# How much did we tip in the 80s?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-did-we-tip-in-the-80s/835664>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [June 18, 2019, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-did-we-tip-in-the-80s/835664 "2019-06-18T01:00:50Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 3

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**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\
**Post date:** [June 20, 2019, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-did-we-tip-in-the-80s/835664/41 "2019-06-20T12:35:45Z")

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I wonder how much geography factors into it. We were always 15% in Michigan in the early 80’s, but I remember reading then that 10% was typical in Los Angeles (Q-Link was a font of information).

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**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\
**Post date:** [June 20, 2019, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-did-we-tip-in-the-80s/835664/42 "2019-06-20T12:52:32Z")

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Ahh, another tipping thread.

First of all, I know some people are against the idea of tipping. But here’s the thing: basic economics says you’re going to pay (roughly) the same amount in a system that encourages tipping (along with standard wages that are low) vs. a system that prohibits tipping (and standard wages that are high). I prefer the former, since it gives an extra incentive for the server to provide good service.

Now as for percentage, my default is 20% for satisfactory service, and 25% for excellent service. But I also tweak these values based on the absolute price. If the price is low, I will increase the percentage. As an example, let’s say I go to a diner and order a cup of coffee. The price is $1.50. If service was good, I will plop down $3.00 (a 100% tip).

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**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\
**Post date:** [June 20, 2019, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-did-we-tip-in-the-80s/835664/43 "2019-06-20T16:46:33Z")

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I did about the same as I do now; 0-20% based on the quality of the service and all bets are off for cheap/simple things. If I am taking up your table space I figure that deserves at least $3. My Dad taught me that when I was in grade school and its always stuck with me; just the amount has changed. If you go way overboard or I have a special request going 100%+ wasn’t out of the question and still isn’t. One thing has changed - as I’ve gotten more life experience I am less likely to blame the server for things out of their control. Slow on the alcoholic drinks could be the bartender and if the steak needs a little more time that isn’t his/her fault either.

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**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\
**Post date:** [February 3, 2024, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-did-we-tip-in-the-80s/835664/45 "2024-02-03T22:01:20Z")

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I am absolutely certain that no state legislature nor local city council has considered tipping practices when they’re setting sales tax percentages

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