Last week, Eatocracy shared a compilation of restaurant pet peeves from friends and colleagues. In turn, we asked “What should we add to the menu of complaints?”
Over 1,500 responses later, and there are clearly two sides to every story. For every customer complaint, there wasn’t a waitstaff counterpoint far behind.
So, we decided to turn the tables: diners, you’re about to get served. Turns out industry folks have just as many grievances as customers do.
And in this corner, the waiters:
May I offer you a seat?
“As a server, I'm tall. If I have to repeat everything a dozen times because you're hard of hearing and my boss refuses to turn down the music, I'm going to sit or bend down so you can hear me better.”
“When I was a server, I squatted [next to] tables, not because I wanted to be friends, but because it made it MUCH easier to hear someone’s order and get it correct. You want your order correct, don’t you?"
“Having worked in a restaurant, I know that we were trained to crouch by your table … we get demerits from our managers if we are caught not doing so. It is so as to appear not to be talking down to customers. Trust me, it is as awkward for us as it is for you!”
Thanks for the tip…or lack there of
““If you go into a bar that’s four deep and I even look up to take your order, you better be kind and generous. I have 25 to 35 things that need to be done RIGHT NOW, and if you cop an attitude, waste my time over stupid questions and stiff me...well, I have better things to do.”
“‘Can we transfer our bar tab to our table?’ Um ... bartenders work for tips too, people! If I transfer your tab to your table, the waiter's check gets padded with my sales and I get nothing. Next time, try saying it with a ten or twenty spot and I'll be glad to transfer your tab!"
“Wait on someone in a bad mood and most likely they are going to recall their dining experience as horrible, unjust and not worth tipping.”
Are you still working on that? The reason we ask is because we can’t tell
“It sucks that we have to ask you if you're finished with your plate. It would make our jobs incredibly easier if more people understood basic dining etiquette. If you're finished with your meal, either of three universally accepted signals will be read by your server: push [your plate] to the side, place your napkin over it, or cross your fork and knife over the center of the plate. You'd be surprised how many people don’t know to do this.”
Closing arguments
“You don't like your server, eh? Let me tell you this: for every annoying trait you all have listed for servers, we can think of ten more for why we hate customers.”
“I'm a server and just when I'm reading all these ignorant, pompous complaints, I was thinking how much I hate people in general. Stay home if you get that offended by your server's behavior.”
“Something one server does might annoy one guest, but please the other. Like any other job, each server is different in the way that they provide service to each guest. … In general, servers don’t intentionally do things to annoy their guests.”
“It works both ways, there are things our guests do that drive us up the wall but we understand that its part of the nature of our jobs and we move forward and so should you.”
Geez! We know there’s more where that came from. Do we sense a diner rebuttal coming on? The comment ring is open.
Well i'm from Ireland, and throughout Ireland bono and the lads are unquestionably liked and also could certainly not do truly much incorrect, we all love them.
I think VetranServer said it well...
"Tipping is not required, but it will get you a warm welcome back and even better service the next time. If you want to be treated like a king when you visit your favorite restuarant all you have to do is be a pleasant human being and tip well. If you can't tip well, be courteous and don't run our butts all over the restuarant with special requests, because you won't be paying for our service. I never mind not getting tipped out well by someone who didn't ask for more than their drinks to be refilled once and their food to be delivered to their table, but don't waste the time I can be spending on guests that tip well by making me run to get you extra sides of ranch dressing for your 6 oz. salad or 5-10 refills of coca-cola for your kid before your meal even comes out. Whether you run my butt off for a good tip or not, I'm never rude, but have SOME consideration."
I myself have been in the food industry as a waitress and nothing says running your butt around like waiting on elderly people. They expect steller service for little to no tip. I have always acknowleged that if I didn't give good service it would be reflected in the money I received. So that should ensure that our servers strive to give that great service. I don't demand much but my food be warm, my drink refilled, and if the food didn't come as ordered it be corrected. I will tip well if my server is excellent and maybe they can't controll all aspects, but at least give me a good understanding why it isn't what I expected.
I have also not left a tip. When I order a pancake I expect syrup to come with it as it is the servers job to get the extras that come with the food. Not for you to bring the pancake and then ask if I wanted syrup and then never return with it. Or if my meal includes a side with it make me aware of it and ask what I want. Do not let me make my order and just skip out of what is due. It is part of your responsibility to know your menu.
I do not agree that it should be standard to leave a 20% or more tip. Maybe I am a bit old fashoned for this idea, however if we are all required to leave a 20% tip standard where does that leave the customer service aspect? If my server is rude or has no interest in their job, why should I be required to leave them what they think is owed? If you are worth it great, yes you should get a fair tip. Otherwise stop expecting.
well reading to the posts i am glad i am not working in the states but in good old europe. where eating out is civilized and nothing is a 'must'.i am a Chef since 45 years and Executive Chef since some 30..I have worked in little restaurants and big hotels. And as we all know, kitchen very seldom sees any tips.BUT every good server knows, when/if he or she hs a good or big table or wants something special or extra, a share of the tips is appreciated. because Chefs have a LONG memory and a little co operation goes a long way. Also WE work long hours, on top of it in the heat and noise. at least we don't have to smile if we do not feel like. a good server also will always give a little something to the dishwashers. and they always will have clean coffee spoons on the side ready.
do I tip when i go out. YES i do,but both the server and i will ask them to make sure that the kitchen gets a beer or some soft drinks if they feel like. and believe me, this is appreciated. but if the server is a skunk and has an attitude, i even walk out without ordering. He does not do me FAVOR to serve me. i come here to eat and also have the right to be treated correctly and PROFESSIONALLY. If the server has first to ask the kitchen, what is the soup of the day, does not know the items on the stop list and does not know the basic drink service, he or she is in the wrong place indeed. and for that can not expect a tip.
i do not make the law about low hourly wages, you guys have labor unions, are THEY doing something about it, besides sitting on their fat bums all day long.(i never belonged to any union my whole life).
so, as the old saying goes, you get what you give...
The amount of ignorance present on this comment board is astounding. Both sides of the argument have valid points and there is no right answer!
To all those who dont like tipping: what do you do for your job? Im sure you experience your own level of stress, but do you ever have up to 15 tables of hungry or thirsty people asking you for something at the same time? Your server deals with a section of tables... NOT just yours. That is reality, and you are aware of it. If you want different, go to a restaurant expensive enough to provide one server per table.
Also, did you know that the average server walks (or runs) approximately 12miles for every 6 hour shift he/she works? No, the job does not require a high level of education and you may think these people are "lesser", but having worked in over half a dozen industries, I can say with complete honesty that servers are among the nicest and most beautiful people I have ever encountered.
I have worked as a server and a telemarketer... but also as a currency trader and a CMA for a huge accounting firm. And I must be honest; it takes a special type of person to work nights and weekends with no benefits, and still smile at every testy CEO who walks in thinking theyre better than you.
Also, did you know that servers must tip-out to kitchen staff and hosts based on their DOLLARS OF FOOD CONSUMED? If everyone for a single night did not tip a penny, the waiter would actually lose money, having gone to work!
However, to servers: you knew when you took your job what you were getting into. If you are rude to someone WITHOUT cause, you deserve not to be tipped. Just like in any other business, if you are rude to a client, they will not patronize your establishment!
They call it the Hospitality industry for a reason... try to be hospitable! There are benefits to your job too... you can often drink on the job, you can laugh and be social, you dont have to sit in one spot at a desk, and if you hustle, it pays off!!
NO, tipping is not required and it is not the law, but it IS socially acceptable. You tip for the same reason you thank someone for holding a door open for you... because it shows appreciation. And because in our society, it is the accepted norm!
Two things: 1) I can understand if you feel you have to sit at my table if the management asks you to do so, but I hate hate hate it! If a server does that when I am eating out, I politely ask them to get up. You say you don't know if something one customer likes another one hates. If I've nicely asked to not to do something, you now know that I am one of the customeres who do not like it. Please don't get pissy with me. 2) On th whole tipping thing, I think America is really screwed up in not sharing tips with the chefs/cooks in the kitchen. In Europe, most restaurants have a trunk for all tips and they are shared by all staff. I know servers and back waiters get paid below minimum wage and on slow nights sometimes don't make enough for gas money, but as a chef de partie in a fairly nice rstaurant where the typical cost per diner was $100-$150, I could never make more than my 10.25 per hour for a 10 hour shift no matter how slammed the kitchen got and how hard we worked back there. Meanwhile, on good nights, a good server could make over a thousand and still come out way better than me even after tipping out. How happy and satisfied the diner is and how much they are willing to tip for a good meal (always assuming they are not non-tipping jerks), is a result of both front of house and back of house together. The tipping situation should reflect that. Either even out the base wage for all employees and split the trunck equally, or share the trunk proportionally with more going to the front of house staff that are paid below miniumn. Reward the kitchen staff for a job well done!!
Question: On more than one occasion, I have hosted a luncheon/dinner with an open bar. My contract states that 20% gratuity will be added to the total cost of food and beverages which are on separate lines on the bill so I know how much was spent on food, how much on drinks. In some cases, I have even had to pay a fee for a bar set-up and bartender. Then, I turn around and there is a tip jar sitting on the bar which brings me to my question: Who is getting the 20%. Was I out of line to tell them to please remove the tip jar. I felt these people are my guests and should be treated as such. It just happens that I am entertaining them at a venue outside my home. I wouldn't expect them to tip if it was in my home so why should they feel they need to tip outside my home?
Wow, lots of hate going on here. I take meds that require I drink TONS of whatever I'm drinking, usually diet soda. A waitress/waiter who brings me a new glass w/o asking with just make my day. That = good tips. Then I've had to ask other servers where my waiter is, track them down, etc just to pay the bill. I do understand I'm not the only person he/she is serving, but we shouldn't have to look for you.
But in regards to a lot of the complaints from servers, if you hate your jobs so much why stay working as a server? I'm in the medical field with a masters degree and probably make less than you could ever imagine, but I do it because I love to help people regardless of whether I'm compensated what I think I should be or even thanked by a client/patient.
I have enjoyed (not really) reading both sides of this argument....
So I have decided to leave an excerpt from my FB page...
Coincidentally...I have been as high as a General Manager in the service industry and as low as a dishwasher...
So here goes...
NOT only do i recommend this site to my fellow servers...(note the comments about poor service)...but I recommend this site to all of Galax, and other cities (hint hint FB friends, pass this on)! However, taxes aside (consuming that massive... $2.13 an hr) and people who are too inept to cook that need to be educated in the art of the tip, we as servers deserve some respect, which we gladly accept in a monetary form! We don't come to your job at 5 minutes until close and order a well done steak...we don't consume a gallon of our beverage of choice causing you to run a marathon...and we certainly are not members of the kitchen staff that incorrectly prepares your food. We are in fact the friendly smile that says hello and asks how your day is going. We entertain your children (no matter what mess they are making that we have to clean up later). We do our best to ensure your experience is going smoothly even if you are having a bad day...wife problems, dog crapped on the rug, kid failing basic math....and most times our management staff (which are paid handsomely) just take a back seat to watch us bust our a%$! So if you can't tip the 20+% we are worth, save yourself some of that hard earned money, which we don't come abuse you at your job for, and buy a frozen pizza/pre-made meal at wally world and eat it in the comfort of your own home! That way you can beat your dog, yell at your kid and not talk to your spouse in peace! THANKS.....fellow servers please feel free to forward this, I didn't copyright it!
