Tipping at Restaurants and Bars, Yes or No?

Careful With Money on 06/09/2022 - 21:26
Last edited 09/09/2022 - 16:50 by 1 other user

Does anyone else feel obligated to tip when the waiter that's been looking after you all night hands you the payment terminal asking if you'd like to leave a tip?

Now he's standing there waiting for you to click yes or no, smiling as he was the whole night with you.
Your date is behind you and you've had a great night, you were funny, cracking jokes with everyone.

As much as I don't want to support the American tipping culture, I feel rude not paying that extra money before leaving.

OzBargain, what should I do?

Poll Options expired

  • 97
    Yes
  • 1130
    No
  • 54
    Only in big groups
Food & Grocery

Comments

    • Herbse on 07/09/2022 - 18:11

      Is this in Aus?

      • TEER3X on 07/09/2022 - 18:18

        Austria?

  • SirCH on 07/09/2022 - 16:48
    +2

    I only occasionally tip, however I think we as Australians should tip more than we currently do.
    We should not tip for somebody doing their job. That's what their wage is for. If somebody takes my order, brings me my food and checks in on me once then they have earned their pay.
    We should tip for somebody doing an amazing job, going above and beyond, etc. Maybe you had kids who they really helped with, or they were super-friendly and attentive, picked up on small things…

    • GG57 on 07/09/2022 - 16:51

      I agree. That is the difference between here and a lot of other countries.
      Most people living overseas tip reasonably generously when they experience good service.

    • CUD on 07/09/2022 - 17:17
      +2

      I can maybe understand if the group you're with or your kids are causing trouble so maybe you feel guilty, but I'm just having trouble imagining service that is so good that I want to pay them extra.

      At what point is good service beyond what is considered part of their job?

    • brendanm on 07/09/2022 - 17:36

      Most places have garbage service. The ones that are good get my repeat custom, and I spend more when I'm there.

      • Jolakot on 07/09/2022 - 21:16
        +1

        I get that, but the only people who benefit from your repeat business and above average spending are the owners, all the actual staff would get from that are more guaranteed shifts

        • brendanm on 07/09/2022 - 22:10
          +1

          The staff are getting the wages they agreed to when they began employment. The business doing well benefits them as they have a job. I don't get tips at work, not sure why anyone else needs one in this country.

          • Jolakot on 08/09/2022 - 15:17

            @brendanm: Sure, I don't believe in tipping either, the wages they get already cover average level service. Unless they need to put in much more effort due to a custom request or inconvenience I've caused then it's a fair deal

            But in this economy good hospo workers are already being offered more work than they can physically do, so how does a specific business doing well benefit them? You're doing the owner a favor, but you're not doing the staff a favor

            • brendanm on 08/09/2022 - 16:15
              +1

              @Jolakot:

              Unless they need to put in much more effort due to a custom request or inconvenience I've caused then it's a fair deal

              That is simply their job, they are paid an hourly rate, and do that job by the hour. Maybe they serve 20 people with easy requests, or 10 people with special requests, they are paid the same regardless, it's how hourly wages work.

              but you're not doing the staff a favor

              Why should I do the staff a favour? I'm not their employer.

  • Willy Beamish on 07/09/2022 - 17:06
    +1

    I'm with Mr Pink.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrwQ9G4epys

  • Spic3y on 07/09/2022 - 17:18
    +2

    I do occasionally if the service has been exceptional. I also prefer to tip the person that gave me the excellent service personally, not in a jar or eftpos terminal.

    If the service is 'as expected' or lower, no deal.

  • core101 on 07/09/2022 - 17:57
    +1

    Not, unless you were planning to do so, before being presented the bill. The payment terminal is being used as a psychological tool, to judge your generosity as well as your gullibility. A thank you should be enough gratitude for the service.

  • PleasureMe on 07/09/2022 - 17:59
    -1

    No, unless service is exceptional, then yes.

    • digitalbath on 07/09/2022 - 19:26
      -1

      Why stop with restaurant staff then? I'm sure you get "exceptional" service at other places, do you tip them?

      • PleasureMe on 07/09/2022 - 19:34
        +2

        Yes, sure do. I tip staff at the brothel if I'm satisfied with their service and no tip if I'm not satisfied.

        • digitalbath on 07/09/2022 - 20:26
          -1

          Wouldn’t you start with the “tip” at a brothel? Definitely won’t be satisfied if you don’t even give them the tip.

