Leaving a Gratuity?

Well, I actually got my degree 5 years ago and have also spent 18 months living in the US as a student !

After my degree, I worked in retail for a year so I could afford to do my masters, then after my masters I moved to the US to do a PhD, but moved back to the UK a few months later... I've been looking for a graduate job for 2 years now (working in retail again for that time) and I've only just got a job now (I start in a couple of weeks), but I will still actually be earning less than my hairdresser to start with, despite the fact that I'll be working for a UK government organisation  .

Sorry if i offended ya hun.  Boo hiss boo with your new salary.  You would think educated government employees make a decent wage.

The service charge is NOT mandatory, it is OPTIONAL. You can ask to have it removed if the service was not to your expectation OR you would prefer to leave cash on the table as a tip for the server.

Now that I know this, I would ask the server if the service charge goes to the server and that would help me determine if I would leave cash for the staff ;-)

This was the exact answer I was looking for.  Thank you!

When I've taken a taxi on Christmas Eve and or Christmas Day, I give the driver a £10 tip.

My partner who is a tattooist, gets tips sometimes. Its not expected here in the UK and he always says "are you sure?" when they hand it to them,and of course he always thanks them.

My other half couldnt understand the whole tipping thing in the US being mandatory,but I explained to him that waiters/waitresses make way below the minimum wage,last I remember it was about $2 an hour, so they live off their tips.

Thank you for tipping your cab drivers generously on Christmas. Most of them have families and are missing out on the holidays.

unfortantley thats not how it is anymore. In the big citys like London,yes. But anywhere else, no. My partners dad just retired because its so bad. He would leave to go to work at 8pm, and get home in the early mornings, and usually made an average of £20 a night. Why? Because there are too many taxi drivers. At the train station,there is usually no less then 50 cars lined up at a time.

You are so completely right about this one.  There are just so many people trying to make ends meet that they're spread out so thin.  My finace said things were different years ago and he used to make so much more money.  1. Because of less people. 2.  Because people tipped more generously.

I think fares can be an astronaumical amount because of the price of petrol/diesel.  Even though we have a taxi, I still prefer walking/taking the bus when I can. It's better for my health and the environment.

Sorry, last one.  I'm still kinda new here. lol

As someone who worked for years as a waitress in the US, even I have to agree with the sentiments above.  I have read and heard many, many arguments for the system in the US ("we work so hard" - yes, it's hard work, but is it any harder than the job the dishwasher in the back is doing?  no.  And he's getting paid more, officially, per hour, but after tips you're making 3-5x more than he is!) but they are almost always justifying the fact that in the end, people who wait tables average a much higher per hour rate than any comparable job in the US.  Yes, it's compensating for the fact that they're officially making 2.13/hr there.  It's much more than compensating for that, actually. 

whew, okay, deep breath.    Going off on a tangent there!

If you combine the required tipping in the US along with the fact that they're encouraged to turn tables every 45 minutes or whatever, it just doesn't make for a pleasant dining experience for me anymore.  I am happy to tip for service, don't get me wrong, I was raised with it and have profited from it personally.  But I find I enjoy the dining experience here (and on the continent) much better than I do back home now.

I totally agree with you on the dining experience in the UK.  MUCH nicer and more pleasant.  Since arriving back to the US, I've slowed my service down considerably just to give people more time to enjoy their meal.  I figure they'll tell me when they need to go.  However, I've heard that servers used to make a killing a few years back.  Now, not so much.  For example, today I worked from 1030 to 1600 and came home with only $43.  And I had to tip out from that.  That also doesn't include the taxes they will take out.  Soooo, on a day like today the dishwasher will make more than me.  Unfortunately, the past few weeks have been really awful like this.

I never tip unless I receive exceptional service. Same when I lived in the US.

No offense, but when you don't tip servers in the US, we actually lose money.  Seriously.  We lose money.  I would say that even if you tip 8% or less, theres a good chance we still don't make money.  We have to tip out a certain percentage of our sales at the end of the shift.  On a better note:  I'm a very exceptional server, and I've never been stiffed.  Just something to keep in mind....

But to be very honest, I do like the fact a salary is paid in the UK, even if a tip isn't expected.  I would still be an excellent server regardless.

No offense, but when you don't tip servers in the US, we actually lose money.  Seriously.  We lose money. 

Indeed, which is why I do the "mandatory" tipping in the US.   Which I don't think should be the norm as it is. I think servers should make a living wage like in the UK.  That's why I love the fact that here I don't have to unless its exceptional. 

I know a few years ago quite a few places were outed as having tips make up wages in the UK.  

Were any laws passed about that, or were they just shamed into doing the right thing?  In which case what is to stop them from doing it again?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7524021.stm

When I've taken a taxi on Christmas Eve and or Christmas Day, I give the driver a £10 tip.

Wow! I think the fact that they are usually charging double rate at those times negates the need for a tip!
Although if the fare is, for example, £9 I'll just give them 10.

