this post was submitted on 01 Mar 2025
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To those who live in or who have visited the United States.

Growing up in the 90's, the "minimum acceptable" tip was 10%, average was 15%, and a good tip was 20%. These days, I just round to the nearest dollar and tip 20%, but I've heard these days it's not unusual to tip up to 40%!

What do you usually do?

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[–] FromPieces@lemmygrad.ml 2 points 4 months ago

I usually aim for the nearest dollar around 30%.

I'm a defense contractor and none of the "work" I have ever done in my life has done any human any good. I think it's important to use my nonsense salary to pay the people who actually add value to society.

[–] jqubed@lemmy.world 2 points 4 months ago

Typically somewhere between 15-20%. I do a rough mental calculation figuring out 10% by moving the decimal, then either double that or figure out what half of that is and roughly add that amount to the 10% amount, then go with a nice roundish number (to the nearest quarter) in that range. Usually a little higher than my rough estimate for 15% if I’m on that low end just so my rough math doesn’t inadvertently shortchange the server.

I make my calculation based on the total with tax included. I know some people go on the pretax amount.

BONUS: If I’m doing a delivery service like DoorDash, I look up my distance to the restaurant and make sure the tip is always at least equal to the mileage. I used to drive for them and $1/mile was always my minimum. DoorDash at least would typically only kick in $2/delivery, unless there were bonus promos. Since the driver might not be at the restaurant I figure that’s probably enough to get them to the restaurant, then the tip will get them from there to me. Actually, at home my house is several miles from any restaurants, so I usually go $4 above that to make sure the driver doesn’t lose money getting back to civilization. If I’m at a hotel close to restaurants I won’t necessarily do that. If it’s something where I’d like to try to get the best service I’ll go higher; they typically offer the highest pay orders to their top rated drivers first.

[–] vfreire85@lemmy.ml 1 points 4 months ago

brazilian restaurants tipically charge a 10% optional service tax, it's up to you to give it or not. my problem with it is that we don't know if it goes to the waiter or the owner cashes it to its pocket.

[–] Fleppensteijn@feddit.nl 1 points 4 months ago

I did round up a few times. It seems strange to base the tip off a percentage.

[–] ShittyBeatlesFCPres@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago

I’m a good tipper, having waited tables before, so usually ~30% but it’s certainly not expected. 20% is the standard tip.

[–] usrtrv@sh.itjust.works 1 points 4 months ago

When I lived in the US, 15%. Now 0%, feels great.

[–] bradorsomething@ttrpg.network 1 points 4 months ago

I give $2 for a pizza, $1-2 if I’m picking up to go. Usually I go 15-20% for standard service but rarely tip over $30 a server unless the meal was outstanding.

[–] Zak@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago (6 children)

In the USA: 20%. In Europe: 10%. If service is exceptional or bad, I adjust up or down.

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[–] andrewta@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago (2 children)

20% for excellent service.

It goes down from there. Yes zero tip is acceptable if the service sucked. If I ordered medium rare steak and I get well done steak. I normally won’t deduct that from the tip since that is a hard one for the server to see. But if it’s something they could have seen and didn’t fix, yeah I’m probably reducing the tip.

The tip is for service above and beyond, not a required part of the bill.

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[–] oyfrog@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago

20%—I feel for tip-based workers, but I'm also not running charity nor am I in a financial place in life to be tipping much higher than that.

If 20% is not in the list I will enter 20%.

[–] chairman@feddit.nl 1 points 4 months ago

15 pct is what I do now on average. No tip for takeout.

[–] untorquer@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago

If i was still there I'd still tip 20% cash preferred. (Card/electronic transactions are more often stolen by management)

100-200% depending on how good the service was.

Downside to this is I can't afford to go out as often. :C

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