Why is the tipping amount based on the value of the item?

her209

No Lifer
Oct 11, 2000
56,336
11
0
OK, the $10 tip pizza thread got me thinking. Why do we arbitrarily base the amount to tip based on the order amount?

For example, a customer order a $1 cup of coffee and another customer orders a $5 beer. The coffee had to be brewed, sugar and cream brought to the customer. The beer on the other hand is on tap. Why is the customer who ordered a beer expected to tip more than the customer who ordered a coffee which required more work involved from the server?
 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,080
136
It isnt, depending on who you talk to. Some people tip a flat 5 or 10 dollars depending on quality of service.

Some people change their percentage based on quality of service.

I just get fast food or groceries. This arguing over the proper amount just gets annoying.
 

Tiamat

Lifer
Nov 25, 2003
14,068
5
71
1$ tip per drink at the bar. If it is a custom multi part drink or something like a mojito, the tip goes up for that particular drink. If I order a 100$ steak meal for two and a $300 wine, the service tip is based on the $100 order and the wine is tipped separately.
 

sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,271
658
126
Yea..again lol. When I used to valet cars I didn't get a higher tip because the person had an expensive car I usually got a high tip because I was fast and courteous.
 

Farang

Lifer
Jul 7, 2003
10,913
3
0
It isn't an exact science, but it makes sense. If you're paying $100 a plate you want your server to be higher class than if you're ordering a $10 burger from TGI Friday's. Therefore we tip on percentage and the best servers usually work at the best restaurants and the students etc. work at the lowly ones.
 

Farang

Lifer
Jul 7, 2003
10,913
3
0
Yea..again lol. When I used to valet cars I didn't get a higher tip because the person had an expensive car I usually got a high tip because I was fast and courteous.

Tying in to my previous comment, a valet at a hospital is going to make less probably than a valet at a 5-star hotel. The 5-star hotel will usually attract better candidates (though as a former valet I'd say this is hit or miss, it depends if they've outsourced their valet service to a 3rd party)
 

Rakehellion

Lifer
Jan 15, 2013
12,181
35
91
OK, the $10 tip pizza thread got me thinking. Why do we arbitrarily base the amount to tip based on the order amount?

For example, a customer order a $1 cup of coffee and another customer orders a $5 beer. The coffee had to be brewed, sugar and cream brought to the customer. The beer on the other hand is on tap. Why is the customer who ordered a beer expected to tip more than the customer who ordered a coffee which required more work involved from the server?

What place has $5 beer and $1 coffee?

In any case, you're expected to spend a minimum of about $10 at any sit-down restaurant and tip according to service received.
 
Jul 10, 2007
12,041
3
0
OK, the $10 tip pizza thread got me thinking. Why do we arbitrarily base the amount to tip based on the order amount?

For example, a customer order a $1 cup of coffee and another customer orders a $5 beer. The coffee had to be brewed, sugar and cream brought to the customer. The beer on the other hand is on tap. Why is the customer who ordered a beer expected to tip more than the customer who ordered a coffee which required more work involved from the server?

because tipping (based on percentage) is fucking retarded.
i'd say overall it's retarded too.
 

Veliko

Diamond Member
Feb 16, 2011
3,597
127
106
It isn't an exact science, but it makes sense. If you're paying $100 a plate you want your server to be higher class than if you're ordering a $10 burger from TGI Friday's. Therefore we tip on percentage and the best servers usually work at the best restaurants and the students etc. work at the lowly ones.

It makes no sense at all.

The people at the more expensive establishment will be getting paid better, which negates the need for all the anguish over tips in the first place.
 

bamaaviator

Member
Apr 14, 2008
79
0
66
It makes no sense at all.

The people at the more expensive establishment will be getting paid better, which negates the need for all the anguish over tips in the first place.

No they dont. The tipped positions at IHOP and Waffle House are paid the exact same thing the tipped employees are paid at even 4 Diamond establishments. Their wages are their tips, but obviously being at a more exclusive place gets the business that can afford to tip better, thus justifying have a better tipped staff.
 

SKORPI0

Lifer
Jan 18, 2000
18,443
2,364
136
I tip based on the service received. Some restaurants have the tip included with the bill. I always make sure to hand to the server some $$ to put in their own pocket. Places I avoid, slow service after we are seated...10 minutes tops. Preferably places that have buffets too.
 

Murloc

Diamond Member
Jun 24, 2008
5,382
65
91
tipping to me is entirely optional and is a flat rate, he did the same job regardless of how nice the piece of meat was or how pricey the wine was.
 

Rakehellion

Lifer
Jan 15, 2013
12,181
35
91
most bars?


min of $10? LOL

Most bars have $3 beer and $3 coffee. I guess it depends on your city.

And yeah, if you suck up a whole table and only spend a dollar on a coffee, it's well within the establishment's rights to politely tell you to get the fuck out.
 

Farang

Lifer
Jul 7, 2003
10,913
3
0
It makes no sense at all.

The people at the more expensive establishment will be getting paid better, which negates the need for all the anguish over tips in the first place.

Usually jobs with tips are paid the minimum, or just above. For example I worked as a valet at a 5-star hotel and was at $9/hr, minimum was around $8. The best valets, or at least people who did it as a career, moved towards a different hotel (the 4 seasons) which had a better tip allocation that gave more to the valets (where I was at, most went to the doormen). So your top end restaurants will usually have people who are serious about food/service and are above and beyond what you'll get from the typical diner waitress. They will know wines, dishes, etc. etc.

For regulars at these types of places it matters. If you just go there on Valentines day you might not notice a difference.