The One Tipping MISTAKE You’re Probably Making Without Even Realizing It!
You won’t believe the biggest tipping mistake you’re probably making – and how it’s hurting your servers! 😱💸 #TippingEtiquette #ServerLife #DiningOut
Duluth, Minnesota – Even the most polite restaurant-goers might be guilty of this major tipping faux pas – are you one of them? A tipping expert and former server spills the beans on the biggest mistake people make when leaving a gratuity, and it’s not what you think!
Why Tips Matter More Than You Think
Before we dive into the juicy details, let’s talk about why tips are so darn important. Contrary to popular belief, tips aren’t just a nice little bonus for your server – they actually make up a huge chunk of their wages.
In many states, servers are paid a measly $2.13 per hour (yes, you read that right!) because they’re expected to make up the difference in tips. So when you leave a tip, you’re not just being generous – you’re literally helping your server pay their bills.
The Biggest Tipping Blunder
So, what’s the biggest tipping mistake people make? Drumroll please… it’s tipping based solely on the total amount on the bill!
Now, you might be thinking, “But isn’t that how it’s supposed to work?” Well, yes and no. In most cases, tipping 20% of the total bill is a good rule of thumb. But there are certain situations where you should actually be tipping based on a higher amount.
Special Circumstances That Call for Extra Generosity
Our tipping expert breaks down the most common scenarios where you should be tipping more than the total on your bill:
1. When you use a coupon or discount
2. When taxes and fees are added to your bill
3. When you pay with a gift card
4. When you receive free food or drinks
In all of these cases, the right thing to do is to calculate your tip based on the full amount of the meal, before any discounts or freebies are applied. This ensures that your server is being fairly compensated for their hard work.
The New Tipping Norms
If you’re still stuck in the mindset that 10% is a standard tip and 20% is reserved for exceptional service, it’s time to get with the times! These days, 20% is considered the bare minimum for decent service.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to break the bank every time you eat out. The key is to be as generous as you can while still staying within your means. And if you’re not happy with the current tipping culture, you can always vote with your wallet by choosing to dine at establishments that pay their workers a fair wage.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, tipping is about showing gratitude, not guilt. So the next time you’re dining out, take a moment to consider all the hard work that goes into providing you with a wonderful meal and experience. And if you can afford to be a little extra generous with your gratuity, your server will definitely appreciate it!
🗣 What surprised you the most about this article? Are you guilty of any tipping mistakes? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
