I’m so lost on how to tip anymore. I remember back when 12% pre-tax was considered a really good tip, but now the kiosks recommend 20-25% (which is usually ON TOP of tax).
I already don’t tip anywhere I’m not sitting down with service, but 20-25% is crazy when I’m just trying to get fed.
My rule of thumb:
If there is no value added, no tip. If i buy beer, you are just checking me out, there is no value added. If i buy a coffee, and you just hand it to me at the counter, little to no tip.
If there is a small value add, 10%: If you bring my coffee to my seat, or throw my pizza in the oven to reheat it.
Service: 15% this is classic waitor territory. checking on me, refilling my water, carrying my food to my table, and cleaning up after i leave.
Outstanding service: 20% - rare, but this includes when a waiter brought my table half a dozen loaves of bread and butter (when they usually serve 1 or 2), mentioned that we could request icecream refills, and checked on us frequently.