16 Tipping Habits That Annoy Servers the Most
When you go out to eat, tipping is a big part of the experience. But did you know some tipping habits drive servers crazy? These bad habits can ruin a server’s day, from leaving too little to not tipping.
In this blog, we’ll discuss 16 tipping habits that annoy servers the most. By knowing what not to do, you can ensure your server feels appreciated.
1. Leaving No Tip
Leaving no tip is one of the worst habits because servers rely on tips for their income. Most servers earn a low hourly wage and depend on tips to make a living. Their hard work isn’t valued when you don’t leave any tips.
Even if the service wasn’t perfect, leaving nothing is discouraging. If you have issues with your meal or service, it’s better to talk to the manager instead of just not tipping.
2. Tipping Below 10%
Tipping below 10% is almost as bad as not tipping at all. Servers work hard to ensure a good dining experience, and tipping low can feel like a slap in the face. Most people consider 15-20% a standard tip for decent service.
Giving less than 10% can make servers feel underappreciated and unmotivated. If money is tight, try to leave at least 15%. A small gesture of appreciation can go a long way in brightening a server’s day.
3. Leaving Coins Instead of Bills
Leaving coins instead of bills can be annoying for servers. Coins are heavy and take up a lot of space, making them inconvenient to carry around. Plus, it feels disrespectful if you didn’t think the service was worth more than your spare change.
Even if it amounts to the right amount, using bills shows you value their hard work. Next time you tip, try leaving bills instead of a pile of coins. It makes a big difference to the server.
4. Leaving a Messy Table
Leaving a messy table is frustrating for servers. They already have much to clean up, and a messy table adds extra work.
Scattered napkins, spilled drinks, and leftover food make their job harder and slower. It also shows a lack of respect for where you just enjoyed a meal.
Cleaning up before you leave, like stacking plates or picking up trash, can make a big difference. It helps the server and keeps the restaurant looking nice for the next guests.
5. Ignoring Service Charges
Ignoring service charges can be frustrating for servers. Sometimes, restaurants add a service charge to the bill, especially for large groups.
This charge is meant to ensure the server gets a fair tip. Ignoring this and not adding any extra tips shows you didn’t notice or care about their hard work.
Always check your bill for service charges, and if you feel the service was exceptional, consider adding a little extra. It shows appreciation and ensures the server is fairly compensated.
6. Splitting Small Checks and Tipping Less
Splitting small checks and tipping less can be annoying for servers. When people split a small bill, they often forget to tip correctly, leaving the server with less than they deserve.
Even if each person only had a small meal, the server still put in the same effort. If you split the check, make sure everyone understands the importance of tipping fairly.
A good rule is calculating the total tip first and dividing it among the groups. This helps ensure the server gets a fair tip.
7. Expecting Exact Change
There is no way to predict how much your bill will be, especially if you’re splitting it or adding extras like drinks or desserts. Servers are not responsible for carrying large amounts of change, so it can be frustrating when a customer expects exact change back.
Instead, round up your payment to the nearest dollar or leave a little extra as a tip. It saves time for both you and the server.
It would help if you always were prepared to tip and understand the importance of it. Not only does it show appreciation for good service, but it also helps support those in the service industry.
8. Writing Notes Instead of Tipping
Writing a note instead of tipping can seem disrespectful. Servers rely on tips to supplement their low wages.
A kind note might make someone smile, but it doesn’t help pay their bills or show proper appreciation for their hard work.
Even if you had good intentions, skipping the tip and leaving just a note sends the wrong message. Always try to leave a monetary tip along with any message you want to share. It shows you truly value their service.
9. Stiffing the Server for a Slow Kitchen
Blaming the server for a slow kitchen and not tipping is unfair. The kitchen’s speed is usually out of their control, and they’re often doing their best to keep you happy despite delays.
If your food takes too long, it’s usually the kitchen’s fault, not the server’s. Instead of withholding a tip, consider mentioning the issue to the manager.
This way, you address the problem without penalizing the server, who still worked hard to serve you.
10. Adjusting Tip Based on Order Size
Reducing the tip based on your order size can be unfair to servers. Whether you order a little or a lot, the server still needs to provide good service.
They might refill your drinks, answer questions, and ensure you’re happy with your meal.
Tipping less just because you ordered less doesn’t account for their hard work. Always tip fairly, considering the quality of service rather than the size of your order. This shows appreciation and respect for their efforts.
11. Tipping Only on the Pre-Tax Amount
Tipping only on the pre-tax amount can shortchange your server. Servers work hard to ensure you have a good experience, and their income largely depends on tips.
When you tip based on the pre-tax amount, you usually tip less than you should.
To show proper appreciation, it’s better to tip on the total bill, including tax. This ensures the server is fairly compensated for their efforts, helping them make a decent living while providing great customer service.
12. Complaining to Avoid Tipping
Next, let’s discuss complaining to avoid tipping. It’s important to remember that your server is not responsible for issues with your meal or the restaurant.
They are simply there to help facilitate a positive dining experience and provide excellent service.
If you are unhappy with your food or overall experience, addressing the issue directly with the manager rather than withholding a tip is best.
This allows the server to still be compensated for their hard work while allowing the restaurant to improve.
13. Leaving Foreign Currency
This happens often, especially in tourist areas where many customers are foreign.
Leaving foreign currency as a tip can be seen as disrespectful or dismissive of the server’s hard work. It also creates an extra hassle for the server to exchange the currency and may result in them receiving less than their fair share.
If you’re traveling in a different country, it’s always best to exchange your currency beforehand and tip with the local currency. This shows proper appreciation and respect for the server’s efforts.
14. Not Tipping on To-Go Orders
Another bad tipping habit is not tipping on to-go orders. Just because you’re not dining in does not mean the server didn’t work to prepare your order.
They still took the time to pack up your food, ensure it was correct and ready for pickup, and may have even provided additional condiments or utensils upon request.
It’s always a good idea to leave a small tip for these services, as it shows recognition for their efforts and encourages them to continue providing excellent service.
15. Hovering Over Tip Calculation
At number 15, we have a common mistake that can make servers uncomfortable or pressured. Hovering over the tip calculation as they wait for you to enter an amount can come off as demanding or impatient.
Take your time in deciding on the appropriate tip and enter it discreetly without drawing attention. Remember, tipping is meant to be a gesture of gratitude, not something to be scrutinized by others.
16. Leaving Gift Cards or Coupons Instead of Cash
Who leaves a gift card or coupon as a tip? Unfortunately, it happens more often than you think.
Gift cards and coupons cannot be used to pay bills or cover expenses for the server. Leaving them as a tip only adds hassle and inconvenience for the server.
If you don’t have cash, consider using a mobile payment app like Venmo or Cash App to transfer the tip amount directly to the server’s account. This is an easy and convenient way to show appreciation without causing any inconvenience.
Tipping Can be Annoying To All of Us
These are the 16 tipping habits that annoy servers the most. Remember, tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service and should be done respectfully and considerately. Be mindful of your tipping habits and always aim to leave a fair tip that reflects the level of service received.
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