A feature article in today's edition reports that the recommended restaurant tip is approaching the 20 percent level. Is this accurate?

I am on board with the author's suggestions for other service providers, i.e. hotel housekeepers, taxi drivers, bar tenders etc., but the 20 percent standard for routine service in a restaurant seems to be a bit rich for me. I do however, tip at this level or higher for breakfast, given the relatively small size of the check.

Comments will be welcomed.

I've noticed this as well, a gradual increase in the "expected" amount of the tip from 15% to 20%. I feel that 15% is more than adequate for acceptable service, 20% for exceptional service, and I tip accordingly.

Sad thing is, most of the time, I fail to receive acceptable service...

Buffets: $1 - $2 (depending on experience)
Drinks tab: $1 each (approx)
Meal tabs: minimum $2; 15% - $20 (strongly depending on experience) - when I've been very dissatisfied, I've rounded down to 12% or so,
and been known to leave somewhat over 20% if I've really clicked with the server.
Taxis: rounded up a couple of dollars ($11.60 = $14.00, etc.)
Shuttle Drivers: Again with the "clicking" deal, so $1 - $2 on occasion.
Barber: Usually $2/visit

I don't tip hotel housekeeping, nor folks who obtain a taxi for me by making a single phone call or rasing their hand to a waiting vehicle nearby.

I never understood why people think leaving a buck or two for a buffet is acceptable, particularly since the server sometimes works harder at buffets.

I hope you mean 20%

Just recently, NY Magazine had an article about about this topic. The premise was that bar bills have headed north, yet the standard tip has remained at $1.

I'm the type where I like everything to end in .00 when paying for something with a variable payment. Not so easy for groceries, but it is for gas. So, when paying cash for something like a drink, I just let them keep the change. $4.25 for a drink is a better deal for the bartender than $4.50, because either way I'm leaving a $5 and I'm on my way.

I always tip something over 18 % (usually on after tax amount)
and i see this trend these days. The tip amounts have gone up
not just in US, but in countries where they did not have tipping
before.. now show a little section for tip on the
credit card receipt.

Why? Are they on below minimum wage too?

I'm not challenging you...I just don't know how tipping works for barbers.

i tip them as well.. but never knew the reason. I'd assume since its a
service oriented business, tips are expected.

I tip them exceedingly well, and they're probably the only category of people that I do actually tip well. I dated a girl in college that was going to cosmetology school, then struggled to get a job afterwards. The school was around $15,000 for a year, and she couldn't work while she went.

I feel bad for most of the girls who do it straight out of high school, since they're promised high incomes (40k+) and very, very few ever see it. They usually get $5-10 for a $15 haircut.

Thank you - I corrected my post

Buffets are because the server is really closer to a bus-person. I generally leave $2, which isn't a bad percentage - even on a higher-priced offering.

Barbers, as I understand, constitute a long-standing exception to the tips-are-for-below-minimum-wage-workers (perhaps taxi drivers also) in that they are taxed on "theoretical" gratuities under I.R.S. guidelines.

As others have indicated, the usual range is 15%-20% here too, depending on service - if it is great and is genuinely friendly and courteous, then the rate can go up to >40%. Does this happen often? No. Even at restaurants known for service, I can't say that many personnel are genuine and really look after (and anticipate) guest needs. That being said, it does seem to me that what is expected as a tip has gone up. I remember when receipt tip guides had 10%, 15%, and 20%. Now, they start at 15% or 20%.

When I go to my stylist, I pretty much expect that she will have some ideas as to what to do with my hair that would look great on me. I give her a blank canvas and expect results. The fact that she has given me consistent results deserves a (high) tip. ^

I usually leave 20%, but on the before-tax amount.

A couple of prior threads on tipping practices:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=432189
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=462043
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=339761

The oldest of the BamaVol spawn has made a career in restaurants, ranging from fast food to upscale dining. He's waited tables at a few establishments over the last couple years and says a "typical" tip, and hence the usual expectation is 18%. If a server receives less than that, he either did something wrong (and he generally knows if he has) or you're a cheap b@stard.

I'm just relating this, not defending it, so don't shoot the messenger.