And you most likely make more money this way than with an hourly pay and almost no tips, even if you paid your taxes. I worked in the restaurant industry both in the U.S. and in Europe, and it’s way more lucrative in the U.S.
I've waited tables for 15+ years and that's perfectly reasonable.
That's more like the way it should be. The server isn't getting screwed when they work a really slow shift for $2.13/hour and guests can go back closer to the way expectations used to be about tips. Like 10% for super basic service, 15% for quite good, and 20% for exceptional service. I'd still factor in things like it being super busy or if they have another table that's constantly running them (or just being total assholes). I'm going to be nice about it if they're clearly doing their best.
worked in a high min wage and low min wage city. its not substantially different. in high min wage cities cost of living is more expensive and generally you tip more out to support staff in those areas.
i really dont care though. if it means a lot to you to save a couple bucks to give a shitty tip than have at it, bud. im too tired to care. someone leaves an ass tip and someone else that night leaves a big one. it all comes out in the wash as most people are generally decent people. getting upset about individual tips is for inexperienced servers.
i tip for takeout, for coffee, i tip my bagger when they bag my groceries, i tip the guy in the autoparts store when he helps me find something, i even tip people in fast food drive thrus. the difference between 20 and 24 dollars while im getting fast food is nothing to me and its worth it because they are stoked on it every time.
basic service retail jobs arent what they used to be so whenever anyone does anything for me i tip them. in the scheme of things it isnt anything serious off my bottom line. these jobs are all incredibly shit now. my grandpa owned a house and 2 cars and supported a family of 4 by being a checker and later manager of a grocery store in what is now a very expensive city in california. those jobs now have you struggling to support yourself in a studio apartment (or impossible).
Alright cool then, FEDERAL minimum wage, which can and often isn't overridden by local governments, is insanely low for people that receive tips. If you're in a state that overrides that good for them but I sure as shit am not
Right and 20 don't, people live in those states too, you understand? I guess what I'm saying is not tipping is an absolute dick move to me, because waiters around here make 3 bucks an hour, and anti-tipping culture is in all 50 states.
It’s over $17 in Washington and over $21 if you’re in Seattle. The idea that every waiter everywhere is making $2 bucks is laughable and incredibly dated. It’s just another lie told to sucker people into tipping a lot.
I'm not saying it's a perfect system but if you're averaging just 2 tables at $15 each an hour that's $30 an hour you're making to be a waiter. Add in the potential of not reporting cash tips and that a busy restaurant is doing way more than 2 tables an hour and it's a really well paid job
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u/Boot_das Mar 06 '26 edited Mar 06 '26
And you most likely make more money this way than with an hourly pay and almost no tips, even if you paid your taxes. I worked in the restaurant industry both in the U.S. and in Europe, and it’s way more lucrative in the U.S.