Some interesting insights into tipping. The amount of a tip often reflects factors other than the tipper's generosity or the server's ability.

#1.Servers who introduce themselves by name receive an average tip 53 percent greater than the tip for those who do not.
#2. Servers who squat next to the table while talking to customers, thereby making eye contact, can raise their tips from 15 to 18 percent.
#3. Those who write "Thank You" on the back of the check receive about an 18 percent tip, which is the same amount female servers get by drawing a happy face on the check.
#4 Males who draw a smiley face decrease their tips by 3 percent.
#5 The use of tip trays bearing credit card logos increases tips by up to 25 percent, even when a customer pays cash.
#6 Tips soar by 140 percent for servers who simply smile.
#7 Those servers who casually touch customers once on the shoulder or hand add to their tips by 42 percent with female customers being a bit more generous than men.

None of these things really make or break the experience for me.

95% of service falls in the decent range, about 4.9% above average or truly outstanding, 0.1% rude. I generally tip a little above 2X NYC tax (16.75%) and probably avg 18-19%.

What really moves me is friendly and attentive service. Where you really get the feeling your server likes working with public and is always johnny on the spot with what you need. I HATE having to ask for anything more than twice (as in may I have some more water or catsup?). After 2X I go up and ask the manager where the items are & get it myself. If the place is busy I of course forgive this - a person can't be in 8 places @ once. But if it's due to the waiter being lackadaisical or just plain not with it the tip gets revised accordingly.

Truly outstanding service gets 30-33% and a compliment about the waiter/waitress to the manager. Rude service gets 0 or close to zero (and it has to be really rude for this to happen), a complaint to the manager and a vow never to return.

^ I agree with you! Good & quick service always gets a generous tip in my book.

I don't eat out often - I tip big-time on the rare occasions I eat out, because hey... I don't eat out that much!

It's not uncommon for me to tip 30 - 35% (or even more) when I do eat out. I always get great servers, and altho I've not worked the food industry, I UNDERSTAND. I have a mom and a sister who worked as servers for a very long time.

I really dont see why a man drawing a smiley face gets less tips. Goes to show you how stupid many people really are.

Sometimes, i'm not ready to order and the person i'm eating with has already ordered. I say "oh i need a minute to look over the menu" and they say "Ok!" and they stand right there and stare at me and wait. Makes me very uncomfortable, i'd prefer they leave and tend to their other tables instead of holding others up while i make my decision. It makes me feel rushed and I dont like someone staring at me while i try to think.

I usually will tip 15%. When the server remembers or asks if I want more coffee I will give 20%. .

Those are interesting facts. That's strange that the guys would decrease their tips by drawing happy faces. Why the gender difference, I wonder? :confused:

^ no idea! I thought the article was kind of interesting though.

I don't mind tipping at all but if the individual that serves me sucks, then they will get a tip so cheap that they will know that they screwed up.

I tip very well. As long as the service was great and the server did their job, a nice tip they shall get. If they were exceptional, an even bigger tip they shall receive. ;)

If I get good service, I always tip 10 percent of my bill.

I tip 20%, and 25% for exceptional service. For mediocre service, 15%. Anything less is an insult.