How Much Should a Christian Tip?
Christians should astound the world with generosity. To whom much has given, much is required. What is more precious to us than the grace we have received through Jesus Christ? God’s grace should overflow even from our pocketbooks.
It is shameful that many restaurant servers cringe at the thought of working for the “Christians” on Sundays. What do they expect on Sundays? Demanding customers. Lousy tips. The infamous tract that looks like a $20 bill. Self-righteous snobbery. (Believe me; I used to work at a Cracker Barrel.)
So, let’s turn that around. Let’s astound people with generosity.
Why leave a 15% tip for good service? Let’s go above and beyond and give 20% to a good server. After all, why should Christians settle for “average” tipping?
So, here’s a key to Christian tipping:
- Servers at a sit-down restaurant: 20%
- Take-out meals at a sit-down restaurant: 15%
Yes, I know that many don’t tip for take-out meals, but just remember this: the server who put all your food together in packets and set it all up for you is probably making $2.15 an hour. - Pizza Delivery Man: 20% (or a $2.00 minimum)
They use their own cars. Plus, they make their money off tips. So don’t be cheap with them! - Take-out Pizza or Drive-Thru Fast Food: 0%.
No tip is expected for picking up a pizza, going to McDonald’s, etc. - Hair Stylist: 20%
- Drive-In’s (like Sonic): 20%
- Restaurants with a Tip Jar on the Counter: 15%
- Starbucks and Other Coffee Houses: 10-15%
- Buffets: 15%
written by Trevin Wax © 2007 Kingdom People blog
My late wife always had me leave 20% and I continue the practice today. I was in a restaurant not long ago and a church group of about 12 people (including kids) left a tip of $1.35. The waitress cried. She had served them well. What a crying shame. We left some with the manager for this waitress (didn’t want to insult her any further).
Thanks for the further guidelines.
Comment by Johnny T. Helms — November 27, 2007 @ 9:53 pm
Guys. would you give different advice in the UK where minimum wage for all workers is about $12 an hour at the cirrent exchange rate?
I’m not quite sure whether it’s the justice aspect you’re going for (in which case should you eat at restaurants where they pay rubbish wages?!) or the generosity one - in which case tipping even well paid people is a good plan?
Comment by Andrew Evans — November 28, 2007 @ 11:48 am
I would err on the side of generosity.
But I am unfamiliar with the UK system of tipping.
I do remember serving some British customers at Cracker Barrel once. They needed their food in a hurry. I made some recommendations and had their food out to them in less than 5 minutes.
They were very gracious tippers.
Comment by trevinwax — November 28, 2007 @ 11:49 am