People who wait tables are often paid less than half minimum wage, I meant. Most people can live (frugally) on minimum wage.

So minimum wage isn't really the minimum wage?

It is, actually. Waiters and other tip-based income earners are paid a certain amount below the minimum wage provided they earn an amount equal to or greater than the difference by way of tips. So if the minimum wage is $10 and I get $5 an hour, I need to make $5 an hour in tips. If I make only 4$ an hour in tips, I have to be reimbursed by my employer, who would be paying me $6 an hour for those hours.

Of course, if I can't make up the difference I am probably a bad waiter and am likely to be fired.

Sound like a way for businesses to cut costs.

You have it almost exactly, but it's also a potential way for waiters and waitresses to make a fair amount of money if they provide good and speedy service.

I usually just tip to the nearest $5 denomination.......sometimes it comes out to 10 cents, other times it comes out to more than $4.

It all depends. I tip usually 12-15% if the waiter wasn't very nice. I also always add a few dollars and round up to the nearest dollar. (so I get a flat number for the total)

If the service is good/great, then I tip more.

Servers have a big sense of entitlement. They expect 20%. I say pay them a couple bucks to let them earn minimum wage. Count their tables and adjust accordingly

They make much less than minimum wage. Not tipping is a complete jerk move.

10% the guy or girl took your food to your table, if you have money why not give some to others