Restaurant 'idiot card' suggesting 25% tip is customary

[DJBenz]

We went to the Texas Roadhouse a few nights ago for dinner as we'd enjoyed it so much in 2013. Food and atmosphere were as good as we remembered, but I was a little surprised when the bill came with an extra 'idiot card' (ie "you're British so you don't know how to tip" advice) suggesting that customary tipping is 18%, 20% and 25%

I'm sure other places have started adding these percentages in the mini guides that get printed on the bill "for your convenience", but I wonder how long it'll be before the 15-20% range becomes a thing of the past?

[Alien]

I wish they just include it in the price! But if you rely on tips to support yourself and Europeans don't leave tip you can see why the card.

[blusteryday]

EDIT: Including suggestions from other DIBBers

Whilst do I think the idiot cards are helpful, perhaps for first timers, I find it a little patronising to be given one of those cards at the end of a meal.

With tongue firmly placed in cheek, I'm thinking of reversing the process next time we're eating out, and making a few cards to give the server before we order. Something like this:

[dorsetmutley]

Originally Posted by blusteryday

Whilst do I think the idiot cards are helpful, perhaps for first timers, I find it a little patronising to be given one of those cards at the end of a meal.

With tongue firmly placed in cheek, I'm thinking of reversing the process next time we're eating out, and making a few cards to give the server before we order. Something like this:

Many restaurants that we frequent hear an English accent and immediately think: "Oh no, there goes my tip!"

To reassure you:

1. I may be British, but I do tip for good service
2. I'm quite good at maths and percentages
3. I won't ask for 'chips' when I really mean 'fries'

We're looking forward to a fabulous service at your establishment!

See more...

I might steal your idea

[curry1402]

Originally Posted by blusteryday

Whilst do I think the idiot cards are helpful, perhaps for first timers, I find it a little patronising to be given one of those cards at the end of a meal.

With tongue firmly placed in cheek, I'm thinking of reversing the process next time we're eating out, and making a few cards to give the server before we order. Something like this:

Many restaurants that we frequent hear an English accent and immediately think: "Oh no, there goes my tip!"

To reassure you:

1. I may be British, but I do tip for good service
2. I'm quite good at maths and percentages
3. I won't ask for 'chips' when I really mean 'fries'

We're looking forward to a fabulous service at your establishment!

See more...

I think that's a brilliant idea and could possibly be produced by the Dibb with the logo at the bottom

[WhereIBelong]

Originally Posted by curry1402

I think that's a brilliant idea and could possibly be produced by the Dibb with the logo at the bottom

See more...

[ally1966]

Originally Posted by blusteryday

Whilst do I think the idiot cards are helpful, perhaps for first timers, I find it a little patronising to be given one of those cards at the end of a meal.

With tongue firmly placed in cheek, I'm thinking of reversing the process next time we're eating out, and making a few cards to give the server before we order. Something like this:

Many restaurants that we frequent hear an English accent and immediately think: "Oh no, there goes my tip!"

To reassure you:

1. I may be British, but I do tip for good service
2. I'm quite good at maths and percentages
3. I won't ask for 'chips' when I really mean 'fries'

We're looking forward to a fabulous service at your establishment!

See more...

This made me smile!

We've never been given one of these cards but did notice when in New York this Summer how many restaurants have started adding suggested tip amounts to the bill. I actually found this quite useful as I'm not very good at working out percentages quickly!

[blusteryday]

I've updated the post to include ideas from here, as well as a lot prettier Feel free to cut out and use

[Vanillapod]

I have noticed the calculations at the bottom too but they seem to be after tax and I was under the impression that the tip was to be calculated on the pre tax amount?
Can anyone clarify?
We just leave 20% of the total but I had wondered if that was correct or not?

[sunraydb]

That's a brilliant idea Rob.