Tipping culture is out of hand

[615dawg]

There's a thread on the Madison Mommas Facebook page right now about tipping. Someone apparently didn't tip on a $300 bill last night at a fine dining establishment, but its brought up quite the debate.

My dad grew up in a time where a 10% tip was exceptional. My era was 15%, but in the new digital era, most receipts recommend 18%/20%/22% although I have seen some recommendations as high as 25-30% for pickup. I have found that while I love the convenience of grocery delivery, I find myself overtipping and paying more because now I have an employee that knows where I live.

I just got back from vacation. We stayed at a resort where there was a mandatory 18% tip on everything from the room to drinks to meals. They still recommended tipping extra. Here's what I noticed - the last week, I received some of the worst service I have ever received. They knew they were getting 18% no matter what so it was the bare minimum service.

Whoever figures this out deserves a Nobel Prize.

 

[ckDOG]

There is no practical solution. The theoretical solution is that your labor is on behalf of the restaurant owner and they should pay you a fair wage and if your labor sucks you'll get fired and/or customers go elsewhere to find food/service. Some sort of competitive balance would fall out from that. But in the real world you raise minimum wage to something like 15 bucks an hour and your service would likely be like what you described at the resort. So it's between that and them getting paid like 3 bucks an hour or whatever and they'll get screwed over when folks stiff them on tips during solid service. Whatdoyado?

I'm glad I'm not in a position where I have to work for another business owner and have them pay me next to nothing while I hope I'm tipped well by the customer. I'm sure I could make it worked out to my advantage in the right scenario but good lord does that sound like a depressing thought. Owner and customer both have you by the balls. I'd rather it be one or the other, not both.

 

[8dog]

Agree. And if they indeed stop taxing tips, people
Will lower theirs which sux for most people bc they don’t pay taxes anyway so they likely get screwed.

 

[615dawg]

I am a 15%+-er by default. I always tip 15% and will add some for good service. I would guess I usually fall in the 18-20% range. But there are lots of people that would say I am an awful person that should not be allowed to dine out.

It's a big problem with no good solution.

The new thing at restaurants that irks me are restaurants that charge you extra to use a credit card. I'm fine with offering a cash discount, just don't charge me more. I theorize that people get pissed about this and servers at restaurants get tipped less because of it.

 

[HotMop]

The most absurd things Ive seen lately regarding tipping.

- Self service kiosk at Dallas Love Field, prompts for tip
- Ordered for an online vendor, asks to tip the warehouse staff
- Food trucks asking for tips
- Buffets such as Cici's with the tip prompt

Add your own...

 

[karlchilders.sixpack]

Don't seem like a tip, if it's required and added in.
If its required it should be in the cost of the items.

JMO

 

[PBRME]

If you’re going to restaurant, spend $300 on food and drinks, and can’t afford to tip….you need to keep your *** at home or go to fast food.

 

[bulldoghair]

The new thing at restaurants that irks me are restaurants that charge you extra to use a credit card. I'm fine with offering a cash discount, just don't charge me more.

It cost the restaurant owners to run your card. It’s not new.

 

[StillTbonewannabe]

We just spent a few days at Miami Beach and the restaurants there put a 18-20% tip on automatically. They tell you that and then there is an additional tip option. I think they do it because of so many foreign visitors but it is there.

 

[She Mate Me]

If an establishment makes me feel awkward about not tipping in a way I don't agree with, I'll do everything I can to avoid that place.

I doubt that's their goal, but they're causing the problem.

 

[ckDOG]

Thought about this the other day. Waiter tipping should be based on the size of your party and time dedicated to serve. % of bill doesn't line up. Same amount of work was performed it the server brought me a filet or a club sammich. If you are at a fancy joint where the waiter wows you with recommendations or is a sommelier, sure that merits more tip. Same for bar tenders. More tips for making cocktails. Less tips for handing me a long neck regardless of price.

 

[ckDOG]

We just spent a few days at Miami Beach and the restaurants there put a 18-20% tip on automatically. They tell you that and then there is an additional tip option. I think they do it because of so many foreign visitors but it is there.

This irritates me. Just be transparent up front that you want to pay your servers a certain wage an hour and that your prices reflect that and no tipping will be required or suggested. I'd respect that over being lazy with a "mandatory tip". I'm paying the same thing either way so let's call it what it is.

