I eat at restaurants a lot. Every day, and usually by myself.
My main question is what is considered a good tip from a single person?
Is it always based on the price on the bill?
My bills usually range from $9.50 - $15.
When I am by myself I always tip based on service because the wait staff has to do the same amount of work regardless of my bill. I know it is standard to tip a percentage of the bill, but they are doing no more work to bring out my $25 steak than my $7 sandwhich.
When I am with one or more people I usually tip less because I know the other people are going to tip also. When I am by myself, I tend to tip more because that is all they will get.
So, I would like to hear from former or current waitstaff as to what you would expect to get from a single person and not get mad.
If my bill is $9.50 should I tip less than or equal to $1.50? (15% is 1.425)
And if it is $15 should I tip $2.25?
Does the waitstaff actually calculate what 15% is and base their feelings on that?
By the way, I usually tip $4 if the service was even half good because I feel guilty if they only get $1.50. I can't imagine tipping less than $2 if I am by myself. With a group, sure.
I am trying to see if I am overtipping what is expected.
Cheap, maybe, but that means more hobbying!