Tipping at the buffet
 

I see all sorts of tipping questions but I still don't get how or why to tip for a buffet. I would be especially interested in answers from those who ever worked at a buffet. How much do you tip if you are eating at a buffet or one of those all you can eat placces?

Good question! I usually tip about ten percent, figuring that the main work of a waiter/waitress just doesn't happen at buffets. The ones I go to most, the waiter will seat you, take drink orders, bring new silverware or napkins if needed, but has nothing to do with the food.

I leave $3-5 for two people at a Vegas buffet. Is that enough?

Interesting question. I often tip 15% even though I've heard that 10% is standard because the waiter/waitress often seems so busy clearing plates, refilling platters, etc.

The only buffets I'm familiar with are some upscale brunches, etc. It seems that often with several trips to the buffet and the server clearing my place each time, refolding my napkin, and replacing my silverware, plus taking and delivering drink orders and bringing me the check, that the server has often worked harder than one for a regular meal. As a result I still usually tip 20% if they have been attentative. <BR>Note: I'm not talking about an "all you can eat" extravaganza where they seat you and forget you. I'm not sure a tip is necessary at all there.

I'am sorry but only in America you will tip for a buffet. It' s crazy in the USA,but going out for lunch or dinner at a buffet ( where you do most of the work)should be tip free...

At least 10% at good buffet where wait staff is always removing plates, giving new silverware, filling drinks. But it does bug me when the table starts to pile up with discarded plates or they do not bring me new silverware when it disappears with the plate.