I have just left the serving industry for good because i have had it with ignorant customers.

Tipping is not mandatory at a restaurant, but in our society (and most others) some sort of tip for service is expected. The amount has changed over the years, but 18-20% is a good tip for good service.

I work at a very casual restaurant in downtown Chicago and let me tell you…it was not an odd thing to be stiffed AT LEAST 3 times a night…absolutly insane.

I consider myself a great server. I get orders correct, i actually have a personality, and i have tons of years of experience. But it was not uncommon for a group of four people to come in, order 4 steaks and alcoholic drinks, get a $100 check and leave me $4. That is wrong. Absolutly wrong. And to have this happen to you and all your fellow servers several times a night is discouraging and frustrating.

So what do you think?
Sometimes when really young kids come in, i think they just dont know any better, but i am talking about regular adults.

Also, since i am a server, that doesnt mean i tip all other servers outstandingly. I believe that a server has to earn their tip through great service. If i have an awful server with an awful personality and they forget about my table for a half hour and take a half hour to get us our check (things that the server control, not the kitchen) Then i dont think they deserve a great tip.

I also know, since i am already in the industry, that some things arent the servers fault, but that is when they go get a manager out there to smooth things over. Like the food isnt correct, or undercooked, for late.
…what i am saying is that a 5% tip is increadibly usacceptable.

Tipping is simple…for a 20% tip you just put $2 for every $10 that the bill is. Then you can work from there. And i am not saying 20% is necessary, but now-a-days, that is how it goes. Some servers make a career out of their jobs, and TRUST ME, they will remember you if you come back! I am sure most servers dont spit in food or anything, but we will definelty not make that table a priority.
I dont know where everyone is from but here in the big city, 18-20% is average. 15% is defienlty outdated. and 10% is unacceptable unless your service sucked.

Also, so what if your bill is $100, jsut becasue it is that high doesnt mean that you dont tip correctly. You order $100 in food you should expect to tip at least $16 or dont order the food, or dont expect such good serivce next time your server or their co-servers see you.
…restaurants that add gratuity to a check ususlly add 18%, not 10-15%, thats crazy.