Every American knows that tipping is a part of eating out, grabbing coffee, or even getting takeout. But sometimes, what we think is okay can come off as pretty rude without us even realizing it. Here are 18 common tipping mistakes you could be making. We’re not trying to guilt-trip anyone, but instead, we want to give a heads-up so we can all do a little better.
Leaving a Small Tip on a Big Bill
We’ve all splurged at a fancy place and assumed we were being generous by tipping the usual ten bucks. But the thing is, if your bill is high, then that tip should be, too. Servers often split their tips with cooks and busboys, so when you enjoy a big meal, remember to tip in a big way to reflect this.
Passing Over the Tip Jar
Don’t just walk right past the tip jar at the coffee shop because dropping in some change or a couple of bucks really makes a difference. It’s a nice way to say thanks to those who have made your daily brew or quick lunch. You don’t have to go crazy, as just putting in a little money can help.
Tipping Below the Coupon Discount
If you’re saving a bit with coupons, just remember, if you’re getting a deal, your server isn’t. They’re working just as hard with or without the coupon, so base your tip on what the total would’ve been before the discount. They deserve that full tip for their full effort because they’re still working as much as ever.
Skipping Tips for Small Mistakes
Mistakes happen, but don’t let them mess with the tip because servers have a lot to deal with. Small slip-ups aren’t usually all their fault because they’re balancing multiple tables and orders, not just yours. A generous tip shows you understand and appreciate them by keeping things positive, even when things go a little awry.
Skimping on Takeout Tips
Just because you’re not eating at the place doesn’t mean no one’s working hard, and those takeout bags don’t pack themselves. Giving a couple of extra dollars to the takeout crew is something they’ll definitely appreciate, even if they’re not refilling your water or clearing your plates. They’re making sure your food is hot and ready on time, so why not show your thanks?
Tipping with Just Coins
While any tip is better than none, putting a bunch of coins into the jar might feel a bit off. If you can, go for a bill because it feels more like a “thank you” than like you’re getting rid of spare change. It’s also a lot easier for the staff to handle, and experts agree that around 20% is right.
Replacing Tips with Thank You Notes
Nice words are great, but they don’t pay the bills, so always give some cash with your thank-you note. It’s the best way to show real thanks for good service. The majority of service staff rely quite heavily on tips to make ends meet, so showing you’re thankful is an important part of their income.
Rounding Down Tips
When it’s time to tip, rounding up is the best thing to do. It might only be a few cents extra to you, but it adds up on their end and shows you care. After all, don’t you want to make someone else’s day? Giving them those extra coins will leave a positive impression and make a real difference to their pay.
Giving Tips in Foreign Coins
If you’re traveling abroad, tipping in your home currency can be a hassle for the staff. They’ve got enough on their plate without having to visit the bank to change your tip, so stick to local cash to keep things simple. Make life easier for them and show some respect by using the local currency.
Waiting at Checkout
Don’t be that person who takes forever to add a tip at the checkout. Have your tip ready when it’s time to pay, especially during busy hours, because it’ll keep things moving for everyone behind you. It also means that the server can close out your transaction faster and serve other customers.
Confusing Service Charges with Tips
Some spots add a service charge, but that doesn’t always mean the server sees any of it, so check your bill or ask to make sure your server is getting their due. If not, adding a bit extra can make a difference. You should take the extra minute to make sure your appreciation actually reaches your server.
Leaving a Disaster Behind
Rushing out and leaving a mess is a huge mistake. Leaving a tidy space means a lot to the people who have to clean up after you, especially since it shows you actually care about their time. It’s a big help to the staff, and they’ll likely remember your kindness the next time you drop by.
Reducing Tips Over Time
If you’re a regular at your local joint, don’t reduce your tips with each visit because it might look like you’re not into the service anymore. Keep those tips consistent or perhaps even increase them so they know you care. This way, you can build a great relationship with the staff, and it might just earn you some of those little extras.
Holding Back Tips for Many Changes
It’s okay to ask for your meal to be cooked in a special way, but remember that custom orders mean extra work. Show them you’re grateful for their effort by giving them a little extra tip. Just an extra buck or two can compensate for their added stress, and it’ll encourage them to continue providing good service.
Tipping on the Pre-Tax Total
This one’s up for debate, but tipping on the whole bill, including tax, is a good way to show a bit more appreciation for the service you received. The difference might be small, but it’s an easy way to give a little more. It’ll also make the math a lot easier, and etiquette experts agree that tipping before tax is the best way to go.
Blaming the Server for Slow Service
Not everything is within the server’s control, and if the kitchen is backed up, that’s not on them. Keep that tip fair, even if you have to wait a bit longer because they shouldn’t be penalized for things out of their control. The service staff are likely doing their best, and a solid tip shows you see that.
Tipping Early for Extended Service
When you’re going to be staying for a while, you might want to tip upfront because it shows you value the space and the service. Essentially, you’re telling the servers that you appreciate them taking care of you for the next few years, and it can often lead to them being more attentive to you. After all, you’ve already shown you’re grateful.
Forgetting to Tip on Drink Refills
It’s easy to forget the effort behind those multiple free refills of coffee or soda. Just because the refills are free doesn’t mean the service is, so make sure you think about these when you’re calculating your tip. They’ve put in quite a bit of work to keep you sipping happily, and you should be grateful for this.
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