  • Zapwap on 07/09/2022 - 18:00
    +2

    We don't follow US rules in straya, we follow straya rules in straya..

  • hasher22 on 07/09/2022 - 18:01
    +5

    Asking for a tip makes me not give a tip.

    Tipping culture should not be a thing, especially in America where a worker depends on it.

    If you feel you want to tip based on non-forced methods such as great service, then do it.

  • DiscoJango on 07/09/2022 - 18:16
    +4

    Why TF am i tipping someone thats on $30-$40 an hour???????????????????????????????????????????

    • JimmyF on 07/09/2022 - 22:59
      +3

      That is the thing most fail to understand about tipping.

      In AUS the waiter staff are earning $25-40/hr regardless.

      In the US they earn $2.13/hr USD or about $3.18/hr AUD. 'Tips' are used to bring their wage up. Most waiter staff work crazy hours to live.

      • DiscoJango on 08/09/2022 - 17:45
        +5

        Correct, in the US, tipping quite literally forms part of someones wages, which is the absolutely most stupid thing ever conceived and im not sure how anyone can still say its the 'greatest country on earth'.

        • JimmyF on 08/09/2022 - 18:33

          I agree, requiring a tip to make up someones wage is just crazy! But that is the USA. Got to keep the rich, rich and the poor, poor!

          The crazy ideas you hear about removing tipping like you'll get bad service or prices will increase! Errr at the end of the day, a meal + taxes + tip will equal the same price as increased meal cost + taxes. So to the consumer you still end up paying $20USD for your meal. But at least this way you know the waiter staff are getting paid correctly.

          great country of divide more like it!

        • MrFunSocks on 09/09/2022 - 14:55

          But also in the US if they don't hit the minimum wage amount without tips, their employer has to pay them the minimum wage anyway. So someone might get paid that $2 an hour, but minimum wage is $7 an hour. If they don't get $5 in tips per hour, the company pays them $7 an hour. If they got $6 an hour in tips they'd get paid $8 an hour, which is $1 an hour over the minimum wage. It's not like someone can work 40 hours and only get $80 - they'd get a minimum of $280.

  • xdivino on 07/09/2022 - 18:28
    +1

    Do you Tip Tradies?
    Do you tip customer service people?
    Where's the tips for Garbo's?
    Insane that it's just one industry even for america.. clearly some genius came up with the idea there to pass on costs and pocketed insane bank and made it "feel good" to tip.. Mad Men styles.

  • Wheatgrass on 07/09/2022 - 18:54
    +1

    I've had someone try to tip me at my retail job but I didn't accept it. Feels wrong personally taking a customer's money for doing my job. 🤔

  • digitalbath on 07/09/2022 - 19:22
    +1

    No. Even if the service is great.
    These days we accept poor service all too often, then when someone does their job properly, we call it "exceptional" service.
    I don't get a discount when service is bad, so why should they get more when service is acceptable?

  • Deals For Days on 07/09/2022 - 19:42
    +2

    Please NO. Please don’t tip. I swear it used to be a thing only at super fancy restaurant in Syd, now everybody asks for one. Nobody should get a tip. Look how it’s failed in the US - the tipping system is idiotic. Pay wait staff well, everything should be in the bill!!!

  • CarpeDiem295 on 07/09/2022 - 19:55
    +2

    Lets not tip before it becomes a norm
    Those who work and agree with the tips, just beware youd also end up tipping everywhere too

    • DiscoJango on 08/09/2022 - 17:47

      Unfortunately i think this and the next generation will start to think its the norm, just like haloween didnt used to be a thing and now it is.

      Like the uber app with its tip option, how about you (uber) just pay your staff right.

  • Raj09 on 07/09/2022 - 20:17

    I don't tip. Charge me the whole amount including tips. The whole things about giving a great treatment and expecting tips does not make sense. If I'm going through a tough month financially, should I also expect rude behaviour because I cannot tip.??

  • tessel on 07/09/2022 - 20:26

    No, no and no.

  • michaelTito on 07/09/2022 - 20:30
    +2

    i only tip at message palour

    • Careful With Money on 07/09/2022 - 21:04

      Any reluctancy to take the tip?

    • Jase83 on 08/09/2022 - 10:43
      +1

      Just the tip?

