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Pre-calculated tips on restaurant receipts 22 Feb 2008
I've seen this a lot in the US of States, but not so much here in the UK (probably because tipping isn't so ingrained in our culture). What am I rambling on about? Pre-calculated tips - the suggested tipping amounts that restauranteurs append to their receipts for the benefit of their mathematically-challenged customers. (In the example above, patrons even have the choice of three levels of benevolence!)
On the face of it, these additions seem to increase the "usability" of the experience of dining out (No more embarrassment for the person paying the bill, who usually attempts to crunch the numbers, panics, and then gives the waiter a handful of random loose change, before making a sharp exit!). But do they make the experience more "user friendly"? Perhaps you find them insulting or simply unnecessary? Let us know in the comments section below...
Something else to consider: Wouldn't it be nice if receipts showed you how much it would cost each person if everyone split the bill evenly?
[via SAKUZAKU / Manny Hernandez]
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7 comments so far
Reduceri 22 Feb 2008 12:20 PM
"crunch the numbers, panics, and then gives the waiter a handful of random loose change, before making a sharp exit!"
This is absolutely hilarious! That's exactly how I do.
Ed420 22 Feb 2008 03:07 PM
My sister, who used to work in that wonderful industry, said her tips were higher when they tested out printing the pre-calculated tips on the receipt for a week.
I'd imagine them to be reasonable in a family dining restaurant, but not anywhere remotely upscale or classy.
jean-francois 22 Feb 2008 03:29 PM
That is quite funny. I dont know about the Uk custom but i wonder if the tip calculation takes into account the taxes or not. This could inflate the tip for the waiter :)
Zidge 22 Feb 2008 03:33 PM
I don't find the provision of calculations insulting. It's the implicit assumption that I will tip at least 15% that upsets me!
Guy Leech 22 Feb 2008 11:25 PM
I'm with Zidge on this one--I think it's incredibly arrogant to assume that someone is going to tip you. If I liked your service, I may tip you, but assuming that I will tip you a minimum amount, or at all, will make me inclined not to tip.
Ed420 23 Feb 2008 04:58 AM
I used to feel quite this same, and my sister would chime in with, "Well you've never worked for below minimum-wage and dealt with the most unpleasant customers in the world... and have to rely on the kindness of the heart to pay your rent"
However, in the few places I've seen this done - it has been suggested tips at 7% (sub-par service), 15% (good service), 20% (great service).
Ragdoll 9 Mar 2008 07:15 AM
People like Zidge and Guy make me so angry. In particular, Guy's "arrogant" stance that a waitress doesn't deserve his 15% until she's proven she deserves it. Tipping is a standard practice. It may not make perfect sense, but it's the way it works.
Why should a tip suggestion include anything lower than a standard tip, anyway? It's like the business is admitting that from time to time you'll get shitty service and here's how to let the waitress know. Most restaurants will believe they always offer the best service possible.
Servers make very little money, and they rely on tips to survive. According to my waitress friend, if you have a problem with the service, tip the full 15% and talk with the manager. Tipping less is just going to make the server more disillusioned with her job, and will not incline her to give you better service next time. A chat with a manager, however, is more likely to gain positive results.