topic Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question in Beauty

O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

CeeCee — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 04:10:18 GMT

When you go out to eat and the service is buffet style, do you tip the same as you do for regular table service? We often go out to brunch or buffet dinners. We see the server maybe twice, once to tell them we are getting the buffet and once to get our check, and sometimes finding someone to do either of these tasks can be difficult. There is usually a person running around with a coffee pot, and if I am lucky I can find someone to get me a soft drink. Many of the buffets have iced tea, tea and hot water and juices out so you can serve yourself. We normally tip 20% or better, but that always feels like too much to me for this kind of service. What does everyone else do?

CeeCee

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

september — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 04:12:59 GMT

10 percent here.

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

Moonchilde — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 04:14:20 GMT

For that kind of service I tip $1-2, no more if that is literally all they do. If I am brought refills of something, an extra fork, or there is a request fulfilled, I would probably throw in another dollar. If they make themselves scarce, I tip accordingly.

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

151949 — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 04:16:41 GMT

On 11/16/2014 moonchilde said:
For that kind of service I tip $1-2, no more if that is literally all they do. If I am brought refills of something, an extra fork, or there is a request fulfilled, I would probably throw in another dollar. If they make themselves scarce, I tip accordingly.

I agree - this situation does not deserve a full tip.

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

CeeCee — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 04:23:06 GMT

Some additional info, I don't know if it matters or not. These are usually very nice buffets, $30-$40 per person.

They often have someone out cooking individual omelettes and someone else carving meat, like ham, roast beef and/or turkey. I almost feel like I should tip those people more than my "server".

Edited to add: We live in Calgary, Canada, and all servers are at least paid minimum wage, which is $10.25 CDN here, about $9.25 US. So there's no $1.25 an hour plus tips type of wages.

CeeCee

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

HonnyBrown — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 04:25:35 GMT

My girlfriends and I go to elegant, mimosa brunches once a month. I never thought to tip.

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

Moonchilde — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 04:27:07 GMT

On 11/16/2014 CeeCee said:
Some addition info, I don't know if it matters or not. These are usually very nice buffets, $30-$40 per person.

CeeCee

I still would not leave more than $5 if the service is literally no more than you have stated. If they're keeping champagne topped up, refilling rolls, etc. that is more service than you have indicated.

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

Kachina624 — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 07:00:56 GMT

On 11/16/2014 CeeCee said:
Some addition info, I don't know if it matters or not. These are usually very nice buffets, $30-$40 per person.

They often have someone out cooking individual omelettes and someone else carving meat, like ham, roast beef and/or turkey. I almost feel like I should tip those people more than my "server".

Edited to add: We live in Calgary, Canada, and all servers are at least paid minimum wage, which is $10.25 CDN here, about $9.25 US. So there's no $1.25 an hour plus tips type of wages.

CeeCee

No wonder restaurants in Alberta are so expensive. I was there in September 2013, and we were astounded at the prices of meals and hotels. It was probably our last trip ever, although I love the place.

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

Tyak — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 07:09:12 GMT

I live in Vegas, the home of buffets and here tips are usually $1 or $2 per person and always tip the omelette maker a buck. No tips for the meat carver.

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

beach-mom — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 08:00:50 GMT

On 11/16/2014 september said: 10 percent here.

ITA - This is the recommended amount. We usually round up.

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

DarkShadowsGirl — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 08:27:38 GMT

I actually tip more for buffets. Back in my waitressing days, the buffet days were when I would come home exhausted from all the running. The waitress isn't necessarily going to the table as often, but keeping the buffet clean and stocked with plates & flatwear, reporting to the kitchen what food needs to be restocked, then running the food out is a lot of work --- Not to mention there's much more cleaning involved on those days.

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

CeeCee — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 08:41:20 GMT

On 11/17/2014 DarkShadowsGirl said:
I actually tip more for buffets. Back in my waitressing days, the buffet days were when I would come home exhausted from all the running. The waitress isn't necessarily going to the table as often, but keeping the buffet clean and stocked with plates & flatwear, reporting to the kitchen what food needs to be restocked, then running the food out is a lot of work --- Not to mention there's much more cleaning involved on those days.

I see the kitchen staff maintaining the food here, and there are busboys (bussers? is that more gender neutral) to clean up the tables.

CeeCee

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

CeeCee — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 08:43:12 GMT

On 11/16/2014 kachina624 said:
On 11/16/2014 CeeCee said:
Some addition info, I don't know if it matters or not. These are usually very nice buffets, $30-$40 per person.

They often have someone out cooking individual omelettes and someone else carving meat, like ham, roast beef and/or turkey. I almost feel like I should tip those people more than my "server".

Edited to add: We live in Calgary, Canada, and all servers are at least paid minimum wage, which is $10.25 CDN here, about $9.25 US. So there's no $1.25 an hour plus tips type of wages.

CeeCee

No wonder restaurants in Alberta are so expensive. I was there in September 2013, and we were astounded at the prices of meals and hotels. It was probably our last trip ever, although I love the place.

The cost of living in Alberta, especially Calgary and Edmonton, is some of the highest in the whole country. It's tough living here at times due to this.

CeeCee

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

Pook — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 13:02:46 GMT

Any buffets I go to whether higher end or not, the wait staff constantly is taking plates away and bringing drinks so they seem to do even more than non buffet wait staff. I tip 20% always. The tips are usually divided among other staff as well.

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

Abrowneyegirl — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 14:13:03 GMT

Of course we tip. I can not imagine going out to eat and NOT tipping!

Granted the only time we eat at a buffet is when we stay at an upscale hotel or resort and they offer a breakfast/brunch buffet and then we tip 20%.

I agree with PP buffet servers/bussers work their tails off! They work very hard for their $.

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

CouponQueen — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 15:59:43 GMT

$2 per person MAX and that is only if they allow us to finish our meals without swiping the plate out from under us before we get the last bite..happens all the time.

We don't have any really high end buffets...thay are usually Asian owned combo food..$12 bucks a person max..

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

luvdoodles — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 16:07:50 GMT

I have never even thought of not tipping at a buffet. We usually do the 20% like we do every where. I can see your point though, never looked at it that way.

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

autumnnj — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 16:15:46 GMT

10% is standard for a buffet, we always tip 15%. The servers are always coming by and taking dirty plates and refilling drinks.

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

patheticcosmetics — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 16:16:02 GMT

No, I tip 10 %. Some buffet restaurants have soda machines as well, so the servers just take your drink order & clear away the plates.

Re: O/T Tipping at Buffets - Question

Ibby114 — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 16:23:38 GMT

Definitely at least 10% at a buffet- could be more if my table had extra needs (like when my kids were young!).