  • ubereatsprodude on 07/09/2022 - 20:52

    obvious NO - we should not be feeding society this idea of tips like broken America due to under payment of wages, it is the responsibility of the owner to pay appropriate wages or close the shop and stop trying to be a business when you can't afford to - go get a 9-5 job.

    Unless I am getting extras with my happy ending then there is NO TIP.

  • echelon6 on 07/09/2022 - 21:15
    +4

    I used to feel weird pressing No on the eftpos machine but now I press it confidently. They should be ashamed for asking, not me for pressing No.

  • kiriakoz on 07/09/2022 - 21:48
    +2

    Don't tip due to expectation, just do it for exceptional service (however you measure that is up to you, but you know when you see it).

  • npnp on 07/09/2022 - 22:15
    +3

    Tipping in my humble opinion is disrespectful hence should not happen. For anyone who'd say 'tipping is just a token of our appreciation for better service' then my question would be 'would you tip your GP for the same reason then?'. Australia, as a country where everyone is treated equally, must not take those 'pitiful' practices onboard. I've received tips in the past (have respectfully refused every single time) and I've always felt uncomfortable when that happened.

    • bargaino on 07/09/2022 - 23:53
      +1

      Yes, I remember getting it wrong in the US and trying to tip someone who wasn't supposed to be tipped.
      I don't think he was offended exactly, me being a dumb foreigner, but it was very uncomfortable for both of us.

  • Fobsessive on 07/09/2022 - 22:27

    Never

  • formulated on 08/09/2022 - 04:52
    +1

    I tip when the service is impeccable. People tip me when they appreciate the service I deliver when bartending. I've had people pay by card, ask for $50 cash out then hand it to me. Wedding parties where the groom shakes my hand with a $100 note.

    None of it is expected. Though trays would be used to deliver receipts and change. That change is yours, there's no guilt in claiming your own money.

  • dlakers3peat on 08/09/2022 - 07:37

    Do we know who actually get's the tip?

  • deepimpact on 08/09/2022 - 07:56
    +2

    I waited tables and worked in fancy hotels and bars for years. In fancier places tipping is actually very common. I never expected a tip, or demanded one, a smile is sufficient. I don't tip unless I receive exceptional service.

  • bobolo on 08/09/2022 - 09:30

    The restaurant already makes money on the food and drink I order

    If my waiter is exceptional, I usually slip them cash (usually half way through the meal and you end up extra shots, free dessert etc :)

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 08/09/2022 - 09:40

    Hell-to-the-No

    Albo just raised min wages by over 5% dont cry poor to me i've never had that big of a pay rise for doing nothing

  • caff3ry on 08/09/2022 - 10:29

    I've tipped but only where I've felt the service was genuinely very enjoyable. Tips have always been in cash and never by card because I actually want the person I'm tipping to receive it in whole. Again doesn't happen often but there are definetly times where I feel the waitstaff has gone above to make myself and my guests feel extra appreciated.

  • kaleidoscope on 08/09/2022 - 10:42

    Nope and would not in future as well.

  • Jase83 on 08/09/2022 - 10:42

    No, not at all. I know they are getting a good hourly rate.

  • klonky on 08/09/2022 - 11:39
    +2

    When i give tips they always roll their eyes saying 'youre not my dad, I'll dress how I want'

  • Gowrie29 on 08/09/2022 - 11:54
    +1

    It's really awkward and makes me not want to go back when they verbally mention the tip whilst paying. It's there on the screen of the terminal, i can see it and I will make my own decision without being prompted further.

    It's quite rude as far as I am concerned. I don't eat out often because we don't have heaps of cash. My money is going on my dinner with family and friends - not extra pay for the worker.

  • Nillionaire on 08/09/2022 - 12:23
    +1

    Name and shame restaurants that ask for tips, let's make a list

    I say this as someone who happily tips when I'm not prompted to

  • shtewe on 08/09/2022 - 12:33

    Nope

  • christopher8827 on 08/09/2022 - 12:34

    If you tip - wth is wrong with you.

  • newjerseydamo on 08/09/2022 - 13:23

    In America? Yes.
    In Australia? No.

    • GG57 on 08/09/2022 - 14:27

      In Italy?
      In Spain?
      In UK?
      In France?
      In Thailand?
      In Vietnam?
      In Brazil?

      • Jase83 on 08/09/2022 - 14:38
        +1

        In South America if they think you are a dumb gringo (USA) tourist they sometimes add on a 'propina'. Certainly not normal for locals though.

