For some reason, I always thought the buffet rule of thumb was 10%.

However, I have to admit, I find it hard to leave that little.....I'm a consistent 20% + tipper in restaurants.....so I usually leave 15% at a buffet, especially if the server is great with drink refills, clearing old plates, bringing new ones, and if they attempt to make a little polite conversation.

Honestly, I fear I may have inadvertently, once or twice, forgotten to tip at a buffet (gee, did I leave the waiter anythig at the Chinese buffet I went to last week? )