Where do I begin? There are so many uninformed people making comments in ignorance on this board.
1. Wherever you shop you are subsidizing the employees even in industries that don't use tipping.
2. Basing your tip on the amount of tax is just … well, stupid. The amount of tax varies from city to city.
3. @Mike- Your ignorance is palpable. The biggest reason service is so bad in America is because, unlike Europe, it's not seen as a profession. It's something you do until you get a "real job". We are SERVERS not SERVANTS. Your attitude is the problem.
4. @Brian- You want to know why you should tip according to the bill? A $10 meal will get you $10 service- i.e. a quick salad or appetizer= Minimum effort, lower tip. A $60 bill suggests a full meal- more effort therefore more tip. I'm assuming, of course, you want to tip the $60 meal at the $10 rate. Cheapskate.
5. Hey Canadians! I hear it all the time, "We don't tip where we're from." YOUR NOT "WHERE YOU'RE FROM." As they say, "when in Rome" Maple Leaf.
I have worked in the restaurant business before, and I try to be generous with my tips. I realize that it's a tough job. My tip runs usually between 20-30%. However, as long as I am living and working in this country, I am allowed to decide how I spend my money. So, after hearing the tone of the remarks from the people I have, up until now, helped to support with my patronage, I am going to take their advice (especially the disgusting one who handles my food last, wink, wink) I am giving up restaurants. It's no longer worth the chance of offending someone who has a lousy opinion of their customer base anyhow. I think of a once a month trip out to eat as a special occasion for my wife and I, who both work for low wages, where we can be waited on in addition to getting a nice meal. Obviously, I am mistaken. I will return to a fast food restaurant where some mature people (those who can't get a livable wage because of their age) will be happy to have my patronage. To those single mothers and fathers who are waiting tables and serving drinks and busing tables, thanks for the memories. You will not be getting my business any more.
I generally tip 20% on the pre-tax amount of the bill.
"...remember, they're the last people to touch your food. ;-)"
See, this why I don't like to (and try not to) eat out any more. You want a good tip? Give good service first – don't complain and say if you give me a good tip I'll be nice to you next time. If you screw up my order or give bad service, I will NEVER go to your restaurant again. You lose money, your boss loses money and you're out of a job in short order.
I'm just trying to work out the math when people say "if the servers were properly paid, the meal would be twice as expensive" and then declare that the tip should be 20%. Perhaps it's just a statement that, for all their complaints, servers would much rather have their compensation determined by their customers than by their bosses, a very reasonable sentiment in the restaurant industry.
Ya know, I have read some of these comments and I am amazed at the emotion(s). I can tell you this; in all my years of dining (53 years), I have had maybe two occurrences of substandard service, and those weren’t really all that bad. This is over HUNDREDS of experiences in all kinds of restaurants from five stars to greasy spoons serving budget breakfasts. Do I tip well? Heck yeah, I’m getting GREAT service! Except, that the server does not know that I tip well ahead of time, remember? What is the secret? Well, I like to think that it is respect, a mutual respect. Admittedly, I’m different though, I actually make eye contact with flight attendants giving the safety speeches before takeoff because I feel that they are doing it for my own good and I respect them for that. Even though I have heard the story hundreds of times, it just feels respectful to stop what I am doing for 45 seconds or so and pay attention, and smile at the conclusion. It is the same with servers; I do not interrupt when they are explaining something or obviously busy elsewhere. I ALWAYS ask for their names, if they do not offer it, and I remember and use the name when addressing them, yes even in the greasy spoon diners. It does not take long in any type of restaurant for the server to realize that I am not demanding nor conceited. I have fun with them, for they really are fun people, else they wouldn’t enter into that line of employment in the first place. After all, there is always an auto parts counter somewhere where you can be grouchy to the customer, hell, it’s just about expected. Wait staff are inherently people folks and it is part of the dining experience for me to engage them both politely and playfully. The two are not mutually exclusive! It seems that especially in the high-class establishments where the customers tend towards “needy and bitchy” that the staff find me rather refreshing, as I do them. I let them know what to expect. For instance, I do not drink alcohol. Often I say, “(insert name here) it would be a good idea to bring me the biggest glass of Coca Cola that y’all have back in the kitchen so that I don’t have to run your legs off with refills”. I’m smiling, they are smiling. Most often I get a pitcher of Coke set before me, or two Cokes to get me started, or they simply watch out for me because I explained that I have a powerful thirst. It isn’t really that hard to communicate. Let your needs be known, let your expectations be realistic, let your heart be glad that you can afford to dine out, and don’t take yourself so seriously, after all, we both know that you, nor I, are all that. If you think you are then you are a butt by definition. Finally, on countless occasions after dining I have asked to speak with the manager on duty just before leaving. I can see it in their faces when they approach me that they expect some sort of butt chewing; sad really. When I tell them quietly and privately what a fantastic experience I had and how (insert name here) enhanced the evening/morning/afternoon with his/her level of attention, professionalism, and fantastic sense of humor it never ceases to amaze me how surprised they are. Most of them tell me that they almost never get that kind of feedback, and ALL of them thank me profoundly for taking the time to let them know that their staff is first rate. Really folks, isn’t life somewhat short to act like doo-doo heads? Is it not more pleasurable to be happy? I have never been a waiter but I can imagine it to be very demanding, and to those that serve me I say we will get along just fine, for you know intuitively that you don’t have to act a certain way with me; just be you and I will be me. We both know that we are not better than the other; we breathe the same air after all.
A tip is gratitude for a job well done and when I was younger I learned that even when a job is well done, some people just won't tip. I delivered news papers at the age of 10 and then right out of high school delivered pizza's for a large national delivery company and I learned from those experiences to not rely on the kindness of others to make my ends meet.
I've worked in Customer Service for 20 years and the only thing I can say is this... If you don't like what you're doing, or the money isn't there... Do something else and don't complain about it. One server in an earlier post mentioned that I should think about her two dollars an hour while I eat my 30 dollar steak. Why? Why should I have to worry about you and your financial situation?
I've worked hard to get where I am in my career and to be making the money that I make and I did by working in the ditches without a college education. I have defied many odds in my career to make the money I make today and I am certainly not going to worry about the two dollars you make while I eat a steak that I worked very hard for.
Given that I know how customers can be, I tend to tip on the heavy side. Heck, there have been nights where I can see the wait staff is short handed and doing their best to stay above water and those are the nights I will tip even heavier because it's hard to keep up with people call out sick or just don't show up.
So don't tell me that I have to worry about your financial situation... Do a good job for me and my family and I will do my best to put a few bucks in your pocket. (Too many things these days have become rights versus privileges)
How many times will a person working in the food service industry threaten "doing something" with the customer's food on this blog? It that really the attitude of a professional?
If you want to be treated as a professional, then act like a professional both on the job and on the Internets Tubes.
In reading this tripe, it appears that wait staff have poor attitudes because of crappy customers and the customers have poor attitudes because of crappy wait staff. Can anyone see a circular pattern here.
So who is gonna put on their big kid pants and stop this cycle?
Dear self-righteous waitstaff...who do you think you are? You are employed by a business and it is your JOB to wait on customers in an effecient and courteous manner. I have worked in this industry for over 20 years in all different kinds of places..greasy spoon breakfast joints to fine dining. At my peak, I made $30,000-$35,000 a year and worked about 35 hours a week. That, by the way, was at a casual family style restaraunt, nothing fancy. I approach every table thinking about providing good service and doing my job. It is not always easy. I may get a lousy tip for whatever reason... maybe the cook screwed up, maybe I screwed up, maybe some people are just cheap, ignorant jerks who don't believe in tipping or are impossible to please. It is a thankless job. But it (usually) works out in the end. You take the bad with the good. And keeping that attitude is way less stressful than obsessing over who tips what.
Dear Pompous Ass Customer....servers are not mind-readers, we don't know who made the reservation, or who expects to pay the bill. (And whats with fighting over the check right in front of me? Oh so NOW tipping suddenly becomes an important issue to you, now I get threatened with "If you want a tip, you'll give it to me.") We don't know if you are done with the plate in front of you or you're just taking your time. And we are not trying to be pushy when we suggest a drink or dessert. Many restaraunts require their staff to make certain suggestions or upsell. Most of us hate it. And believe me, I don't want to sit down next to you either, but if my boss says I have to, well, sorry dude...scoot over.
I feel better now.
there's a bunch of holier-than-thou waitstaff patrolling this article..
To the people who say paying min. wage to waiters would increase food costs:
Obviously. Food costs are already increased by the expected tip. The only difference is that you would have the "tip" built in, in the form of the min. wage. The way you could argue for a system based on tipping is if you are looking to short your workers; looking to shift the burden to your customers because you don't care enough to properly look out for your workers. Food service workers are constantly being exploited by owners, whether it's through shift work or working for tips. It's a farce.
To the self-entitled waitstaff:
You may work a long grueling shift at $2.03/hr or whatever it is you work for, but even if you only served one customer per hour and that person tipped you 20% on a $10+ order... you would make around, with an 8 hour shift, let's say $32. But obviously you're not only waiting on one customer per hour. Increase it to two and you make $48. But obviously you're not only serving two people. If you serve three people per hour who all tip 20%, you're now making more than minimum wage. So if you think that just because you only make "$2.03/hr", you're somehow entitled to a 30% tip from the six person table you just waited, as well as the 6 or 7 other couples or groups of three you waited on during your shift... you're crazy. I mean let's say a 6 person table spends $70 (on the low, low end). At 20%, that's $14 just for that one table. Add that to your 2.03/hr and the 4 or 5 other tables covered during your shift (again a low estimate) and you're bringing in, very roughly, around $77.
Anyway, everyone I know who works for tips makes a killing so.. I don't get all the "our livelihood is at stake" if you tip less than 25%.
@Wow- regarding the waiters' livelihood thing-
Currently I'm writing a master's thesis on the service industry, not that that entitles me to anything like expertise, but I feel I can shed some light. My info is obtained through waitstaff interviews at multiple establishments. Here are some of my findings, casually presented:
Waiters at all types of restaurants I've studied have 'good nights', where they have higher sales, say anywhere from $500 to $800+, and therefore (hopefully) on those nights make at least 20%, $100-$200+.
Then there's the 'bad nights', when they sell $200 or even less, and make 20% on that. Why so little sales? Many possible factors: Maybe the restaurant is just slow, or maybe it's a Tuesday, or maybe there's more waiters that needed working on the floor, or maybe it's raining...maybe any combination or all of those. Whatever the cause, bad nights happen, and in my research area (city), they seem to happen frequently, at least once a week.
So far most of the people I've interviewed have worked, on average, four shifts a week. (By the way- they are students 66%, supplementing primary job income 21%, only waiting tables 11%.) Just hypothetically now, let's do the weekly take-home-tips math: one bad night at $20, one ok night, such as you suggest, at $80, one good night at $100, and one great night at oh, $180. (One server's actual numbers from a week in mid-September). That total number is $380, for 32 total hours of work. If the server is making 2.13/hr, and 'claims' all of his/her tips per shift, the $2.13/hr is negated, resulting in that blank paycheck servers are talking about. Also bear in mind the 10% tipout per shift which goes to the bartender and busboys. We're now down to around $340 per week.