 

[HotMop]

If you’re going to restaurant, spend $300 on food and drinks, and can’t afford to tip….you need to keep your *** at home or go to fast food.

Depends on the service. I'll stiff a server if they are rude and suck at thier job.

 

[Motodawg]

This is a thread hi-jack, but this is the only place I can think of where someone here will know this answer. What brought it to mind is thinking about how it would fair for service and employees if restaurants went with a decent hourly wage and small tips for excellent service. THEN, a thought crossed my mind that I’ve always wanted answered.

So, as I’ve said numerous times over the years, I’ve been a plumber for around 20 years. In this 20 years, I’ve worked on and remodeled many a restaurant. Some of these places have dumped tons of money into places that aren’t on prime locations and never even open. That was the whole point. They never planned on it. Can someone please tell me what the scheme is and where the money comes from?! I’ll hang up and listen

 

[DAWGSANDSAINTS]

I am a 15%+-er by default. I always tip 15% and will add some for good service. I would guess I usually fall in the 18-20% range. But there are lots of people that would say I am an awful person that should not be allowed to dine out.

It's a big problem with no good solution.

The new thing at restaurants that irks me are restaurants that charge you extra to use a credit card. I'm fine with offering a cash discount, just don't charge me more. I theorize that people get pissed about this and servers at restaurants get tipped less because of it.

I don’t mind too much the cc up-charge (understand there is a fee for the business to accept them) but the service charge some establishments have added to the bill is ridiculous and a lot of times they really can’t explain what is is for.

 

[615dawg]

It cost the restaurant owners to run your card. It’s not new.

Of course it does, but it always has and is not limited to restaurants. Offer a cash discount, but don't charge an extra 5% (it doesn't cost the restaurant 5%) if you use a card.

 

[ronpolk]

It cost the restaurant owners to run your card. It’s not new.

It’s also a benefit to the business. Show me one business owner that thinks there time is better spent going to the bank to deposit cash or checks (and hope the checks clear) and I’ll show you a very short sighted business owner. The 2% fee is pretty easy to digest for guaranteed funds sent straight to your bank account. A card is a much safer transaction for the business and the consumer.

 

[bulldoghair]

Of course it does, but it always has and is not limited to restaurants. Offer a cash discount, but don't charge an extra 5% (it doesn't cost the restaurant 5%) if you use a card.

I’m assuming you’re talking about non-chain homeowner restaurants. Depending on the type of card and charge, it can cost up to 3.5% of the total transaction, plus a flat fee to run a single transaction. Not to mention the machine cost, and just the hassle of dealing with it on bank statements ect. Instead of offering a cash discount on the real price, it’s much simpler to just add a flat fee to run any cards. If you are a repeat customer, then it’s on you to prepare what to bring.

 

[615dawg]

I’m assuming you’re talking about non-chain homeowner restaurants. Depending on the type of card and charge, it can cost up to 3.5% of the total transaction, plus a flat fee to run a single transaction. Not to mention the machine cost, and just the hassle of dealing with it on bank statements ect. Instead of offering a cash discount on the real price, it’s much simpler to just add a flat fee to run any cards. If you are a repeat customer, then it’s on you to prepare what to bring.

There are businesses that I avoid if they do this. It's the cost of doing business in 2025. The only place this is acceptable is charitable donations. If you print a price on the menu, that's the price.

 

[dawgman42]

It cost the restaurant owners to run your card. It’s not new.

Then offer the cash discount. Or build it into the cost of food and drinks, you know, like they've always done.

 

[Dawg1976]

So much for a cashless society. When going places that add on the 3.5% cc fee I carry cash. It’s not just restaurants. Tire shops, eye doctors etc etc does it around here now.

 

[BulldogBlitz]

So much for a cashless society. When going places that add on the 3.5% cc fee I carry cash. It’s not just restaurants. Tire shops, eye doctors etc etc does it around here now.

It's possible to walk into my store and get something for $0.15. I hate the cashless. I'm not going to start charging a full $1 for stuff on the low end.

