Catsix, whenever people ask me what they’re “supposed” to tip, it always turns out to be a trick question. I tell them what I think–just an opinion/suggestion, which was all that was requested!–and then somebody gets all pissed off and starts acting like I’m trying to rip people off. “How dare you ask for a buck a drink! Who the hell do you think you are!” type of thing.
Listen. People actually tip better when the drinks are cheaper, believe it or not; I don’t think a dollar tip on a $1.50 beer is outrageous at all, and if you do, feel free to leave the quarter, a dime, or fifty cents, or nothing at all. Nobody’s holding a gun to your head! A buck a drink isn’t a rule, it’s a suggestion. Rules are something you are obliged to follow; a suggestion is just that. There are plenty of people in the world who have never tipped anyone, and never will, and they are free to continue never tipping for the rest of their lives. If the customer thinks a buck per drink is “really shitty” they won’t leave a buck. Simple as that. You’re talking as if people are being forced to tip against their will. Good grief.
But for people who’d like to know what the average expected tip is, per drink, it’s a buck. And you may not like that, and that’s fine; plenty of other people will make up the difference.
Meanwhile, tip whatever you think is fair on a $1.50 beer.
Amanita, as far as tipping on sodas goes…it’s about a 50/50 split. I don’t charge for sodas unless, for some reason, I find you annoying; most people say “Thanks!” and some people tip me for it. Others just take the soda and run.
But I’m not the business of selling sodas, so it’s always a bonus when someone tips me on them anyway. Much appreciated.