$340/week= $1360/month = $16,320. That's only about $5,000 over the 2009 poverty line. And in cities like mine, where cost of living is higher than the US average, these servers are only $1500 off the city poverty line.
Economically speaking, livelihood indeed.
I've stopped hiring ex-servers at my business, I've learned too many times that they are some of the most entitled and untrustworthy employees in the world, they have no respect for anything.
Maybe your just not a good judge of character. I've known most servers to be some of the most hard-working, trustworthy, and diligent people.
I used to be a server in a high class restaurant while in college. I always tip well , at least 20% standard. What really pisses me off is the servier asking "you still working on that?". I am eating my meal, not "working on it". I am dining, not working on anything.
I was raised with manners, and whenI'm finished eating I put my fork and knife together on the plate. Its very telling when a waitstaff says that, I'm done with that restaurant as it means they train their staff poorly and have bad standards of service..
allow the ignorant fool to join the conversation. @Mike, Why do you expect so highly of your servers? (I am terribly sorry if I offended anybody..) anybody serving you would be in a bad mood by the end of the meal, and please remember nobody is perfect. I say tip everybody. Tip the excellent servers highly and the medicore servers the lowest possible.
1. I would prefer to have the cost of my food increase 10-20% if that meant I would no longer have to tip.
2. I do not understand the argument of those like "owner/chef" that believe that getting rid of the tipping system would make a $25 meal cost $75.
3. "Paul" was very wise in saying that the tipping system is degrading for both customer and server.
I waitressed for 13 years. I got a huge kick out of it because of the kind of restaurant it was, but it was definitely hard work. It's not easy being "on" all the time, running around, keeping things straight, cleaning things up–it's very physically draining. I was lucky; I had a full-time job very different from the restaurant work I was doing. Most everyone else was working two or three jobs just to make ends meet. I was an AMAZING server, and I consistently scored 100 on my mystery guest assessments. Even then I had my share of cheap people and people who thought they were better than me simply because I was a server. I would NEVER, EVER do anything to someone's food, but I occasionally would call someone out if he or she was truly an ass. I am lucky I had the luxury. My friends/fellow servers didn't. I also had the support of the restaurant. I do not tip less than 20%. People work in the service industry because they need the money. While it's only $1 or $5 for you, sometimes that's the only way your server is going to be able to pay for food that month or keep a roof over his or he own head. Cheap people SUCK.
Most of this forum is giving customers a bad taste in their mouths about servers and I just want to clarify a few things. I've been waiting tables for the past 10 years and I now do it as my 2nd job, not that I have to, but because I want to. When I put on my uniform and strap on my apron, I am excited to go into work. Not only am I working with people I consider to be my friends, but I'm waiting on great people who actually come back to see ME. I take pride in making my guests happy and have a great feeling if they leave with full tummy's and smiles on their faces. The matter of tipping seems to be a huge issue on here and it is! I feel that, if you get crappy service, then tip accordingly. I understand if you feel that leaving 10-15% seems sufficient to you because of whatever reason, that's okay. Because for every one of your 10-15% tips, I'm getting 20% or higher from someone else. You win some, you lose some and that's all a part of life. All of this "they should make your pay minimum wage and cut out tipping" would only make finding good help impossible and your dining experience go even further down the tube. Yes, it's not a hard job, but we put up with a lot. Don't believe that all servers hate their jobs and hate people. Some of us actually take pleasure in making your experience memorable.
I remember I waited tables along with working retail and being a full time high school student and athlete. One incident sticks out in my mind. On a very slow night I had a table of six. They had my full attention since there were no other tables. I had to fill up ketchup bottles and dishes of ranch along with getting dinner roll after dinner roll, extra napkins, my salad doesn't have enough cheese, my fries don't have enough salt, i don't like this wine lets try another one, even more ketchup bottles, and so on. I was completely pleasant the whole time and got what they wanted seconds after they asked for it. The total bill ended up being over $100 and I got a $2 tip, In most cases gratuity is automatically added for parties of six or more, unfortunately this wasn't one of those cases.
I worked hard, and with a smile on my face every single second I served at this restaraunt. I even came in with food poisoning one day and still was completely pleasant considering the intense amounts of pain I was in all night. I agree that servers are not automatically entitled to their tips, they should earn them. But that's just it, if they earn them give it to them. I alway judge a server before I tip and I think that's exactly how it should be ever time.
To all the waiters out there, working hard at what is surely one of THE most trying jobs ever, Thank You! You are appreciated.
Worth a look: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20428990_3,00.html
If some of the restaurants would start charging less for the meals we now get less of...I would gladly leave larger tips!
People are downright rude at restaurants.. Seriously if your waitress walks up to you and says Hi how are you today and if you dont respond back your gonna have a waitress who treats you like crap right back. If you clearly see that your waitress is busy do not suck down your drink and expect a refill immediately.. your not her only table!!! When you see your waitress taking care of another table do not interrupt her wait until she walks away from the table. Your gonna get treated right back how you treat people.. If your just gonna leave a penny as a tip after your waitress has busted her butt for you don't bother it just makes us more mad. If your waitress was downright rude and deserved not to get a tip thats fine but if your waitress kept a smile on her face and got you what you wanted as fast as they could they deserve a tip. some of us are working 2 and 3 jobs just to support their kids. wouldn't it make you mad if your child was busting their butt for someone and they weren't getting paid for it?? Hey at least we are working and aren't just sitting on our bums collecting your tax dollars
I always tip 20%. Even if the person does not deserve it. I do it because it's just the right thing to do.
I expect servers to be polite and do their best. Not because I deserve it but because it's the right thing to do.
If a server gives bad service because they don't get tipped well, then their priorities are not right. To give only good service because you're expecting a good tip shows your motivations are wrong. There are other ways to grab cash.
If a customer does not tip properly then he or she should not be eating out. It's how the system works.
Everyone who complains about tipping should learn about the methods employed in the cost controlling of restaurants. If you were to stop the tipping habit, most outstanding "mom and pop" style restaurants would go out. Only the flavorless corporate giants would be able to ride that one out. Also, YOUR cost would increase quite a bit to supplement the increase of labor costs. Most restaurants (try to) run a labor cost percentage of around 30%. Considering that wait/bar staff are sometimes 1/2 the staff, an increase in their salaries would be hard hitting to the restaurant and would most likely raise the price of food at least 30 more percent (kinda makes 20% a deal, doesnt it?). At least in this incentive based tip system, your waitstaff (should) work harder to please knowing that their livelihood depends on your generosity. In a system where incentive is removed and the waitstaff has no incentive to work hard... hehe, you complain now, just wait.
For you servers that think you automatically deserve a tip whatever it is....lose the entitlement. Yes I know your base salary is $2 an hour and you depend on the tips, but no one is forcing you to work such a lousy arrangement.
hahahahahhaha YESS I LOVE THIS!! I used to be a waitress and honestly .. you learn some people reallyyy suckkk and for every complaint they have about their waitor we have about 1000000 worse things to say to the customer! LOL ON POINT!
i always have to laugh.... people who have been waiters are MUCH more likely to treat their servers respectfully... they also are much more generous with tips. People who have waited tables before are not inherently better people, they just know how hard the job is, and are more able to appreciate good/excellent/outstanding service.
in my job now, i try to never ask or expect anyone to do something i have not already done myself at some point. you can't reasonably gauge someone's quality of work if you haven't done it yourself. its a shame the same cannot be true for restaurant servers... anyone getting waited on should have been a waiter themselves, it would change many a perspective. of course that's not possible, so we'll always have creeps who think waiters are their personal slaves and that leaving no tip is ever appropriate.
Will not tip if a server calls me hun. End of story. it's childish, presumtive, and plain bad manners. Shows a lack of Intelligence on the servers part. Don't know how to address me? Look it up. U DON"T KNOW ME well enough to call me hun.
Will stiff a server for it everytime. USUALLY I ask to be addressed in a different manner before I lose it. If you continue, I will ask for another server. I'm not a hooker/bartender so don't try and butter me up with calling me hun.........My job? I'M A SERVER!
stop going to diners.... that's the only place they call you hun... and that's because its expected as part of the diner experience. it's a term of endearment, before you i've never heard of anyone being offended having been called hun.
frankly... its a little bizarre that the word hun would cause you to not leave a tip, you should see a therapist about that, hun.
Will not tip if a server calls me hun. End of story. it's childish, presumtive, and plain bad manners. Show a lack of Intelligence on teh servers part. Don't know how to address me? Look it up. U DON"T KNOW ME well enough to call me hun.
@ OWNER/CHEF
If you only make .18 cents on a $25 steak/meal...you are definitely in the wrong business. My brother own a small shop and if he isn't making at least 70% above cost he would close up. I think you should stop whining and learn how to run your business properly and pay your staff a little more. If I get poor service, you get poor or no tip...
For those of you that complain about 15% versus the preferred 20%, one thing I would like to point out is that some of us are government employees eating on the government dime while travelling very far away on government business. We are only allowed to be reimbursed for 15% gratuity and although I may desire to tip more, as a lowly state employee I really can't afford to. I also do not have the option of eating at home. Please, at least try to be grateful that you get the full 15% because although I will be reimbursed, sometimes I don't think the server is worth that much of my tax money.
The whole "if there wasn't tipping the price of the food would be exorbitantly high" thing is specious at best. Not every place only pays 2.00 an hour. Here in Washington state, servers are paid at least state minimum wage (which is higher than federal minimum) plus tips. I think it's currently like 8.50 or 9.00per hour. The price of restaurant food here is pretty much the same as restaurant food everywhere (I travel a lot, I know) and I have never, ever, ever been charged $75.00 for a hamburger or a steak or whatever it was.
I had dinner at the Space Needle restaurant recently and I think our dinners were about 45.00 each. That particular restaurant is a little on the pricey side. I'm sure there are more expensive places in town, though I haven't been to them. Nevertheless, even with the prices @ the space needle the servers average 9-15 per hour (PLUS tips). I know this because I had a conversation about it with the server who was by the way given a 26% tip. I rounded up.
My point though is that the prices at the average "family" restaurant are congruent with the prices at the same type places throughout the country even though backwater places like Kansas pay only 2.00 per hour. The higher wages that are paid here do not cause the cost of restaurant meals to go through the roof. It's a BS argument with no merit in fact.