 

[Dawgbite]

This is a thread hi-jack, but this is the only place I can think of where someone here will know this answer. What brought it to mind is thinking about how it would fair for service and employees if restaurants went with a decent hourly wage and small tips for excellent service. THEN, a thought crossed my mind that I’ve always wanted answered.

So, as I’ve said numerous times over the years, I’ve been a plumber for around 20 years. In this 20 years, I’ve worked on and remodeled many a restaurant. Some of these places have dumped tons of money into places that aren’t on prime locations and never even open. That was the whole point. They never planned on it. Can someone please tell me what the scheme is and where the money comes from?! I’ll hang up and listen

My wife is in commercial paint , coatings and flooring. One of her biggest customers is a Hispanic dude who has crews that converts empty buildings to Mexican restaurants. She swears that its a money laundering scheme for the drug cartel because this guy does everything first rate, never questions pricing and pays his bills like clockwork.

 

[Motodawg]

My wife is in commercial paint , coatings and flooring. One of her biggest customers is a Hispanic dude who has crews that converts empty buildings to Mexican restaurants. She swears that its a money laundering scheme for the drug cartel because this guy does everything first rate, never questions pricing and pays his bills like clockwork.

That’s crazy because the ones that I have done, no price is too high, but it just never opens. Crazy thing is, they are usually Cajun joints. It’s some kind of insurance scam or one of these things where one llc has to show a huge loss is my best speculation. Somebody has to know

 

[Dawgbite]

That’s crazy because the ones that I have done, no price is too high, but it just never opens. Crazy thing is, they are usually Cajun joints. It’s some kind of insurance scam or one of these things where one llc has to show a huge loss is my best speculation. Somebody has to know

There’s a local Mexican restaurant that was done about two years ago and it never opened either. I’ve been in it and this place is immaculate. Stainless steel everywhere , fantastic murals on the walls, all new kitchen appliances and it’s sitting there empty. I know a guy who lost his BBQ place in a tornado that inquired about buying it and it’s not for sale.

 

[Motodawg]

There’s a local Mexican restaurant that was done about two years ago and it never opened either. I’ve been in it and this place is immaculate. Stainless steel everywhere , fantastic murals on the walls, all new kitchen appliances and it’s sitting there empty. I know a guy who lost his BBQ place in a tornado that inquired about buying it and it’s not for sale.

All this talk of bbq and Mexican is making my broke *** hungry

 

[Maroon13]

This is a thread hi-jack, but this is the only place I can think of where someone here will know this answer. What brought it to mind is thinking about how it would fair for service and employees if restaurants went with a decent hourly wage and small tips for excellent service. THEN, a thought crossed my mind that I’ve always wanted answered.

So, as I’ve said numerous times over the years, I’ve been a plumber for around 20 years. In this 20 years, I’ve worked on and remodeled many a restaurant. Some of these places have dumped tons of money into places that aren’t on prime locations and never even open. That was the whole point. They never planned on it. Can someone please tell me what the scheme is and where the money comes from?! I’ll hang up and listen

Money laundering drug proceeds or some other illegal activity.

 

[615dawg]

We are about to find out that a lot of these Mexican, Indian and Chinese restaurants are fronts for something sinister.

 

[Maroon13]

Tipping 20% is a bit much. 25% the server better get every thing perfect, charming, has some jokes, hot asf and showing cleavage.

The vacation resort this week was charging $15-18 for cocktails. I noticed the receipt had suggested tip of 18-22%. I gave the bar tender a $1 tip each trip to the bar. AITAH? I don't think so at those prices.

 

[thekimmer]

We just spent a few days at Miami Beach and the restaurants there put a 18-20% tip on automatically. They tell you that and then there is an additional tip option. I think they do it because of so many foreign visitors but it is there.

Businesses that call that a gratuity are mistaken. It’s a surcharge.

 

[bulldoghair]

It’s also a benefit to the business. Show me one business owner that thinks there time is better spent going to the bank to deposit cash or checks (and hope the checks clear) and I’ll show you a very short sighted business owner. The 2% fee is pretty easy to digest for guaranteed funds sent straight to your bank account. A card is a much safer transaction for the business and the consumer.

With regards to having a card machine at all or not, or if so, and then charging a fee to use it, it all depends on the type of business we’re talking about. If it’s straight retail or whatever, then sure you’re right. But if it’s a unique business that is good and popular, that people want to come back and be regulars, then the business can pretty much dictate how they want to operate.

