been a big tip because the waiters' faces lightened up:)

You don't tip? At least, your fiancé seems to have good manners. He knows that it is appropriate to leave a tip when you go to a real restaurant.

Hi adnileb, I always leave tip when I eat in restaurants... which are not self service as the tips make most of waiter's wages. But now as a trend most of the restaurants in Delhi have stated to put up 10% service charge. Since then I have either reduced the amount of tip or stopped tipping as 10 % service charge has not improved the service. The service charge is different from service tax, which goes in pocket of government while service charge goes in pocket of restaurant owner.

I seldom give a tip; I only d it if the waiter provides us with splendid service. Some of the attendants are not really attentive in taking orders, others are too lazy to assist their customers, while others just do not know what to do and how to do their job well. One time, while me and my boyfriend dined in a restaurant, the waitress accidentally poured the ice tea into my boyfriend's bag with all his IDs and credit cards soaking wet. I was very angry but my boyfriend calmed me down and he just spoke to the supervisor who, in turn, asked for an apology and gave us a discount. I didn't give a tip due to that accident.

We're actually not obligated to give a tip. Tips are somewhat a form of gratuity for a good service given. Each time I encounter very poor service, I wouldn't leave even a single cent as a tip. But if the service was superb, I'm a bit generous with my tip. But usually, if there's no service charge, I leave 10 percent tip. I think it's the standard tip or something.

Around here, tips are pretty much mandatory. Or at least, expected by all servers. And the standard is 15% of the bill. Unless of course the establishment already puts in a service charge. I know that it is a bit steep, but I'd usually put myself in the place of the servers. Some of them only earn minimum wage. And the tips supplement their income.

Waiters are often poorly paid because management think that they can make up the difference with tips. So it is normal to give a tip of 10% to the waiter. This is not always the case so you should look at the bill first, sometimes a 'tip' has been included in the price of the meal.

Giving a tip in a restaurant or any business establishment is not really necessary it depends on the customer if she or he likes to do so.. but i believe that if you receive a good service then why not give some small amount to someone who did the service.. and for that matter everybody is happy..

The custom about tipping really does depend on your country. In some countries, the practice is considered rude. In the United States, there's always talk about whether to leave a tip and how much. Personally, the amount I have left has varied from nothing to 100% of the bill. Waiters and waitresses in our country don't get paid minimum wage. Their tips are then considered part of their wage. As I understand it - I've never worked as a waitress - the tips are divided among the waiter/waitress, the busboys, and the kitchen help. It's my understanding the waiters/waitresses don't keep everything they get for tips. However, if I get poor service or my wait person is rude, I have absolutely no problem leaving nothing. This might be considered part of their wage, however it's a part they can control. I figure if they don't want to do their job well, they don't really want that part of their wage. If they have to share their tips with someone else, I allow the pressure from others to help convince them that maybe they should work a little harder. If the service is average, I usually leave somewhere between 12% and 15% of the bill. Really good service usually gets around 20% of the bill. On the other hand, I've also had excellent service. Service when my coffee cup (or other drink) never runs dry. When the wait person checks back minutes after leaving the food to see if everything is ok. If there are any delays or problems, makes sure to keep me apprised of the situation. Checks back throughout my meal without intruding. Brings the check in a timely manner. Continues to service the table after the check is brought (this is a big one). I will leave 25%+ for this kind of service. All kinds of other things effect how much I leave. How long I stay at a table, if I don't order much but need a lot. Those types of things. I often visit restaurants on a regular basis. I rarely receive poor service more than once.

Got the same question whenever I ate and pay at some restaurant; I don't earn a lot of money to do that. Most of the time I kind of being forced to do that because a lot of people is doing the same. Anyways, Happy birthday... whenever your birthday is. Hope you will have a great day. God bless!

Nobody HAS to give a tip but it's very common and polite. Most waiters see their (poor) income increase by the tips we give them as a "Thank you for serving us so kindly tonight". I would feel ashamed if I left without giving a tip.

You don't need to give a tip. It's up up to you if you have some extra cash to give. As customers, we are not obliged to do such givings.