@Customer Advocate.. I guess economics is really an issue here. In the restaurant business as in grocery stores, as well as businesses there are many expenses, consider a mortgage or rent, taxes (including property, sales and employment), utilities, which are all truly astronomical. Although I do see your point, however in order for an establishment to receive that price for all of those items they must maintain good quality food, a clean establishment and good consistent service. Good service is indeed something that you will always pay for through tipping. If you stiff your mechanic, attorney, or doctor, they turn it over to collections. I claim all of the money that I make, otherwise that is stealing, not only from the government, but from the establishment. I have been in the restaurant business for almost 25 years. I am lucky, I put myself through college and after I graduated, I found a good job, however the restaurant that I worked at asked me if I would consider staying on after I found my career path. I love what I do as a server; I like the people that I get interact with. I have a clientele; I know who will be good to me and who will just be mediocre. No matter how badly a guest treats me, I would never ruin their food, but have seen many servers not be so caring. Karma has a way of working those things out. I will admit that I am also grateful that I do not have to provide service to any of the customers that have complained about having to tip on this board. Really if you don’t want to tip, consider ordering take out, allow these people to make an honest living and raise their families. Most people consider tipping a gratuitous issue, but my mother who worked her fingers to the bone raising four children alone on tips would disagree, so honestly most have no real idea what it means to basically have to beg for money. This is really what tipping is all about, and instead of standing on a corner holding a sign they are politely smiling, tolerating your humorless jokes and how badly the children of bad patrons treat them. I do agree that unfortunately, African American patrons on the whole (NOT ALL) do not tip well, and tend to abuse their servers. I am not stereo typing, I am telling you the way things really are. I treat everyone the same, with respect. It would be great if guests in a restaurant treated their servers the same way, however we will always be the help.
Customer Advocate,
Your logic is sound, but you are not exposed to the real economics of the food service business.
Please learn more about it.
“Those with all of the answers seldom understand the questions”
It helped pay my way through grad school and prided myself on my performance as a server; I was compensated accordingly on a weighted average basis. ( by tips)
I was very happy to reach my goal. (My current career)
Always complain about poor service! Understand what you server can control. (This helps every other customer, good servers and owners)
I tip - but I just don't understand why we as a society single out one specific group of people to treat differently. If I am paying $10-20 per plate, and $5-7 per drink, $30-50 on a bottle of wine (this is in a cheap city!) - why is there simply not enough money to pay the staff a fair wage ??? - and why must the customer be forced to pay and extra 20% surcharge ???? And why does this surcharge scale with the cost? Is it 5 times harder to bring a $50 steak to my table than a $10 burger? It weighs about the same.
what about the checkout person at the grocery store? they have kids, rent, living expenses? why con't we give them an extra few percent?
what about the guy that comes to fix our cable? or internet?? would it really hurt us to pay them a $5 for showing up on time?
Or our flight attendants and airline captains - they risk their lives every day to make our travel safe. go beyond that to the luggage carriers, schedulers, gate agents, and air traffic controllers. should't an on -time flight arrival justify a few hundred dollars to spread around the they guys that make it happen??
What's even more interesting is the vilification of the customers, by the servers. The waitpeople are kings and the customers (people who pay the bills) are monsters. The waitpeople can't be bothered to transfer a check from the bar to the restaurant - no, the customer must go OUT OF HIS WAY to make the servers happy. wow - if i treated my customers like that I would be fired within months, if not weeks.
And all of these servers that chastise older people for using tip cards are now economics experts. As if they would be waiting tables if they had the capability to do a thinking job successfully. For some reason if the restaurant had to pay its employees, the customers would end up paying MORE that the current price+current tip? That's just simply not the case.
I know things won't change in the US, at least until after the financial meltdown that is going to occur. Until then, I will tip - but I just won't understand it. And I do realize I have little choice than to tip - and even an fair complaint is likely to get something disgusting on my plate.
I think we all know that servers are paid below minimum wage and that their salary depends on tips from customers and I've often wondered why. I don't buy that a restaurant would have to TRIPLE prices if paying staff an extra $8-10/hr. But that aside, this has been a difficult read. It would be much easier to cite our need as clients to do the right thing by servers if not also reading about how vindictive many are. So, you don't forget bad tippers and treat people accordingly?
Outsider hit the nail on the head. If your job requires that you provide service to paying clients of an establishment and you keep a hit list of those you think have mistreated you...it seems you are in the wrong profession. Because your bad behavior will be just as remembered but it's your bottom line that's being affected.
I may not like the whole idea of tipping but I always tip. Contrary to popular notion that women are bad tippers, I and my friends use a standard of 20% but I have no problem making a statement to poor service with a lower tip. And really...poor service in my book is less about some detailed particulars or a wait as it is about attitude. You bring a nasty, rude demeanor to our table...and I can guarantee you it will be reflected in your tip; sort of like the chicken and egg...which came first? Bad attitude or bad tipping?
I think the stupidity from Palin2012 and the uptight racism from dc big mac or w/e killed this thread.
Sleep well, sweet prince.
I have served for two years to pay for school, and it has been an overall enjoyable experience. I am a friendly person and definitely go above and beyond for my customers; my comment cards always reflect that fact. Most servers will always go the extra mile, and most customers will always show their appreciation. One person on either side who does not shouldn't put a bad taste in your mouth.
One thing that many people have addressed is that the official government policy is that when a server doesn't make minimum wage, the restaurant must make that up. Although that is the official policy, it is DEFINITELY NOT enforced. Because there is no way for you to prove you're not squirreling away cash tips, they will NOT make up the difference.
The use of the world 'entitlement' makes me laugh. The restaurant industry has been this way for as long as I can remember...the customer expects good service and the server does their best to see that they receive it. And then the customer is expected to tip as compensation for that service. That's how the industry works. It's not as if this is something new. And quite honestly, isn't that essentially how all business works? Admit it...you go to your job, whatever that job is, and expect to be paid for doing it well. But just think if you had to depend on how your boss was feeling that day as to how much you'd be compensated. You could still do the best job possible, and if he was in a bad mood or blamed you for something that is beyond your control, you'd get little or nothing. So now you're the one complaining that you don't make enough money....shall we accuse you of being 'entitled' now? Look, no one is saying that you should tip for poor service, but you should at least go to the restaurant with the expectation that if your waiter/waitress gives you good service, you should compensate them.
Whether you agree with how the restaurant industry works or not isn't even the issue; if you decide to go out to eat at a restaurant and let someone else serve you, you've agreed with their practice. You are essentially the 'boss' in this situation. You determine whether your 'employee' gets compensated well, poor, or not at all. Maybe you could think about that the next time you go out, and also, try to take into consideration everything that's going on. 90% of the time, your food taking a long time or it not being cooked to your liking isn't the server's fault. There are a lot of things that go on behind the scenes that are out of their control. If they're sincere and apologize, and try to fix any issue, then you can rest assured that they are doing the best they can.
btw, I do have to agree that there are a lot of negative service workers on here, but please don't think that all servers feel the same way...I'm sure the negative ones on here only represent a small percentage of waitstaff in the US.
I have been a waitress for 4 years. The first three were at a job where I did not make tips because we served the same people every day. I made a little over minimum wage. Now I make half of minimum wage plus tips. If someone comes in that I know is not going to tip I ring them up under carry out so I don't have to pay any of my hard earned taxes towards their sale. We all know who you are who don't tip. It's easy to tell, that's probably why you get sh*tty service! If you walk in with an attitude why would you expect good service? That doesn't make any sense. I work in a fast paced environment and frequently remind my rude customers that they are not my only table. I can't hover because I would never have time to get to all my tables if I did that!
In all the articles and all the comments that I have ever read, I've never been inclined to comment myself...until now. I usually read the comments to amuse myself, considering that a good majority of those people that do comment just make themselves look stupid, but I felt that I had to put in my two cents, if only to respond to all those people who feel that waitstaff should find another job if they can't live on $2 – $3 an hour. You do realize that if they all did that, there would be no one left to serve your food, don't you? If your argument is that if those that wait tables should get a different job if they can't get by on their paid wage, then what happens to the restaurants? All that would be left would be fast food, because the nice restaurants would have no one to work for them. All those waiters/waitresses would be out getting a 'real' job.
Quite honestly, I'm really not sure what the issue is here. If you go out to a restaurant and want to receive good service, you should expect to pay for it. Obviously if the service is bad, they don't deserve a tip, but in reading a lot of these comments, I get the feeling that most of you don't feel you should have to tip at all. If you have that attitude, perhaps you should petition the government to raise the minimum wage for waitstaff, but don't take it out on the people that are trying to make a living. It's not their fault that they don't get paid much. The bottom line is, in the US restaurant industry, waitstaff get paid a pittance, and a tip is expected to insure good service. If you don't like it, like I said, write to your congressman or stay home. If you want to eat out, expect to tip. At least for good service...I don't expect anyone to tip for bad service. Or perhaps restaurants could just add on 15% to every patron's bill and then pass that along to the staff. Then you don't actually have to think of it as 'tipping'. I can only imagine the kind of service you'd get then. I'm not sure you realize that if a server depends on a tip from you, they will do everything they can to make sure your dinner is a pleasant one. What would happen if they already made their money just by being there? I can't imagine you'd find really good service anywhere then.
And yes, I was a waitress for 10 years, and I was a darn good one. I gave great service, endured many jerks, and never once did anything to anyone's food. And quite honestly, I loved the job most of the time. I CHOSE to do it, I didn't HAVE to do it. It takes a special kind of person to work in the service industry and I can honestly say that a lot of you on here, (at least by your ignorant comments) would never make it more than a month, if that. I totally respect anyone who's ever worked as a waiter/waitress and stuck it out. I know it's been said many times here, but it is totally true...if you've never done it, you can't appreciate it.
Where is our government during all of this? Why wont Obama help these people?
I've been waiting at tables for years, and I've noticed soem striking things:
1) Blacks always order water and stiff people on the tip.
2) Jews dont tip at all.
3) Whites always bitch and complain about the food and are REAL picky with their tip leavings.
4) Hispanics always bring groups of like 25 and leave only $5 at most.
Sorry for the breakdown bros but I'm justs aying what I notice. I'm not racist.
I waited tables for over 8 years. Generally I really enjoyed it and thought it a very rewarding profession. But it astounds me that some people can be so mean to waiters. These people don't seem to realize that waiters have an incredible amount of power over what people injest. I've seen some things that would make you cringe. To those that think it is okay to be rude, disrespectful and not tip, be especially aware of the same waiter should you go back to the restaurant. Especially if they are being extra sweet. There is probably something in your food you would rather not be there. And the visine bottle that some waiters carry, is not for their eyes. Think about it.
hey alex u wanna put ball juice in my food. go for it. considering i only order bottle water at flemings.... with cap still on. i dont order food. i come hang out with my +6 buddies. taking up your 3 tables, 2 at each but we request to sit near each other. we stay there for 2 hours at least. the more ball juice u wipe ... the more ppl we bring next day. ordering nothing again.
I wait as well and if you are in the profession for the tip, you are in the wrong line of work.
I waited tables for several years throughout high school and college and have gone out to eat many, many times since then so I have been on both sides of the spectrum. I once had a server who took my table's order and then I saw him leave and get in a car. He came back 30 minutes later and brought us our food. Needless to say, he got no tip. It all depends on the situation. If the service is slow because the restaurant is packed, I don't let that affect the tip but if a server is genuinely rude or terrible, their tip starts to lessen. However, having been a server myself, I have to say I encountered far more unpleasant customers as a server than I have unpleasant servers as a customer. The next time you treat your server like a dog, just keep this in mind- you don't see your food being prepared in most places. I have personally witnessed horrible things happen to peoples' food because they were being rude, arrogant pricks. So the next time you want to cop an attitude with a server who is working their butt off for you, enjoy the snot rocket that gets mixed into your soda and also know that if you stiff someone, they're very likely to remember who you are the next time you come in.