Indeed, which is why I do the "mandatory" tipping in the US.   Which I don't think should be the norm as it is. I think servers should make a living wage like in the UK.  That's why I love the fact that here I don't have to unless its exceptional. 

I totally agree with you here.  Especially with my take home wages the past few weeks.  Also, when my finace and I dined in the UK, the experience was SOOOOOOO much nicer because we weren't being rushed. (servers pushed to turn tables)

However, I've heard that servers used to make a killing a few years back.  Now, not so much.  For example, today I worked from 1030 to 1600 and came home with only $43.  And I had to tip out from that.  That also doesn't include the taxes they will take out.  Soooo, on a day like today the dishwasher will make more than me.  Unfortunately, the past few weeks have been really awful like this.

I can't say I'm surprised.  Lunch shifts are always hit or miss, especially Mon-Thurs.  And if you were there til 4, then I assume you were one of the closing servers.  That also takes your per hour rate down, if you've got a dead period in the middle of the day.

I still stand by what I said.  A server working some amount of dinner shifts at a reasonably busy restaurant (especially those who ONLY work dinner shifts) is going to average, per hour, far more than most of the back of the house.  I say this figuring that many of them are really only there for maybe 4 hours before being cut (say, starting at 5, and being cut at 9).  Some time for sidework, and you're gone. 

Even your example- you came home with 43 bucks for a 5 1/2 hour shift.  That's a little over 8 bucks an hour, not including the 2.13 you make hourly (unless it's more- some places pay slightly higher than that for working a lunch shift).  $8.50 per hour taken home (so, after taxes) is actually about the same or better than my take home pay from one of my jobs back in the US.  I'm not saying it's rolling in luxury, but I stand by my statement that it's about average for that type of job.  Hell, if you had two more tables, you would have cleared my take home pay from my accounts receivable job.

The nice thing about waiting tables (and honestly, I LOVED the job, and would have kept doing it for much longer than I did, if I hadn't needed back surgery) is that if you're busy and working hard, you're typically rewarded at the end of the night with a very good amount of money.  At other jobs, you can run your butt off and at the end of your shift, you're still pulling 9.50/hr before taxes, no extra.

Of course, what's hitting you most is the economy (obvious statement is obvious.  haha).  A lot of people aren't going out to eat as much as they used to.  It's tough, but it's tough for everyone.  I tip appropriately in the US (18% or so) but honestly, as you say, I just prefer the UK system so much more. 

Bless your heart.   And thank you for your honesty.  Even in the US where our wages basically come straight from our tips, I always feel bad for those who probably "can't" tip.  As a waitress (and full-time student) I can usually spot the students.  I don't feel bad if I don't get a good tip because I understand it's tough. 

Just remember after you get your degree, are making some £, and travel to the US, to tip us well....only if we serve you well.

Do hairdressers work on an hourly wage?  I know taxi drivers definitely do not.

I've always been pretty poor myself but I don't go out for a meal that I can't afford to tip at least 20% on (in the US).  I definitely sometimes make the decision to not go to a tipping place like Chipotle or Panera or the corner falafel joint instead of a sit down place so I don't have to tip.  But if I DO go to the sit-down place and I do use the services of a waiter/waitress, I always go in with the idea that I'll tip at least 20%.  It's part of the price for me, same as it's part of the price for a haircut or eyebrow wax or pedicure.  It's just the way things are here and the service staff relies on that income.

I'm generally a little less generous to taxi drivers, mostly because they piss me off way more often by being rude or refusing to take me the route I choose or giving me a hard time about going to an outer borough or pretending the CC machine isn't working or doing things to run up the meter or talking on their cell phones the whole time in a language they don't understand (technically illegal in NYC, even if it's hands-free) but even so, I tip 10-15% as long as the service isn't awful.  And if I get a truly great/knowledgeable/friendly/just not an ass taxi driver?  I tip 15-20% and in cash, after paying with a card, so they can avoid the taxes. 

I really don't think tipping should be that big of a deal.  I was a bartender in the States, and I just started a bar job where I'll make a lot lot less than I did in the states. Tipping at the bar isn't standard here, I realize that.  Most bars though do not pay enough to make up for that.  It's a bit funny, the attitudes here toward tipping.  Yes, I know I'm an American, but this is a forum for expats in Britain so bear with me.  We went out for dinner tonight to a nice place.  Our bill was 80 quid and I insisted D tip at least a tenner.  He thought that was shocking, but we had great service and a fantastic meal.  Why not give the server a bonus?  Plus, good tippers are always remembered and the first to be served. 

The manager also offered me a job, so sometimes generosity can be rewarded.   

Of course, what's hitting you most is the economy (obvious statement is obvious.  haha).  A lot of people aren't going out to eat as much as they used to.  It's tough, but it's tough for everyone.  I tip appropriately in the US (18% or so) but honestly, as you say, I just prefer the UK system so much more. 

