It seems like lately so many food and beverage establishments are adding more options to tip on their cash out screen. But are some places taking it a little bit too far? This goes beyond the traditional tip or gratuity that we make after being served a great meal. The question here is when to tip and when is asking for a tip going over the top?
Always Tip Your Wait Staff
According to TableAgent, anywhere from 15 to 20% of the bill total is the appropriate amount to tip. Less or more depending on how your service was. Keep in mind that this is the pre-tax amount. Many people tip based on the total bill amount, but you should configure the amount before taxes and other fees are added.
If you had an issue with your service or food, ask to speak to the manager. This way, the issue can be addressed directly, rather than by the tip amount or lack thereof.
Tipping at the Drive Thru?
This is where things can get a little dicey. If you tip the drive-thru attendant electronically, do they really get the money? Do they deserve it? Maybe the cook in the back is more deserving than the attendant.
Tipping at the drive thru is a relatively new option. The question remains, who really gets that money? Or does it just go back into the company’s pocket?
A Tip for Carry Out Service?
What about going in to get your food? Should you tip the cashier? I would say no, but there is one exception. If you pre-ordered a lot of food, such as several orders or a catering-type order, you should probably leave a tip.
This is because someone had to work hard to organize and put the order together. Also, if the restaurant you ordered from went the extra mile to pack utensils, sauces or other extra goodies, always be sure to tip well.
Tipping Fast-Food or Cafeteria-Style Food
Even going into a fast-food restaurant or one where you have to go and grab your food at the counter and pour your own drink, they often ask for a gratuity. That is up to you to tip, but again, you may not know who actually gets that tip at the end of the day.
For cafeteria-style food joints or cafes where you grab your food or they hand it to you, a tip is often listed on the total bill. This is another instance where you are not typically required to leave a tip, but you can if you wish.
Most cashiers can’t accept money or cash on the side and pocket the change. The tip has to go into the total order, which means there is no guarantee that person will get that money.
Tipping is becoming more of a hot-topic button lately more than ever. But the question remains; who actually gets that money? If you have to question it, maybe it is best to pass over it. But at the end of the day, if your wait staff works hard for you, and you’re pleased with their service, tip them well.
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