To Give a Tip: Are We Required to Leave Tips?

waiter taking the customer's orders in a restaurant

You go to a fancy food establishment upon seeing an enticing restaurant promotion. A lot of places, such as in Singapore, have these interesting deals. You check the food and place your order. Indeed, when the food arrives, it is scrumptious. The waiters are also attentive and polite, and the establishment is exceeding your expectations. You eat to your heart and stomach’s content in the restaurant.

After finishing everything, you ask for the receipt and pay the indicated amount. Then, you think of going back to this restaurant with some good friends to enjoy the food and ambiance. However, your thoughts do not stop there. The never-ending debate still lingers in your mind before you step out of the establishment. Should you give a tip or not?

Restaurant-goers sometimes cannot avoid the dilemma of tipping. Should you give a tip after eating in a restaurant? What happens if you do not give a tip at all? If you do, where does the tip go? These are some questions that restaurant-goers consider when leaving tips.

The Art of Tipping

customer handing credit card for payment

For one thing, it’s not only in food establishments where people give tips. Some also provide tips to their hairstylists, the valet personnel, or the person who finds the right size for you while you shop for a dress. In a way, each of these people provides assistance that deserves a form of thank-you. Those leaving tips do not need to do so, at least in some countries. For instance, in Singapore, tipping isn’t typical for the people. However, some of them do this to show their appreciation and gratitude.

Tipping can become difficult because of the amount and type of establishment. The standard says to give 15 percent of your total bill. However, some dining experts say otherwise. They suggest at least 20 percent tip based on your total bill if you dined in a fancy restaurant.

It may sound a little too generous. But this is because waiters provide you the best service in a fine-dining establishment. This amount also implies that the service may have gone beyond what you expected. The tip amounts may vary if you are drinking coffee in a charming cafe or eating gourmet courses in a restaurant.

In some cases, food establishment owners or wait staff do not expect to receive tips. But they appreciate getting extra from their patrons. For a lot of food establishment goers, tips are not only about additional expense or giving loose change. Instead, it’s about gratefulness for providing the best food quality and service their customers deserve.

At the same time, it’s not easy to work in the food and beverage industry. Quality and cleanliness matter most in this kind of industry. Waiters work almost every day, including holidays. It can be a tiring job to cook and serve food to customers. That is why it can help a lot if we give something back as an appreciation for their dedication to their jobs.

Tipping is not mandatory, especially in other countries. But we can show our generosity and gratitude to people who work to serve others.

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