Credit Cards

[QueenofReinvention]

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SwampSystems wrote:

Always remember to fill in the tip and total lines on the merchant receipt copy, even if you tip in cash. I have had the unfortunate experience of making that mistake and having a disonest server write in their own tip after I left them cash.

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That's what I typically do. I'll (90% of the time) tip in cash, but in the tip portion I write "tipped in cash."

I know a LOT of servers and bartenders, and they prefer it this way for multiple reasons, but by and large because:

a. they like the cash right then;

b. tax, they can "say" whatever they want (within reason);

Also, some places I go, they have a pool for all wait staff, that they split after their shifts. Well, I have servers and bartenders I've known and been going to for a long time, and their service is superb. So in those isolated cases, I'll tip on the card, but slip extra cash to the wait person I like. This was when I went out more and worked in Corp America (meaning, I had more money), so it's not that big of an issue now, since I don't go out as much! But, when I do/did, this is how I operate.

[Open123]

I always leave a tip, even if service isn't stellar.  

For atrocious service, I'll leave around 10%.  For stellar service, I'll leave around 25%.  My only issue is when the industry tries to impress upon me to tip the "post" tax amount, as opposed to the pre-tax amount.  In my view, tipping on tax is absurd.

[nishant1]

Main purpose of use of credit card is to avoid carrying cash with you. Other than one $50 bill with my car insurance in glove box and $20 in wallet, I donot carry any cash.

I always give tip on the bill but in fractions to round off the bill. For example, if our dinner bill is $ 34.73, I would add tip on the bill as $5.27 to make the charge to $40. That way, it is easy to remember.

[Rhaeny]

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nishant1 wrote:

Main purpose of use of credit card is to avoid carrying cash with you. Other than one $50 bill with my car insurance in glove box and $20 in wallet, I donot carry any cash.

I always give tip on the bill but in fractions to round off the bill. For example, if our dinner bill is $ 34.73, I would add tip on the bill as $5.27 to make the charge to $40. That way, it is easy to remember.

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+1000

That's exactly what I do too!  Plus when reconciling it sure does make it a lot easier.

[Swapmeet]

The tax evasion issue is not much of a problem in CA. I have been a server, bar tender, and GM of a restaurant, and the IRS just assumes that a server/other tippable staff earn 8% of their total sales. The restaurant reports each server's total sales and the IRS and state get 8%. This makes sense because a server generally has to tip out a few people out of their tip money e.g. bartender, busser, station capt...etc. 8% is fair. My $.02.

[napplegate]

nice 15% tip...

[Epcot]

99% of the time I add the tip to my CC charge. It is very rare that I tip in cash.

[Rhaeny]

If I get crappy service then they get a crappy tip.  I'm talking about things beyond their control such as the cooking of the food.  But when I ask for example for a knife or some extra sauce and it takes them 15 minutes to bring it to me then I think that is pretty crappy.  I've had waiters that I would have to ask for something else subsequent to the first request and they take forever again.

Tips are supposed to be based on the kind of service you receive and not just because it is what they are supposed to get.  If that's the case then they don't have to do anything to earn MY money.  I have tipped up to 25% when they give excellent service and much much less than that when they don't do well.  But I am a firm believer that you earn what you get and it doesn't take much to please me so anyone waiting on me should get an excellent tip.

[colindidit]

I'm gonna become a waiter and have you come to the the restaurant ^

[CreditScholar]

I always tip using my card for the extra points. As it's my money and it's a tip, I'll leave it in the way I see fit. However if there is a good reason to leave it in cash (or if I'm politely asked to), then I'll do that instead.

For me service is about attitude. Sometimes it may take 10 minutes to bring me something, and it's honestly not their fault. There are times when too many people call in sick or the kitchen is being slow, but the waitress is honestly doing the best that she can. I understand that and those kinds of things don't bother me.

However things like laziness, not listening (or even trying to listen), half-assing things, rude/unprofessional behaviour, or simply having a bad attitude will result in a poor tip from me. These people can expect 10-15%. Good or Great service can expect 25-30% from me on a regular basis, sometimes more. I honestly don't think most of them get paid enough for what they do and have to put up with.