  • webtonmoy on 08/09/2022 - 14:39
    +2

    I will never recommend bringing this tipping culture to Australia. If we do this, at some point, it will become an expectation…

  • ParanoidAlien on 08/09/2022 - 14:40

    I only tip if I feel they deserve it. I went to a restaurant in USA and they gave crap service. Went to pay the bill and they had already added a tip to the bill and then expected another tip on top. We paid for our meals only and didnt pay any tips.

  • Dack Smith on 08/09/2022 - 15:30
    +1

    Why follow the dumb Americans?

    There's very few of us who can afford to tip the usual 15 to 20% + per meal like the yanks

    R U OK ?

  • mickp on 08/09/2022 - 15:45

    lots of comments so not sure if its covered yet…but tipping at the terminal / eftpos sure as hell aint going to the waiter that served you
    most likely straight to the restaurant owners pocket
    best case…it goes to a tipping fund shared across all waiting staff….which defeats the real purpose of tipping - a thank you to the individual who went above and beyond to make sure you had a good restaurant experience

  • Sammy Boi on 08/09/2022 - 15:48

    nope

  • CHIEFMEGADETH on 08/09/2022 - 16:09
    +3

    No f@cking way. I just got back from America and tipping is so annoying. The fact they don't pay their workers enough is one problem
    Australia pays their staff well enough. So there is no need for tipping at all IMO

  • ebpj2002 on 08/09/2022 - 17:47

    No. Tipping can create bias/favor leading to corruption…

  • rlf on 08/09/2022 - 18:36
    -8

    Some real bums on this forum but what is to expected given the content of this site.

    Always tip at restaurants. Generally, 5-15% depending on service.

  • CheapAddict on 08/09/2022 - 20:09

    No, unless the service is above and beyond and you feel you they deserve then do so. Even then I question if they get it as it's generally split between staff in Australia. I also think tipping encourages poor service over here. The Customer service in Australia is way behind that of America and you reward them for what is average to mediocre service? Asking for water seems like a nuisance over here and splitting the bill is a big no no in most places. I ate what was fine dining in Circular quay here in Sydney and the wait staff seemed annoyed every time i flag them down then they have the balls to request for tip when I went to pay the bill. I had no hesitation saying no.

  • kiwimex on 08/09/2022 - 20:35
    -2

    Love tipping….always have tipped and always will. Id be more than happy to see it introduced here……it may well improve the generally horrible service.

    • Careful With Money on 08/09/2022 - 20:43

      I can definitely see the possibility of it improving service, I mean it's kind of hard not to chirp up when someone hands you a nice bonus, this will reflect on your attitude for the rest of the shift.

  • archieduh on 08/09/2022 - 20:51
    +1

    Hate it, find it un-Australian.
    But more and more restaurants have the cashier saying if you want to leave a tip and stare at you.
    I am forced to tip 5-10%

    • Jonzay on 08/09/2022 - 21:15
      +2

      What are they going to do if you decline, vacuum the food back out of you?

      • archieduh on 08/09/2022 - 21:20
        +1

        Just feels rude.

    • Serapis on 09/09/2022 - 09:58
      +2

      I smile back, hit the No option, promptly pay and exit.

      • archieduh on 09/09/2022 - 20:45

        Can try if i am never going to return to the place again

  • thesimple on 08/09/2022 - 21:56

    Whether it's tipping or any interaction that calls on your judgement, don't let 'being afraid to look like the bad guy' undermine rational decision making - whichever way you choose to go

  • [Deactivated] on 08/09/2022 - 23:01
    +2

    I pressed 0 on the eftpos machine, the waitress's demeanor changed so fast, i never returned to that restaurant again, and will avoid any restaurants that do this.

  • nobro25 on 09/09/2022 - 01:08

    You do realise the waiter has a wage. Next OP will be tipping the train driver just because.

  • Wilson Wallace on 09/09/2022 - 08:30
    +1

    No tips.

  • Richmond Tigers on 09/09/2022 - 09:54
    +1

    If tipping worked like this, id do it.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWHj4BmCn64

    • Careful With Money on 09/09/2022 - 10:07

      That was brilliant, first I’ve heard of this show

  • josho495 on 09/09/2022 - 10:36
    -3

    Tipping to bring food from the kitchen to my table? It's a fat no from me. If anything, the chef/cook should be tipped.
    If waiters get decent tips here in Australia, they'd be making like 40+ per hour. How is that fair when some electricians I know only make $45/h at specific job sites?

