Booster4324 Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Not here. The night life here is among the top in North America. Well in the US most bartenders (even the ones I have met from LA and NY don't come close to that 600 to 800 range. Hell, only the high class strippers average that (Memphis used to have a nation wide renowned strip club and I knew quite a few of the dancers). Not all the strippers, just the high class one. My point being you are grossly distorting what the average person makes, when the discussion is about what an average tip should be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dean Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Another question--do you guys tip hairdresses/barbers? If so, why? They're providing a service for which you're already paying. (My wife and I argue about this from time to time). Unless the hairdresser owns the shop, they are paid very little per cut. They rely on tips simply to survive, in many cases. I am a "computer guy" and I get tips all the time from customers as well as fruit baskets, gift certs etc at Christmas. Never really understood that, becuase the are already paying for the service, but I'm not complaining. Me, too. In fact I'd say 20-25% of my customers give me more money than I ask for. They don't call it a "tip", they just say the service was worth more than I charge. Many of my customers give me homemade cookies, cakes, pasta, etc. Everybody loves to feed a fat guy. same argument goes for bartenders then, right? I read somewhere that gratuity is a very large part of the income for a barber or stylist. I tip mine $5.00. Bartenders and waitresses are regularly paid under minimum wage in the USA. The tips compensate for that. In many (most?) local joints the bartenders are given a small flat wager (I know some get as little as $30 a night for pay). What if its the owner of the Bar/Barber shop/resturant/pizza place/food delivery to your home/ serving you? Tip? Then it is up to you, really. I tip, but I lived on tips for years. But if you go to a salon and the owner charges $40 for a cut, I don't think you need to tip him/her. Tipping will usually get you better treatment on return visits, though. Feel free to continue to shell out your money, while they make jokes about you in the kitchen... Travel to Germany. Read the term..."price inclusive". One of the prevailing, persistent myths is that serving tables is poor-paying occupation. Not only can you pocket a bundle of cash money that you may or may not report, you get to plead poverty and get saps to pet you about your poor lot in life. Like you have to train, go and pay for higher education to get into the biz...please... First of all, I have NEVER heard cooks/waiters/bartenders/etc make fun of a good tipper for being a good tipper. NEVER. And I have worked in a lot of places. Now, if you are throwing money around trying to impress the bartender or pick up the waitress there may be jokes, but not for the normal customer. In Germany the prices are "inclusive" because they actually pay their help a living wage. We don't do that in the USA. Maybe we should pay servers a decent wage. Then the price of everything you consume at a bar or restaurant would cost far more than it does now. And as I now know you are a skin-flint, you have lost your chair at my bar! As to what a bartender makes, it varies widely. At a high end joint with class customers (not Cincy), you can do quite well. At a dive bar you can starve, especially in a bad economy. When I bartended at the Seneca Niagara Casino, I started on the day shift. There were weekdays in the winter when you could make $10 in tips for the whole day (and I was usually among the higher tipped bartenders). Remember we were paid under minimum wage so they actually had to tax us on far more tips than that. To be fair, on a good night shift you could go home with a few hundred on occasion and I'm guessing not many declared all of that. Of course, when you leave with a pocketful of money on the night shift, and you work with 20-something cocktail waitresses, you often find yourself broke (but happy) in the morning. Such is the life of a bartender. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jack Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 My tips... Dining in - 20% unless my bill is under $10, then $2 Curbside pickup - 10% Delivery - $5 if it a small order (1 pizza or chinese), larger orders get more Bar - $1 drink unless I also order food, then 20% Haircut - $3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim in Anchorage Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 My tips... Dining in - 20% unless my bill is under $10, then $2 Curbside pickup - 10% Delivery - $5 if it a small order (1 pizza or chinese), larger orders get more Bar - $1 drink unless I also order food, then 20% Haircut - $3 You tip the garbage man? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jack Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 You tip the garbage man? Nah, my garbage man is a city employee. example of Curbside pickup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim in Anchorage Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Nah, my garbage man is a city employee. example of Curbside pickup Is outback any good? Those prices looked pretty fair, and that was for the Anchorage location. Never been there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Unless the hairdresser owns the shop, they are paid very little per cut. They rely on tips simply to survive, in many cases. My hairdresser used to own her own shop. I'd pay $15 for the cut and $5 for the tip. She used to make a decent amount on tanning, but then competitors came in and she couldn't pay rent. So she ended-up renting a space in another salon. The funny/sad thing is that the building where her shop was has been vacant now for 1-1/2 years. Had the owner negotiated a lower rent with her, he could have had something instead of nothing. Oh well. She says she's doing better than she has in awhile where she is now, and has a lot fewer headaches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dean Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 My hairdresser used to own her own shop. I'd pay $15 for the cut and $5 for the tip. She used to make a decent amount on tanning, but then competitors came in and she couldn't pay rent. So she ended-up renting a space in another salon. The funny/sad thing is that the building where her shop was has been vacant now for 1-1/2 years. Had the owner negotiated a lower rent with her, he could have had something instead of nothing. Oh well. She says she's doing better than she has in awhile where she is now, and has a lot fewer headaches. I get my hair cut from the owner, too and I also give a $5 tip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meazza Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 I get my hair cut from the owner, too and I also give a $5 tip. I'm stopping all forms of tipping ... starting now.... Unless she has huge cans... