1. Forums
  2. Mystery Shopping Discussion

Called out for tipping too much.

October 15, 2017 03:41PM
@casper7776 wrote:

My hubby and I frequent a local diner and I always leave one waitress $10 and the bill is only about $20. We have been going there for years and she always remembers us and gives the best service. It is a small place and they recognize my car when I pull in and usually set menus on a table for us before we even get in the door.

It would be a real shocker if they didn't remember you and give you the best service if you tip 50%. Of course they recognize your car when you pull in. They remember you because you are a super-tipper and you get super-service. Clearly, you are not their average customer. I am guessing that you are not mystery shopping this location. If you were, there would be a problem. The reason these MSCs are so hung up on the tip size is that they are afraid that this will happen if the tip is larger or smaller than "average." If a shopper becomes recognizable because of the tip size, it will skew the service if he receives if he ever mystery shops the location again.
Reply
Log In
x

Create an Account or Log In

Membership is free. Simply choose your username, type in your email address, and choose a password. You immediately get full access to the forum.

Already a member? Log In.

October 15, 2017 06:11PM
Why not just follow the guidelines or remove yourself from the shop??

Your personal feelings regarding a requirement is irrelevant. Tip as you want on your personal time.

Also, tipping in cash and not reporting tips accurately is dishonest and ethically wrong.
Reply
October 15, 2017 08:42PM
I think my tipping IS average, but yes, following the guidelines, of course, is the most obvious answer. I guess I was surprised I was called out after so long for such a small discrepancy. And I see what you are saying about throwing cash in on top. I've seen it done to me as a server when someone pays the bill but someone else thinks they didn't tip enough i.e. Insinuating they are a cheapskate. I never have cash on me unless my guidelines specifically say to pay in cash. Lesson learned, follow tipping guidelines to the T. Thanks everyone for weighing in on this matter.

Doing what I can to enhance the life of my family! I LOVE what I do smiling smiley
Reply
October 15, 2017 10:58PM
If you are tipping on the total, including tax, you are possibly tipping too high, because depending on where you live, the tax could be adding 10% to the bill. I would think 20% on pre-tax amount should be okay for exemplary service. I generally do 15% when service is fair (or its a MS and I have to tip no matter what), 18 - 20% for very good/excellent service.
Reply
October 15, 2017 11:39PM
I've been in the service industry for over a decade. Mostly upscale casual and fine dining. 18% is standard, but most people make it 20% because it is easier to do the math, and because they aren't cheap.

15% was always what we considered bottom level acceptable but penny pincher cheap, and no one was happy with that because it's not a good tip.

These days, servers are tipping out support staff. Often up to 9% of sales. If you are leaving 15%, then they aren't even getting half of the tip.

For great service, it isn't unusual to get a 25-30% tip. No way is 20% attention grabbing. 15% is, however.
Reply
October 16, 2017 06:22PM
For me, standard is 20%. I feel like a jerk if I tip less than that, unless the service (or lack thereof) deserves a lesser tip. If the service is stellar, I will go up to 25%. I rarely eat anywhere that costs more than $25 for dinner, so we're just talking about the difference of maybe a dollar. I just looked at a couple of my receipts from past shops and a certain steakhouse lists the suggested tip amounts for 15%, 18%, and 20% but a certain wings restaurant recommends 20%.
Reply
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login