ADVICE ON TIPPING & GRATUITIES | BACK-TO-BASICS SKILLS

[@bigprettyman3795]

In USA, the wage is below minimum wage, thus the tip for service IS their pay. That’s their salary. So they absolutely rely on tips for a living. It was a standard 18%, but now it’s 20% and is viewed as a social obligation. It’s right on the bill you can add to the total.

[@bigbadbith8422]

When I want to show gratitude, I always tip the person who helped me - no exceptions. And I never pay ‘service charges’ added to my bill, because I find it impertinent.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Well said!

[@barrysmith8193]

For those who are unaware “TIPS” is “to insure prompt service”. Your relationship with money and personal assistance is an important part of life that takes daily attention. Those who complain that tipping is out of hand don’t get that the tip is not too much money, it’s that they can’t afford it. If you put as much energy into building wealth by financial competency as you do complaining you could have much more than you have now. So far you have made the choice to be dependent on others. Financial independence is within reach of all that choose to do so. If want change you have to change. You make the choice.

[@CastellanSpandex]

As someone with dyscalculia (number dyslexia), I used to get really stressed out in restaurants. So much so that I would avoid going to them. I wanted to tip, but was never sure if what I left was too little, and insulting. I think the 10% to 15% is about right. Many years of remedial maths classes and I'm more relaxed about numbers now. Also, my friends think I'm weird for tidying up all the plates etc before the waiters collect them. I waited tables years ago and it feels right somehow.

[@lloydmeadows3471]

My grandfather (who worked in catering for a while) said it was a good idea if you wanted exceptional service to seek out the restaurant manager or head waiter, introduce yourself and tip then (handshake with a note tucked inside). Not something one would choose to deploy on a routine basis but, depending on the venue and if you're entertaining someone special, it could pay dividends for the rest of the evening.

[@GetOffMyLawn1776]

Most of us struggled financially when we were younger. Now older, I think it’s acceptable to ‘read the room’ before tipping. If the food is good and the wait staff polite-but there are few customers-I believe it’s ok to tip very well: 100% or more. For low-paid staff, it may make the difference to allow them to pay their basic weekly expenses.

[@HangTheTraitors157]

Everyone expects a tip these days, fast food joints, coffee shops, you name it. The whole tipping thing has gone nuts.

[@daniell2217]

Even as someone who is pro-labor, pro-workers, and often tips excessively, I have to agree with you. It’s out of control.

[@HangTheTraitors157]

@@daniell2217 Same here. Pro-worker definitely and over-tip.

[@dojocho1894]

As a older man coming from amazing family, I find this young generation of boys ( girls are for others to figure out) So many divorces and broken homes the young guys have no social skills at all. They cant dress they have anxiety about job interviews etc...its a sad state of affairs.......topics like this are really helpful to get these guys confidence in being a well rounded man.

[@jt1559]

Hard pass on tipping in Australia unless the service is exceptional. As a frequent visitor to the US, I can't help but notice that the expected tip has slowly but surely moved from 10% towards 20%. I find percentage based tipping inherently unfair, as a waitress at a diner for a $20 meal will get $3-$4, yet a waitress at a fancy restaurant for a $100 meal will get $15-$20, yet they haven't worked any harder than the diner waitress. I'd feel better if I could just give them both $5.

[@glennet9613]

Australian restaurants used to refuse tips, handing them back, because they, or their unions, saw what had happened in the US. However when I left, seven years ago, they seemed be increasingly expected at least in Melbourne. That is on top of the guaranteed minimum wage which I now see is $22.61 an hour on weekdays, more on weekends and over $50 on public holidays.

[@garypointing5825]

Basically I am tight with money...I grew up with not a lot and I argue that why should I subsidise a restaurant (in the UK) paying carp wages when charging £25 for a stake the retails for £5 to the public so £3 to the restaurant....so I don't tip. The fact is since covid prices have jumped to ridiculous amounts. I have are out a lot over the last 30 years, for 20 years on an expense account. The last 10 from my own pocket. And I am fed up in the UK of being expected to pay a lot of money for mediocre food and then expected to tip the staff No the employer needs to pay a descent wage

[@stephanesurprenant60]

It depends on the type of service, but in Quebec it's usually expected to be 15% unless service is great -- you can see 20 or even 25%. Personally, I try to gauge the demand on the staff. I don't tip the same if I pick up my own food at the counter in a fast food joint relative to if you get a meal sitting at a table that requires more work. There's also things like coffee shops. On the Starbucks app, you can leave 50 cents, a dollar, etc. But if you go to a local bar, they probably only take cash (for tax evasion purposes, obviously) and you usually just round things up -- and routinely end up tipping 20 or 25% more. The same used to be true of small fast food joints in rural areas too. 😂 Anyhow, you'd be fine if you tipped in between 15 and 20% over here. Sometimes the machine for tapping your card is screwing with your feelings by suggesting things 20% is okay, 25% is great. 😂

[@KristianKallmen]

In Sweden, and in other mainland European countries I,m sure, opitions of 5, 10 or 15 percent gratuity pops up and can be selected on the card readers when paying.

