Tipping is expected in today’s restaurant culture. Although not legally required the practice is commonplace in various regions across the globe. Those who are practice tipping regularly may not expect when travelling to another region that the practice is sometimes considered an insult. It crucial that the tipper is clear about the proper etiquette and expectations when travelling in an unfamiliar region. Here are a few tips related to common tipping expectations in regions, which embrace the practice.
Be Kind
Although tipping isn’t required, it’s important to remember that most servers make meagre salaries outside of tips. In fact, restaurants are legally allowed to pay less than minimum wage to wait staff. Tips serve to supplement and may represent more than half the server’s income. With the restaurant kicking in only a small portion, each worker relies on his customers to make up the difference. Servers earn a performance-based income. Customers pay higher tips when satisfied with the server’s performance during food service. It’s important to remember that servers are human. An unfortunate service experience may not represent the server’s usual conduct. However, if the tip is included in the bill, a patron is not required to tip twice.
Tipping Expectations
There’s really no limit to the amount of money a patron may tip restaurant wait staff. Most tippers adhere to the following schedule:
- 15 % for satisfactory service
- 20 % for above average attention to details
- Higher amounts for waiters who go above and beyond
It is also common for servers to give portions of their tip to the restaurant’s support staff. In some restaurants, waiters share a portion of tip money with other members of the team, including busers and kitchen personnel. Since nearly 15 % of restaurants establish tipping pools, a customer’s waiter may have to divvy up a small tip with other staff members. For the gracious patron, tipping regardless of how the waiter met service expectations is common practice. However, speaking to management may alleviate future concerns with service issues.
