So, by now I’m sure you’ve heard of the on going controversy on exactly how much you should tip you server. With the Drew Brees scandal, to the generous Tamba Hali, to Dayna Morales there’s been a lot of talk about proper tip etiquette.
I personally tend to be on the more generous side when tipping, but it’s probably because I work at a restaurant. For those of you who have worked in the service industry, you know exactly just how much it sucks.
I’ve had old ladies scream at me so hard that their spittle landed on my face, listened to babies scream bloody murder for hours upon hours, and turned the other cheek when racial slurs were mutter just loudly enough to be a verbal slap to the face. I sympathize completely. Nothing ruins your day more than a rude individual. If there were only one per day, it wouldn’t be that bad, but normally that’s not the case.
Think about it. No one in their right mind wants to wait on complete strangers, much less take their (for lack of a better word) crap.
The general rule to tip your server is 15% of the check, 20% if the service is good, and 10% if you received poor service.
People generally tip as a reward for good service, but according to Jeanne Sahadi from CNN Money, tipping is not optional. Interestingly enough, as Americans we feel obligated to tip because we are neurotic, guilt prone, and fearful of being perceived as cheap or ignorant, at least according to Cornell professor Michael Lynn’s research on tipping behavior.
Lynn also found that the way customers’ rate their service has a very small effect on the amount they choose to tip.
Only about 4% of the variability in tip size is due to their rating of the service provider. Lynn’s research revealed that the main reason people tip is to avoid social disapproval.
I find that last part a bit comical. Maybe it’s because we’ve had a lot of people come through our doors that weren’t the least bit concerned with proper social etiquette.
Be a good person, treat people with respect, and don’t forget to tip.