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Fong Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 I am Canadian and I tip pretty well. So you're the one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WVUFootball29 Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 When it comes to tipping, I usually give 20-30% of the total with tax depending on service and the type of restaurant. Really poor service will see about 15%, but it has to be exceptionally poor. I rarely tip when picking up food unless I know the people and they hook me up with a deal every now and then. Miley's (local bar) I typically drop the bartender a few bucks for my takeout order because they'll normally knock off a good chunk of the food total for me. When I tip at a bar, I typically tip pretty big my first round at a busy bar to ensure good service for the rest of the night then after that its typically a buck or two a round depending on what I order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Bills fan Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 No tipping down here in New Zealand. Just about two weeks ago, we had pizza delivered. When the kid showed up he handed me the food and I gave him a couple bucks back. He looked at it and said, "No thanks". I said, "oh go ahead and keep it" and he still refused! When I asked him why, he said that we've tipped him in the past, and that we didn't need to do it every time! I love NZ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartyBall4Buffalo Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Working as a waiter in food service industry the acceptable tip is generally 20% when out to eat. However I fully understand that not everyone can afford that, and as long as people leave 10% I'm cool with that. I'm sorry but if you're out eating and can't afford to leave 10% than do us a favor and stay home. It's a complete waste of our time at work. The average server at a resturant unless we're working an upscale place is under 3 an hour on the clock +tips. The only thing worse is paying your bill, Than sitting there the rest of the night taking up one of my tables costing me money in the process. Realize most of us are generally college aged kids, relying fully on your tips to survive day to day, pay for rent, pay back loans,bills etc etc. If I go out I'm tipping 20% of my food bill. If I'm just out drinking than I tip a dollar per beer, or 15-20 % of the final bill. Delivery depending on the order only 5-10 dollars Pickup unless it's curbside pickup I don't tip. Other than the kitchen no one really doing any work other than ringing in your order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jack Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Is outback any good? Those prices looked pretty fair, and that was for the Anchorage location. Never been there. It's kinda a crap shoot. Some stuff I like on their menu like the ribs and the Alice Springs chicken. Other stuff like the prime rib is just "eh". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BUFFALOTONE Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 You sound like a beggar who wants to demand money out of other people's hide for the performance of the simplest of tasks, trying to embarrass them and shake down their wallet. And insult them if they don't go along with the extortion attempt. Pump the brakes buddy. I have worked 1 job in the food service industry in college and that was at Subway and we never had a tip jar. You sound like a old curmudgeon who is doing the server a favor by letting him/her wait on you. God forbid you reward someone properly for doing a good job or getting "annoyed" when they introduce themselves at the table. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BUFFALOTONE Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 big clubs in big cities. shoot, i used to make a couple hundred a night just waiting tables at a nice restaurant. the big, packed bars with $7 bottles of beer and $10 drinks... the bartenders can make a killing. $500 on a Thursday night, who knows what over the weekend. My friend dated a bartender who worked at Club Mansion in South Beach, he said she would come home on a WEEKDAY with about 1000 in tips and the weekends around 2k. But she worked from 9-6 am. That relationship didn't last that long.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BUFFALOTONE Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 I'm stopping all forms of tipping ... starting now.... Unless she has huge cans... Isn't that funny how it works, who cares how long she takes or if the orders wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meazza Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Isn't that funny how it works, who cares how long she takes or if the orders wrong. Well the girl has to pay for the implants somehow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuckincincy Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 First of all, I have NEVER heard cooks/waiters/bartenders/etc make fun of a good tipper for being a good tipper. NEVER. And I have worked in a lot of places. Now, if you are throwing money around trying to impress the bartender or pick up the waitress there may be jokes, but not for the normal customer. In Germany the prices are "inclusive" because they actually pay their help a living wage. We don't do that in the USA. Maybe we should pay servers a decent wage. Then the price of everything you consume at a bar or restaurant would cost far more than it does now. And as I now know you are a skin-flint, you have lost your chair at my bar! As to what a bartender makes, it varies widely. At a high end joint with class customers (not Cincy), you can do quite well. At a dive bar you can starve, especially in a bad economy. When I bartended at the Seneca Niagara Casino, I started on the day shift. There were weekdays in the winter when you could make $10 in tips for the whole day (and I was usually among the higher tipped bartenders). Remember we were paid under minimum wage so they actually had to tax us on far more tips than that. To be fair, on a good night shift you could go home with a few