15 Tipping Habits That Servers Find Infuriating
Tipping is essential to dining out, but not everyone gets it right. Servers rely on tips for a significant portion of their income, and certain tipping habits can be frustrating or even infuriating.
Whether it’s leaving too little or making things awkward, these behaviors can leave a sour taste in the server’s mouth. To ensure you’re not unknowingly causing frustration, here are 15 tipping habits that servers find particularly annoying.
Leaving Spare Change as a Tip
Leaving just a few coins as a tip can feel like a slap in the face to a server. It’s often seen as an insult, especially when the service was good. Servers work hard to ensure you have a pleasant dining experience, and a tip that amounts to spare change doesn’t reflect that effort.
While it might seem like something is better than nothing, a few coins often feel like a statement that the service wasn’t worth much. It’s always better to leave a fair percentage of the bill instead.
Tipping on the Pre-Discounted Total
When you use a coupon or get a discount on your meal, tipping on the pre-discounted total is the right thing to do. Servers still provide the same level of service, regardless of how much you pay after discounts.
Failing to tip on the original amount can shortchange the server for their work. Always calculate your tip based on what the total would have been before any discounts, ensuring your server is fairly compensated.
Not Tipping on Takeout Orders
Some people believe that tipping isn’t necessary for takeout orders, but this can frustrate the staff who prepare and package your food. While it’s not expected to tip as much as you would for dine-in service, a small tip is appreciated.
It acknowledges the effort put into getting your order right and ready for pickup. Even if you’re just swinging by to grab your meal, leaving a tip shows you value the service provided.
Leaving a Tip with a Message
Leaving a note instead of or alongside a tip can be confusing or even insulting. Whether it’s a comment on the service, a smiley face, or something more personal, notes can often be misinterpreted.
Servers appreciate straightforward tipping—cash or a clearly marked tip on the receipt. If you want to leave feedback, consider speaking directly to the manager or filling out a comment card. Avoid leaving notes that might send mixed signals.
Tipping Based on a Percentage of Alcohol Sales
When you tip based on the total bill but exclude alcohol, you’re cutting into what servers earn. Drinks often make up a significant portion of the bill, and servers are responsible for delivering and managing them just like any other item.
By not tipping on alcohol, you’re effectively reducing their overall tip. It’s important to tip on the entire amount, including beverages, to ensure the server is compensated fairly.
Leaving No Tip at All
Not leaving a tip at all is one of the most infuriating habits for servers. It suggests that the service was so poor it didn’t deserve any compensation, which can be demoralizing. If the service was genuinely bad, it’s better to speak to a manager rather than leaving nothing.
However, if the service was acceptable or good, always leave a tip that reflects the effort put into your dining experience. Remember, servers rely on tips to make a living.
Tipping Below 15% for Good Service
In many places, 15-20% is considered the standard tip for good service. Tipping below 15% when the service was good can be frustrating for servers, who often rely on tips to make up the bulk of their income.
It’s important to remember that tipping is not just a nice gesture but a part of the server’s expected earnings. If the service was good, aim to leave at least 15-20% to show your appreciation.
Splitting the Bill and Skimping on the Tip
When dining with a group and splitting the bill, it’s easy for the tip to get overlooked or under-calculated. Servers often end up with a lower total tip because each person assumes someone else will cover it.
To avoid this, ensure everyone in the group is on the same page about tipping. Make sure the combined tips reflect the total bill and the level of service provided.
Tipping Only on the Post-Tax Amount
Some diners calculate their tip based on the total after taxes, which can reduce the tip amount significantly. Servers appreciate when tips are calculated on the pre-tax total, as it better reflects the cost of the meal and the service provided.
While it might seem like a small difference, it can add up over time, especially for servers working multiple shifts. Aim to tip on the amount before taxes for a fairer contribution.
Making a Show of Calculating the Tip
Publicly calculating the tip or making a big deal out of it can be awkward and uncomfortable for servers. Whether you’re using your phone or counting on your fingers, it’s better to calculate the tip discreetly.
Servers appreciate when the tipping process is smooth and professional. Drawing attention to it can make the server feel like they’re being scrutinized or judged. Handle tipping quietly and confidently to avoid unnecessary tension.
Leaving the Tip in Small Bills
While tipping in cash is appreciated, leaving a large number of small bills or coins can be frustrating. It can make counting and carrying the tip more difficult for servers, who often have to manage several tables at once.
If you’re paying in cash, try to leave larger bills whenever possible. It’s a small consideration that can make a big difference in the server’s day.
Rounding Down to the Nearest Dollar
Rounding your tip down to the nearest dollar may not seem like a big deal, but it can be frustrating for servers who rely on every cent.
Over time, these small reductions can add up, affecting their overall earnings. If you’re going to round, consider rounding up to the nearest dollar instead. It’s a simple way to show appreciation and ensure the server gets a fair tip for their work.
Leaving a Tip Without Signing the Receipt
Forgetting to sign the receipt after leaving a tip can cause issues for both the server and the restaurant. Without a signature, the tip may not be processed correctly, leading to potential confusion or loss of income for the server.
Always double-check that you’ve signed the receipt if you’re paying by card and leaving a tip. This simple step ensures that your tip is properly accounted for and received.
Tipping Differently Based on Who’s Serving
Some diners tip differently based on the server’s gender, age, or appearance, which can be disheartening for servers who work hard to provide good service regardless of who they are.
Everyone deserves to be tipped fairly for the service they provide, and basing the tip on anything other than the quality of service is unfair. Treat all servers equally and tip based on the service, not personal biases.
Questioning the Automatic Gratuity
Many restaurants add an automatic gratuity for large parties, but questioning or trying to remove this can be frustrating for servers. Automatic gratuity is often added to ensure that servers are fairly compensated for managing large groups.
If you notice this on your bill, understand that it’s standard practice and intended to reflect the level of service required. If the service was exceptional, you can always leave an additional tip, but questioning the automatic gratuity can come across as disrespectful to the server’s efforts.
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