Brit visiting California - what's the ettiqette with......

[leonardfell]

Tipping.

Hi, TRF ers
Imminent visit to California, not familiar with your tipping culture. Do i tip for everything, as i understand it for every $1000 i will spend do i budget $1250 to cover the 25% tipping "surcharge"
All advice welcomed, thanks.

[dba]

It just depends on what you're doing. 15-20% of a bill in a restaurant if the service was good, (not fast food restaurant); taxis are about the same. Hotel concierge, it's dependent on how valuable their service was to me.

If I'm staying in a hotel for a longer than overnight stay, I usually leave $5 on the desk with a note of thanks to the maid when I leave to sight see each day.

[SDRider]

Originally Posted by dba

It just depends on what you're doing. 15-20% of a bill in a restaurant if the service was good, (not fast food restaurant); taxis are about the same. Hotel concierge, it's dependent on how valuable their service was to me.

If I'm staying in a hotel for a longer than overnight stay, I usually leave $5 on the desk with a note of thanks to the maid when I leave to sight see each day.

I agree with this. I also would recommend using Uber instead of taxis.

You'll probably want to rent a car as everything is very spread out here and public transportation sucks for the most part.

What part of California are you visiting?

[tyler1980]

20% tip is pretty standard for any one who waits on you. The above recommendation to remember to tip the hotel maid is spot on as most people forget. Service sector employees don't make a living wage in most places and the tips make up the difference which is why personally i don't think the tip should be dependent on how good the service is as far as withholding it. Federal minimum wage for employees who make more than $30 a month in tips is $2.13 an hour (thats £1.22 for reference). So in many cases thats all their employer is paying them. If you have a bad day at work you still get paid. If the service is excellent then i would go above 20% but never below.

[SMD]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

20% tip is pretty standard for any one who waits on you. The above recommendation to remember to tip the hotel maid is spot on as most people forget. Service sector employees don't make a living wage in most places and the tips make up the difference which is why personally i don't think the tip should be dependent on how good the service is as far as withholding it. Federal minimum wage for employees who make more than $30 a month in tips is $2.13 an hour (thats £1.22 for reference). So in many cases thats all their employer is paying them. If you have a bad day at work you still get paid. If the service is excellent then i would go above 20% but never below.

Min wage in CA is $10 for tipped employees. Unless they are sharing with BOH they do fairly well relatively speaking. Fed min wage is not terribly relevant in most jurisdictions.

[sensui]

Originally Posted by SMD

Min wage in CA is $10 for tipped employees. Unless they are sharing with BOH they do fairly well relatively speaking. Fed min wage is not terribly relevant in most jurisdictions.

Lol yes exactly....in fact the minimum wage laws in CA specifically will be getting out of hand real soon reaching $15 by 2022.

There is no way I would tip 18-20% at a normal dining establishment for "good" service. I always leave 15% as a norm for mediocre to good service, 20% if I'm at a nice place or I get exceptional service....and 10%/none (hardly ever happens, I think maybe twice) if they offend my family or myself via truly terrible service. The living standards here are high as is and coming from cultures with exceptional service expecting NO tip like Japan, I think it's already out of hand the way things are in CA.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by SMD

Min wage in CA is $10 for tipped employees. Unless they are sharing with BOH they do fairly well relatively speaking. Fed min wage is not terribly relevant in most jurisdictions.

where I'm from it is for sure. Im not from London BTW.

Only half of the states have a higher minimum wage than the federal minimum. Cost of living in CA is very high so $10/hr is the same as about $5/hr an hour in the plain states in the middle of the country. Doing well is a stretch at best.

Tip what whatever amount lets you sleep at night. We all have our own value judgment as to what is enough. Thats why i don't like discretionary tips in the first place. Service should be a set amount printed clearly on the menu when you sit down which would be whatever amount (service + wages) equals a living wage as that takes the ambiguity out of the equation.

