It is common knowledge that restaurant workers get tips to supplement their income. Their base salary isn’t that great; however, what they get in tips make up the difference.  Most of the time people leave a gracious tip if they get good service. On the other hand, the tip is not so great if the service is bad.

The average tip at a restaurant is 15-20% of the total bill. If people give more, the tip is not refused. When there are several people in one  party, the tip might be included in the bill.

Do you know the origin of the tip?

First of all, a tip is the acronym for something else.  A long time ago in English pubs and taverns, it was customary for patrons to drop a coin or two in a box on the wall. At the end of their shifts, the coins would be divided among all the restaurant workers. On the box was a sign which read: “To insure promptness.” In later years,  only the initials of the phrase were put on the box . . . T.I.P.

Today, customers are expected to leave a TIP, and all waiters and waitresses are expected to provide prompt service.