  • dontboopthesnoot on 09/09/2022 - 11:43
    +1

    Up to you. Personally No.

  • Dack Smith on 09/09/2022 - 12:14

    R U OK tippers?

    Do you suffer too much money syndrome?

    If so please donate all your cash to charity as there are people that need the money far more than you do

  • IM-Cheap on 09/09/2022 - 13:10

    If they went beyond - like if they had to move tables for us and find extra chairs - plus the service in general was efficient I will tip but no more than $10.

  • CUD on 09/09/2022 - 13:23

    I think it's interesting how it varies from America to here but I also believe we shouldn't be tipping here.

    Tipping culture in America is strange to me because customers have just come to accept that businesses underpay their staff so the customer is now obligated to pay more for their meal or whatever service is provided. This is completely unfair on the customer and an expectation we shouldn't encourage here.

    Those here in Australia that tip because of good service also seems strange to me. There isn't the same expectation as the US and yet some people here do it for good service. You're already paying for the service/meal. Part of the job is to provide friendly service, that's not an extra thing you do to try and get more money out of customers it's part of the job to be friendly and welcoming.

    The types of businesses that have the option to prompt for a tip on the EFTPOS machine are pretty shitty to be honest. Just turn that off and don't try to pressure customers into giving you more money. A tip jar is fine although with cash being used less and less they'll probably need another option in future.

  • Pratty on 09/09/2022 - 14:04

    No.

  • MrFunSocks on 09/09/2022 - 14:53

    No, I don't give people extra money for doing their jobs.

  • Cheapest Charlie on 09/09/2022 - 16:11
    +1

    It's normal to leave a tip if you enjoy a meal or just rounding it up in a taxi. At least if I pay with cash which is rare now.

    I'm talking an extra $10 or $20 not this absurd Americanised style of tipping 25% for a meal, $1-$2 per drink, tipping barbers, leaving tips for the maid, etc.

    This has crept into Australia because of people consooming too much American media and thinking this is a standard custom around the world, but it's just yet another bizarre American phenomenon.

    • GG57 on 09/09/2022 - 16:21

      Tipping is very common throughout Europe and the UK.

      • Cheapest Charlie on 09/09/2022 - 16:52

        In Europe I tip as I would in Australia which is rounding up or maybe adding an extra $10 or $20 on top if exceptional. Depends how expensive the overall meal is. That's if paying with cash which I've always done while travelling.

        You certainly don't need to be tipping the bartender or giving the taxi driver an extra 10-15%, just round it up.

  • Mr Haj on 09/09/2022 - 16:48

    Your date is behind you and you've had a great night, you were funny, cracking jokes with everyone.

    No, I'm at home eating pizza.

    • Careful With Money on 09/09/2022 - 16:53

      What are your toppings?

      • Mr Haj on 12/09/2022 - 08:35

        Half and half Aussie and Kebab.

  • krisspy on 09/09/2022 - 17:36

    No. Unless they've gone above and beyond their normal duties (ie. Take my order and bring my food). If we're obliged to tip, then it should be an option for me to put the order in myself and collect the food from the kitchen

  • buckster on 09/09/2022 - 21:42

    If the service is great and there's an option to then yes, if not then no.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/09/2022 - 21:53

    Don't!

  • Eeples on 09/09/2022 - 22:43

    Tipping, imo, is insulting.

    It says to the person you are tipping, “You don’t earn enough money in this job”.

  • manbearpig on 10/09/2022 - 01:17

    This is not 'Merica.

    It shouldn't be our job to pay the workers' salaries. That's why we pay exorbitant menu prices.

  • BendBridge on 10/09/2022 - 07:59

    I think if the service is good, just tip the waiters if you can afford it.

    Was treated to a fine dining a few weeks ago at Carlton, $220/head. The food was so-so to me but the service was good. At the end, the host tipped $70.

  • LoserScott on 10/09/2022 - 12:57

    First yes, then no, and then yes because it's the right thing to do, that being no because yes it happens.

  • OzBestDeal on 10/09/2022 - 17:14

    You asking ozbargainers if they want to pay more than it should?
    If we can save 1% of the bill using gift card, I'm sure we all would do that

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