I'm curious to all of the wait staff that has so rudely been responding, when you see a "tip" jar or some other equivalant do you tip that person or establishment? Somehow I don't think so, look, your "entitled" attitude over tips is really quite disgusting. Most people tip and tip the 15-20% that has been the standard amount, if it isn't enough to live on and pay your bills, then find a new job, and before all the rude comments come in, I work for the county Social Services office and really deal with people who most of you won't even let into your establishments, but I do it as it is a job and pays my bills...we all have issues and problems going on in our lives, learn to suck it up!
1) I did not bad mouth him. I said that I didn't think he changed the world. I still stand by my opinion.
2) I said that I am happy that a black man was elected in this country because I I am against racism and bigotry in all forms and Obamas victory is a vicotory for all Americans by the very nature that he is black. It was great day when he was elected. Do you hear me saying that?
3) You attacked me for being white. Yes it is true that I have never been black and can not fully understand the plight of the black in America. Yet, I still can acknowledge that Blacks have been put down, and treated horribly in America and be sad that this took place. And I truly would like race relations to improve.
4) Racism comes from Ignorance. It would seem that you immediately hate me because I'm white and you perceive that I slighted Obama. Bad news is, you are more of a racist than I am or ever will be. You would think that with all your complaints about white racism that you would learn a lesson, and try not to HATE. But you have hate in your heart.
5) I am not the reason for BLACK OPPRESSION. I am your friend, and a friend to all who recognize intolerance and attempt to cleanse it from society.
6) It would be nice if you didn't pre-judge me based upon my the color of my skin. You don't know my heart, you don't know what I teach my children, and you don't the example I set in my community. If you did, you would hug me.
7) Prejudice is very ugly. Try not to hate so much. The world will be better for it.
8) Lastly, I voted for Obama as did my wife and two children. I personally like him very much and think that he is sincere, smart and has a lot of class. I think Michelle is superb too. But you should know that for me, his color has nothing to do with it. I voted for "a man" not "a black man". And although he may have changed your world, he has not yet changed "the world"
9) Jesus Christ may be the one man who has had the most dramatic influence and "changeD in the world", but even his change has only effected about 1/3 the world's population.
FRED
i dont feel bad at all about small tips, because they have 4-6 tables at a time and the money adds up fast and all servers know it
June 21, 2010 at 2:21 pm | Reply
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not all tables got there at the same time, so not all of that is made in "1 hr" since some people may stay 2 hours, others 35min, and so on. This skews your ignorant idea of an average "per hour"... so camping tables hurt your average, as do low tippers. Tip what is deserved due to service, you have no idea what other customers will do and it is rude for you to expect so. What fi everyone thought like you? Thats 4-6 low tips due to moronic ignorance.
GOD WANTS YOUR MONEY
@bro2044: Yes, I'm sure a all powerful God really gives a shit about peices of paper issued from the Federal Reserve.
You're a tool and a fool. The 10% bullshit got started by the Catholic church because they wanted money. Around the timewhen they sold peices of paper that "forgave you of sins".
June 22, 2010 at 11:09 am | Reply
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LOL ok, re-read. I was making fun of someone esle's comment about tithing and "what people give", not actually saying what people should do with their money. Now please, less screaming, more research. I actually don't think God cares about federal reserve paper and was making that point with what I said. Slow to speak, quick to listen bud. Read again ;)
Chris in Tdot
Oh dear...
Servers: Firstly, to suggest that workers in the food industry work any harder for their pay than anyone else is simply ignorant. I pumped gas for my first job. It sucked, paid poorly and I never 'expected' to be tipped. When it did happen, I was appreciative and took it as a sign that I was doing something over-and-above what was expected of me.
Realizing that the job sucked... I did something apparently beyond the comprehention of many of the indivs posting here..... I got an education and bettered my employment situation... Crazy thought eh?
Secondly: A tip or 'gratuity' is exactly what it sounds like: Not assumed, not expected, not required and completely at the discretion of the paying-party. It is, in fact, a bonus of sorts; gifted to the server for exceptional service. It is not: 1) guaranteed income or 2) requisite compensation for lackluster service.
Thirdly: If a propper understanding of "the tip" is outside of your grasp.. as is personal betterment. Perhaps prospect employment for an establishment who's pay structure doesnt assume 'gratuity'.... McDonald's maybe? Then you wouldn't have to 'try so hard.'
June 21, 2010 at 3:05 pm |
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maybe you should change your name to "Chris an Idiot"
sorry you pumped gas as your first job, that sucks that you chose such a stupid place to start. Oh, was that insulting? Because you just insulted an entire working class due to your moronic assumptions about their lives. You will find partiers and lazy people in this industry, but I sure bet you weren't allowed to pump that gas for 55-60 hours a week, now were you? No, servers are not all that heavily worked in comparison to many jobs, but for what we make on average we are working hard on our feet all day. I remember coming home and my feet being red and hard to stand on because I had just worked a 13-hr shift and had trouble walking. Is it the toughest job? no. do we choose it? yeh, for some reason or another we did... and mostly it has to do with the hours while either going through school, getting another job, or holding down 2. I'm currently working on a masters in Music, interviewing as a Personal Banker at Chase Bank where I already have a job, and working 30 hrs a week at Silver Fox Steahouse.
so please stfu and keep your ignorant comments to yourself.
RIGHT ON! That was my situation (at the time). I was going through a Masters Program and had to work with idiots who base their lives off assumptions, assuming that I was going to be serving for the rest of my life...NOT! I think it's so funny how people who work everyday lackluster jobs and lead boring lives can talk about me, when they don't realize, in a few months I'll be surpassing your loser life and going on to bigger and better.
@Sourdiesel.....YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!! You sound more like a racist then you do worried about tips. YOU STEREOTYPING UNEDUCATED FOOL! You should be ashamed of yourself. I have worked in a restaurant for a year before I went to law school, and I have seen some serious "white trash" and other cultures who absolutely SUCK at tipping. Old people aren't really aware of how it goes, and yes, it does seem like those that order well done steaks tip horribly, but you have no right to generalize. "NAACP TABLES" ?! seriously?! And by the way, your ignorance is showing when you say things like "this is fact" then follow it with saying "in my experience". READ A BOOK AND IF YOUR STILL SERVING, TRY A NEW OCCUPATION!
The well done steaks thing is funny, haven't heard that before. A member of my family is older and always orders steak well done – and, she's not a great tipper. But it's not b/c she's a jerk, she's a wonderful person who is super nice to servers. But she comes from a time and place where the bill for the entire meal might be $10 – so a certain habit developed where she just leaves a few dollars, that's a tip in her mind, she just doesn't put any further thought into it, she's not trying to stiff anyone.
Now, she's getting it though and will ask me 'is this enough of a tip?' :)
Thanks Obama. Now the effects of your recsession are felt all the way to the resturant industry.
Lou
they choose to wait tables because of that attitude that would be tolerated NO where else or because they're to lazy to work 40 hour weeks and interrupt their time to "party"
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wrong. its lenient hours, but you can pick up anytime while you go to school to become a professor or a lawyer as well... so stop ASSUMING and making yourself look so ignorant. Sometimes these people are working harder because they never had any parents or family to help them through anything ever.
@bro2044: Yes, I'm sure a all powerful God really gives a shit about peices of paper issued from the Federal Reserve.
You're a tool and a fool. The 10% bullshit got started by the Catholic church because they wanted money. Around the timewhen they sold peices of paper that "forgave you of sins".
TJ
I'm not quite sure what's developed in the service industry here in the US, for whatever reason folks have developed an "entitlement" mentality. If I take my car to a mechanic before having work done I am told a price and at the conclusion I can expect to pay no more than quoted (no tip required or expected), if I am delighted at the outcome I can certainly grease the mechanics hand with a few greenbacks as I say thanks alot. The shop isn't expecting me to su;pliment the income of the mechanics. The same holds true of most jobs. Yet, way too many restaurants charge a price for their food near the maximum most communities can afford and then expect the customer to do what the establishment should have been doing in the first place which is to pay the server and staff. I find it odd that the service industry and the IRS both feel as if they are entitled to large portions of our earnings, God only asks for 10%, neither of them match up with the latter.
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yeh um... God asks for 10% of EVERYTHING... IRS and businesses just ask for a percentage of money. If you consider money to be everything, then you definitely haven't given your 10% to God.
JonnyK
If servers had flat wages instead of working for tips, there would be absolutely no incentive for a server to go out of their way to satisfy YOU, the person they really work for, and you'd get crappy service every time. Also, Einstein, if servers wages were higher and there was no tipping system, the added cost of labor would be included in the price of your food/drink.
I swear, America is filled with a bunch of these cheap, lazy, conservative, economically illiterate idiots.
June 21, 2010 at 5:21 pm |
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untrue, or that would be true of EVERYONE in business. Businesses are trusted to provide good service to their customers in any case, so if a restaurant paid its servers then all of them would work hard because they're already making the money. Sometimes we work hard and make squat, and its because someone had an argument on the way here, bad traffic, kids crying the whole time, business deal gone wrong, no loan from the bank, long wait at the host stand, etc... tons of the time its not about just giving great friendly service, but actually flipping the entire mood of a frustrated customer even though you had nothing to do with it. Can we do it? Yes. Is it above and beyond? YES. lol...
well I watched the news this morning and guess what demodorks? i didnt see ANYTHING about this tipping thing on there which just leds me to believe taht this is just all part of the democrat agenda to distract everyone from there lack of response to the BP oil disaster.
They make mountians out of molehills in order to blind the SHEEPLE. WAKE UP AMERICA! THEY ARE RUINING OUR GREAT LAND! Stand up! Do something! Say something! They are kill us and our great land!
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him shall have eternal life.
as a restaurant owner i got tired of having to deal with people not tipping my wait staff so i simply started charging 20% on top of the check. there are signs posted above the door as well as on the menu stating this fact. If people dont like the fact i do this they are more than welcome to patronize another eatry. Oh and a fast way to make sure your service really goes down hill is to complain in a loud and rude manner if i just don't ask you to leave i promise you will not get any better service. However if you feel that your service was unsatisfactory pulling a manger to the side and calmly explaining the problem in a normal tone of voice most often will score you a discount if not just a full out comp of the check
I agree with your plan to charge an extra 20% for all the items on your menu as long as you give that 20% to your servers. Just don't tell me it's for their SERVICE. Include it into your cost. A gratuity should be just that a gratuity for their SERVICE RENDERED or as TIPS – TO IINSURE PROMPT SERVICE. I still agree that everyone should be making more money but servers and customers should also look at it this way; not all people get paid an hourly wage. Some people only get paid on commision, piecework or other type of individual basis. Service workers being among those. Any additional money given to service workers is just for that – HOW WELL THE SERVICE WAS. If the service isnt good then they should not get any extra money no matter what the status quo is within the industry. PERIOD!
Travis
So without tips, the owner would need to charge me more for the meal. So I should tip more, because it keeps the cost of my meal low ... but not really, because I'm tipping. So really, by tipping, I'm subsidizing the meal of the jerk who doesn't tip?
Honestly, I'd take the higher priced meal without the "requirement" to tip in this case. Lets spread the extra cost around everyone, not just the nice people.