[@HRM.H]

Maybe in scandinavia, but not in the benelux, france, spain, italy, austria or hungary.

[@KlausKokholmPetersen]

And it's not mandatory! And frankly, the service you get especially in Copenhagen doesnt deserve any tips.

[@ZoomZoom-ng6sn]

In SoCal usa. Generally in restaurants you tip the waiter who's serving you. But they tend to confuse you by sending you like up to 4 different waiters who seemed well trained as if they're selling themselves to you in the most exaggerated way possible. They pressure you with smiles. --------- Up to now, I still tip the old fashion way by putting some paper cash under a glass on the table in a way that you wouldn't be able to tell how much money it is. I add some coins in there to make it look like it's all I had in my pocket to give. Then I leave without making eye contact if possible. The waiters won't grab the money till you leave the table LOL.

[@lingua111]

What a unique topic! Thanks for talking about the least thought-about and seldom-discussed matter.

[@TheWeardale1]

great video, and how about such subjects like table manners etc - as I only recently discovered the correct way to eat peas is by using your knife to push and spear them onto ones fork.. afterall, this is a small part of being a chap :)

[@Jsi01]

Ash that is a fantastic outfit! Going to save that to my Pinterest. Another fab video as always!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad you like it!

[@glennet9613]

I recall many years ago a very dignified waiter in Chicago handing me the check after an excellent meal and courteously saying "twenty five percent of that sir is twenty three dollars and seventeen cents".

[@jimmydigital]

Very informative coach

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad you liked it

[@captain.eddy333]

It's my understanding that the word "tips" originated in the passenger trades to the Near East. It stood for, T-o I-nsure P-rompt S-ervice. One would "tip" the stewards and housekeeping personnel prior to departure. Likewise, "Posh" stood for, Port out (bound), Starboard Home (bound). This provided the passengers a view of the coastline during the voyage.

[@milesrout]

That sounds very much like a backronym/folk etymology.

[@GetOffMyLawn1776]

Great video. Thank you. I once read in a men’s manners guide that one should tip more (25% or more) to anyone who physically touches you as part of the delivery of their service-haircut, shave, massage, etc. Later, I heard that the owner of the establishment need not be tipped, if they personally provide said services. What say you, Ash?

[@TheChapsGuide]

This remains a very contentious subject and depends if you hail from Europe or North America. But ultimately, tipping is recognition of a good service, so only tip if you have received one.

[@QV1010]

I mostly more inclined to tip in a smaller establishment like local coffee shops & small restaurants. Not so much in more high end places. Tipping culture has gone out of hand since as of late,especially now I see more restaurants having service charge of 15%, if that the case that fee should pay the waiters at least.

[@Bjartone]

Very nice shirt & tie & pocket square

[@TheChapsGuide]

Thank you 😊

[@billyo54]

The origins of tipping in America harks back to the post civil war period. Former slaves who were now set adrift, would gather drinks glasses, bring orders to the table, empty spittoons etc and would do so for nickels and dimes. This habit, imported from America, has become more commonplace in Europe these days. Personally, I find the trend deplorable. The tipping culture is both demeaning to staff and a possible occasion for low level corruption. It should be banned as policy. Instead, a guaranteed minimum wage should be strictly enforced to compensate for the ban.

[@f8c3themusic]

Here in the US, I typically do 20% for a restaurant. If the service is just okay or not as good, I’ll do 15%.

[@Jdinaz]

I’m American and I don’t “enjoy” tipping anymore. Service is often poor and basic but the hands come out for a tip. Meal costs have skyrocketed and restaurants need to pay people a wage. I’ve seen a news story where restaurants pay their staff $31 an hour and tell patrons tipping is not required. The staff quits en masse. Enough. This anachronism needs to go away and this expectation needs to be broken. If you don’t like the wage you can earn bringing food from the kitchen to my table, then Bootstrap yourself into another career. Sorry. It’s easy work that take almost no skill or training. It pays appropriately as-is. Why am I taking this stance? Last night I went to restaurant that was a nice venue. The food was awful. The waitress was slow and inattentive and my bill was $100 per person (3 people).The hand came out for a tip and I have 14% .. which for some reason I viewed as an overpayment. Apparently the waitstaff did too Stop feeding the bears.

