You didn't notice having to find and plate your own food, then deliver it to the table? You didn't notice your plate of food getting cold at the table while you assisted your children with their food gathering and plating? You didn't notice your other dining companions doing the same?
Too many people look at this question from the servers' perspectives. Just because they
keep busy does not mean they're providing the same level of service or value
to the diner. The person leaving the tip should consider whether the
service they received was the same in both restaurants -- after all,
they are leaving the tip. And
nobody could honestly say that as much is done
for them by the servers in a buffet restaurant as is done in a table service restaurant.
I used this analogy before, but it's applicable:
Let's say my wife and I were to visit a spa, and that there were two kinds of spas. At the first spa, we walk in and tell the clerk we want a 40-minute full-body massage with a variety of massage oils. They have us lay down on massage tables, then go to work. Later we pay the bill and leave a 20% tip for the massage therapists.
At the second spa, we walk in and tell the clerk we want a 40-minute full-body massage with a variety of massage oils. "That's great!" responds the clerk. "We have dozens of massage oils to choose from, plus a wide variety of powders, towels, and hot washcloths. You'll love it!"
The only problem? "Oh, you have to massage your own arms, legs, hands and feet. The oils, powders, towels and hot washcloths are over there at the amenities bar -- you collect the ones you want yourself. We'll massage your back, which you can't reach yourself, and we'll make sure the used oils, towels, and cloths are cleared away when you're done with them." Do you honestly think it could be justified to pay a 20% tip to the staff in the second spa?
In the first spa, my wife and I received massages from the massage therapists. In the second spa, the massage therapists worked only on our backs, leaving us to handle all those spots we can reach ourselves. They may have stayed
just as busy as those in the first spa, clearing away used bottles of massage oil, powders, and towels. But my wife and I -- the customers -- received less service, period.
It's the same with the restaurants. In one case, I, the customer, am waited on completely. In the second case (at a buffet), I, the customer, am doing a lot of the work that would be done for me at the non-buffet restaurant. It simply does not make sense to tip the same at both restaurants.
David
kind of way. I mean, from personal experience with some of my own friends and family members that they still think that $5.00 is an awesome gratuity whether the bill was $10 or $500! I think that is a common thought. I don't think many people have stopped to think about exactly what 15 or 18% of the bill would be, they just toss down a few dollars and don't give it a second thought.
