How Little Is Too Little of a Tip

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It is not only important to tip, but to give a decent amount of tip if you receive decent service. Obviously, there is no exact dollar amount of a tip that is too little because it will depend on how much the meal costs as well as the type of restaurant. Generally it is tied into percentage of the bill, and of course to service. The following are tips on how you might know if you tip too miserly.
Many people like to tip 20% if they receive good service. This can be a good tip, however, and is by no means required. A lot of people use 15% as a threshold for tipping. In many cases, people will think that it is too low to tip under 15% (unless with poor service or in circumstances that will be explored below). There are tipping cards that you can buy that will tell you the percentage that is 15% is based on your bill. For many this is the number that means you are tipping too low.
One consideration about needing a higher percentage of tip goes along with a small bill. If you go to a breakfast place that has meals for $2 as some do, then 15% would be thirty cents. Most people would not consider this to be an adequate tip. In these cases, a lot of people will go by the dollar rule. If the service was good you might want to give a dollar per person. It seems like that might be only fair and not give people ridiculous tips like thirty cents.
One issue that will allow you to give lower tips is if you are in a buffet restaurant. If you are at a smorgasbord and are serving yourself a lot of your meal, then you will often not give the normal tip. In that case, a dollar per person might be fine, even if it does not get to the 15%. Of course, it will depend on how much the person does. For instance, do they bring you drinks or just clear up the table? Are they just serving you and one other customer or are they servicing half of the restaurant? Obviously, the more personalized attention, the more you will give. In restaurants where they are constantly serving you, it might be reasonable to give the regular tip.
Another issue with giving a lower tip is the issue of bad service. Of course, if the person is very rude to you, there are times when no tip can even be justified. However, when looking at bad service, it is very important to evaluate the bad service. Be careful about punishing the waiter or waitress for something that is not their fault. For instance, sometimes the food takes a long time, but there is a good chance that it is just the kitchen running slow and not the waiter’s fault. You do not want to penalize him or her for something that is not their fault.
There is no one amount of tip that is too little. The above tips will help you make the decision.
Updated On: 05/06/2010 Published On: 05/06/2010 Tips for using clothing consignment shops to sell your clothes