So I stand in line for my food, I get my food, I carry my food to my table, I get my condiments and stuff... but I tip you? WTF?
I once left one of the biggest non-strip-club tips I've ever left at a Golden Corral. The kid was on top of crap and super polite; he earned it.
Don't go there much... But if they come by and check if I need anything, refill drinks, etc. Then I tip. If not then I don't.
If the server is attendant, polite, helpful, keeps your drink full, etc.; why not? Folks at buffets and cafeterias work hard and often at subsistence wages. For younger employees it may be a first job and any type of positive reward is good encouragement.
I hardly ever carry cash so at Luby's if you check out right after getting your food then go sit down...how can I tip them at the end since you have already paid?
He's not a server. My issue isn't the employees, it's Luby's. Pay your damn people, don't expect me to tip them for nothing. Anyway, the reason this came up is that I rarely carry cash and I was discussing leaving a tip with my guest but neither of us had any cash.
Understood. I didn't mean to imply condemnation and often face the same cash/tip issue as I rarely carry it.
the food that dominates my thoughts from Luby's: Spoiler The (strangely always ice cold) carrot and raisins salad
I dont carry cash often. I also don't eat at Luby's often (fried fish and mac n cheese is awesome though). But I always feel bad if I don't have cash (half the time I am there) and I can't leave a dollar for the server refilling my water
I think if you pay with a credit or debit card, the reciept has a spot where you can leave a tip. I only tip them if I never run out of tea. If they ask me for a tea to go, I'll tip extra. If I have to refill my own drink by walking back up to the front, no tip.