[BristolCavendish]

Tip at your discretion for quality service(s) and attention to detail while keeping in mind that some individuals aren't worthy of these considerations. Sounds harsh but some employees expect a tip regardless of how well (or poorly) they are performing their duties. A tip is a reward for a job well done and to show your gratitude for their efforts.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by BristolCavendish

A tip is a reward for a job well done and to show your gratitude for their efforts.

in theory yes, in practice no. Its to make the bare minimum to live.

In europe that is the case for sure that its a reward for a job well done where as in the US its subsidizing the employer in order to supplement their employees wages up to or above the regular minimum wage.

Ultimately OP its up to you, but thats some of the reason behind the "tipping culture"

[uscmatt99]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

in theory yes, in practice no. Its to make the bare minimum to live.

In europe that is the case for sure that its a reward for a job well done where as in the US its subsidizing the employer in order to supplement their employees wages up to or above the regular minimum wage.

Ultimately OP its up to you, but thats some of the reason behind the "tipping culture"

I'm in complete agreement with you here Tyler. To add to this, many restaurants will have a built-in 18-20% tip for parties of 6 or more guests, which will be at the bottom of the check. Some restaurants are adding 10-20% for all parties regardless of size, and will usually make this known on the menu and/or check, in an effort to guarantee their staff are compensated "fairly".

I have to say that I prefer dining in cities/countries where I know what I'm paying for a meal while ordering, without having to mentally add 30% to the listed price.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by uscmatt99

I have to say that I prefer dining in cities/countries where I know what I'm paying for a meal while ordering, without having to mentally add 30% to the listed price.

I love seeing "service included" when getting the check too or when or when its listed on the menu/bill automatically. Its pretty standard in europe. That way i know any tip i leave is truly a reward for excellent service.

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

...in the US its subsidizing the employer in order to supplement their employees wages up to or above the regular minimum wage.

And I can't stand this crap. I have to pay my employees at my business, why don't restaurant owners have to pay theirs? Don't get me wrong, I don't mind tipping and I do so appropriately....I just hate the reasoning behind it.

[gav329]

Originally Posted by BristolCavendish

Tip at your discretion for quality service(s) and attention to detail while keeping in mind that some individuals aren't worthy of these considerations. Sounds harsh but some employees expect a tip regardless of how well (or poorly) they are performing their duties. A tip is a reward for a job well done and to show your gratitude for their efforts.

I think this is absolutely correct! I'm just back a 2 week trip to California and it was amazing some lovely people (thanks to the Californians on here) however there was (and it was rare to be honest) one or two who expected tips and they didn't get one as it was not deserved. That said I was on a budget and I didn't eat a meal out everyday but the genuinely lovely people worked in shops or coffee shops or just people that chatted in the street. I think there is a mystique about tipping in America that originates from tv otherwise who would know about it and people feel they have too. It's a personal choice.


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[breitlings]

I also second the notion that tips are for good service. 0% for unacceptable service, 15 for poor service, 18% for good service, 20% for excellent. in New Orleans or super fine dining you may want to tip more. its also a good custom to let the manager know if you enjoyed the service (or not) as well as the food when they come talk to you with the idea being poor servers shouldn’t represent the establishment. tips are often considered on the pre tax amount. we don’t tip security here but sometimes you may see people tip doormen or maitre d’s and hotel staff. typically you can bring high end wine into high end resraurunts and pay an uncorking fee, if wine or bottle service is a large part of the bill 10% is customary to tip on the portion of drinks. if drinks are individually made the 15-20% rate is typical for both bartenders or waitresses. some sushi places it is customary to tip and greet the chefs on the way out. tips are often shared at many restaurunts with bartenders and hostess.

