The Proper Way To Tip

The most frustrating thing that happens to a server is when they do not get a tip they feel they earned. I get angry almost every time a work when someone compliments me on how great a server I was yet they give me barely 15%. So: I will tell you the proper way to tip and some huge mistakes many people make.
First, if you feel your server did an average job - they made your stay enjoyable, refilled your drinks, ect. - then you should leave 15% AT LEAST. A 15% tip is AVERAGE. If your server was below average for some reason, a 10% tip would be reasonable. Believe me, that server will be unhappy and that is your way of telling them they need to step up their game. Anything below 10% should be reserved for servers that are rude or totally ruined your meal and should be used very sparingly. If you leave below a 10% tip you will ruin that server's night. If, on the other hand, your server was above average and made you really enjoy eating at that restaurant - at least a 20% tip is necessary.
To illustrate this point, last night I was waiting tables and I felt I did a spectacular job on a table. The man even complimented my service. I refilled his coffee every time it was low, I talked to him (he was eating alone), I recommended a dish, and he said he enjoyed the whole experience. He left me 15%. That made me feel like he was lying to me all along - if he really enjoyed my service then he would have rewarded me.
Most people may not know it, but servers get only $2.13 an hour in South Carolina. This varies only if you are a trainer or have some special position in the restaurant. That $2.13 an hour is used almost entirely to cover the taxes you have to declare on tips. Usually my checks contain no money whatsoever. So, when I work 4 hours and get lousy tips I literally made no money that night. I am not getting minimum wage. At first I thought it should be illegal that servers do not get minimum wage, but in South Carolina if you are in a tipping position it is not required. I think everyone should be aware of that next time they decide to eat out.
Also, let me stress that it is a DECISION to eat out. If you do not have the money to tip, do not eat at a restaurant. The service we are providing needs to be paid and everyone should be aware that tipping will be required. Do not skimp on a tip just so you can order the filet instead of the sirloin.
Another point to make is that at most restaurants servers are required to "tip out" or give up at least 3% of all their tips to the hostesses and busboys. Also, usually it's not 3% of your tips, but actually 3% of your sales. So if a table tips you nothing at all, you paid to wait on that table. You have to pay 3% of their check to the hostesses.
Coupons also are something to be aware of. Just because you have a coupon for $20 off, does not mean you can tip on the discounted amount. Your server had nothing to do with your coupon and if their service was strong they deserve to be tipped on the amount of food you received. Also, in most restaurants, the "tip out" amount comes from the pre-discounted amount. So if a table gives you a 15% tip they really are not giving you that much - you might give up 5% of that or more to the "tip out."
These are just some basic rules for tipping or things non-restaurant workers may not know. People should keep in mind next time they eat out that this server has a life and needs to get paid too. if you enjoy their service, show them so. They work extremely hard and deserve to have something to show for it. Especially if they go out of their way to be above and beyond your expectations.