     |
TipsIn most Countries, it is customary for customers to pay tips to a server after a meal. In many U.S. states, waiting staff, like other "tipped" employees, can be paid a lower minimum wage than other occupations. In the U.K., where minimum wage rates are not lower for waiting staff, around 10% is standard, whereas 20% is considered standard in the U.S., with possible range from 15% to 25% depending on the level and quality of service. In some situations, a "service charge" will be included on the restaurant bill in the U.S. Also called a gratuity, a "service charge" will be automatically applied, e.g. for large tables, parties of 4 or more, or other situations where the restaurant management imposes this to ensure that the waitstaff working in such situations earn their usual income.
Such service charges are usually around 18%an additional voluntary tip is sometimes given. There is some debate in the U.S. whether a "minimum" exists as a convention; some argue that 15% or 20% is the minimum or that it is extremely rude to not leave at least $1, even if the service was not up to standard. These issues are regional, cultural, and very subjective.In Germany and other Western countries, where minimum wages exist for waitstaff and where service charges is not culturally entrenched, most times a earning can take the form of rounding up to the nearest whole or half denomination of currency when the waiter is cashing a party out at their table. The same is not customary in Asia, Australia and New Zealand and is not factored into wages of staff. However, a service charge appreciated especially if the customer or party has been unusually difficult or has left a mess. For example, parents of small children may leave a some small change.
|
