It is one of the biggest rules of going out. If you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to eat or drink.
"Fifteen to 20 percent is the usual," one expert said.
But lately, many people say tips are shrinking.
"Even if the service is great...best I can do."
Once again, blame the economy. Some consumers don't consider tips as being part of the bill.
"The dine and dash is back...not leaving any tips."
Coast to coast, servers are the ones actually feeling the pinch by not getting paid.
jonathan mancipe/bodega restaurant "People who would tip you a little bit more...like 6 and 5.
The experts say it's just bad form.
pamela eyring/washington school of protocol "It's like stealing...part of the meal."
Tips are a big part of a server's income. Usually, a waiter's minimum wage salary goes to taxes, and many of them share tips with co-workers.
Experts say factor in the tip before you order to make sure no one gets short-changed, even if the service was less than stellar.
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