Do you tip in restaurants?

[craigb]

I nearly always do, unless the service is absolutely atrocious.

I suspect that the majority of Aussies do the same (note to American members, tipping is pretty rare in Oz and not a matter of course).

This is the about only service I tip for though (sometimes I'll tip a cabbie).

So why do we tip in restaurants. :confused:

[Zed]

i rarely tip anyone, the way I see it is they are employed and get a wage, as do I. I dont expect my boss to tip me if I do a good job, why should I give them extra for doing thiers ? however I will compliment them if they do a good job or the food is fabbo. if the food/service is shyte I dont go back - I dont complain as I dont want to eat thier spit.

[Sturdee]

As I used to work for a very large restaurant I know that restaurant staff are paid proper rates, unlike in the USA where tipping supplement their wages to bring it to a normal level, as well as penalty rates for working on Saturday and Sunday. Then there are the penalties for working early and late, split shifts and meal allowances.

All these costs are paid for by the customer in the cost of dining so why pay extra as well.

Hence I don't tip and for those who do, do you give a tip to the cashier in the supermarket, add it to the gas bill and electricity bill, and the service station attendant when you get petrol, the bank teller when you can actually get into a branch or the station attendant at the railways ?

If not, why not. They perform the same service as restaurant staff in looking after you for which they are paid by their employer.


Peter.

[Greg Q]

I sometimes wish that tipping was more common so that my failure to tip would have more weight. Recently I attended a local restaurant that has displeased me in the past. The food and service this time was way above average, so I tipped (after telling the new manager 'good job').

Here's a question for you: Produce costs about the same in North America, often is cheaper. Retail rents are about the same, as are the other costs of doing business. So how come their staff get paid shyte, yet their menu items are more expensive? Who's the mug in this game?

Greg

[silentC]

Yes - Usually - If the waitress is good looking

[Greg Q]

Yes - Usually - If the waitress is good looking

well, yeah.

[Grunt]

I tip exceptional service only. I've spent a lot of time in the U.S. and service there is no better and probably worse than it is here. I hope tipping does not become the norm here.

[Robert WA]

My wife has family in the US and we have spent some time there, and in Canada, visiting and touring around.

The wage structure here renders tipping voluntary, a reward for better than average service.

In North America tipping is, effectively, mandatory, 10% - 15%. To reward good service you need to tip higher than that. Too much, in my opinion.

We were given a hint by some friends. US peeople love out dollar coin, with the kangaroo on it. Slip one into the tip and you can get way with being a cheapskate.

[Driver]

I never tip in restaurants in Australia. My rationale is the same as Peter's (Sturdee). Wage rates in Oz are pretty reasonable compared to most other places. In the US, where pay rates for service staff are cr@p, it is important to tip or the poor buggers can't make a living.

But it's an interesting subject, isn't it? I noticed when living in Sydney six years ago that tipping in restaurants was far more common there than here in Perth and I notice that a couple of our New South Welshmen figure amongst the tippers in this poll. (Notable exception being the primate - no obvious surprise there )

I tip the young people who cut my hair. They're apprentices and their pay rates are lousy. (Also, due to the state of my aging scone, they deserve extra as a search fee )

Col

[craigb]

But it's an interesting subject, isn't it? I noticed when living in Sydney six years ago that tipping in restaurants was far more common there than here in Perth and I notice that a couple of our New South Welshmen figure amongst the tippers in this poll. (Notable exception being the primate - no obvious surprise there )

Maybe it is a regional thing Col. There is no logic to it. If we don't tip for anything else, why should we tip for food?

I'd have to say that the vast majority of people that I've been to restaurants with over the years will leave a tip. Even if it's only the couple of dollars change on the bill.

I really think it's expected (in Sydney anyway) otherwise you're considered a bit of a tightasre.

[bitingmidge]

Is the waitress the chick at the cash register that adds up all the stuff on the tray??

P

[Waldo]

G'day,

Stufff tipping!

I don't have clients pay me an extra bit when I put in my invoices. I'm paid my rate and so too is any one else in any industry.

It's another ridiculous Amercianism creeping into society and it peeves me. :mad:

My tip would be a thanks for meal as I always do, it's curteous and polite. If any waiter or other held out his/her hand for a tip I'd shake it, nothing else.

[ozwinner]

What about at McD's they are a restaurant.
Do you tip there.

Al :confused:

[Clinton1]

I don't tip.
Tipping is for those countries where they don't respect people enough to pay a minimum wage that is above the cost of living.

Not that I eat out too much, so its not a real issue.

[craigb]

What about at McD's they are a restaurant.
Do you tip there.

Al :confused:

I never go to The Scottish "Restaurant"