June 21, 2010 at 4:55 pm |
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the servers didn't make the rules, but servers do get 2.13 an hour based on the fact that tipping is expected in the industry by government and business standards. If you don't like the "guideline" of tipping, stay home. Its how the restaurant WORKS, its part of the whole deal... we didn't make it like this, but don't take it out on us for other peoples' decisions.
jd
for all you whiney wait staff on here, get a REAL JOB and quit the whine. i quit working McDonalds at 18 because i wanted to make some real cash.
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you should apologize for your lack of correct association and intelligence with anything in this article. Waiting tables is not working at McDonalds. My girlfriend and I work at a fine-dining restaurant called the Silver Fox Steakhouse, she is finishing up her law degree at SMU (and she's top 10% of her class!) and I am starting my masters in music at the University of North Texas.
Next time do some research before you say something stupid, which is most-likely the highest percentage of the things that come out of your mouth.
I have worked as a waitress in the past so I understand how the tipping system works. Having said that I disagree that consumers should feel obligated to tip even if they are getting poor service. When you are working as a server it is your job to do your best to provide good service to the consumer. The acronym TIPS – stand for To Insure Prompt Service. I tip well (minimum 20%) unless my server is not doing his or her job. I realize that if they are busy the service may be slower than if they are not however you can tell if a server is doing there best. Also, the argument from the owner regarding raising wages doesn't wash either. A steak costing $25 would not need to cost $75.00. If the owners would just raise their prices by 20% and give that 20% directly to the servers then the servers would automatically be getting the same as if they were being tipped a mandatory 20%. At that point then the actual TIP would then come into play as it was originally intended TO IMPROVE PROMPT SERVICE. Servers who do a good job would then be receiving better tips because they would work harder to earn the extra money that the TIPS provided.
True. Why the min. wage for servers have not gone up is beyond me and just is not right. The amount % of the tip should never have to to be raised.
Wow, some people here are totally ignorant of reality. YES, in this country, in the United States, servers make a little over $2.00 AN HOUR. That's legal because of the tipping system. YES, they split the tips with other workers such as the busser, etc. So your cheap-a$$ tip of 50 cents gets split 2, 3 or maybe even 4 ways. This is the way it is, people. If you don't like this system, then work to get it changed. Don't blame the servers and tell them to 'complain to the boss.' That won't get the system changed. However, keep in mind that if they change it to pay servers minimum wage or higher, the cost of the food they serve WILL go up.
You understand market rates for everything else, don't you? You know that you can't go out and buy a brand new Lincoln or a new house for $5,000; you can't buy a new suit for $20.00; you can't buy a week's groceries for $10.00. So why would you think you should tip less than the going rate, which is 20%? Get over your sense of entitlement and realize that most people work hard for that money. You want to be treated like you're special? Then be nice, be fair and be generous. Trust me, being courteous and pleasant AS A CUSTOMER these days would make you stand out like the sun.
"tipped employees" are a class of employee for which the standard federal minimum wage does not apply. Instead, employers must pay a tipped employee at least $2.13 / hour. HOWEVER, the law also states that if an employee's wage plus that employee's tips do not equal at least the standard minimum wage (currently $7.25 nationally, higher in some states), the employer must make up the difference.
So you don't have to split your wages. You will always make minimum wage. You are now yelling at customer to get extra pay over minimum wages, so I'm sorry, with that little lie, you lost my sympathy.
The going rate for tipping used to be 10 to 15 percent. The charge for meals have gone up, so the tip goes up with it. Why do you now deserve more of a percentage of the total bill? What extra service are you now providing that you didn't before?
And boy – all this rankor from wait staff sure has killed my desire to tip well. I'm so impressed with the attitudes.
enough with the McDonald's references. Just tip well. A lot of miserable, self-hating people take out their anger by shorting a server a few dollars. They are pathetic.
I've been confronted for not tipping the cashier for curb-side carryout service. I've never been back to that resteraunt since.
Reading many of these comments makes me hesitant to go to any resteraunt again, if just the suspicion that a person may not tip as desired will lead to contaminated food... I always tipped 15-20%, but I guess I'd be better served and safer spending that extra on untainted food for my family rather than people who hate and may poison customers.
By-the-way, has anyone else noticed that the waitress in the picture above looks like Gina Davis?
I'm sure someone has said this but we have two sides of a coin. Two unique subcultures- servers and customers. If you've never served then it difficult to identify with their poitn of view. If you have served then its difficult to identify with the customer's point of view. I think most of the servers feel they don't get paid enough by their employers and thus tips to them are their income. Some make more, some make less, and some make a killing. Tips are their wages and customers have a difficult time with this because for one they feel the mployer alrady pays them albeit $2 isn't much. The customer is also under the improession that a tip is not a wage- its extra incentive for a job well done. Most customers don't care if they get their food, and most don't want to be sucked up to (there are exceptions), but they do want their experience flawless for a tip to be considered.
I don't think the servers on this page think that a mandatory tip of 20-30% should be required by law but they do expect to be compensated fairly- remember- the tip is their wage. Most restaurants can't afford the higher wages but some can. There is a restaurant here in Des Moiens that pays their wait staff $15 an hour (I think) this makes the staff very happy but tips are often in the $50 range. Its a high end restaurant that over charges a lot for its ood and they expecet high quality wait staff. You can't be lazy and work here- they will fire you in a heartbeat. This is one of my favorite places because the staff is trained and almost seem to read your mind. Because of this I treat them like they are a good friend- and I don't mind a tip of 30-50% (I don't eat much).
Employers just love this arrangement...convince waiters and waitresses to simply expect a tip so that they will accept being paid a mere $2.13 per hour. This attitude seems to be prevalent.
I am disgusted by this thinking...this sense of entitlement that has waitstaff acting shortchanged if they don't get a tip from me even of they are lame and rude. They should really be chasing their restaurant owners for a real wage and eliminating this expected tip mentality altogether.
The reason that they 'accept' being paid $2.13 an hour is because that is all the government requires them to be paid. They don't have a choice, except to get a different job, and as I've already said, if all servers did that, there would be no one to wait on you at that expensive restaurant.
Quote from Laura:
Laura
I get paid $2/hr as a server. if u dont tip me, I go home with no money. so when you chew on that $30 steak and dont tip me, ull be sure 2 get lousy service next time u come in.
June 21, 2010 at 1:18 pm |
Laura,
Maybe the reason you're being paid $2/hour is because you cannot write. Do you know how to spell or punctuate a basic sentence? By the way, "you" is spelled "you", not "u". Go back to school, learn basic grammar, and watch your income rise.
@ all servers
Customers are not required to tip. Tips must be earned by the level of service given.
Stop your complaining about customers not tipping enough. If the customer didn't tip you well, there is probably a reason for it. If you don't like your job or the way you get paid, get a different job.
I just don't understand why someone ordering a steak HAS to tip more than someone ordering a burger at the same restaurant. The waiter(ress) exerted the same effort to bring one plate, one beverage, and one bill. Why is that server entitled to a bigger tip than another? The cost of the bill really shouldn't be relevant in the tipping procedure, IMHO.
Apparently the reason we tip as a percentage of our bill is servers are taxed per sales, not per tables or whatever. Several commenters have said they're taxed at a rate of 15% of sales, so if you tip less than 15%, their actual tips aren't even covering the taxes they have to pay.
'm not sure if many people know this but when you wait tables the IRS automatically assumes that people tip at 15%. So your total sales (or total tables) are then multiplied by 15% and that is what your server is taxed on. Even if you stiff the server, leave 7% or leave 2% they still have to pay taxes on 15% of that bill. I've been tipped very well by people I thought were going to be stingy and I've been tipped horribly by people in Prada suits. Generally speaking the people who appear to look like they have the most are the worst tippers. Give me a table of middle classers anyday. And one other thing just because your waiter/tress is serving you food it does not make them beneath you. Love those people who go out to eat and think your their private butler.
Serving is hard work and takes skill; I appreciate servers who are good at what they do. I tried it while in college and discovered I wasn't very good at it, so went and got my doctorate to do work that I am good at.
The solution is simple: pay servers a living wage with benefits. The money that you spend on tips would just be built in to the cost of the meal. At the end, if you think the service was good, then you leave a bit extra.
When in America, I just accept the system is what it is and that a tip is part of the cost. The artifice that it's optional is what's frustrating. I tip 15% for okay or bad service and 20% for good service. Simple as this.
As an American living in Europe, I like the simplicity of not calculating a tip. I also enjoy not being rushed out of restaurants so they can turn over the table quickly to make more money.
I pay more when I dine out than I do in the States, but I enjoy it so much more. If I want a fast meal that's inexpensive, I go to McDonald's.
What is so hard about it? Not shitting yourself and remembering to tie your shoes?
I've dined out all over the world and, even in countries with a VAT, and have always tipped what the server earnerd by his or her efforts! Why? It's the custom and because my wife was a "waitress" and I have heard it all first hand. She acts as judge and jury on the effort and has often adjusted my 20% accordingly (up or down). All this being said, we prefer cooking and eating at home now, not willing to take the risk of a trip to the doctor because we follow on thhe heels of someone who didn't make the server's day a fulfilling and meaningful experience, rich with all the pageantry of a life well spent in the pursuit of it's own "reason to be"...life has it ups and downs...just like your tips. The sooner you come to grips with it, the smoother it becomes...most of the time.
Servers do not get tipped just for showing up to work, good service gets a good tip from me.
If I have to wait 5 or 10 minutes after being seated for my drink when it is 100 degrees outside that's not good service. If the steak is hot but the fries are cold, that's not good service. Make me think you have better things to do than take care of my payment correctly, that's not good service.
You have gotten a 50% raise from me if you do a good job simply because your employer has raised his prices that much.
I have often wondered if there is some point that the servers give up the expectation of a tip and are just hoping to not get a complaint when things go completely wrong for a table.
Tipping is a part of dining out and other activities, take care of your customers and they'll take care of you.
My mother was a waitress and I have nothing but respect for them. They stand on their feed all day, have to deal with customers with bad attitudes, crying babies, you name it, they've dealt with it. I give nothing lower than a 15% tip, even if the server isn't in the best of moods that day. I usually give more and the people I am with look at me oddly for doing so. If I can afford to go out to eat, then I can afford to tip nicely. These people don't even make a good hourly pay! So, Kudos to them for doing this job! For all the waiters/waitress out there, I thank you for doing your job.
Excellent service = 20% – 25% tip (more if you make an impression)
Good service = 15% – 20% tip
Average service = 10% tip
Typical service usually = NOTHING!
A tip, as far as I am concerend, is salary from me as a customer. If you don't offer me satisfactory service then you won't get a tip. If the place is busy, I'm very lenient and patient. But when there are five waiters and three customers I had better not get the wrong order or have to wait more than ten minutes to get my glass refilled; ESPECIALLY if you are standing around chatting. You don't like it then get into a new line of work. I avoided waiting like the plague for that very reason.
i think we should all stay home. however, when the restaurants start going out of business, all of you arrogant servers should not be allowed to file for unemployment. in any other profession, if you lose your job because you suck as an employee, you aren't eligible. most customers stop going to restaurants not because of bad food, but because of lousy service. wake up folks – it's your JOB. if you can't handle it, find somethings else to occupy your time and stop making the customers lives miserable. i tip anywhere from one cent to 150% of the bill, depending entirely on the service i receive. i have never left a restaurant without tipping. my one cent tip is intended to let a lousy server know that one cent was the value of the service they provided. if you can't handle CUSTOMER service, get out of the restaurant.
