POLL: Tip at a Buffet?

SaturnX

Diamond Member
Jul 16, 2000
3,415
0
76
Well my girlfriend and I were talking about this last night, when we, coincidently went to buffet dinner.

I was all ready to NOT tip, and just pay the bill, but she insisted that I tip...

I don't know.. I mean I don't tip out of necessity, but I'm not stingy either, I'll tip 20%+ for excellent server/service, to none at all for absolutely terrible service.

But for a buffet, I'm getting up and getting my own food, I don't feel the need to tip, at most the server filled up our glasses of water twice..

Am I alone in this?

Do you tip at buffets? if so, how much?

--Mark
 

MetalMat

Diamond Member
Jun 14, 2004
9,687
36
91
I dont tip at buffets. You should have told your gf that if she wants to leave a tip she can.
 

ironcrotch

Diamond Member
May 11, 2004
7,749
0
0
Well if they come and take your plates away and offer you beverages then I do. But if it's a total self service joint then no.
 

krcat1

Senior member
Jan 20, 2005
551
0
0
I usually tip a dollar for a meal that cost $8-$10. The server is getting the drinks and other thing, asking if you need something, etc., so I tip.
 

Adica

Golden Member
Dec 11, 2004
1,541
0
0
Originally posted by: axelfox
They pick up your plates, don' t they? And sometimes bring you drinks?

yes they sure do, and yes thet deserve a tip.
 

TallBill

Lifer
Apr 29, 2001
46,017
62
91
According to my mom who owns a restaurant, the standard for regular dining is 15-20%, and 25% or higher for amazing service.

The standard for buffet is 10-15% and 20% or higher for amazing service.
 

gshock888

Banned
Mar 28, 2003
1,762
1
0
when i go on company card i always tip 25% :D

otherwise anywhere between 15-20%, still, nothing for a self-service buffet
 

TallBill

Lifer
Apr 29, 2001
46,017
62
91
Dont forget that they still have to clean up all your plates and whatnot as well as getting your drinks and keeping the buffet stocked.
 

amdskip

Lifer
Jan 6, 2001
22,530
13
81
If the buffet people are doing nothing more than removing our plates there is no need to tip. I usually go to buffets that I get my own drink too.
 

pancho619

Platinum Member
Feb 4, 2000
2,467
0
0
Originally posted by: ironcrotch
Well if they come and take your plates away and offer you beverages then I do. But if it's a total self service joint then no.

 

mb

Lifer
Jun 27, 2004
10,233
2
71
Originally posted by: ironcrotch
Well if they come and take your plates away and offer you beverages then I do. But if it's a total self service joint then no.

Originally posted by: PHiuR
you should tip probably $1 a person. at a regular buffet.

:thumbsup:
 

jjones

Lifer
Oct 9, 2001
15,424
2
0
Yes, I tip at buffets. I've never been to a buffet where I didn't get at least some kind of service, and for that I tip. If it was a cafeteria style where there are no servers at all, then I don't tip.
 

andylawcc

Lifer
Mar 9, 2000
18,183
3
81
Originally posted by: krcat1
I usually tip a dollar for a meal that cost $8-$10. The server is getting the drinks and other thing, asking if you need something, etc., so I tip.

 

paulney

Diamond Member
Sep 24, 2003
6,909
1
0
I tip at casino buffets (Vegas, Reno), because waiters there are doing plenty of run-around with dirty plates and drinks.
Occasionally, I tip at cheap buffets if the waiter looks particularly miserably.