hundred on occasion and I'm guessing not many declared all of that. Of course, when you leave with a pocketful of money on the night shift, and you work with 20-something cocktail waitresses, you often find yourself broke (but happy) in the morning. Such is the life of a bartender. If you can't make a living wage as a bartender or a waiter, aspire to improve yourself. This is like the pap that says that minimum wage jobs should be sufficient to live on. I had plenty of 'em when I was younger, and never thought for a moment not to work towards something better. Your turn to buy...I have a hankering for a rock 'n rye, please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Virgil Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 This has to be one of my more favorite threads. I'm glad to see other people debating the same things I do. For restaurants, I usually try for the 15-20%. I've never shafted anyone. Even the worst service, I've given 10%. I know they live off it and, regardless of how busy it may be, the busy times equal out the slow times. If the person is awesome, I've give almost 30%. For carry-out, I don't feel like you should tip because the person didn't do anything. But at the same time, a lot of restaurants have carry-out stations now and the person working there only does carry out. Is that person getting a normal hourly wage or do they rely on tips? If I knew that, it would help. I kinda feel bad so I usually leave a buck or two, unless they leave me waiting and I can see my food. Delivery Drivers. Does anyone know if they get the "Delivery Fee" money the company charges. I know that most of the pizza places charge around $2 now. If the driver gets that, then I would incorporate that into the tip. But again, I don't know. Haircut joints, definitely tip. I know that's where they make their money. The place I have problems with are obligations. I don't like the guys with cleaning stuff in the bathrooms or bellhops. These are things that I like to do myself and, just because you put yourself there, doesn't mean I should have to use your services. Make sense? For installers. I've personally done tv/pc home work. And usually, I got tipped and tipped well. I think that is more of because people are so happy for finally getting their stuff working. Imagine your computer being down for a week and someone shows up and magically fixes it. I think that's why the wallet opens up. It happened so much, that I was surprised when I didn't atleast get a 50 spot. But, usually those guys get paid well, so it's really not necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePebble19 Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Normally, If I am drinking during a meal, I will tip 20-25% on total food bill, and then $1 per alcoholic beverage I have. If I am just at a bar drinking, it usually depends on the cost, but never less than $1 per drink. As far as picking up food goes, I usually always tip them. My wife works at Carrabba's, and the people working the pickup window still get paid 2.83 per hour, with no tip-share from anyone, and they rely on tips. Most of them barely make enough to warrant being there. So, I always tip those people. I try not to short-change wait staff too much, since my wife is a waitress, I know what they go through. Unless the service is REALLY bad, they usually get at least 20% from me. I never short a waiter/waitress on the quality of food, because that really has nothing to do with them if our order was taken correctly, and she does an otherwise good job. I hate hearing the stories from my wife about people that come in and have 70-100 dollar bills at the end of their meal, and leave 5.00 for a tip. The place my wife works at makes you tip out to the Bartenders - Hostesses - Busboys, 1% for each, which is based on the amount of the bill, not the tip. So, on a 100.00 bill, she is tipping out 3 dollars to the staff, and if she is left a 5.00 tip, that means she gets 2.00 on 100. Pretty crappy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Virgil Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Thanks for the heads up about carry out workers, good to know. Oh yeah, I usually tip a bartender $1 per drink Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meazza Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Well in the US most bartenders (even the ones I have met from LA and NY don't come close to that 600 to 800 range. Hell, only the high class strippers average that (Memphis used to have a nation wide renowned strip club and I knew quite a few of the dancers). Not all the strippers, just the high class one. My point being you are grossly distorting what the average person makes, when the discussion is about what an average tip should be. Well the average for a city with a booming nightlife is a lot higher. I guess these would be considered outliers as the bartenders/strippers/waiters I know drive Land Rovers while I drive a Civic. I have a bachelors degree in finance, they have a masters degree in silicone. Also, regarding the minimum wage, it is approximately 7-8 CAD which at a full time level equals about 10K less than the average salary so they're not starving to death. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fezmid Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 For installers. I've personally done tv/pc home work. And usually, I got tipped and tipped well. I think that is more of because people are so happy for finally getting their stuff working. Imagine your computer being down for a week and someone shows up and magically fixes it. I think that's why the wallet opens up. It happened so much, that I was surprised when I didn't atleast get a 50 spot. But, usually those guys get paid well, so it's really not necessary. This woman called and told me her email was all gone and she needed my help bringing it back. She tried explaining the situation on the phone, but wasn't making a lot of sense. I drove to her house (about 10 minutes away), and she showed me the computer and email client. After a couple of minutes I realized that she had simply dragged one of the dividers to the side, so her email was all "hidden." I dragged it back so she could see it and explained what to look for next time. She was so excited, and then asked me how much she owed. Since I didn't really *do* much of anything, I told her $10. She got pissed off at me, stormed into the living room where her husband was, and said, "He saved all of our email and is only asking for $10! That's far too low!!! Write him a check for $50!" (that's why I'm a crappy business person - I undervalue the work/benefit I provide... I still feel guilty about taking $50 from them for that job!