[@danielschaeffer1294]

That may be your experience but I wonder how usual that is. A lot of restaurants pay wait staff less than minimum wage, and if you think that it’s easy work, try handling a Friday rush hour with a dozen people screaming at you. You’ll walk off the job in a week.

[@Jdinaz]

@@danielschaeffer1294 no state pays less than federal minimum wage. www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/minimum-wage/tipped

[@andydevinewine]

I have to disagree (to some extent) with your comment of it being easy work with little or no skill - I am a general manager of a restaurant that is heavily focused on elevated dining with wine and service of a high level. Even the entry level waiting staff have to have a broad knowledge of food, cooking techniques, wine and spirits, then add on the stress of a full restaurant all whilst giving great service and making customers experience a good one...this is not easy work (my salaried staff work 4 x 12-14 hour days per week) nor is it low skill...maybe to the untrained eye yes but then the same could be said about most jobs. I do agree that tipping should be optional and only warranted for exceptional service but please don't look down upon someone for their choice of career. I personally have spent years and lots of money on qualifications that give me an indepth knowledge of my field.

[@michaelfortney7510]

I live in Illinois in the Midwest. I tend to over tip if I feel they deserve it. I might even leave a $20 on a $10 bill if the food is good and good service

[@HRM.H]

I tend to tip 20% if i feel its deserved. Keyword, deserved.

[@johnnieWBlack]

I live in Austria and, in the last 2 years, the price of a meal increased in the range of 30-50%, the quality of the service declined, so my percentage for the tip calculation (if any) reaches at the best 10%, with an average of 5%

[@JorgeMendez-kn5ql]

No tip ought ever to be expected.

[@DavidHalfordsLane]

I don’t like the presumption of automatically adding a service charge - what if the service was poor? It would take a degree of confidence to request it to be deducted.

[@Dunkelzeitgeist]

I'm a man of lesser means, but do dress well, and I do wonder if staff think I'm tight if I don't tip; I only tip when its exeptional service, I don't if the servers are simply doing their job, they're on the same wage as me

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

I always carry a little cash with me everywhere just in case I need to tip or if I need to purchase something for a few dollars and don't want to put it on my card. cheers Ron

[@danielmanor605]

Hi Ash, I’d like to give my POV being a lawyer who sometimes represents restaurant in labor court. They all price their menu according to the expected costs - in which staff salaries are all pre-calculated. I absolutely hate to tip, because I know that I’m paying double for the waiters’ salary. That’s a total ripoff. I mean, if I don’t tip my dentist - who’s doing a far more important (and complex) job than a waiter, with all due respect and no mean to disrespect the position itself, why on earth will I double the salary of the waiter? I’m sorry, but if he doesn’t get paid by his employer, he should fight his own battles instead of expecting me to pay him directly. Sorry for this morning rant - I just this the whole tipping system is completely messed up.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I agree, it is getting out of hand and could easily expand to all trades, where a 'service' is supplied. I am grateful that the rest of the world has not succumbed to the tipping habits of the USA (yet).

[@darthdiamo6902]

@@TheChapsGuide This is just one of the many reasons why I love Japan. Tipping there is totally alien, and if you try to do it, they're feel insulted and refuse to accept it. Even though it's just a normal service job; they take their work with such pride. Personally I think we should all strive to have what Japan has made. Because the way it is in the USA is a sad state of affairs.

[@pasquale78]

"I don't believe in tipping" - Mr Pink 1992 There is some truth in it, though. Why would we tip a waiter or waitress at a restaurant, but yet you don't feel the need to tip at McDonalds. Even though they provide the same service. In my experience, the service at restaurants is seriously declining. (I live in Holland by the way) I also visit Italy on a regular basis and I find the service there often abominable in larger cities.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Agreed. The tipping culture has reached a 'tipping point' (pardon the pun) and I think a shift in habits is seriously called for in Europe. I think the USA has deeper issues with pay for waiting staff and how they have to rely on tips to earn a living, but in Europe, where staff receive a livable wage, we should not follow the US down the highway to tipping everyone for simply doing their job.

