s4jones

Ok, so I read the linked article and learned that 20% is more or less the "standard" for tipping by many accounts. When did that happen? I figure it's been a kind of gradual cost of living indexing while I've been dozing at the slop trough -- but I've been giving a baseline of 15% pretty much my entire dining life. I'll tip more for better service, but never go below 15% (and I do not include tax as part of the baseline total). I'm gettin' old. I never viewed myself to be a cheapskate, but I guess modern waitstaff these days must figure different. Might be time to make some adjustments.

What do you guys do? Seriously. I'm curious.<ul><li><a href="http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/285205_servertips15.html">http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/285205_servertips15.html</a</li></ul>

pattycakes® iCode

20% is a bit much. Big establishments generally charge a flat 18% on over sized parties because of the work involved.

KRS@AW

2nd that...I just double the tax, if they suck then they dont get quite double

Omid:S4:Nogaro

I'm not opposed to paying 20%, but only if the service is good. I generally tip over 15% (I rough-estimate 15%, and then round up to the next dollar or two). If the service is good, then I'll gladly tip 20-25%. But if the service is poor, there's no way I'm giving 20%.

I think its ridiculous if they automatically add 20% to every bill. Doing so would take away the incentive for them to do a good job, meaning we'd all get worse service and have to still pay for it. A tip is a privilege... its a reward/thank you for a job well done... its not a right.

&lt;/rant&gt;