While not as common in Asia and Europe, leaving a tip at a bistro is typical practice in the US. Simply how much should you tip your server? Here's the way to figure it out. What amount to use to think of the tip? Once you receive your charge, the first order of business is figuring out just how much your bill is "tippable." Be sure that there is not already a gratuity imposed on the check. If your social gathering is large or it's restaurant policy, there could be a 15%-20% tip charged. If so, it's not necessary to leave anything more, unless you'd like to provide a little more.
If you've used a voucher or a discount, determine the tip using the amount before the discount. Simply because you had a buy-one-get-one-free deal doesn't suggest that the server did half the work-he still brought 2 meals to your table and served two individuals. The government thinks that servers will earn a particular portion of their total food sales in tips. So if you don't tip your server, it's actually costing him money for the pleasure of servicing you.
How Was the Service?
Evaluate the service you experienced during your restaurant visit. When taking into consideration the tip, take the following under consideration: did your server invite you promptly? Was he or she pleasant? Was your meal order correct? Did meals arrive promptly, and at the correct temperature? Were your plates removed quickly? Were beverages and water glasses refilled? Were your expectations met during your meal? Was your bill correct and was your transaction prepared rapidly?
When it's Not the Server's Fault
Your server merely has control of some areas of your restaurant experience. Don't base your tip on these matters, which are out of her control: You didn't like the decor. The food selection wasn't substantial enough, or didn't have the item you desired. You had to have to wait a very long time to have a table. You have a table someplace you didn't like. Your food was too spicy/bland/saucy/dry, etc. The prices were too high. The ambient temperature in the restaurant was hot or cold. The music was too deafening. Rather, mention those concerns to management, who can take action to take care of the issues, and may offer you compensation (for example a reduced bill, free treat or free meal).
When the Service Was Good
Three things to take into account: It's standard practice to tip 15% for standard service. In the event you felt that your server did a wonderful job of taking care of you during the meal, think about tipping 20%-25%. Tipping your server in cash (even if you've settled the meal with a bank card) is yet another nice gesture. Some dining establishments have a policy of holding tips put on credit cards until the charge clears-which usually takes up to four weeks. If you've purchased alcoholic beverages, consider that the server usually has to give a certain percentage alcohol sales to the bartender. So if you've ordered a $60 bottle of wine, your tip should reflect that amount, too.
When the Service was Poor
Many people believe that poor service shouldn't be rewarded with a tip. That might be fine, however if you really feel that the server was so unpleasant that he ought not to get a tip, you should speak to the manager. Simply not tipping won't necessarily enhance service. Your server may think that you've forgotten to tip, and the manager will most likely never know regarding the bad service you received-and for that reason won't take any action to correct the specific situation.
If you've used a voucher or a discount, determine the tip using the amount before the discount. Simply because you had a buy-one-get-one-free deal doesn't suggest that the server did half the work-he still brought 2 meals to your table and served two individuals. The government thinks that servers will earn a particular portion of their total food sales in tips. So if you don't tip your server, it's actually costing him money for the pleasure of servicing you.
How Was the Service?
Evaluate the service you experienced during your restaurant visit. When taking into consideration the tip, take the following under consideration: did your server invite you promptly? Was he or she pleasant? Was your meal order correct? Did meals arrive promptly, and at the correct temperature? Were your plates removed quickly? Were beverages and water glasses refilled? Were your expectations met during your meal? Was your bill correct and was your transaction prepared rapidly?
When it's Not the Server's Fault
Your server merely has control of some areas of your restaurant experience. Don't base your tip on these matters, which are out of her control: You didn't like the decor. The food selection wasn't substantial enough, or didn't have the item you desired. You had to have to wait a very long time to have a table. You have a table someplace you didn't like. Your food was too spicy/bland/saucy/dry, etc. The prices were too high. The ambient temperature in the restaurant was hot or cold. The music was too deafening. Rather, mention those concerns to management, who can take action to take care of the issues, and may offer you compensation (for example a reduced bill, free treat or free meal).
When the Service Was Good
Three things to take into account: It's standard practice to tip 15% for standard service. In the event you felt that your server did a wonderful job of taking care of you during the meal, think about tipping 20%-25%. Tipping your server in cash (even if you've settled the meal with a bank card) is yet another nice gesture. Some dining establishments have a policy of holding tips put on credit cards until the charge clears-which usually takes up to four weeks. If you've purchased alcoholic beverages, consider that the server usually has to give a certain percentage alcohol sales to the bartender. So if you've ordered a $60 bottle of wine, your tip should reflect that amount, too.
When the Service was Poor
Many people believe that poor service shouldn't be rewarded with a tip. That might be fine, however if you really feel that the server was so unpleasant that he ought not to get a tip, you should speak to the manager. Simply not tipping won't necessarily enhance service. Your server may think that you've forgotten to tip, and the manager will most likely never know regarding the bad service you received-and for that reason won't take any action to correct the specific situation.
About the Author:
Want to find out more about How Much To Tip at a Restaurant, then visit BISTRO 258's site TODAY!
