By DeNita S.B. Morris, Originally found on BET.com
There is a stereotype that we (African Americans) don’t tip well, so dig deep into your pockets and quit being so cheap if you’re guilty. It’s hard when you receive bad restaurant service, but if you’ve ever tipped less than 15 percent or dropped a penny on the table (or thought about it) it’s time to review your tipping knowledge.
Here are the facts: When you leave a restaurant, you shouldn’t feel like you’ve been hustled and the waiter shouldn’t harass you for a tip. It’s true that many waiters lack customer service skills. And many are notorious for taking drive-by orders. They’ll take your order and disappear, leaving the water glass bone dry and you begging, trying to make eye contact to get service. Once you’ve finally flagged them down, they act like you’re the bugaboo.
Then there are the hoverers. They’re at the table so much, grinning and asking how they can help you that you start to include them in the dinner conversation, too.
Now, it’s a rare treat but sometimes you find a master server who fills your wine glass, keeps the bread sticks coming (you don’t even have to ask) and places the main course on the table right after the last morsel of salad is eaten. The food is perfect just like the waiter recommended.
There are all types of waiters: the good, the ridiculous and the forgetful ones. So, of course the service at restaurants will vary. But before you dish out a sorry tip or go broke over tipping, consider following these tipping guidelines suggested by the National Restaurant Association, located in Washington, D.C.
Tipping Suggestions:
- Customers should tip at least 15 percent of the pre-tax bill. But when you receive good-to-excellent service leave 20 percent.
- Remember that tipping is a monetary thank you for services rendered. But it’s still nice to give a verbal thank you, too.
- Tips make up a major portion of a waiter’s living wage. Many restaurants in the U.S. don’t even give waiters minimum wage. So, if the service is really lousy, ask to speak with the manager to voice your concerns. Don’t exit without leaving a tip. Many times the restaurant is willing to correct the problem or offer you a discount. Restaurants want your repeat business.
- Check your bill to see if the tip is already included (some restaurants automatically calculate the tip for parties of six or more).
Related Information
March 1st, 2009 | 
I have been a server for several years, and sadly there is a HUGE sterotype that african americans do not tip. (the same sterotype goes for teachers, ‘young professionals’, white trash, hispanics, newly twenty-one year olds, hippies, doctors, the list goes on and on) Is the stereotype true? yes and no. Generally percentage wise the tips are less… and I hate to admit it because I would never want to offend anyone (sidebar… a non tip is offesive to a server) Here are some tips on how to receive better service from a server:
1. NEVER tap your glass on the bar or yell “excuse me”, just because you scream “excuse me” at me does not make it polite.
2. DO NOT ask me the price of every drink… I understand to an extent… but seriously, asking me the price of more than 3 items makes you look cheap and it will make me ignore you.
3. DO NOT tell me you are an awesome tipper in an attempt to get better service… and here’s why… if you really were a good tipper you wouldn’t have to tell me… you would show me. and guess what… tip me well, and i will remember you and you’ll get your drink without ever having to tell me… I’ll remember what you drink everytime. Leave a bad or no tip, you’re gonna be waiting a very very long time.
4. DO NOT say the following, “Wow, it’s busy I bet you’re going to make alot of money tonight” 90% of people who say this don’t tip… I have no idea why.
5. Please and Thank You…. learn it… love it… use it!!!! Good manners are a rare and wonderful thing to have!! Any server glows just to hear a thank you.
6. NEVER call to your server when they are talking to another table
7. Ask you’re server to recommend a drink or food item (after all who knows better than them?) However, don’t say “What’s good here?” Be specific. An example would be, “I normally get a sex on the beach, but I would like to try something different, will you choose something for me?” or since all bartenders/severs know the good booze (We’re all alcoholics)… “What is your drink of choice?”
8. Servers are paid $2.83 an hour… think about that… at 40 hours a week… thats $113.20 a week… BEFORE TAXES.. so do you really think we dont care if you don’t tip??
9. Here’s one just for the guys… how great do you think you would look to a girl if you walked into a bar and the server/bartender handed you your drink of choice and said “Well hello ____. What’s your new friend drinking?” You’d look pimp and important… good tips get you that.
10. What is boils down to is this, My survial is tips… if you don’t tip…. you’ll never get that incredble service.
Excellent points Gretchen! Well said!