Tips at a buffet?

After all these nice replies I still do not feel I know the answer to my question. Seems everyone is winging it based upon their own ideas. Almost all tipping in Vegas has a typical standard that 80 to 90% of us follow. This seems to be the exception.

Noahcat had the comment that got my attention the most. I guess I would feel like quiting with a dollar left for me. I guess we will be going to a sawbuck for the buffet and the maid.

Another topic: When did you learn that it was proper to leave a maid tip? I was well into my twenties before I ever heard about it. I've talked to many people who do not travel all that much who never knew a maid tip was appropriate.

$2 per person is the usual tip. I might tip more if I were at one of the upscale buffets on the Strip, but I don't go to them, lol. If the server brings your drinks and never comes back to see if you need anything, then $1 per person is all he/she gets.

I've always thought $5 for 2 people is ample. Like said above, unless they go above & beyond
the call of duty.

IMO--- You don't get the same type of "service" with Buffets, so I Don't think Tips should be the same
as a sitdown restaurant.

I agree with Sue and CLV, this is more or less what we do (yes, more at higher-end buffets and a lot more at the Sterling, where the service is very attentive and the Perrier-Jouet flows like water). Some of it depends on how attentive the server has been, maybe more has to do with how pleasant and friendly he/she is. I absolutely agree that the server at a buffet does a lot less than at a sit-down restaurant; 15 or 20% seems pretty excessive to me.

When trying to figure out what is an appropriate tip for buffet wait staff, there are a few things you should consider.

1st Most of the these people are probably only getting paid minimum wage.

2nd a person working a buffet haws to more attentive than at a sit-down meal. Most constantly having to watch their assigned tables keeping drink glasses full and removing dirty plates before the patrons come back with their next plate of food.

3rd The wait staff are the ones who have to hear a customer's comments if they are unhappy with the quality of the food.

Also, having been a waiter for an establishment that served both sit-down meals and buffets. Sometimes the it was harder working the buffets, because since it is considered casual dining, it just gave the patron an excuse to be more demanding and ruder towards the waitstaff.

Personally, I feel that 10% should at least be the minimum to tip and having been the recipient of the $1 per person tip that also include cocktails and coffee along with the regular beverages. It's like a getting slapped in the face.

I don't think you're going to find a hard and fast rule on this, as it's really personal opinion. I pretty much base the tip on the service I get, just like in a sit down restaurant. If the waited has my drinks constantly filled, and the table clean, I'll tip them a couple bucks per person ($4-6). If I have to shoot a flare gun just to get a refill on an iced tea or get the dishes cleared (especially if the place isn't crowded), they'll get a buck a person. Several years back, I took a party of 7 to Planet Hollywood's buffet, and the waitress worked her butt off to keep us keep deep in drinks and champagne. I left her a $20 tip because she hustled so much.

For average beverage service and cleanup about $1-2 per person. if it is cleanup only and the drinks are selfserve, $1 per. If I do happen to order cocktails I add $1 per cocktail. Execeptional or poor service moves the amount as indicated.

I can understand an act of charity to help out someone on a low income. What I dont understand is what constitutes a low income job worthy of a tip and one that is not. I guaranatee you the dude washing dishes in the kitchen busts his ass every bit as much as the server who refills your drink - and he is providing you a service ...but no tips for him.

The worst is the coat room. I'll tip you a dollar so you can turn around and put my coat on a hanger? OK, I guess. I remember spending a Summer hauling bricks up a ladder to a roof in 90 degree heat. I made squat for money and no tips....and no apologies.

I agree with asianplayer as I too have spent many years in the F&B biz. I would say buffet servers work as hard and sometimes harder than a sit down restaurant. i usually take 20-25% and then add a buck or two i depending on service.

For pjstroh - You're right about the dishwashers working hard. I can just about gaurantee they receive tips as I'm sure the servers tips are either pooled and distributed by position or the server just pays 25-30% of their tips and mgt doles it out to bussers and back of the house personnel. The second method is pretty standard for many traditional restaurants.

Good Luck!
Ric at Joes

Ric -- you're a good guy and all, but I have to disagree with you (and I've worked in food/bar service before, too). I've eaten my share of buffets over the last 7 years of going to Vegas once or twice a month and I could probably count on one hand the number of times I've had really good service.

A few times when we were treating friends on our comp we tipped our server $20 up front (out of the sight of our guests) to ensure we got excellent service and even that only worked once.

Buffet service people may work really hard, but it's more like they're given a lot more tables than a regular server keeping them very busy -- too busy to give any one table really good service. And because of that, they probably end up with decent tips at the end of the day. More tables at even a lower tip amount add up.