NO. I don’t tip at buffets.
No. I don’t often go to buffets, and usually go as an invited guest of someone else.
A lot of the buffets I go to have a separate tip jar near the mongolian/hibachi/simliar sort of grill, usually throw a few bucks in there if I use it (and I usually do). That’s beyond leaving something for the waitress, which I still do, though I leave less than I would for full service. If they’re really good and keep my drinks filled without me sitting there waiting forever, or do something else above and beyond, they can get back up to normal tip level.
It definitely depends on service, though. Last time I was at the Old Country Buffet, the waitress literally did nothing the entire time I was there. You get your own drinks there, so all that’s really for them to do is clear old plates, and she never did, so sorry, no tip for you! I even talked someone else I was eating with out of leaving a dollar, but I felt strongly about it. Sorry if you need to make a living, and if you don’t get paid much and need tips to make it up, but I’m not going to subsidize your laziness.
No.
No.
I tip when the server does something beyond taking our empty plates. I’ve had some who made the experience a little better beyond that standard such as helping with the toddler (finding a booster seat, offering to get a cup with a lid, etc), being on top of refilling drinks or just a bright demeanor. Not the 15% standard but I’ll put a couple bucks on the table.
The one issue is that when I’m paying at a traditional restaurant, I can add a tip to the bill. At a buffet, I’ve had times I paid with a card on the way in and then found myself without cash on me when I wanted to leave a tip.
I was feeling weird by being the only one who diddn’t tip. Most of the ones I’ve gone, you pay before the meal.
That doesn’t matter. Tips for table service should be left on the table at the end of the meal. If there is no table service, of course no tip is required.
Unless you spill something hot on me, or I’m sitting at an unbused table, I’m going to tip at least 15%.
It depends entirely on the quality if service I receive. Around these parts a server gets your alcoholic beverages, bring tea/coffee/pop, fetches my bill when I’m ready, cleans up if I spill something. It they are attentive and pleasant, I tip. How much? It depends.
I don’t tip a percentage, usually just leave a couple dollars for the person clearing plates.
WTF? No, of course not.
The basic rule of thumb in Las Vegas buffets is $1.00 per person at the table.
So, for the two of us, we usually leave $2 or sometimes $3 if the server at least came by to ask if we wanted more drinks, or helped out in any other manner.
This can vary slightly - if you go to one of the more pricey buffets, you might want to leave a bit more. However, once again it depends upon service.