I know what you mean. Unless the service is incredibly ghastly, I always tip 18%-20%. I have left no tip exactly once. I was one of three customers at an IHOP, I waited over an hour before my meal appeared. The waiter said he forgot to turn in my order slip, but he did not apologize and seemed exasperated with me for having the nerve to inquire how much longer it would be. Finally, when I asked for tartar sauce with my fish, he stomped off to return with the tartar sauce, which he slammed on the table before stomping away again. Needless to say, he did not receive a tip-and I mentioned on the customer survey that such treatment was probably the reason that they only had three customers in the restaurant.
in a case like that would leave one penny to ensure they didn't think you forgot....
I also tip 20% for normal service....I usually drop to 10% if I'm unhappy and increse if I'm impressed or the staff is being run ragged from too many customers
I would be mortified to leave no tip or a crummy tip. But once, I went to a bar with a friend to have a couple of drinks. The waitress was extremely slow, and her attitude was very poor. The bar wasn't packed and neither my friend or I did anything to deserve being ignored. When we left I tipped exactly 2 cents. The waitress got snippy and walked after me and tried to belittle me. I told her to keep it because she had earned it.
ha ha - I also have left no tip exactly once in life and it also was at an IHOP!