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Tipping – when does it become impolite, and is it even necessary?
Today I have a question for you. But first:
I had lunch earlier at a restaurant in Haidhausen. Everything was fine, however, the somewhat brusque service wasn't worth more than a €1.50 tip to me.
As a rule, I am a very generous tipper, however, for me, tips – especially due to my job – are still a voluntary "bonus" on top, the amount of which is completely freely determined and measured by the guest's satisfaction.
Quite clearly: "Good manners, the well-known '10% rule' and habit clearly state: 'No tip means dissatisfied guest!' I agree, but: In my opinion, it is increasingly 'forgotten' that this is additional 'gifted money' because I was satisfied and believe the service or the restaurant deserves a little tip in addition to the price of the drinks and food I consumed.".
Sometimes, even with bills under €10, I leave up to €20 on the table if I've had a really great evening and the service, food, and everything else was perfect. If not, then €1.50 is still €1.50 free money. Eye-rolling, no "Goodbye!", or silently throwing change on the table are unfortunately far too common reactions – regardless of whether it's a snack bar or a Michelin-starred restaurant.
What are your experiences and opinions on this? Do you think I'm wrong and that a good tip should always be given (e.g., after a certain length of stay or something similar)? What experiences have you had? – Feel free to leave me a comment.
Thank you.
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Martina
Hello Bianca,
As a restaurant owner, I'm always happy to receive tips. Some guests round up their coffee bill by €0.20-€0.50, but I've also had bills of €6.40 rounded up to €10.00. That, of course, makes me very happy!
When I eat out myself, I really tip according to how well I felt I was served. If the service was good, or even exceptional, I'm happy to give a few extra euros, regardless of how much the meal cost.
Recently, however, I had a date at a terrible restaurant where we met our regulars. The waiter was extremely unfriendly and, at the end, asked us not to come back. As a result, our entire table didn't give him a single cent in tips; when we took the money, he didn't thank us or say goodbye.
That's harsh, but he really was impossible!
Incidentally, with my first tip money I bought a CD player, which I currently use to listen to audiobooks with the children in the evenings…
LG
Martina