Should tips be percentage based or trip based?

Question

It is stupid to tip based on the percentage of the total cost of the meal, in my opinion. However, if you tipped based on the number of times the server came to your table and brought you stuff or checked to see if you needed stuff then that would be fair.

Example:  Server takes your order,  brings your order, checks once to see if you need anything else, then brings you the bill. Total of four trips. Bill $75.69. 15% tip would be $11.35 or $2.8375 per trip.

Whereas if you tipped a dollar (or whatever you decide is fair) per trip, you would only tip $4.00. So, it would give the server incentive to make more trips to check on you during or after you've eaten. I hate it when the server forgets about you once they serve the meal! Grrrrr.

Zyzzyx · Accepted Answer

I agree that some new thinking is needed on the tipping formula. Yours is a reasonable approach because you're paying for their concern.

siemata · Answer

I agree and disagree. Since most servers don't make min. wage they have to make up for it in tips. On the other hand, if they don't earn the tip, they don't deserve it.  I do 10% plus 5-7% for average service) and 20%+ for above average service. If they are rude or just plain horrible (and not new there is definatly a learning curve) I will leave a little note explaining why they did not get a tip or in extreme cases I will speak with management.  -- If you do a base tip system you also have to take into account type of place. (i.e. coffee shop would get less than fine dining) For big tables in small places try to add $1 per person on top of the 15%. Big partys make big messes and you might be one of 3 or 4 tables they have.

conley39 · Answer

The problem with this approach is that you'll have people coming to the table and interrupting the meal unnecessarily. Personally, I would much rather just pay the 20% and up and get efficient, professional service than having someone hanging over me when I eat. It would be even better if restaurants just raised prices and paid servers a decent living wage like they do here in Europe.

shoredude2 · Answer

More annoying then being forgotten is when the server hovers over you the entire meal.  That is what your system would do.

If the server forgets you and gives poor service, leave a minimal tip and ask to speak the manager.

Anonymous · Answer

you obtain tons! around right that is like $600.00 for in simple terms 4 hours!! As for the top, i could be like, " dude, you ganked me for 6 hundred greenbacks, i understand a guy who paid 800 for 12 hours, WTF?? right that could be a tip, do no longer play with suits while fueling your skiff." lol. heavily although, those adult males artwork stressful to place you on the fish and make your day memorable. everywhere from 12-25% could be advantageous even even though it would be large in case you purely take it up a notch and supply what you will have the money for above those possibilities. circumstances are stressful for each guy or woman yet recommendations are priceless. ~stable success catchin'

motormouth · Answer

percentage based it best, add an extra amount for very good service. don't be stingy.

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Should tips be percentage based or trip based?

6 Answers