You're right, I'm a closer for the AM shifts from Mon-Fri because the managers love me and I can choose my schedule.  I'm working in a single parent capacity right now so my overall take home will be less.  Evening shifts do tend to make more, and I work in a fairly busy restaurant.  When I've closed on a weekend evening shift (rarely) the most I've made is $130.  That was a good night for even six hours of work. A nice little reward for busting my butt for the night.

I've always been pretty poor myself but I don't go out for a meal that I can't afford to tip at least 20% on (in the US).  I definitely sometimes make the decision to not go to a tipping place like Chipotle or Panera or the corner falafel joint instead of a sit down place so I don't have to tip.  But if I DO go to the sit-down place and I do use the services of a waiter/waitress, I always go in with the idea that I'll tip at least 20%.  It's part of the price for me, same as it's part of the price for a haircut or eyebrow wax or pedicure.  It's just the way things are here and the service staff relies on that income.

I'm generally a little less generous to taxi drivers, mostly because they piss me off way more often by being rude or refusing to take me the route I choose or giving me a hard time about going to an outer borough or pretending the CC machine isn't working or doing things to run up the meter or talking on their cell phones the whole time in a language they don't understand (technically illegal in NYC, even if it's hands-free) but even so, I tip 10-15% as long as the service isn't awful.  And if I get a truly great/knowledgeable/friendly/just not an ass taxi driver?  I tip 15-20% and in cash, after paying with a card, so they can avoid the taxes. 

I like your style.  My sister used to say, "If you can't afford to tip, then don't go out." lol  She served for a bit while going to college full time.  Unfortunately, for the US our society and culture is based on capitalism.  There's more of a "work harder for better pay" mentality.  The UK has more socialist values. There's pros and cons to each, but imagine if the US had a more socialist economy.  Imagine if our servers were paid a true wage, and didn't have to rely on tips?  I know for a fact that food costs would increase to compensate for the wages paid out.  Far less people would dine out.  Yikes!  And we think our economy is terrible now?? lol  But who knows, having uniformed healthcare might appease the masses....Hmmmm, this could be going into a potential debate.. lol

Seriously though, I totally understand your frustration with taxi drivers in big cities.  I imagine it's like that in many large cities around the world.  Hopefully one day you'll be able to experience the hospitality and respect a real driver, like my fiance, exhibits on a daily basis.

I really don't think tipping should be that big of a deal.  I was a bartender in the States, and I just started a bar job where I'll make a lot lot less than I did in the states. Tipping at the bar isn't standard here, I realize that.  Most bars though do not pay enough to make up for that.  It's a bit funny, the attitudes here toward tipping.  Yes, I know I'm an American, but this is a forum for expats in Britain so bear with me.  We went out for dinner tonight to a nice place.  Our bill was 80 quid and I insisted D tip at least a tenner.  He thought that was shocking, but we had great service and a fantastic meal.  Why not give the server a bonus?  Plus, good tippers are always remembered and the first to be served. 

The manager also offered me a job, so sometimes generosity can be rewarded.   

It's not that it's that big of deal, but rather an excellent topic for discussion.   I'm sure it's not overexaggerated in the UK as in the US because of the paid wages. 

Also, congrats on your new job and job offer!!  I'll crack it up to karma.   You also tip like my fiance.  He knows he doesn't have to tip, but when we're out and good service and food is rendered, he tips very well.  You are so right that good tippers are remembered and are served first (or better sometimes).

You said that the attitude towards tipping is funny there?  Did you mean that its just typically not done or it is just by chance if you do or don't get a tip?  Just wondering about the culture from someone who is experiencing it.

On another note:  My fiance frequented this restaurant he LOVED for the past year and got to know the owner and staff well.  When I visited we went three times in a few weeks for lunch.  It was lovely.  I got to know everyone and had a great time.  Long story short, I have a job waiting there when I come over!

It pays to know people, and treat people the way you would want to be treated.

I went out for dinner last night after a long day of waiting for IKEA home delivery and paid with my debit card. It just went through for the amount of the bill without any chance to add a tip, although the receipt shows a tip of £0. What's the conventional way to put the tip on the card? I left about £1.50 in change (just less than 10%) since I enjoyed the service, but would have rather put it on my card.

The difference in tipping culture is definitely going to take some adjusting for me. However, I do like the idea of it being a reward rather than an expectation. I decided to tip the two guys who delivered my IKEA furniture yesterday a tenner, even though I knew I didn't have to. It was drizzling, I'm on second floor (in the UK counting scheme), and I had fourteen pieces, most heavy, for them to move. I know they weren't required to put my sofa in the lounge when they were putting everything else in the bedroom, so that was also nice. I decided I was pleased with the work they did under not so great conditions, so I chose to reward them and picked my own amount. The guy who I gave the money to seemed to appreciate it and like it was unexpected, which actually made me feel good about doing it.

How about at the nail salon?