[@pasquale78]

@@TheChapsGuide Exactly! I also can’t stand the selective nature of tipping. Why does society dictate, tip here but don’t tip there? It’s completely unfair against people who work just as hard but society deems not tip worthy.

[@viclucyzia]

I always tip but in accordance to the work of the waiter. . But that is not seen in many western countries anymore. Americans were always the tipping champions, not only at restaurants but for other services as well. In many countries tipping is not even seen as a nice act. While in others it's expected and not low (a story of waiter who was cough spitting in the food of a known guest who doest tip - don't know how true that is) . Removing tipping in whole would be fine if the wages given to the waiters are acceptable but then restaurant owners might have to close down as lest guest come due to skyrocketing prices.

[@jimmydigital]

I agree. interesting that you say in some countries it is not even seen as a nice act. I can understand that... people flashing the cash could be seen as show-offs and trying too hard to "buy" preferential treatment. it seems that what was once seen as an act of generosity has now become fully expected to the point a tip is put onto your bill automatically.

[@DIEMLtdTV]

Oh, what an awkward subject when someone in a group refuses a tip! This really annoys me. I always tip for good service, but beware of what I call the "London tax" where restaurants in the capital always seem to add a service charge. Usually in the UK I prefer to tip an individual member of staff cash if they've personally looked after us as hopefully nobody skims anything off. I was in Naples the other week and there was a cover charge per diner, but no service charge. I gave a tip as sometimes in European city centres, taxes are very high and the meal was excellent. Naples was visited on a cruise ship where you pay a daily gratuity extra for the housekeeper and waiters. They work so hard, I don't begrudge it. For drinks it's 18% gratuity and this is even on a drinks package. Again, it's excellent service, so I'm glad to pay it.... and often slip them a few dollars too. You mention differences in countries, I was told Italian taxi drivers don't like tipping as they see themselves as giving a professional service (note how smartly dressed they are).

[@johnpaulryan738]

Ash, thank you very much for a great blog. Just a few comments; My experience from a European perspective is that 10% to 15% is adequate , on the occasion when I have tipped 20% the staff have asked " are you sure ?" ( as much to say that the tip was inordinately large). Even if I pay by card, I always tip the specific server with cash. I feel that banks and governments would love to phase out cash, and it's up to us as consumers not to let this happen. Incidentally, I do believe that it is illegal for restaurants and businesses in general to refuse cash , after all, it is legal tender. On this final point, I stand to be corrected, I am of the opinion that you don't tip in Japan, as the Japanese consider it insulting and an affront to their honour.

[@herbtube7824]

No, it's perfectly legal to only accept cards. What's wrong with phasing out cash anyway?

[@douglasdietz7503]

Great info Ash. 20 percent is standard fare, here in the U.S. Even if the food or service stinks. Never cheap-shot the help even if they're having a bad day. If the gratuity is included no tip is necessary. Cheers.

[@milesrout]

This is incorrect. If the service is bad, you should obviously not tip, even in the US. Why would you reward someone for bad service?

[@milesrout]

My solution: Don't ever tip for any reason ever in any situation. They get paid to do their job like anyone else. I don't see why they should get tips for good service, when nobody in any other area of work gets tipped.

[@PBHpbh021954]

Hi Ash, Fellow British Patreon Member. Excellent advice Ash, as always, thank you. A dear English friend visited us in New York, USA. He insisted on taking my wife and me out for dinner at a fine local restaurant of our choosing. A fine meal was had and two bottles of wine were consumed. The bill was presented at the end and there was an expectation that a tip was expected by the establishment for the total bill including the the cost of the wine which actually exceeded the food cost. My British friend explained to the waitress that the tip for the wine cost was not normally added at the usually expected rate for the service rendered. Our very satisfactory meal became less so when the Owner was called to argue the case for the tip applying to the wine cost. I appreciate that you may not know the NY ways but you did allude to that. In my view, a "corking" fee might be acceptable but is minimum and applied when you can bring your own bottle. My friend ordered from the restaurant's wine menu and is a wine expert.

[@JorgeMendez-kn5ql]

No tip ought ever to be expected.

[@Sloppylicious]

Right. A tip never can't be part of the deal. If it is, it's just another fee and not a tip. @@JorgeMendez-kn5ql

[@wnh79]

Just say no. Tipping can be left to the Americans thanks. Over there it has basically become begging by underpaid staff. Owners pay the staff, we pay the business. I am not here to pay both the business and the business' staff.

