17 Tipping Habits That Drive Servers Absolutely Crazy
When we dine at restaurants, we’re usually focused on the meal and the company of our friends or family. But what about the service workers who make our dining experience comfortable? They’re often an afterthought.
Leaving tips is a common practice to show your appreciation towards the servers that make your entire experience enjoyable. However, you don’t know what you don’t know. And customers often overlook habits that fail to give servers the recognition they deserve. From being unaware of acceptable tips to handing in coupons instead of cash, there are many things that can rub servers the wrong way.
In this post, we’ve compiled a list of tipping habits that every customer should stop doing. Are you guilty of any of these?
1. Not Leaving a Tip
Imagine waiting tables of hungry customers all night: You dodge complaints about wait times, ensure everyone’s water glasses are perpetually full, and even recommend the perfect dessert. Finally, the bill is paid, and with a triumphant sigh, you approach the table to collect your tip, only to find…nothing.
Servers rely on tips to pay their bills, so skipping out on the tip altogether feels like a huge slap in the face. I get that you’re expected to tip in too many places, but a restaurant is certainly where you’re expected to tip. If you’ve enjoyed your meal and the service, reward them for their hard work with a good tip.
2. Leaving Pennies and Loose Change
Leaving a pile of loose change might seem cute, but it’s a pain for servers to sort through. They have to count and separate all those coins, which takes extra time and effort. Especially when it turns out to be little, it feels like a thoughtless gesture rather than a genuine tip.
Servers appreciate paper money much more. A few bills are quicker to handle and show real appreciation.
3. Tipping Less than 15%
Waitstaff generally aims for a 15% tip or more, especially if you have stellar service. Think of it as a baseline for good tipping. Anything less feels like a letdown after they’ve worked hard to give you a great dining experience.
Show your appreciation with a generous tip. A little extra can make someone’s day.
4. “I’ll Leave A Bigger Tip Next Time!”
Saying “I’ll leave a bigger tip next time!” is the server’s version of “Sure, I’ll get you that unicorn.” Servers need real tips for real bills today, not empty promises of a better tomorrow. It’s frustrating to hear and doesn’t help them at all.
Promises don’t pay their rent or buy groceries. So, if you want to support your server, tip them well today.
5. Subtracting for Kitchen Errors
Burnt fries? Blame the kitchen, not the server. Their tip shouldn’t suffer because the grill master had a bad day.
Servers are the middle ground between you and the kitchen, and they deserve a tip for navigating the chaos. They work hard to make sure you have a good experience despite any kitchen mishaps — tip them fairly for their effort and service.
6. Compliments Only
Servers appreciate kind words, but a compliment can’t pay their rent. Imagine telling your boss, “I did a great job today!” and expecting a paycheck of just praise. That wouldn’t work, right?
While kind words are always appreciated, tips are what keep servers going. Next time you’re out, show your server some love with a smile and a generous tip.
7. Lingering At The Table After Tipping
Love catching up with friends? Great. But a long stay with a tiny tip hurts the server’s ability to earn money by serving other tables. They rely on turnover to maximize their tips and make a decent income.
So, enjoy your chat, but try not to linger for too long after you ask for the check.
8. Unexplained Low Tips
Leaving a low tip without a word is like giving a bad review with no details. It doesn’t help anyone. If there is an issue, speak up so they can fix it in the future.
Food service employees appreciate clear communication to show you care.
9. Custom Tip Percentages
Not all restaurants share tips equally. The best way to make sure your server gets the full tip you intended is to choose one of the offered tip percentages; don’t increase or decrease it manually.
Custom percentages can lead to confusion and unfairness among staff. Stick to the standard tips (15%, 20%, or 25%) for fair distribution and to show appreciation for the service you received. It’s a simple way to make sure everyone gets what they deserve.
10. Messy Tables
Ketchup smears and spilled food — these leave more clean-up work for the server and add to everyone’s wait time. Along with your standard 15-20% tip, try to tidy up your space before you go. It’s a great help and shows respect for the workers and other customers.
A little effort on your part makes your server’s day a lot less stressful. Clean tables mean faster service for everyone.
11. Thank You Notes
A “thank you note” on the receipt doesn’t replace a good tip. Kind words are great, but cash is king when it comes to showing appreciation for your server’s hard work.
While it’s always nice to show gratitude with a personal touch, a good tip says “thank you” in a way your waiter can actually use.
12. Coupons For Cash
Sorry, but servers can’t pay rent with vouchers or coupons. Stick to cash for tips.
Cash tips are essential for servers to make a living wage. So, when it comes to tipping, always opt for cash to pay them back for their efforts. It’s the most practical way to support them.
13. Not Combining Tips for Groups
When dining out with a large group, make sure everyone chips in for a fair, combined tip. When each person tips separately, it can add up to less than the server deserves.
Servers put in extra effort to manage large groups, so a generous combined tip shows true appreciation. In other words, teamwork makes the tip work!
14. Forgetting to Tip the Bartender
Don’t forget about the friendly faces behind the bar — they rely on tips, too. Bartenders work hard to craft your favorite drinks and keep the good times flowing.
Skipping their tip feels like overlooking their effort. Just like servers, bartenders depend on tips to support themselves financially. Every tip counts and keeps the service great.
15. Rushed Tips
The rushed “Thanks, bye” suggests you didn’t care about the service. A rushed, barely-there tip can feel dismissive to your server.
Slow down and take a moment to tip fairly. Your server worked hard to give you a good experience. A thoughtful tip shows your respect for their efforts. Remember, good service deserves a good tip.
16. Not Knowing A New Country’s Tipping Culture
Visiting a new place? Do your research. When you learn local tipping customs, you can avoid awkward situations. Different countries have different expectations, and a little preparation goes a long way.
For example, tipping is not expected in Europe, but it’s surely appreciated. Don’t get caught off guard—understanding other cultures helps you be a considerate traveler.
17. Doubling Sales Tax Instead of Tipping
Paying double sales tax doesn’t magically double the tip. It often ends up shortchanging the server.
Aim for the standard 15-20% to tip fairly. Waiters and other restaurant staff work hard to make your meal awesome, and your tip is their best reward.
Tipping Is Out of Control! 18 Times You Should Not Tip
Tipping etiquette can be complicated. Especially since tipping has expanded fast, too. Where you only needed to top waiters, bartenders, and hairdressers a couple of years back, you’re expected to tip in a lot more establishments now. A recent study by WalletHub found that 3 in 4 Americans thinks tipping got out of control. 64% of Americans express that tipping should be something you give what you want instead of something that’s expected. However, in certain places, you don’t have to fret over it.
10 Things US Does Better Than The Rest Of The World
The United States is often seen as a land of freedom and bravery, drawing in many visitors. But what exactly makes it so appealing to people?
Inflation Bites Again: 16 Things You Can Start Cutting From Your Budget
While the Federal Reserve expects an annual inflation rate of two percent yearly, sometimes inflation runs away and starts to climb to nine or ten percent or higher. In 2022, inflation jumped to the highest rate Americans had seen since 1981.
Inflation Bites Again: 16 Things You Can Start Cutting From Your Budget
