I’m so lost on how to tip anymore. I remember back when 12% pre-tax was considered a really good tip, but now the kiosks recommend 20-25% (which is usually ON TOP of tax).
I already don’t tip anywhere I’m not sitting down with service, but 20-25% is crazy when I’m just trying to get fed.
- 15% for a regular sit-down meal
- 10% for lunch at a ‘quick casual’ place
- A buck or two for delivery
- Zero or pocket change for take-out
It’s ridiculous. Servers in Canada get the same minimum wage as anyone else. It’s not like the states where they only get $2/hour.
So I’m supposed to tip $2 every time a bartender pours a pint? Like come on. Multiply that by 8 people in the bar and suddenly my bartender is making $40/hour to open and hand me beer while I make $20/hour to be responsible for the lives of children (I’m a school bus driver).
I do believe bartenders deserve more than minimum wage, but when you look at it that way it seems our priorities as a society are super skewed and that’s why I don’t go to the bar.
And before you tell me to get a better job, I already have two better jobs but I’m low on the list and don’t get enough work through them to quit the bus yet.
If I tip, I only tip where I get to consume my food and or beverage before paying. 15% is standard for reasonable service. Maybe 18% if my kids are with me and make a mess while eating that someone will need to help clean up (I do try to help keep things clean, but sometimes making a quick exit is better for all involved).