[Young Rhino]

I tip good service 20-30%. I tip nothing for lousy service. It is my suggestion that the incompetent/disgruntled waiter/waitress find other employment.

Before I'm flamed regarding the latter, I worked my way through undergrad as a waiter. I know when to pin the blame on the waiter or waitress for lousy service as opposed to the kitchen.

[leadpenny]

Each of my three sons has gone the busboy/server/bartender route in their growing-up years, and they would agree, wholeheartedly, with your approach.

[netmilsmom]

I also did this work in college. I tip 20% for those that are pleasant, refill coffee and talk to my kids (we do family places). 10% if we got the food but no plates cleared. For those that are totally unpleasant, I dig a nickel out of my purse. This was the waitstaff will know that it was intentionally left as a reflection of the service.