I'm a server. Customers: Sorry that it sucks, but tipping is the status quo, and the people who work in the restaurant industry rely on tips to make ends meet. Don't take it out on the server; we are just the people who bring the food. If you are rude, I will be rude back. If, at the end of your dining experience, you got everything you ordered, and correctly, please show it by tipping. Servers: Complaining about how much you hate customers on the internet will not get you better tips. It embarrasses me that so many servers complain about how much they make so publicly. In no other profession (that I know of) do people complain so vocally about income. Have a little self respect. Like it or not, this is just the way things are.
Mike
... Remember, I don't need you. If you try to charge more, I and your customers will simply end your business. That's how it goes. And you can let the recession teach you a lesson or two in hpw difficult it is to keep your business afloat, and Guess what??? I don't care. You have to perform, or you close. Period. sucks, doesn't it? Believe me. I don't want you $70 hamburger, nor your $5.00 one either.
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When I was first starting out and bussing in a restaurant I can tell you Mike the whole staff smells your stink a mile away. You are guaranteed nobody wants to deal with the piece of trash you are. Guess what Genius- it's the same way in your professional life also. As a company owner I would tell pieces of trash like to you to go elsewhere and still do. There's no place for your garbage. Obviously you think much more of yourself than anyone else.
So, if you are so high and mighty I'm sure you have no problem not hiding behind your screen name and let us know who you work for. Otherwise you are just an angry little poser.
HUGE LOLs at all you waiters/servers that feel 'entitled' to be tipped.
i don't care that you've decided to take a job that pays lower than minimum wage or don't have the ability to get a better paying job...it was no my decision and will NEVER be my fault!
you get what you earn...it's like that in ALL THE REAL WORLD...and most of you don't earn a tip other than "perhaps you should get a better paying job if you need more money".
the comment above from chef/owner stated "i only make 18 cents on that $25 steak".....yea right....if it was so low, you'd not be in the business because even 1000 sales at 18 cents profit is only $180....
what kind of idiot would take a job paying that? and if one did...since when is it my responsibility to pay you more? i didn't hire you and i didn't tell you to take a no pay job.
no...i suspect, as usual in this country, most waiters/servers are from the 'im entitled' camp...you know...always complaining that somebody owes them something...
nobody has EVER tipped me and i do my job every single day, BETTER than anybody else in the office with results that show 'excellence'.
not because i know i'll get a tip to increase my pocket size...BUT BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WORKING IS ABOUT....DOING THE BEST JOB POSSIBLE....BECAUSE IT HAS TO BE DONE!
you pathetic people with your self rightous, entitlement attitudes will stay at the bottom of the tipping barrel because your attitudes reflect in your work.........
and from what i've seen lately..........YOUR WORK IS FOR S@%T!
I think the true idiot is you maddawg. Cannot even leave your real name? Daddy issues? Don't hate us. Hate your parents. They sure missed the boat when raising you. As as server at Disney I made $500 a day. Go ahead and toot your little horn...LOL.
TIP = To Insure Promptness
"Back in the good 'ol days" it was often paid up-front, before the meal. Times have changed, and now the tip comes after the meal once you've had to time to judge the quality of the SERVICE you received, or didn't.
Which is the point. Waiters/waitresses provide a service that you pay for with your tip. Oh, you can get your own food you say, then go to McDonalds, stay home and cook, etc. The point of going to a sit down restaurant is so you are served and you enter with the knowledge that you will pay for that service, which is not completely wrapped into the cost of the food you just paid for. Somebody had to buy those ingredients and then cook them to the restaurant's standards, that is what the cost of your meal is for, and a small portion to pay the waiters/waitresses which get paid below minimum wage in almost every state.
Your TIP is to compensate the wait staff for the time and service they give you in the restaurant you CHOSE to go to because you wanted to be waited on. If you can't handle that fact or grasp that concept, seek help.
Obviously service can be awful, that's why it is at your discretion how much you tip (in most cases), but to stiff every waitress or TIP poorly because you're upset at something else or you disagree with the tipping system, is just nonsense and demonstrates your clear lack of understanding of the system and total lack of sympathy for these servers that have to put up with things that the majority of their customers clearly don't comprehend or care to understand, based on these comments.
Wow – reading all these comments helps one to understand why servers can say they are not fond of people. I have been working in the food industry just shy of 6 years, I did it as a part time job during college and now as a second job b/c it is pretty cool to buy a home right after turning 26 as a single female.
Bottom line: servers are there to make money – I have worked with great servers and ones I would rather not have wait on me – but I would still tip them. At the end of the day you sat on your bum while someone brought you what you ordered, you didn't have to get up for more soda and when you were done you didn't have to clean up – that service has a value.
If you are a better sever you are probably at a better restaurant – I work at a restaurant with a high standard of service and luckily my parents raised me right so I am friendly and polite. I am also intelligent and have a completely unrelated full time job. My over-qualification for a relatively easy job that I can do very efficiently in no way saves me from being an occasional whipping boy, therapist, couple's counselor, "lost soul" who you must save with your religious pamphlet, etc and regardless of the excellent service I see the goose eggs in the tip line. The "no tip" or "keep the actual change tip" happens once or twice a night, and usually comes along with the big "Thank you so much, you were great" – it's a frustrating occupation but as long as they keep cooking french fries, I will head back. I agree if you are a no tipper you should stick to picking up your own food.
Imagine having to be in the room with half the people on this forum, much less wait on them – and you can understand why you'd want to drop kick a puppy after spending an hour of your life losing money. Did you leave with something in your belly? Leave something on the table. Easy enough.
Waitstaff are some of the cheapest people. If they screw up and the kitchen must fix it as quickly as they can and the server is lucky enough to get a tip they usually leave nothing for the people cooking their food. Granted servers shouldn't share their tips unless someone can pull through for them, but usually they're too greedy to or they justify it by saying the cooks mess up too which can happen but a lot less than the servers overall. A server on their first day can make more than most of the kitchen crew. Also, when servers complain/lie about food being late or messed up by the cooks when usually they forgot to order the item or order it correctly they aren't usually smart enough to figure out that A) the guest don't care they just want their food no matter who messed up and B) might know the other workers who are being bad mouthed. Servers can be great, I could go on about that too, but I'm tired of their attitudes. I tip well all the time. I wil get a manager about poor service.
I see an awful lot of people arguing about what the "correct" signals are that one is finished. Seems to me the lack of agreement is a strong argument in favor of servers asking if you are finished.
Ok wow this is great but I think there are a few things that need to be cleared up.
Yes it is your right to tip or not tip but look at it this way, if you choose not to tip or tip little you lose the right to complain about service! Without tipping we would have no professional servers or good servers for that matter as they would leave the industry for better paying jobs. I have lived over seas and worked in this industry over there, yes there is no tipping and for the reason the service is not always on par.
To all you owners out there claiming if you paid min. wage burgers would be $75! Here in Canada we pay our servers $6.00 and still don't have to charge $75 for a burger
Dear Guests,
As a manager, I can understand your concerns and do empathize with you when the service you receive is less than stellar. We are human and we do make mistakes however, we do try our best to get it right the first time. I will do whatever I can to make it right but I need your help with that.
Berating a team member and being rude to me will not make me want to go that extra mile for you. Yes, I will do what I need to do to turn your experience around but remember that being civil will go a long way.
Do not eat half your meal and then decide that you do not like it just so I will comp it. Take a couple bites and then if you don't like it, let me know. I can fix it for you.
To the guy who yells at a 16 year old host to the point where she starts to cry, does that make you feel like a big man? It's not right. How would you like it if some guy yelled at your daughter, sister, mother for something that is out of her control?
Come in regularly on a Monday or Tuesday night and you are more likely to be remembered as a regular. Good things happen to Guests who treat the team well. I don't mind comp'ing dessert or an appetizer if you return the favor by taking care of our team members.
If service is truly terrible, let me know!!! I can fix it. If I don't know about it, I can't do anything about it. Leaving no tip on the table will not fix the problem.
Also, if everywhere you go the service is very bad (regardless of type of restaurant), look at the common demoninator: YOU.
In return for your patronage, I will do whatever I can to make your experience a good one but remember that manners are always welcome on both sides of the coin.
Thanks,
The manager
Dear Servers,
Tipping is optional. Yeah, I think it is unfair (I served too!) but that's what you sign up for when you do that job. For every bad tipper, there is someone who is really good. Treat the Guests as you would want to be treated or at least how you would want your best friend treated.
Thanks,
Your manager
Hi Everyone,
I didn't even read all the comments, but I can't help putting in my two cents.
Our culture has changed dramatically since the 40's and 50's, and the way we view tips has changed as well.
I have a vintage etiquette book for teenagers from that time period that some of you might need to read.
Originally, tips were something that was expected and you were expected to tip a STANDARD 15% to people in service industries. Bellhops, valets, waitstaff, anyone who performed a service was given a 15% tip for that service.
This was something that was ingrained in our culture as part of our social script.
Now, most people I talk to seem to think tipping is strictly optional when it is anything but optional!
Good manners dictate that someone who performs their job well get tipped 15-20% because they performed a SERVICE for you.
Don't get me wrong, I grew up thinking the way most of the anti-tippers did. Throw a couple of dollars down if they did a good job and you feel good because you threw them a bone. After reading the aforementioned book and thinking about it, I realized that it's a matter of being gracious and realizing that people who perform these services for you are productive members of society.
I started working at an Italian place and, my word, the stories I could tell you!
There were wonderful people and there were hateful people.
Couples who fought with each other over dinner while I quietly ignored their "animated discussion."
Parents who let their child smear an entire slice of chocolate cake over the whole table and laughed because their little monster was "Just so cute!"
A mother who got mad at me when I stopped her one year old from touching a burning hot plate (I know it was burning hot and the blister to prove it!).
People that received excellent service and left such a small tip that the server ended up PAYING several dollars to serve them.
However, the gracious people who may not have left a "good" tip, but were kind, polite, and left you with a smile were always worth waiting on.
But, the highlight of my waiting career had nothing to do with me or one of my tables, I wasn't even at there.
I came back from a few days off to find out that a very nice, polite and quiet young man who had just signed up to serve our country for sixteen years had a table from Hell. The husband was so condescending to this well-mannered young man that he squatted quietly by their table and told the man he had had enough. "I am a member of the United States Military, and if you want, we can take this outside and I'll kick your ass. Otherwise, sit down and shut up!"
EPIC.
Normally, had anyone one else with any other table done this and they would have been fired on the spot, but our managers had already heard enough interaction the table speaking to him and seen them behaving in such a insane way that he kept his job and worked without any other incidents (he actually got a lot of glowing reviews!).
If the people like that "Mike" character got a taste of his own medicine, the world might be a better place.
People need to understand that people in the food industry should be treated with respect, just like every other human being. They should be compensated for their time and the effort it takes to provide you with an enjoyable evening.
And servers, if you don't have the personality, find something that is better suited. Skills can be improved, but some people are just not cut out for the service industry. Sad, but true.
P.S. To the guy who doesn't understand tipping for take out...I used to think that way to, but trust me...It really is a lot more complicated than you could dream!
