buffet question about tipping

[KingStefan]

I second what others have said: tip based on service received.

Compare a TS waiter takes my order for a ham sandwich and a coke and then delivers them to my table with the check, versus a buffet waiter who makes 15 trips to my table to clean up and refill my drink; who is working harder.

On the other hand, if I go to a buffet, and I have to pile the dishes up on the side of the table, and I have to go find the waiter everytime I want my drink refilled, then 10% is generous.

Can anyone tell me if a waiter is assigned the same number of tables for a buffet or table service, or are they assigned more tables for a buffet?

 

[copcarguyp71]

OK so can you simply charge the tip to your room or do you have to leave cash? I really don't know since last time we went tips were inclusive.

I do not mean to be cold but if I have to leave cash the servers will be outta luck, I do not carry cash when on vacation as it is too cumbersome to keep track of while juggling kids, drinks, fast passes, etc, and too easy to loose either on a ride or to the occasional pick pocket.

Hopefully this is not the situation and I can tip to the room but in any case I will certainly miss the all-inclusive nature of the previous version of the DDP that we enjoyed back in '06.

 

[yankspy]

Out of curiosity, how much does a server typically make in tips per week?
I know the take home money is good, because there are absolutely no jobs going at Disney in the server role. Once someone has the position, they keep hold of it.

It all depends. Servers can make anywhere between $500.00 to $2500.00 per week. I can take an educated guess and say that the servers at a typical TS restaurant in disney probably make between $750.00 to 1200.00 per week.

I second what others have said: tip based on service received.

Compare a TS waiter takes my order for a ham sandwich and a coke and then delivers them to my table with the check, versus a buffet waiter who makes 15 trips to my table to clean up and refill my drink; who is working harder.

On the other hand, if I go to a buffet, and I have to pile the dishes up on the side of the table, and I have to go find the waiter everytime I want my drink refilled, then 10% is generous.

Can anyone tell me if a waiter is assigned the same number of tables for a buffet or table service, or are they assigned more tables for a buffet?

It all depends. In general, a typical station is three or four tables. If anything, they might get bumped to an extra table or two, but not always. The biggest benefit to a server in working a buffet is the volume. You have to remember, a server views that table as being rented. The longer people sit, the less rent you are getting, unless the table continues to add to the check. Let's say that the typical buffet turn time is 45 minutes. Let's say the typical TS turn time is over an hour. If the meals are priced the same, eventually the server will earn more with the buffet because they are getting more turns. Sorry, this was a lot more than what you asked for but it helps explain buffets a little more.

 

[MousDad]

It all depends. In general, a typical station is three or four tables. If anything, they might get bumped to an extra table or two, but not always. The biggest benefit to a server in working a buffet is the volume. You have to remember, a server views that table as being rented. The longer people sit, the less rent you are getting, unless the table continues to add to the check. Let's say that the typical buffet turn time is 45 minutes. Let's say the typical TS turn time is over an hour. If the meals are priced the same, eventually the server will earn more with the buffet because they are getting more turns. Sorry, this was a lot more than what you asked for but it helps explain buffets a little more.

I would think that the Disney buffets would have equal to, if not slower turnover than the TS, because most of the buffets are character dinners, where people linger.

 

[disneydiva72]

We usually just double the tax in a round number so it does end up being about 18-20%.

Thats what we do also, unless of course the service is terrible, but the service has to be REALLY REALLY terrible for me to stray from my habit of doubling the tax.


I have to say this tho, lately I feel like Im tipping everyone, its getting kinda annoying. lol

mls

What? Do your servers chew your food for you or something? I would never pay 40%- not even for Disney service (which is usually the best). Definately not at a buffet, where I am getting my own food. I am a 20% of the bill person. It's hard work (with my kids- it's even harder for the bussers!).

Pumba is the resident funny guy, he was kidding, he was just being Pumba. :lol:

 

[DarlingDepp]

It all depends. Servers can make anywhere between $500.00 to $2500.00 per week. I can take an educated guess and say that the servers at a typical TS restaurant in disney probably make between $750.00 to 1200.00 per week.

It all depends. In general, a typical station is three or four tables. If anything, they might get bumped to an extra table or two, but not always. The biggest benefit to a server in working a buffet is the volume. You have to remember, a server views that table as being rented. The longer people sit, the less rent you are getting, unless the table continues to add to the check. Let's say that the typical buffet turn time is 45 minutes. Let's say the typical TS turn time is over an hour. If the meals are priced the same, eventually the server will earn more with the buffet because they are getting more turns. Sorry, this was a lot more than what you asked for but it helps explain buffets a little more.

Wooo I wish I made that kind of money serving a week! Granted, I do not work at Disney, however, my income ranges. Some Friday nights I would make about $120. Lately, I've been walking out with $45-50 on a Friday night.

I only work about 3 nights a week because I am a full time college student. However, my income is only about...$200-$250 a week, IF I am lucky. Lately its been about half of that Good thing I saved up and paid off my Disney trip already right!! :hammer:

I have never worked in a buffet, so I am unsure of their tables and such. I work in a corporate restaurant, and they don't allow us to have more than 3 tables usually. This provides for more "concentrated" service.

 

[yankspy]

Wooo I wish I made that kind of money serving a week! Granted, I do not work at Disney, however, my income ranges. Some Friday nights I would make about $120. Lately, I've been walking out with $45-50 on a Friday night.

