Tipping?

Dell Boy · July 21, 2013

I had a meal last night in a hotel near Heathrow with some American friends. It was a group of 6 and we were there quite a while - 3 courses and drinks.

The place and restaurant environment was bland, the food was average and crap with some dishes having to go back. The service though was excellent. Couldn't have been better.

It came to the bill and for me when I decide on a tip it's a balance of food and service. I was paying most of it and I bumped up the fee to the nearest big number and whilst it worked out at less than 10% it was a big tip in itself. My friends though we're aghast as to them - in America - good service alone should warrant 15%.

I started to say that in the UK there have been plenty of examples of big companies swallowing the tips but couldn't be arsed.

Anyway our waiter last night ended up with a huge tip and smiles aplenty.

Was just wondering from the GOT massive what the attitude to tipping is on here?

Reidy's Bottle Of Grecian · July 21, 2013

I don't.

We live in a country where it's never been the norm and a matter of choice, most eating establishments include cover/service charges so to me that is adequate.
Taxis round here cost a fortune so I aint paying extra on top.

If it becomes the norm then it won't take long for folk to stand with their hand out expecting and showing no gratitude for the gift that you give them.

Moomin · July 21, 2013

If the service has been spot on, I tip. I always tip in cash, don't want the company swallowing up the tip, rather the employee got it direct.

Allezfan · July 21, 2013

I tip when the service impresses me but don't as a norm.

I also tend to tip people who don't expect tips like hairdressers or burger vans as often as I tip waiters.

EFCNIK · July 21, 2013

Yeah I tip, something I feel strongly about but don't know why. They get minimum wage just like the lovely girl at sainsburys who serves you, but you don't tip her.

chicoazul · July 21, 2013

Different cultures lid. In the USA it is generally about fifteen percent but saying that the service is miles better than Britain. In Canada its similar but in Quebec for example you add the two taxes together so its about thirteen. Latin America usually tip about ten percent.

In short: bad tightasses in Britain.

Zatara · July 21, 2013

Tips out here are included in the bill 10% ish...otherwise taxi drivers and bars can just leave a little extra as they usually scam you.

bluemangroup · July 21, 2013

chicoazul said:
Different cultures lid. In the USA it is generally about fifteen percent but saying that the service is miles better than Britain. In Canada its similar but in Quebec for example you add the two taxes together so its about thirteen. Latin America usually tip about ten percent.

In short: bad tightasses in Britain.

*googles tipping etiquette in different countries from bedsit in Bootle*

fozzy · July 21, 2013

i don't tip!

they do a job and get paid for it!

would you tip the bank clerk or ice cream man ect......

evilwebby · July 21, 2013

[video=youtube;V4sbYy0WdGQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4sbYy0WdGQ[/video]

Foot Long Hot Dog · July 21, 2013

Tipping in the States & many other countries is different to the UK, as those serving often aren't paid a bean & rely on the 'service charge' to eat!

Thus a 10-15% 'tip' is standard fare. Tipping over here should reflect the overall experience imo, as the tips are generally shared throughout the team & rarely go to the specific server.

GwladysBlue · July 21, 2013

I only ever tip in the barbers and even that's only about £2. In them L1 restraunts when they give you your change with the little plate I take my pounds back leaving a few coppers and maybe a few 20p, already costs a fortune in there without adding a tip that isn't the norm here.

TheFinnFan · July 21, 2013

glad that tipping culture does not exist here

Tree13 · July 21, 2013

chicoazul said:
Different cultures lid. In the USA it is generally about fifteen percent but saying that the service is miles better than Britain. In Canada its similar but in Quebec for example you add the two taxes together so its about thirteen. Latin America usually tip about ten percent.

In short: bad tightasses in Britain.

There are two huge differences at play: In the US, the level of service EVERYWHERE is miles better than it is here. And eating out in the States is not as expensive as it is in the UK.

I'll tip good service, but only if it's actually good. The quality of the food is nothing to do with the table staff so that doesn't come into it for me. I only tip in cash, because that's the only way the table staff will actually see any of it.

The rule confusion comes when you eat in France: the food is always spectacular, but the service is always surly, bordering on contemptuous. How do you tip that?

evilwebby · July 21, 2013

Foot Long Hot Dog said:
Tipping in the States & many other countries is different to the UK, as those serving often aren't paid a bean & rely on the 'service charge' to eat!

Thus a 10-15% 'tip' is standard fare. Tipping over here should reflect the overall experience imo, as the tips are generally shared throughout the team & rarely go to the specific server.

You seriously believe that BS?
Surely to be employed by the establishment they have to at least be paid minimum wage.
The only way around it would be if they were working there on a self-employed basis. Not saying it doesn't happen, but I don't think its the norm.