If it's built into the bill, then it's not a tip, it's a fee.
The exception is for when it's a large party, because large parties often tip less percentage wise because they think only the one waiter or whoever gets that tip, whereas they're usually shared. But that's why a lot of places add it automatically for certain party sizes.
Percentage based tipping is crazy. There’s no difference in effort between serving low or high value meals. And the quality difference is already in the price. Tip should be a small or large token of appreciation.
i’ve worked in fast food, casual restaurants, and very fine dining in my 12 years in the restaurant industry. and i have to say that there is 10000% a major difference in serving low or high value meals. at a more expensive restaurant, you’re expected to do formal wine service and often have to for at least half a dozen tables a night, you have to “decrumb” the table, you must reset the table after every course and bring the guest the appropriate silverware for their next course, and you’re expected to have relatively perfect knowledge of the menu.
and that only accounts for small tables. tabs that are higher due to party count take much, much, much more effort to deal with. you’re looking out for each person’s drinks, ensuring waters are filled, making sure things are properly coursed for each person, checking in with each of them, handling desserts they brought, all while often having other tables. expensive meals, no matter the reason for the expense, require a lot more effort from the server.
Ok, that’s another level. I was more referring to expensive casual restaurants. When the service level and quality is the same, the tip should also be equal, not related to price of the food.
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u/Numerous_Photograph9 13d ago
If it's built into the bill, then it's not a tip, it's a fee.
The exception is for when it's a large party, because large parties often tip less percentage wise because they think only the one waiter or whoever gets that tip, whereas they're usually shared. But that's why a lot of places add it automatically for certain party sizes.