How much do you tip at a buffet?
Jul 16, 2012 | 7:47 am
#2
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
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Depends on the service. If they do nothing, the plates pile up, nothing. If I only have one plate and they make an effort probably a dollar a plate.
If they are right on top of it all, where the table is clean when I get back from getting another plate I may go a bit higher.
If they are right on top of it all, where the table is clean when I get back from getting another plate I may go a bit higher.
Jul 16, 2012 | 10:10 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Central Texas
Programs: Many, slipping beneath the horizon
Posts: 9,859
Depends on the service. If they do nothing, the plates pile up, nothing. If I only have one plate and they make an effort probably a dollar a plate.
If they are right on top of it all, where the table is clean when I get back from getting another plate I may go a bit higher.
If they are right on top of it all, where the table is clean when I get back from getting another plate I may go a bit higher.
There are some things in life better left to others....Among them are "Mexican Food Buffets".
Jul 17, 2012 | 10:43 am
#6
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: Hyatt Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 241
Jul 17, 2012 | 10:49 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Indianapolis
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Posts: 7,385
Good thing is you get a choice of food, and choice to tip.
Buck is fine...
Not Like Obama's Plan, but if they put some skin and a smile they get extra...
If they act like the Deserve it like Obama they may get a pass..
A tip like success is earned by doing extra.
Buck is fine...
Not Like Obama's Plan, but if they put some skin and a smile they get extra...
If they act like the Deserve it like Obama they may get a pass..
A tip like success is earned by doing extra.
Jul 17, 2012 | 10:19 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: AS MVPG, Hyatt Discoverist, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,399
Not much but perhaps I should do more. It's easy to think that "I" am doing all of the work at the buffet. I'm kind of anti-tip these days, with so many tip jars put in front of you.
When I travel, I get stressed at times wondering if I have enough small bills for tips and whether I should tip everyone I encounter. I would love to just tip with smiles and kindness.
When I travel, I get stressed at times wondering if I have enough small bills for tips and whether I should tip everyone I encounter. I would love to just tip with smiles and kindness.
Jul 17, 2012 | 10:42 pm
#11
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If it's a totally self service place (including being encouraged to bus one's own dirty dishes) like the breakfast buffet at Hampton Inn or Residence Inn (or in a lounge where the service is nothing special): nothing. If there's some service like bringing coffee and/or juice and removing dirty dishes: $1 (per person). For a fancy buffet with some service: $2 per person as the norm. Certainly not 15-20% of the bill.
Jul 18, 2012 | 7:20 am
#13
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
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Never known anyone who doesn't leave a decent tip. At buffets, the service is just more diffuse. It's not just how well the plates are cleared, but how promptly cocktails, dinner drinks are served and how well the buffet is stocked. Generally, you aren't tipping your wait person, but the tips go into a pool.
I tend to tip on the high side for personal service at the table (20% rounded up) and on the low side (according to my colleagues) at buffets (10%).
I tend to tip on the high side for personal service at the table (20% rounded up) and on the low side (according to my colleagues) at buffets (10%).
Jul 18, 2012 | 8:50 am
#14
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: MEL, PER, PBO, occasionally ships, oil rigs and other places that no sane human being should ever find themselves
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It depends on where I'm at. Here in Australia, nothing. It's not the custom and people are generally paid a livable wage (minimum is about $16 per hour compared to $7.25 in the USA and the exchange rates are about even right now). Elsewhere, it depends on local custom and level of service.
