How does gratuity work?

Today's blog will be dedicated to those bad tippers out there who don't really know the meaning of tipping. As a server/bartender I am well aware of the meaning of tipping, however those who are not in the industry fail to see that servers do not get minimum wage and therefore we depend on our tips to make up for the pay cut. Those who are in the industry probably understand my frustration because I am certain that this is something they've dealt with before. For those who are not and have no idea as to why tipping is key to the whole dinning experience, here's a little run down as to what is expected from the servers point of view. For starters I would like to point out that being servers means that we provide you with the best dinning experience possible given our restaurant, that does not mean that we are servants and should be treated with no respect. That is another subject that I will be blogging about in the near future, until then lets not loose focus of our main subject which as identified before is tipping. This gesture (tipping) is recognized upon the service you have been provided with as well as the connection you either made or failed to make with your server. The way it work is simple, when you receive good customer care and a great dinning experience this should be recognized. I've realized that not very many people know what is appropriate due to their lack of knowledge in the industry. I have been asked many times by guests what I think is appropriate and I've never found the right way of expressing how tipping should work until I went on a little vacation to Walt Disney World and came across a suggestion note in my bill fold that I would now like to share with anyone that comes across this. "We are often asked about gratuities. No gratuity has been added to your bill. Quality service is customarily acknowledged by a gratuity of 18% to 20%. Thank you." (Wilderness Lodge Resort, Walt Disney World, Orlando)
This informative and polite reminder is something I strongly believe every restaurant should have to remind our guests that tipping is not a way of making extra money, just a way to making the average paycheque to meet the average needs in todays society.

Not every smile can compensate for a tip 

http://decidedlydisney.blogspot.ca/2010/11/happy-birthday-mr-mouse.html