Originally Posted by Bishope2

As far as I know, across most of the United States, tips are the main source of income for waitstaff. For the most part, waitstaff are paid well under minimum wage. In some cases, $2.00/hour. Thus, the reason for a 15% to 20% tip. I usually start at 20% and work down. Most say only tip on the product served and do not include the tax. I tip on the total bill because at that point, your only talking a few dollars. (re: Bill without taxes, $100. Total with taxes, $108. Tipping at 20% on $100, tip is $20. Tipping at 20% on $108, tip is $21.60). Not much of a difference.