Originally posted by: David Miller
My tips are based upon several criteria. My Mother was a very good waitress and I worked with her often as a busboy, bussing tables, setting up tables, whatever was needed. I watched how she worked and grew to expect certain things for when I would be a customer. Punctuality, greeting the customer, knowledge of the menu, understanding and getting my food order right. When bringing the food, making sure the food was prepared correctly. I expect the server to check back and see if anything else is needed. When finished, I expect to be asked if I wanted desert, coffee, etc. When bringing the check, not hovering around. During the time I am dining, not feeling rushed or ignored. I usually tip more when my meal is being comped - it is just a thing I feel comfortable doing. When I am paying for my meal, I look at the menu price for the food I've eaten and the service rendered. I tip more when the service was good - less when it wasn't. There is no set percentage in my head, just what I preceive as being just. Also, I always have and do tip in cash, letting the server handle their own tax situation. Overall I would say I tip between 10% and 20% of the bill total, totally dependant on the service rendered.
Sounds reasonable to me.
