Why do people assume since I work at a Buffet that I get paid a lot?...I only get $2.15..?

There is a very common misconception that if the waitress is not bringing you your food then she is not REALLY "waitressing". I have always left a good tip no matter where i went because no matter where you go, a waitress is paid waitress wages and depends on tips. If it's crappy service, it 's a crappy tip. Good service equals good tips. I was appalled when I started dating my husband and realized that he didn't tip at buffets at all. He also had the misconception that "the waitress doesn't get your food, so why should you tip?". And his whole family is like that! I almost broke up with him then and there! He has changed since then and leaves good tips... or else!! Every buffet i've been to, the waitress gets the drinks, clears the NUMEROUS plates, checks on us, refills the drinks. If anything I think they work just as hard as other waitresses cause they have to go to the table many times to clear plates, check on drinks, food, ect... they earn it. And I love an attentive waiter/waitress. Nothing better:)

I was a waitress for years and on Sundays we served brunch buffets. And invariably it was the most hated shift. Customers have the misconception that the server is doing less work and think 10% or less is sufficient, but actually buffet service is a great deal harder. You're clearing far more plates and glassware, refilling and making more coffee and in the case of my restaurant, we were also changing the chafing dishes to make sure that the buffet was always fresh (we were dressed far more presentably to do so than the kitchen staff). Hopefully people will read questions and answers like these, and become more aware of the actual work their servers do and tip accordingly (so thank you for posing the question!). I am an extravagant tipper (most servers and ex-servers are) but if a server is rude or ignoring you or not making an effort to make your meal a pleasant one (in any type of restaurant), then I don't believe I should tip well - your experience wasn't pleasant, and they are making far more extra work for the other staff. Perhaps I sound mean, but to me it's a sign that they should try another line of work.

I eat out frequently and on a rare occasion I will go to a buffet. I do not think about how much the servers get paid. Since we serve ourselves the server basically picks up used dishes, refills water and beverages and in some places, brings our checks. I am a rather heavy tipper, however at buffets I basically tip 10-12%. At nicer restaurants (No Dennys' is not really a nice restaurant) I tip 20% and up. The tip is based on the service, food and pleasantness of the waiter/waitress.

I think if most buffets would change the way they do business, making people pay before their meal instead of after the meal like most restaurants, tips would increase. I know it would in my case, I usually pay with a credit or debit card and I absolutely refuse to tip in advance, so if I go to a buffet, and pay at the door, unless I have a few dollars in my pocket there's nothing to tip with. On the other hand, you can always get a job in an industry that pays better. I think it's criminal that restaurant workers don't even make minimum wage.

I am a waitress at a buffet and I think most of your anwers are from misinformed people and people who dont work for a living. We all have jobs some of them are not as nice as others. But those of us in the working world cant just give up our jobs. I understand that most of the people dont know that we dont get paid much. They also forget that their children throw food on the floor, spill drinks, and other messy things...we clean that up and restock the bars. In the last 10 years, I have been struck, spit on, thrown up on, and attacked. I believe what ALL servers (who do their job) go threw deserve a tip. Do what I do talk..talk alot to your customers.

I wouldn't take it as "getting stiffed". People don't relate tipping to buffets because they pay ahead of time, and they are having to serve themselves. I have been out a few times at a buffet with friends and when I go to leave a tip, they question what I am doing. I think people just assume you are there as a busser and not a server because you are not delivering food. Just continue to be pleasant and serving drinks and picking up plates. Soon enough people will catch on. And hopefully tip you for being your wonderful self :)

If you are expecting tips, get a job at your local Denny's (or any other basic coffee shop). If you plan to continue waiting on tables DO NOT SETTLE FOR THIS!!! You need to keep working your way up the chain by learning about the food you serve and the basics of service. In general, people who go to buffets will tip only half the time. Why waste your time with that. Move on to better opportunities (ASAP!!!).

My husband has a general rule...a waiter/waitress at a buffet only deserves a tip if he/she kept the glasses full. I feel bad that you guys get the same wage as others in a restaurant who are bringing out the food, etc. because people do it for themselves in a buffet.

It sucks, but you are going to get stiffed. Find a waiting job somewhere else. People eat at buffets for a budget meal, they don't want to spend money. Plus, they are not really being served. They get up and serve themselves. You would probably make more at a chain restaurant, even at Friendly's, than you will at a buffet.