Too often tipping is poorly done. I am beginning a 3-4 minute quest to fix that.
I have learned certain things in life through nothing more than observation. For example:
- When it comes to those who walk their dog, big people have small dogs and small people have big dogs.
- Men between the ages of 45-60 only wash their hands 58.4% of the time after using the restroom.
- In Student Ministry, the kid you scholarship to camp will buy $38.43 worth of candy, chips and soda at the first stop for fuel.
- Most pastors are poor tippers.
In fact, when a bunch of pastors get together and everyone throws in "their amount" to cover the bill it often goes like this. "Let's see, my super deluxe special Norwegian sandwich with chips and a side of slaw was $8.99, the drink is $2.00 ... here's a $10!"
Seriously, this happens. I was in a group of about 12 pastors one time for lunch and the person paying the bill ended up eating a $28 salad. I am not bitter however.
Maybe it speaks to my insecurities, but I believe in leaving a good tip. Here are some guidelines to make sure that you do not trip on the tip:
- Start at 18% when you are seated. If the service rocks take the tip up to 20-22%. If the service is poor take it down to 10-15%. However don't penalize the server for something that they cannot control. If the service is decent and what you would expect, leave it at 18%.
- If you have young children tip that make a mess and require greater attention be extra generous with the tip.
- NEVER EVER PLACE A DOLLAR BILL IN ONE OF THOSE GOSPEL TRACKS THAT SAYS "JESUS -THE BEST TIP YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED". If you do this, please tell people you are a Mormon or Jehovah Witness.
- If you are at a busy restaurant and you occupy the table for an unusually long period of time, tip more.
- Coupons and gift certificates are great, but tip on the full amount of the bill.
- Every once in a while lovingly blitz a good server with a huge tip. Make their day!