As for the large group I wait till after the food arrives and then split the bill. QUOTE]
Most places I see the thing about gratuity included mention for groupd of 8 or more or similar wording, I don't recall them saying anything about how the bill was split up , your still a group of 8 or more. Waiting until after you get your food seems poor judgement as they have usually already written or keyed in orders for everyone in one bbill and then it takes more time/work to change it, why not be honest about it from the start?
Oh, OK, I was just going by what you previously mentioned and the way you generally handle such things. So you will tip above and beyond for great service even if some type of gratuity is already included ? That was not how i read your prior post.
When this happens I generaly go by the recommended guidelines (10 percent for good service or 15 for above and beyond) But when its open tipping I sometimes tip well over that if its out of this world service.
BTW,
Since your talking food service industry and your in North America, isn't 15% generally the basic standard for good service , when did it drop to 10%?
Anyway you look at it, You are basing you tipping practices and how you treat those taking care of you based on the management decisions they likely have no control over.