So my employer has negotiated a discount with about 100 local businesses for all of our employees. Most of these are 5%-15% off on food at restaurants, 10% at the hardware store, $.75 off the slice-and-salad special at the pizza joint, free steam room use at the spa, that sort of thing. Tomorrow night, though, I’m taking advantage of the one really giant discount we receive: 50% off at a swanky dinner spot, reputed to be one of the best in this very touristy town with lots of great restaurants. We’re talking about (I believe) $25 to $40 a plate. So what do I tip? Am I obligated to tip on the pre-discount amount, since that’s what the waitstaff are expecting? Or should I tip on what the actual bill comes to? There’s no time to ask Miss Manners, so I’m relying on you!
My understanding is you should tip based onthe total without discount.
Agreed.
I also feel that the tip should be based on pre-discount bill total.
I’m not sure if this opinion will be popular, but I’m going to take a stand and say you should tip based on the bill pre-discount.
Before discount.
I agree with tipping based on the pre-discount amount. The staff depends on good tips and will be doing the same amount of work, regardless of the amount of the bill. They’re not a party to the agreement between your employer and theirs and should be paid a fair tip depending on good service, not how much you paid for your meal.
Pre-discount.
I agree that the tip should be based on the pre-discount price.
I’m sure this will be controversial, but if you have a buy one meal get one meal free deal you should tip based on the cost of both meals pre-discount.
I’m not even sure why I’m openly admitting this on the internet, where everyone can read it… but tipping should always be based on the non-discounted price.
I guess I’ll be the dissenting voice that says the tip should ALWAYS be based on the PRE-discount price. I suspect this may not be popular though.
Here’s the thing, it’s a tip, so unless you tell, no one but the server, will ever know what you tipped. So there is no worry of social stigma and shunning.
Also, the server’s shift is not made or lost on your gratuity so remain calm above all else.
Should you under tip, the server is likely to think no worse of you than that you are a bit of a yokel who doesn’t get out much.
Assuming you received fine and prompt service tip 15-20% of the undiscounted total. Your server will be impressed with your savvy, generosity and worldliness. Hard to beat for a few dollars, wouldn’t you agree?
Unfortunately this opinion could prove unpopular.
But what if the server gives you a discount? Should you still tip on the non-discounted price?
I’m so confused.
If the server gives you a discount then you give them your phone number
You people deserve to be pitted for your wrong-headed opinions about tipping.
The correct answer is to tip based on the pre-discount price.
Well, I’m not even going to get into that battle. It’s looking ugly, what with all the conflicting opinions.
So, I’ll open another can of worms: pre-tax or post-tax?
I didn’t even realize until a few years ago that many people calculate their tip on the pre-tax total. I’ve always done it on the final total.
When people bring this up, I always question where they live where both A) tipping is customary/expected and B) the tax is so high that it makes an appreciable difference.
Tipping pre vs post tax on a standard dinner for 4 or 5 people (a family unit) couldn’t possibly be more than a difference of dollar. Who the fuck cares??
Yeah, that’s kinda my take on it, too. Same with the 15 vs 20%.
I’ve waited tables before, I know how much work it is. I can spare that couple-three bux pretty easily, or else I wouldn’t be eating out. But when you’re living on tips, that extra dollar or two per table can make a lot of difference in your take-home.
Besides, I’m lazy. It’s easier to calculate total/10*2 than to get all complicated. Especially those places that add in liquor separately.
I will say that I seem to get consistently excellent service in places I go regularly. Wonder why that is?
I’m in Oregon. No sales tax.
Thanks, folks. We’re going to buck the trend and tip on the pre-discounted amount.