[gav329]

Originally Posted by breitlings

I also second the notion that tips are for good service. 0% for unacceptable service, 15 for poor service, 18% for good service, 20% for excellent. in New Orleans or super fine dining you may want to tip more. its also a good custom to let the manager know if you enjoyed the service (or not) as well as the food when they come talk to you with the idea being poor servers shouldn’t represent the establishment. tips are often considered on the pre tax amount. we don’t tip security here but sometimes you may see people tip doormen or maitre d’s and hotel staff. typically you can bring high end wine into high end resraurunts and pay an uncorking fee, if wine or bottle service is a large part of the bill 10% is customary to tip on the portion of drinks. if drinks are individually made the 15-20% rate is typical for both bartenders or waitresses. some sushi places it is customary to tip and greet the chefs on the way out. tips are often shared at many restaurunts with bartenders and hostess.

15% for poor service, that's all you'll get and why would they be nice to you for only another 5%?


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[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Star Ferry

Agreed in principle, but it's also about picking your battles. last time I tipped under 10% in the US was due to the waitress blatantly ignoring our table and being condescending & rude. Granted this was 5 years ago

After we had left the premises and were a full block away, she chased us down and shouted that we were spoiled brats, trust fund babies, etc.

I kept walking and pretended not to hear or see her -- unfortunately, my buddy actually engaged this idiot and argued with her for 5 more minutes

Originally Posted by Rolex_Luther07

The food and service would have to be a absolutely terrible to not leave a tip. If you don't tip on a meal and service because you think it was average, you might have a waiter running after you when you leave the restaurant calling you out as a cheap bastard. Waiters survive on tips in America, many of them don't even get minimum wage. I always tip 20% unless there is a really big reason not to. 15% is considered extremely cheap now. 25% is for exceptional service but usually 20-22% is good. Don't be that guy that tips 15% because a restaurant is busy, the waiter has no control over that. If the food is terrible, send it back.

Mrs Van D and me were out with friends of ours from New Joisey. The service was dreadful and one of the boys told us that we HAD to tip otherwise we'd be chased down the street. Mrs Van D and me laughed in his face and said 'yeah, right, whatever, etc.' and refused to tip. He went into a flat spin and left the tip for all four of us.

I thought he was nuts until I read these two posts above. Now I just think the tipping system is even more nuts than I did ten minutes ago.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by gav329

15% for poor service, that's all you'll get and why would they be nice to you for only another 5%?


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Not sure I understand your post.

[brandrea]

In the old days a "Tip" was given in advance "To Insure Prompt Service. I wouldn't receommend this now

I use 15 - 20 % on meals and such if the service was good

[leonardfell]

Thanks for all the tips, i'll be in San Jose and San Francisco over a 10 day period, looking forward to it.

[Tri-Tip]

Enjoy San Francisco, it's a beautiful city, but with the cost of everything there, tips are the least of your worries.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Tri-Tip

Enjoy San Francisco, it's a beautiful city, but with the cost of everything there, tips are the least of your worries.

Definitely no shortage of restaurants to eat at! The bay area is among the best places in Cali to visit. BTW, tri-tip cooked over a red oak fire isn't too bad either!

[Laszlo]

Bad service and food = 15%
Good service and food = 18%
Great food and service = 20%

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Bad service and food = 15%
Good service and food = 18%
Great food and service = 20%

This, to my simple mind, is nuts. I’m not criticising, I’m just having trouble wrapping my head around it.

If you’re served by an obnoxious waiter and the food is garbage and you know you’re going to get struck down with botulism, you tip 15%. If waiter is exceptional and the food is exquisite, you tip 20%. Sorry, I just get that.

If the food and server is bad, they get nothing. If the food and service are excellent then it’s 20 to 25%.

I do not believe in or agree with tipping for the sake of it and I point blank refuse to do it.

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

This, to my simple mind, is nuts. I’m not criticising, I’m just having trouble wrapping my head around it.

If you’re served by an obnoxious waiter and the food is garbage and you know you’re going to get struck down with botulism, you tip 15%. If waiter is exceptional and the food is exquisite, you tip 20%. Sorry, I just get that.

