How Much Tip Do You Leave If Not Asked?

[Doosh]

Let's say the meal came up to £40 and was a happy time and great food.

[Clanad]

Here in the U.S. where, I sense from this site, that tipping is more prevalent, 15% is considered du jour with above average service and civility earning at least 20%...

[Cloverjo]

Yes, Clanad, I've been served by waiting staff in the US who get seriously peed off if they're not given a decent tip. Even loo attendants. I remember once I used a loo in New York. I had just arrived and OH had all the money so I didn't have anything to leave the attendant. She was just reading the paper and didn't do any of the usual things they do like turning the tap on for me, but she gave me a filthy look when I left. I always make sure I have a few dollars with me when I go to the U.S. now.

[cupotee2]

I seldom tip.

True I don't get to go to posh restaurants these days, but if someone is being paid to do a job and I pay the price stated for said meal, that's it.

If I shop in Tesco and the check out lady is pleasant and helps me pack my bags, she doesn't expect, nor receives a tip.

Today I took several family to a local pub where my bill was in excess of £130. I paid what it stated on the bill for the food and drinks we ordered.

Mean...I don't think so but can see others won't agree with me.

[Cloverjo]

cupotee, do you want to go there again? You might find the service isn't so good next time.

[vulcan42]

Surely creating good food and giving service is the job they are paid to do, anything over and above deserves a tip but how often do you get that extra special meal or extra attention. Having said that and not wishing to appear mean I do add on an extra 10-12%.

[Jackdaw33]

£1 for the barber and the taxi driver. £10 at Xmas for the binmen, postie, warden and cleaner at my block of flats.

[Cloverjo]

Vulcan, I think a waiter even in the UK - not US, who'd find anything less than 15% an insult - would be peeved by 10%. If you can afford to go out for a meal you can afford a decent tip. I know shop assistants don't get tips and nor do I for doing my job, but that's just the way it is.

[Davemano]

Don't believe in tipping when prices include service charge as the do in most establishments I visit. Country customs are different to town/city dwellers - I am one of the former.

[shaneystar2]

Many moons ago in my misspent youth I worked a second job as a waitress in the evenings.I was always grateful for the tips as the wages in those days were abysmal.
Things have moved on since then with the introduction of a minimum wage but it's still not a lot for being on your feet all day and having to deal with the sometimes contrary public .
I always tip my hairdresser,waiting staff,taxi drivers,takeaway bringers and various other people. I suppose I have that feeling of been there ,done that and if I get good service I'm quite happy to tip.
Mind you if the taxi driver is a grump..... :-)

[Cloverjo]

I agree, shaneystar.
Let's keep tipping people if it rewards good service. In the US the grumpiest and rudest people are those who don't traditionally get tips, like shop assistants or people in clothing store changing rooms. Imagine if taxi drivers, waiters and hairdressers had their attitude.

[Old_Geezer]

You are sometimes ASKED for a tip ?!?
(When not at the bookies/racetrack I mean.)

[Old_Geezer]

Intellectually I wholeheartedly agree that folks agree a rate for a job and tipping should be banned. The service provider should charge a price that covers costs not hide some expecting their staff to be tipped. If not all jobs get tipped then none should.

Emotionally, probably due to being given bad examples as a child, I feel uncomfortable not leaving between 10 and 15% for decent waiting service. I consider that generous. And waiting staff considering less an insult has no grip on reality whatsoever.

No one else gets tipped.

[Old_Geezer]

The only thing that rewards good service are return visits. Expecting tips and not getting them encourages a bad attitude and consequential poor service. Not so much a fix but part of the problem.

[janbee]

10% is the norm, but in your case, I would've let a fiver. I never add it on to a bill. I always leave cash.

[RATTER15]

I don't usually tip, maybe just leave the loose change, they get paid a wage the same as I do.

[janbee]

I always give my postie and my milkman a bottle of whisky .

[1ozzy]

Is that all you give your milko Jan ;-).

Thought maybe a few bruises too.