Tipping at a buffet?

[KAT1811]

I was curious as to what people normally tip at a buffet? We are great tippers and tip at least 20% and often, when the service dictates, we tip quite a bit over 20%.

I am however, always puzzled over tipping at a buffet. The only time we dine at buffets are during our vacations so we are not well versed in the tipping guidelines.

Do most of you tip 20%, more, or less? Just curious. We usually tip 20% but the more I think of it they are only serving drinks and on rare occasion removing a plate or two. Does that really warrant the same tip I would give a server that takes our orders, serves and clears each course, etc.

What do all of you do?

[DizneyRox]

When tip is included, it's all they get, and I demand excellent service. If it doens't happen I will talk to management.

When tip is not included, I start at the norm, 18% for a normal table service, 10% for a buffet. If they do what they need to, it stays. If there are still plates on the table when I get back, it goes down, if I need to hunt someone down for napkins, drink refills, etc, it goes down.

If my drink is always full, and the waitress/waiter is attentive to make sure everthing is going well, they it can go up.

buffet < full service, that's for sure.

[henry.james.s]

15&#37; Thats fair for good service.

[Mfarquar]

I tend to tip 10% at buffet (the norm). However, if the server is exceptionally attentive, helpful or goes out of his/her way, I feel inclined to add some more.

In most cases, buffet servers definitely have less responsibilities than at a traditional restaurant. As I have seen with several friends of mine in the service industry, they are able to serve more customers, as a result, to compensate.

[SBETigg]

We usually tip 20 % whether buffet or not, unless the service is really bad. The DH worked in food service when he was young and he just enjoys tipping well because he knows what a lot of servers go through, even when working at buffet service places.

[Seasonscraps]

As long as I receive the service I expect, I tip in the 20% range - the math is easier.

[homeschool mom]

We are a family of 7 and on our last trip took DD's best friend so we were a party of 8. They generated our tip automatically at the buffets and I'm pretty sure it was 18%. Seems high for a buffet, but I guess if you have to refill drinks and remove plates for 7 or 8 people you deserve it.

[Charlee]

We always tip 20% on buffets as long as though the server is friendly and attentive, drinks are refilled and plates taken away.

We found this trip that the service was good at the buffets at 1900 Park Fare and the Crystal Palace and tipped accordingly.

[Giselle]

I read somewhere that $1.00 per person is sufficient for good service, then you can adjust it from there for exceptional or bad service.

[FromKnoxvilleto Disney]

I tend to do 20% but I think that is too much for a buffet. I believe 10-15 is probably more accurate but I am on vacation so unless the service is lousy I will do 20%.

[elmjimmlm]

When I was younger and waited tables the tip for a buffet was 12%...That is if the table stayed clean and the drinks were filled at all times...

[biodtl]

I tend to tip 20% at buffets, unless there was a big problem.

[fanofdisney]

Thanks for asking this question I always wonder the same thing but never think of it until we are there. Now I know that we are in line with the majority of vacationers to WDW

[yjgirl715]

I too start at 15% and if they are doing their job and clearing away our plates on time and even being polite- making conversation- helpful in way I would give extra. On our next trip there will be ten of us so they add the tip on automatically which sort of stinks for the buffets. If the don't deserve the 20% I will still have to pay it. I will just have to think positive that they will all be magical!

[brownie]

10% is the norm for me at a buffet. For table service, it's 15% for average service and 20% for better than average service. I will tip less than 10% is the service is poor.

[brian2000boston]

I too start at 15% and if they are doing their job and clearing away our plates on time and even being polite- making conversation- helpful in way I would give extra. On our next trip there will be ten of us so they add the tip on automatically which sort of stinks for the buffets. If the don't deserve the 20% I will still have to pay it. I will just have to think positive that they will all be magical!

I thought i read somehwere that if you are not satisfied with the service, you can have them change the tip amount. Auto tip doesnt mean you HAVE to leave it. Tip what it deserves.

[BelleLovesTheBeast]

I typically leave 20%. I waited table to pay my way through college so I know how hard servers work. Also those who work buffets typically have twice as many tables. I've always had great service at the Disney buffets. I've never had to ask for anything. If I received so-so service I'd leave 15% but nothing less than that.

[dolphinmickey9170]

When at a Disney establishment...you will find the suggested amounts for gratuity on the bottom of your check. They show the standard 18% amount and the 20% amount. This was even shown on the buffet check as well.

We generally tip the 20%, although we have been known to increase it for top notch service!!

[Tygger7]

For excellent service, we tip 20%. I don't think it matters whether it's for a server at a buffet, regular restaurant, or if it's for my hair stylist or tattoo artist...service is service, and if I'm treated well, I tip well. From my experiences, buffet servers work just as hard as a normal server, and sometimes even harder. There are more dishes to clear, often they have more tables. If you do a good job, you should be rewarded...that's my two cents.

[Mackflava99]

10-15 is fair- more if they do a good job-

alot depends on the type of buffet- if the server helps get the characters to our table for pix- then maybe more- but if they dont help much, then,, who knows-

sadly there are some that dont even tip at a buffet= which is terrible