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuckincincy Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 This woman called and told me her email was all gone and she needed my help bringing it back. She tried explaining the situation on the phone, but wasn't making a lot of sense. I drove to her house (about 10 minutes away), and she showed me the computer and email client. After a couple of minutes I realized that she had simply dragged one of the dividers to the side, so her email was all "hidden." I dragged it back so she could see it and explained what to look for next time. She was so excited, and then asked me how much she owed. Since I didn't really *do* much of anything, I told her $10. She got pissed off at me, stormed into the living room where her husband was, and said, "He saved all of our email and is only asking for $10! That's far too low!!! Write him a check for $50!" (that's why I'm a crappy business person - I undervalue the work/benefit I provide... I still feel guilty about taking $50 from them for that job!). Consider that God did this for you, in compensation for your dealings with Dell and your SSD debacle... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KD in CA Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Well the average for a city with a booming nightlife is a lot higher. I guess these would be considered outliers as the bartenders/strippers/waiters I know drive Land Rovers while I drive a Civic. I have a bachelors degree in finance, they have a masters degree in silicone. Strippers make big bucks, but they have short careers. They're kinda like running backs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meazza Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Strippers make big bucks, but they have short careers. They're kinda like running backs. True but just like NFL players braching out (i.e. getting a job in broadcasting), strippers are branching out too, (either becoming hookers or marrying a really wealthy actor, celeb or insert occupation). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guffalo Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 True but just like NFL players braching out (i.e. getting a job in broadcasting), strippers are branching out too, (either becoming hookers or marrying a really wealthy actor, celeb or TBD poster). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuckincincy Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Strippers make big bucks, but they have short careers. They're kinda like running backs. Here is a pole dance artist...with hope, this talented youngster has explored ballet....or Cirque du Soliel. NSFW! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fezmid Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Consider that God did this for you, in compensation for your dealings with Dell and your SSD debacle... Nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooderson Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Delivery Drivers. Does anyone know if they get the "Delivery Fee" money the company charges. I know that most of the pizza places charge around $2 now. If the driver gets that, then I would incorporate that into the tip. But again, I don't know. I worked in a pizza place for a good amount of time and at our place we had $2, $4, and $6 delivery charges depending on the distance that the driver was traveling but we would usually alert the customer on the phone if the charge was $4 or $6. The driver would make either $1.50, $3, or $4.50 on the respective delivery charges. For a regular delivery, I think a $3-$5 is usually what they made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mead107 Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 If you go into a breakfast place and you spend $5.50 on a bowl of oatmeal and 6 cups of free coffee do you only leave a 15% (.83 cents) tip? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebug Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 If you go into a breakfast place and you spend $5.50 on a bowl of oatmeal and 6 cups of free coffee do you only leave a 15% (.83 cents) tip? I would just leave a 10. If you had 6 cups of coffee you were there a while taking up a spot, so the extra is justified. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jack Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 If you go into a breakfast place and you spend $5.50 on a bowl of oatmeal and 6 cups of free coffee do you only leave a 15% (.83 cents) tip? No, if my bill is under $10, that's an automatic $2 tip from me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanker Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 No, if my bill is under $10, that's an automatic $2 tip from me. Yep. 20% after that. Around here a lot of restaurants are BYOB - which makes dining out more economical. I always gross up the tip when I BMOB. Haircuts are $16 where I go. I always give 'em a $20. My barbers are two brothers that run a small shop they took over from their dad. Wifey gives a $20 or so to her hair dresser on top of the $35 or whatever the doo costs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jack Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Look what showed up on Yahoo today... When to Tip? And How Much? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dean Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Look what showed up on Yahoo today... When to Tip? And How Much? Since I prefer my bags arrive at my destination the same time I arrive, I usually tip a skycap far more than $1 per bag. A couple of the others seemed a little chintzy, too. This seems like a bare minimum guide for Cincy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jack Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 A couple of the others seemed a little chintzy, too. Similar to what I thought, starting point of 15% for food service? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poojer Posted February 27, 2010 Author Share Posted February 27, 2010 great answer....i usually follow this guide line also No, if my bill is under $10, that's an automatic $2 tip from me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poojer Posted February 27, 2010 Author Share Posted February 27, 2010 just proving that this community is one step ahead of the general population! Look what showed up on Yahoo today... When to Tip? And How Much? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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