 

[thekimmer]

There's a thread on the Madison Mommas Facebook page right now about tipping. Someone apparently didn't tip on a $300 bill last night at a fine dining establishment, but its brought up quite the debate.

My dad grew up in a time where a 10% tip was exceptional. My era was 15%, but in the new digital era, most receipts recommend 18%/20%/22% although I have seen some recommendations as high as 25-30% for pickup. I have found that while I love the convenience of grocery delivery, I find myself overtipping and paying more because now I have an employee that knows where I live.

I just got back from vacation. We stayed at a resort where there was a mandatory 18% tip on everything from the room to drinks to meals. They still recommended tipping extra. Here's what I noticed - the last week, I received some of the worst service I have ever received. They knew they were getting 18% no matter what so it was the bare minimum service.

Whoever figures this out deserves a Nobel Prize.

An ‘automatic tip’ is not a tip. It’s a surcharge.

 

[bulldoghair]

There are businesses that I avoid if they do this. It's the cost of doing business in 2025. The only place this is acceptable is charitable donations. If you print a price on the menu, that's the price.

If it’s some popular local home owned place, that has been successful for a long time, I’m sure they don’t care about your protest.

 

[bulldoghair]

Then offer the cash discount. Or build it into the cost of food and drinks, you know, like they've always done.

Home owned restaurants owners can do what they want. If they’re good and successful they can really do what they want. If you don’t like it then go eat somewhere else. You can’t order their food or experience on Amazon or eBay .

 

[bulldoghair]

So much for a cashless society. When going places that add on the 3.5% cc fee I carry cash. It’s not just restaurants. Tire shops, eye doctors etc etc does it around here now.

I wish more card only people thought like this as well. The more people use cash the harder it will be to transition us into a cashless society. They want us to willingly choose it on our own, in the name of convenience and rewards. A cashless society won’t be fun.

 

[patdog]

Then offer the cash discount. Or build it into the cost of food and drinks, you know, like they've always done.

A cash discount is the same thing as a credit card surcharge. I don’t like it either, but the swipe fees are outrageous & are fed even more by the points/rewards systems. I usually just pay the 3% surcharge realizing I’m getting 1%-1.5% back.

 

[ronpolk]

With regards to having a card machine at all or not, or if so, and then charging a fee to use it, it all depends on the type of business we’re talking about. If it’s straight retail or whatever, then sure you’re right. But if it’s a unique business that is good and popular, that people want to come back and be regulars, then the business can pretty much dictate how they want to operate.

I don’t necessarily disagree on the unique business aspect. Best example I can’t think of the Gibbs steakhouse in learned. If people are making the effort to go all the way out there, they are taking cash.

But there used to be a place in downtown Jackson called Beaty street (might be spelling that wrong) that didn’t take cash. And I know for a fact that place lost business because they didn’t take a card. Several times I loaded up in a car with coworkers to go eat lunch and someone would suggest Beaty and it ultimately get voted down because everyone would have to visit the ATM.

 

[OG Goat Holder]

Don’t eat out. Problem solved. Eat out, tip. It’s the biggest up charge there is. But if you want it, pay for it.

 

[bulldoghair]

I don’t necessarily disagree on the unique business aspect. Best example I can’t think of the Gibbs steakhouse in learned. If people are making the effort to go all the way out there, they are taking cash.

But there used to be a place in downtown Jackson called Beaty street (might be spelling that wrong) that didn’t take cash. And I know for a fact that place lost business because they didn’t take a card. Several times I loaded up in a car with coworkers to go eat lunch and someone would suggest Beaty and it ultimately get voted down because everyone would have to visit the ATM.

Beaty Street was a family operated for 83 years. The owner, Mary Harden, retired, leading to the restaurant's closure, not because they lost business from y’all not wanting to go by the ATM.

 

[Motodawg]

Beaty Street was a family operated for 83 years. The owner, Mary Harden, retired, leading to the restaurant's closure, not because they lost business from y’all not wanting to go by the ATM.

No they closed because the last year or two it sucked, was slow as **** getting your food, and always dead. You can say whatever you want but the writing was on the wall. They took cards then too