Tipping

Tipping in the United States is customary because waiters are paid well below minimum wage. In other countries, tipping is not common because waiters are considered professionals and receive a salary.

How does the practice of tipping in the U.S. work? Generally, a 20% tip should be left for good service, 25% for excellent service, and 10% for poor service. Leaving nothing is unacceptable. If there is a problem, the patron should always speak with the manager/owner.

How do employers get away with paying below minimum wage? The Fair Labor Standards Act permits restaurant employers to pay a minimum of $2.13 per hour to an employee receiving tips. State minimums may be higher. The Department of Labor defines a tipped employee as someone "engaged in an occupation in which he or she customarily and regularly receives more than $30 a month in tips."

What happens if the server gets no or few tips? According to the Department of Labor, restaurant owners taking advantage of the tip credit must make up the difference to meet minimum wage requirements currently at $5.85.

To fully understand the impact of tipping, it is best to speak with a veteran. According to Erin Hayden, a former waitress with 10 years experience in the restaurant business as a server, the practice of receiving and sharing tips varies.