I only work about 3 nights a week because I am a full time college student. However, my income is only about...$200-$250 a week, IF I am lucky. Lately its been about half of that Good thing I saved up and paid off my Disney trip already right!! :hammer:

I have never worked in a buffet, so I am unsure of their tables and such. I work in a corporate restaurant, and they don't allow us to have more than 3 tables usually. This provides for more "concentrated" service.

I forgot to mention that I am basing those numbers on the assumption that the server is working full time. Anyway, I hope it picks up for you.

 

[KingStefan]

...We usually just double the tax in a round number so it does end up being about 18-20%. But, that is if service is good...

Thats what we do also, unless of course the service is terrible, but the service has to be REALLY REALLY terrible for me to stray from my habit of doubling the tax...

I don't understand this. I thought that the tax at TS restaurants at WDW was 6.5%? Doubling that gives 13%, not 18%. What gives with that. Am I wrong about the tax amount or something?

...Pumba is the resident funny guy, he was kidding, he was just being Pumba. :lol:

Yeah, I love it when somebody takes the Sak seriously when he's not being serious. I'll bet he does, too!

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Yeah, I love it when somebody takes the Sak seriously when he's not being serious. I'll bet he does, too!

I hope your not questioning my Scottish generosity?

And I dont, so if your wise neither will you. :drevil:

 

[yankspy]

I don't understand this. I thought that the tax at TS restaurants at WDW was 6.5%? Doubling that gives 13%, not 18%. What gives with that. Am I wrong about the tax amount or something?



Yeah, I love it when somebody takes the Sak seriously when he's not being serious. I'll bet he does, too!

You are right. I just checked an Ohana's receipt I had and the tax is 6.5%. This is a common mistake. Many people forget that sales tax is regulated by each state. Doubling the tax is common because many states have a rate of 7.5%-9.5%. They are used to doing this at home and so many will continue the habit while on vacation. In most cases, I do not think that people do it to tip lower on purpose, I just think they do it out of habit.

 

[KingStefan]

You are right. I just checked an Ohana's receipt I had and the tax is 6.5%. This is a common mistake. Many people forget that sales tax is regulated by each state. Doubling the tax is common because many states have a rate of 7.5%-9.5%. They are used to doing this at home and so many will continue the habit while on vacation. In most cases, I do not think that people do it to tip lower on purpose, I just think they do it out of habit.

Thanks. I thought I was missing something.

So all you people out there who double the tax at WDW for a tip - you really should re-think what you are doing. You are (unintentionally) undertipping.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Thanks. I thought I was missing something.

So all you people out there who double the tax at WDW for a tip - you really should re-think what you are doing. You are (unintentionally) undertipping.

Lucky for me it is pre-figured on the bill !

 

[KingStefan]

Lucky for me it is pre-figured on the bill !

Do they do that everywhere in WDW now? I love it when they do that! I don't want to think so much after a relaxing meal.

 

[yankspy]

Do they do that everywhere in WDW now? I love it when they do that! I don't want to think so much after a relaxing meal.

I am looking at three receipts from Ohana's, Park fare, and Artist Point. They all have the suggested gratuity at the bottom.

 

[KingStefan]

I am looking at three receipts from Ohana's, Park fare, and Artist Point. They all have the suggested gratuity at the bottom.

Cool! I'll have to remember that!

 

[Phonedave]

Compare a TS waiter takes my order for a ham sandwich and a coke and then delivers them to my table with the check

That, to me is very poor service.

Drinks come out BEFORE the food, not with. Any any server that brings the check with your food needs to be re-trained (unless you ask for it, or its during the business lunch rush).

How does that server know I am ready for the check? Maybe I want another coffee. Maybe I want another drink. Maybe I want seconds.

Bringing the check with the meal says to me "Hurry up and eat and get out so I can turn this table and get another tip"

-dave

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Not Disney but worth a punt

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7533863.stm

 

[DarlingDepp]

Not Disney but worth a punt

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7533863.stm

That's great! I would love for that to come over the the US. The problem with the under minimum wage issue is that servers are entirely dependent on tips.

For example, if I work 7 hours and only make $10, that's not even an extra two dollar an hour, and that would still put me under minimum wage for my shift. BUT, management adds up ALL of your declared tips and hours worked for the entire paycheck period, and then averages it. If the total number of hours + tips = minimum wage, they won't do anything. Which to me, is really ridiculous.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

That's great! I would love for that to come over the the US. The problem with the under minimum wage issue is that servers are entirely dependent on tips.

For example, if I work 7 hours and only make $10, that's not even an extra two dollar an hour, and that would still put me under minimum wage for my shift. BUT, management adds up ALL of your declared tips and hours worked for the entire paycheck period, and then averages it. If the total number of hours + tips = minimum wage, they won't do anything. Which to me, is really ridiculous.

I should point out that this is in response to a number of well know company's shafting their staff. Decorum prevents me saying in which country their operations originate. :animwink:

 

[yankspy]

I should point out that this is in response to a number of well know company's shafting their staff. Decorum prevents me saying in which country their operations originate. :animwink:

I am going to assume that I know which country you are talking about and let me say that that is the tip of of the iceberg. The latest is that many restaurants are making their servers cover credit card fees. Every time a consumer uses a credit card there is a fee attached by the credit card company that the business has to pay.(you probably know that already). Some restaurants are passing that fee on to the waitstaff.