"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...
> Katra wrote:
>
> > IMHO 18% is rather high anyway.
> > I thought the average was 15% for good service,
>
> That's a little low, anymore, but whatever is okay by you. Well,
> lower than 15 is not okay for normal service, but you get what I
> mean.
>
> Besides, the difference between 15 and 18 is usually not worth
> quibbling about, if you do the math.
>
> What's interesting to me is that there is an assumption that if there
> is a gratuity already added in, the waitstaff will not perform as
> professionals and do their job. Whenever I've been in that situation,
> they run around like crazy trying to make sure everyone has their
> beverage/dinner/whatever. Just because they wait for a living does
> not make them slackers. More often I've noticed my co-diners are
> more annoying than anything.
>
> nancy

Of course they run around like maniacs with a large party, it's a large
party! And what I've discovered (and also have done) is if the waitstaff
does an excellent job, despite the fact that the tip is included, many
people give a little extra gratuity. It's so nice when that happens!
(Which is why I return the favor.)

kili