Tipping question re: Buffets

[Burgmeister]

Whats the done thing when tipping in a buffet restaurant where they clear finished plates and bring you drinks (but, obviously, not food).

Are you still expected to pay 18-20% of the total bill tip?

[boltyboy]

We usually leave $1 per person, not sure if that's the etiquette but that's what we do.

[Guest]

They do still have it on your bill as a suggested tip😲

[angelbabe]

I usually tip 10% for the server to refil drinks, bring coffee and keep the table clear.

18-20% at a buffet is too much in my opinion, but Disney look like they will try!

[Nimbus]

Interestingly, the DIBB's Guidebook page on Tipping says the following:

"For off-site self-service buffets the tip is usually less than you would leave for a table service restaurant. 10% would be about right."

Note the "off-site" bit - it's almost as if whoever wrote that bit of the guide knew Disney would try to get you to tip more.

Personally, I'd go with 10% (or a bit more if the experience was excellent). The servers are neither taking your food order nor bringing your food to your table.

[Gill H]

Mickey house, where are you?!

Personally I tip the same, they have done as much work if not more, just different work. But that’s me.

[Jedi Princess]

As Gill H, we tip the same.

[Lucyjane45xxx]

I really don't understand the whole people thinking they shouldn't tip in a buffet restaurant?
I mean okay they may not bring your meal to you but they are still constantly refilling your drinks, checking up on you and then clearing the table. Some people at buffets have multiple plates meaning the servers are doing just as much, if not more than at other table service restaurants.

I thought it was the "done thing" to leave $1 tip as a point to show that you were very unhappy with the service

[AliceCooper9]

As mentioned by several people we tip the same.

[Burgmeister]

Thanks for the responses everyone. Interesting spread of opinions.

Generally don't agree with tipping as a "norm" (outstanding service is different) but know it is pretty much compulsory in the US - so I do it.

I find in the US its difficult to know who you are expected to tip. Obviously wait staff and, apparently bar staff. Taxi drivers, bus drivers (but not public transport?) cleaners, bell hops, skycaps etc. But how do you absolutely know which roles you are supposed to tip for?