To Tip or Not To Tip

by Debbie Vasen | More from this Blogger

09 Oct 2007 05:11 PM

When you go out to a full service restaurant do you always tip? Do you tip at least ten percent? If you say no to either one of these questions, you are potentially hurting another person who works hard for her money.

Many people sit back at restaurants wondering, why exactly should I tip the waiter? I don't get tipped for my job! But, many of these people may not realize exactly how the wages of a waitress actually work.

Like it or not, the tradition in the United States is to tip at full service restaurants. Because of this the government has adjusted some of its standards for waiters and waitresses. For example, did you know that restaurant owners are allowed to pay their waiters significantly less than minimum wage because the assumption is they will get tips? In some cases, these employees make as little as $2.13 an hour in their regular paycheck. If they don't get tipped, imagine that for a salary!

In addition, the government wants to ensure they get their money too. The IRS has a policy to force waiters to claim their tips as income. Each night, the waiter has to calculate their total "sales" of food they served and claim a percentage (usually eight percent) of that as income. Whether they actually received that amount in tips or not this income is then taxed on their measly paycheck. Not much usually comes home at $2 an hour plus the tax deduction.

Even if a waitress is stressed and doesn't get your food as soon as you like, take this situation into account. Should you tip? Well... that is up to you, but try and put yourself in their shoes. If waitresses were paid their worth, your food bill would certainly be higher. In this case, you actually get to reward someone's hard work directly. Keep this in mind the next time you eat out!

Related Articles:

*Tipping: The Key Word is Discretionary

*Tips on Tipping-Part 2

*Reducing The Temptation of Eating Out

Learn more about Debbie Vasen

Debbie Vasen is a published web content editor and writer, as well as a freelance writer for various print publications. In addition to blogging at Families.

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Valorie Delp (49340) 09 Oct 2007 05:47 PM

We always tip. If the waitress was bad, we tip 10%. If the waitress was so-so 15% but for really good service we have tipped as high as 25% with a note to the manager letting them know what a fantastic asset they have. ;-) At least 15% is standard here.

Debbie Vasen (1072) 09 Oct 2007 08:30 PM

Valorie,

I used to be a waitress, so I am a little biased. I always tip too and like you, at least 10%. But, I do think it is fabulous that you include a note for the manager when you receive special service. That takes extra effort on your part, but I am sure it is a better reward for the waitress than any other you could give. Thanks for sharing!

Valorie Delp (49340) 10 Oct 2007 03:54 AM

Well. . .we have 5 little kids. . .including a set of 2yo twins. I figure they deserve the extra effort if they served our brood well! ;-)