If the food and server is bad, they get nothing. If the food and service are excellent then it’s 20 to 25%.

I do not believe in or agree with tipping for the sake of it and I point blank refuse to do it.

I agree fully.

[pickettt]

I work hard everyday, and treat all of my clients with dignity and respect. I go out of my way for them so often, it's not even out of my way anymore. Yet, I don't get any tips.....are they ignorant or assholes?

[Star Ferry]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

This, to my simple mind, is nuts. I’m not criticising, I’m just having trouble wrapping my head around it.

If you’re served by an obnoxious waiter and the food is garbage and you know you’re going to get struck down with botulism, you tip 15%. If waiter is exceptional and the food is exquisite, you tip 20%. Sorry, I just get that.

If the food and server is bad, they get nothing. If the food and service are excellent then it’s 20 to 25%.

I do not believe in or agree with tipping for the sake of it and I point blank refuse to do it.

Agreed in principle, but it's also about picking your battles. last time I tipped under 10% in the US was due to the waitress blatantly ignoring our table and being condescending & rude. Granted this was 5 years ago

After we had left the premises and were a full block away, she chased us down and shouted that we were spoiled brats, trust fund babies, etc.

I kept walking and pretended not to hear or see her -- unfortunately, my buddy actually engaged this idiot and argued with her for 5 more minutes

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Star Ferry

Agreed in principle, but it's also about picking your battles. last time I tipped under 10% in the US was due to the waitress blatantly ignoring our table and being condescending & rude. Granted this was 5 years ago

After we had left the premises and were a full block away, she chased us down and shouted that we were spoiled brats, trust fund babies, etc.

I kept walking and pretended not to hear or see her -- unfortunately, my buddy actually engaged this idiot and argued with her for 5 more minutes

And this is why it's not really a "TIP" in the true sense of the meaning

I've only ever had one occasion where I did not leave a tip and its was similar to yours above and the food was horrid

[Rolex_Luther07]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

This, to my simple mind, is nuts. I’m not criticising, I’m just having trouble wrapping my head around it.

If you’re served by an obnoxious waiter and the food is garbage and you know you’re going to get struck down with botulism, you tip 15%. If waiter is exceptional and the food is exquisite, you tip 20%. Sorry, I just get that.

If the food and server is bad, they get nothing. If the food and service are excellent then it’s 20 to 25%.

I do not believe in or agree with tipping for the sake of it and I point blank refuse to do it.

The food and service would have to be a absolutely terrible to not leave a tip. If you don't tip on a meal and service because you think it was average, you might have a waiter running after you when you leave the restaurant calling you out as a cheap bastard. Waiters survive on tips in America, many of them don't even get minimum wage. I always tip 20% unless there is a really big reason not to. 15% is considered extremely cheap now. 25% is for exceptional service but usually 20-22% is good. Don't be that guy that tips 15% because a restaurant is busy, the waiter has no control over that. If the food is terrible, send it back.

[BNA/LION]

Looks like you have the answer to you question on tipping.

Have a great time in here California!

[Frosty]

I believe the minimum wage in San Francisco is $14, as of yesterday.

My wife, when she first started working, worked at restaurants. She will not tip bad service and neither will I. It encourages bad service. We only tip on the cost of the bill before taxes. I always tell the manager if I get good service or bad.

If you leave a tip for housekeeping, leave it on the pillow. There are many hotels that will not let the employee pick up the money if it is anywhere else.

As far as housekeeping is concerned, I do not let them in if I it is cold and flue season. I do not need germs from other peoples rooms ( I got very sick the one time I did not follow this rule, even though I had hosed the room with Lysol).

I usually give the valet $3 for parking the car and another $5 when I leave. I give the Bellman $20 and they always seem happy with that.

If you have the time, go see Yosemite National Park! It is beautiful.

I would also bring a flashlight to check the mattress out. Bedbug warnings are back in the news.