[@velviaman3206]

Gratuity charged automatically on the bill means 20% vat on the tip

[@cyndirymer7068]

Thank you for the clarification!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DavidHartline-o5t]

Top inflation in the US is rediculous. I ate at a food truck yesterday and boom, minimum 10% tip. For what? I walked to the truck, waited in line, waited for my food and walked off. What service was performed? It’s out of hand.

[@TheChapsGuide]

That is utterly ridiculous. It’s a blatant rip off.

[@richallan001]

I would say having a go at service staff goes against all things chap. Pointing out a failure or giving criticism is fine, but berating waiting staff or even managers is out of line.

[@cap_is_best2940]

Do you tip your tailor?

[@TheChapsGuide]

No sir. He/she is a professional and their remuneration for the work that you have commissioned covers their services fully.

[@cap_is_best2940]

Thanks Ash, I really appreciate your videos.

[@aroneaton2639]

Seems like sound advice to me.

[@ZoomZoom-ng6sn]

....if you tip small or none at all, don't go back. Those waiters will remember you. LOL

[@jeanettecardinal790]

I don't tip, so never frequent the same place.

[@danbee415]

i only tip despite being in the UK particuarlly with tradespeople really. oh and restaurents where i have like a 3 course meal with the family. dont tip on a beer in the UK, some restaurants, the posh ones do lol. I rememebrr being scoffed at in selfridgrs for noy tippin for like a 12 quid lunch meal,. in fairness they thought i was rich, but im very much not. lol. probs cause hes american or something

[@9er..]

Tipping the bartender at the beginning of the night is the absolute best way to go (it is cunning). One just has to be mindful that they don’t come across as entitled and arrogant. Have you have you ever seen those movies where a gangster walks through a restaurant/bar and slips cash to all the staff as he passes….yeah that me…. Soooo tacky and exuberant but I don’t care, I always receive top notch services and the service is part of the experience. 🤷🤣. These people bust their bums for you, show some respect. I only do this in the US of course.

[@lesliesmith4846]

That's only any good if the same bartender is going to be working for the entire time that you are present in the restaurant. Knowing my luck if I tried it, it would be the end of their shift 10 minutes later!

[@ryanloucks1435]

Tipping in Germany is nothing close to 15-20%, typically it's closer to 5%. Can't speak for other parts of Europe but I've lived in Germany since 2006.

[@martindoyle7077]

You don't have to pay a service you can demand it back

[@drumhead869]

Sad to say with shame that In India the practice of tipping government official is called Bribing and its most often common they ( cunning official ) expect it as part of their job for giving a proper attention

[@martindoyle7077]

I hate service charge it does not take the stigma out if you want to tip, don't let them dictate.

[@dazd8306]

Do not tip ever. I went to New York and Boston where my British philosophy was not universally appreciated.

[@tyronefrielinghaus3467]

Value this channel...but I totally oppose tipping...unless supremely good sevice, not just 'serivice'.

[@danielschaeffer1294]

I’ve spent most of my life in service jobs, and I have a tip, pardon the pun, for those who haven’t. If you find a good restaurant, you’ll probably want to come back, and if you do so frequently enough you’ll be treated like family. They call it “the hospitality industry” for a reason. Tip well, and you can build genuine friendships. If you don’t, you won’t. And don’t EVER make the mistake of thinking of staff as socially inferior. It’s the mark of a true gentleman to show noblesse oblige, correct?

[@TheChapsGuide]

I agree - as long as we are clear that tipping is a small gesture of appreciation and not an expectation or a top-up for a low paying job.

[@johnnieboy66]

As a Christian, I have an unpopular view, respectfully: God has given me more than I have ever asked. Jesus died for my sins and that is priceless. Because I HAVE from God, I have the joy to GIVE to others. Also, whether the service was on point or not, unless of course they were absolutely rude and uncomfortable, I will tip for a service provided to me.

[@Sloppylicious]

From my perspective, tipping should be a thing whenever someone experiences a special, unexpected service. Apart from 'being a thing because of low wages' like in the USA, why should you tip e.g. a waiter/waitress per se just because he/she serves you quick and brings you food on the table? It's that what the job is about. Why should tip a taxi driver for driving to your destination? Tip him well for lifting your heavy arse suitcase. I'd love to see a change in tipping culture.

[@pasquale78]

Yes, this exactly. I just don't see why I should tip someone for doing their job. I surely don't get that in my job. If someone does something exceptional, then I would be inclined to tip someone.