> If you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to eat out.
Sure, if you only go to places where it is proper to tip, but there are plenty of places to eat out where NOT tipping is appropriate.
I believe that tipping should be based on the level of service provided, not on the financial status/need of either the provider or the consumer. If I'm getting takeout, I rarely tip more than a dollar. If it's a place where I bus my own table and pickup my food at the counter, I don't tip at all. On numerous occasions where I felt I got wonderful service, I've tipped $20 on a 10 dollar meal. Generally, I'll tip 15% - 20% based on service level.
Sure, if you only go to places where it is proper to tip, but there are plenty of places to eat out where NOT tipping is appropriate.
I believe that tipping should be based on the level of service provided, not on the financial status/need of either the provider or the consumer. If I'm getting takeout, I rarely tip more than a dollar. If it's a place where I bus my own table and pickup my food at the counter, I don't tip at all. On numerous occasions where I felt I got wonderful service, I've tipped $20 on a 10 dollar meal. Generally, I'll tip 15% - 20% based on service level.