Shorting your server a tip to save money? Take the Oprah excuse out of your arsenal.
A Facebook group originating in Augusta named "No, Oprah, it's not OK to tip 10%" said talk-show icon Oprah Winfrey suggested tipping 10 percent when you go out to eat as a way to save money in a recession.
But Harpo Productions spokesman Don Halcombe said in an e-mail that Ms. Winfrey never made the statement.
"She did recently feature the founder of the blog 'Waiter Rant' on her show to discuss the idea that tipping less than 15 percent is considered rude," he wrote.
The Facebook group, which had 136 members Wednesday, brings to light a concern of Augusta food-and-beverage industry servers: Tips are declining amid the economic downturn.
"Nobody leaves 20 percent anymore," said Jenna Martin, a full-time bartender at The Cotton Patch for three years.
Tipping 10 percent began being the norm in November, she said.
People who have been hit hardest are those with few regular customers with whom they've developed a rapport, she said.
Ms. Martin says she goes out of her way to provide good service to try to maximize her tips; just remembering customers' drink order when they come up to the bar won't cut it.
"Now I'm going to know your drink and your name," said Ms. Martin, who has started working banquets to supplement her income .
At T-Bonz Steakhouse of Augusta's Gordon Highway restaurant, Megan Collins works part time as a server .
Ms. Collins said her tips have declined during the past two months from $8 to $9 on a $40 to $50 meal to $2 to $3. She said she thinks restaurant patrons are cutting back on tips because it's difficult to find funds to take your family out to dinner .
Even in tough times, it's bad form to cut the tip for wait staff, according to Lizzie Post, great-great-granddaughter of etiquette legend Emily Post and author of How Do You Work This Life Thing?
Servers, who make a minimum cash wage of $2.13 in Georgia, rely on tips to make ends meet. Customers who leave no tip hurt servers' income, she said.
"That's absolutely wrong," she said.
Reach Sarah Day Owen at (706) 823-3223 or sarah.owen@augustachronicle.com.
SUGGESTED TIPS
| Sit-down restaurant | 15-20%* |
| Buffet wait staff | 10% |
| Bartender | $1/drink or 15-20% of tab |
| Hairdresser | 15-20% |
| Manicurist | 15-20% |
| Facial, waxing, massage | 15-20%* |
* pre-tax
Source: emilypost.com
SAYING THANK YOU DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Holiday tips are year-end expressions of gratitude for people who have provided a service, says Lizzie Post, the great-great-granddaughter of etiquette legend Emily Post and author of How Do You Work This Life Thing?
Rather than a tip, it's a thank you, Ms. Post said, and you should always include a note. When choosing who gets holiday tips, check your budget and evaluate which providers made the biggest difference in the past year.
"It really is truly about the holiday spirit," Ms. Post said.
| WHO | WHAT TO GIVE |
| Teachers | Small gift; no monetary gifts |
| Postal workers | Gifts worth $20 or less; no money or gift cards |
| Regular baby-sitter | One evening's stay, small gift from child |
| Hair stylist | Equivalent of the cost of one salon visit |
| Barber | Gift or gratuity equal to one service |
| Newspaper carrier | $10-$30 or small gift |
| Housekeeper | Up to one week's pay or small gift |
Source: emilypost.com
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