Do we tip because of good service? Not so much (so these studies say). It’s more about guilt, shame, touching, squatting, and candy.
Squatting – Two studies showed that waiters who squatted next to the table when taking orders and talking with customers increased their tips from 14.9% of the bill to 17.5% of the bill in one study, and from 12% to 15% in another study. Apparently, the eye contact and closer interaction creates a more intimate connection and makes us want to give the server more money.
I usually use 10% as the minimum acceptable service reward (and, yes, I have occasionally done significantly less). Good service gets 15%. Outstanding service (beyond expectations) hits 20%. I don’t particularly care for either touching, or squatting, nor is giving candy something that wows me enough to increase my tip — I think.
and heaven forfend you introduce yourself… ‘hi, i’m Timmy, i’ll be your waiter tonight!’ that loses 5% off the top, for me. good, unobtrusive service will always get you at least 15% in my book.
I don’t mind a simple introduction. Anything more than that, and you’d better be providing plenty of extra service for the familiarity. (Unless I’m a regular, that is. Or it’s someone cooing over what a great kid Kitten is.)
I like the crouching thing. It means I don’t have to scream to give an order in a noisy bar/grill, and I don’t have a particularly loud voice.