I didn't get it until I did it. You can have a LOT of orders that have to be timed just right or your food will be cold when you get there. Some of these things are kind of like a well-coordinated dance. One wrong step and the timing for the whole night is thrown off! Sometimes, they have extra tables and/or a bar to attend to, etc. It's possibly even harder and no one tips you because "you are just throwing some food in a bag!" :-)
Ok as usual the 2 sides of an issue are completely unforgiving of the other. I agree that tips should be commensurate with service, just as my salary is with education/experience. Servers are not naive to this and understand that is generally how the tip is going to be worked out. The good service we expect = the 20 percent you expect. This opposed some thoughts like Mikes from way up top that we as guests are subsidizing waitstaff salaries. Thats silly, as they make 2.13 hourly. By contrast those servers that feel by existing you are entitled to 20 percent no matter what are also wrong. You have to perform your job as reasonably expected. Im not saying bend over backwards and stand on your head but noticing my drink is low and taking the initiative goes a loong way to getting 25 percent. Bad tippers are a fact of life they are going to come into your restaurant spend fifty bucks on dinner and leave a 4 dollar tip. They are probably going to have loud annoying misbehaving children and themselves are going to be needy and demanding. There is nothing that can be done about this other than a gritty smile and moving on in life. No need for bitterness (though i know it exists, as I delivered pizzas in college and still remember the address of the person who gave a maximum tip of forty cents) and to the owners. I buy all my meat from restaurants. my half pound burgers are 49 cents, which means they cost you like 20. a 75 dollar burger is the most ridiculous concept ive ever heard of, and thats seriously just greed right there. If you figure an average 4-5 table territory per waitperson in your employ a much less drastic increase would be needed to have the staff make minimum. I guess the moral of the story is that waitpeople should provide good service and recieve reasonable tips. Customers should not be jackasses and treat their waiter like a personal gopher. Owners dont need to be so stingey with profits. Problem solved(ish)
I thought this was supposed to be about restaurants!
Well let us point out that tips were never taxed until Reagan and the Republican congress in the early eighties started taxing server's tips and excluded hedge fund managers.
Obama is being blamed for the ecological devastation in the gulf but Halliburton will be indicted (Dick Chaney)
Palin learn how open your mind. Seems like you should have spent more time teaching family values and letting honest working folks make a living! Congratulations on the new grandchild, have a cup of tea on me.
also to to DCNaTiVe1976 – I re-read my post, and frankly I am trying to figure out where or what you find racist in what I said. I said that I am glad that a black man was elected president because it is a sign to me that the poison of bigotry is fading into the past. Do you not agree with that? Also, the fact that the my post was a response to someone who said that Obama changed the world, seemed a little inflated. That's not racist, has nothing to do with the man's color, it is just my opinion and observation of his accomplishments to date.
u is a rasicts because you said something bad about Obama and u as a white man has NO RIGHT to badmouth that man.
his name should enver be on ur lips because ur poision and can never understand what we went through. so stop pretending to be on his side when all u ever did is keep him down. alright?
1) I did not bad mouth him. I said that I didn't think he changed the world. I still stand by my opinion.
2) I said that I am happy that a black man was elected in this country because I I am against racism and bigotry in all forms and Obamas victory is a vicotory for all Americans by the very nature that he is black. It was great day when he was elected. Do you hear me saying that?
3) You attacked me for being white. Yes it is true that I have never been black and can not fully understand the plight of the black in America. Yet, I still can acknowledge that Blacks have been put down, and treated horribly in America and be sad that this took place. And I truly would like race relations to improve.
4) Racism comes from Ignorance. It would seem that you immediately hate me because I'm white and you perceive that I slighted Obama. Bad news is, you are more of a racist than I am or ever will be. You would think that with all your complaints about white racism that you would learn a lesson, and try not to HATE. But you have hate in your heart.
5) I am not the reason for BLACK OPPRESSION. I am your friend, and a friend to all who recognize intolerance and attempt to cleanse it from society.
6) It would be nice if you didn't pre-judge me based upon my the color of my skin. You don't know my heart, you don't know what I teach my children, and you don't the example I set in my community. If you did, you would hug me.
7) Prejudice is very ugly. Try not to hate so much. The world will be better for it.
8) Lastly, I voted for Obama as did my wife and two children. I personally like him very much and think that he is sincere, smart and has a lot of class. I think Michelle is superb too. But you should know that for me, his color has nothing to do with it. I voted for "a man" not "a black man". And although he may have changed your world, he has not yet changed "the world"
9) Jesus Christ may be the one man who has had the most dramatic influence and change in the world, but even his change has only effected about 1/3 the world's population.
I've been a server most of my adult life. I think I am very good and I am told so by many of my guests. But sometimes things happen beyond our control and most people just say the service is bad. If you keep smiling and try to explain "most" people understand and most people are nice. Mike I just wonder if you have ever had good service? Many of my guests become friends. I don't always get good tips but I do try to give people the best experience if I can. It costs a lot of money to dine out. But in return I appreciate common courtesy. One last note for Lauren who said folks should go to Denny's, do you think they deserve less of a tip than you? I don't think so! By the way I don't work for Denny's. I fear in the mix of all the nice polite guests and servers there are a lot of arrogant and self centered people on both sides of the fence. :( instead let's :).
to DCNaTiVe1976 – I must have missed the changing of the world part. When did that happen? Frankly I am trying to think of a single individual in all of history who has changed the world and I am hard pressed to think of anyone who has changed the world. If you think that President Obama has changed the world then you must please enlighten me, because I am not sure what you are talking about exactly.
Jake,
I am not sure what gives the idea I am a liar. Please explain... if you can.
Its just that your post sounded so. . . democratic, is all. You know?
I've always been a good customer. I always eat the food whether good or lackluster. I never ask for anything extra. I am always nice to the server.
I think you servers should give ME a discounted meal. Come on, slip me the half off coupon. Buy my dessert with your tip money.
Sounds like you're more a tool to me.
They could take a shit on your pizza and you'd still smile and say thanks.
I am currently a bartender at a restaurant/bar. I agree and disagree with both the whiny customers and servers. Servers are obviously working for tips as they get $2 an hour. This is common knowledge and everyone who thinks about going out to eat should definitely think about that before they choose a sit-down place or serve-yourself place. A lot of servers work to support a family, get through college (ie: me), are passionate about serving others, etc. I also agree that if a server is doing a crappy job, they should get a crappy tip, it's just common sense. Server's are at work, so they should work for their tips. I understand servers get discouraged after offering quality service for less than 10% tip, that really sucks. All in all, servers depend on gratuity and everyone knows that. To ignore this is in my opinion, is selfish. You wouldn't want your salary paycheck to be cut by 10% because you were an hour late on a report that was due, or 20 minutes late for a meeting, would you? We are all human, and make mistakes. After becoming a bartender, my tips towards other servers have increased dramatically because I know the hoops servers have to jump through just to provide customers with a good meal.
Bottom line, treat your servers well, as they, for the most part, are trying to make you happy.
palin you are nuts and need to lay off of Obama.
He changed the world and touched the heart and mind of every american.
I agree that palin2012 is nuts. I am also very glad ( I am a 50 year old white male ) that a black man was elected president of the USA as it gives me hope that people are becoming color blind and that the poison of bigotry is fading into the past. However, although he inspired many with his words, he has not in fact "changed the world" through his actions. I hope he does make significant change for good, for all of us, but in all fairness the jury is still out on whether he will accomplish what he said he would do.
i am a black male from dc and I justw anted to say that your commit about obama not changing the world was deeply offensive and very very racists and that you soud be ashamed of youself!
OK – Then how has he changed the world through his actions? We are on day what of an environmental disaster, think they could have gotten on it sooner? More troops are being sent overseas. We are now subjected to a soda and tanning bed tax. This health care thing is sideways. From the big to the small I don't see much change.
yo bill let me tell u streight up yo u is one racists mofo, alrite?
lemme tell u why rite here
u sittin there in ur big azz house that a black man probably built for u against his will and sittin on ur damn computer usin elects that our ppl generated with our sweat and blood yo. yet u be sittin there all high n mighty jive talkin the greatest man ever walkin the face of this earth of all time.
of all time
see u have no rite to talk bad about him because u is ingrateful, ignant, and white alrite?
u wanna know how he changed the world???? WELL MOFO LET ME TELL U
HE GAVE EVERY BLACK MAN HOPE OUT HERE
HOPE THAT WE CAN 2 BECAME PREZ OF THE MOTHERFIN US OF A
YOU CAN NEVER UNDERSTAND THAT BECUZ U B FULL OF DA HATERATDE
make sense now yo?
he was sent personaly from god in responses to the DR martin luthern king statement of i have a dream
obama was that dream and when he came he made every black mans dream come tru yo
dats how he changed the world you, rasists
hope dat lode of trurth knocked you back off ur high horse and stop that jive talking about respectin and lovin the black man because we all see rite thriough it.
why doesnt congress do something to help with this tipping problem??? Are democrats so afade of hearing the voice of the people here on this site that they close their ears? its obvious that people want REAL change not the fake Obama kind. I think we should write to congress but that is just my personal opion.
At last someone speaking some sense, albeit your spelling is *sic* off. But I know what you're saying. The democrats are poising this nation and their socialist leader is leading the way. And yes, I do believe you see it in the way people tip.
Ecoonomic fear.
Steve,
You are right on. I generously over tip, being a former server. Twice in my life I stiffed a server. Both times I explained it to a supervisor. These folks are poison screwing co-workers and the house.
For me as a server, the old adage of “taking care of the customer and the tips will take care of themselves” always seemed to even more than work out.
As for the few ignorant and cheap curmudgeons I had as customers, their condition is sufficient punishment! I still hope they enjoyed their meal are not harmed in the future by other’s inconsideration.
Within reason, a complaint is pretty helpful and turning down a free dessert or drink makes it more creditable.
If it is in fact a good restaurant, come back in two weeks and ask for the same manager when you make a reservation or show up on the same weeknight.
You’ll get the best available server and a great meal. Tip accordingly and you’ve found a go to place when the menu strikes your fancy.
30 years ago I upset several co-workers by having a full section on slow nights. Paid my way through grad school and helped me get a great job!
My wife and I are still close to several customers from that era.
I never leave a tip on take-out pick-up. Most people I know do the same.
You already said that, Bill the demodork.
reapeating youreself again? Typical of democrats.
What a pointless story. While cnn talks about tips there are hundreds of thousands of terrorists ebntering our contry every night plotting to destory us.
OVER 9000?!
Hundreds of thousands a night? Don't take this wrong... but.... Are you nuts?
Oh sorry bill I guess he/she forgot your a democrat who wants to hug ilegal aliens and pretend there are no terrorists.
let me guess you probably think 9/11 was a inside job and that the bp oil spill was just an 'accidant'.
Dear pft....if the story is so pointless, why are you commenting on it? Go comment on the stories full of pointfullness!
To remind you of what really matters.
god bless america and god bless jesus
good night and good day
HAHAHA! Our evil plot to get you to waste your time reading non-stories is a success! Our plans to distract you have come to fruition! You'll never get that time back!
And all because you are too foolish to discern what stories it will please you to read...
MUAHAHAHA!
im not a democrat or republican...but im in the military..and i gotta say that obama is wrothless. honestly...his drawback plan from iraq is to go to afghanistan?!? retarded. anyway back to the issue at hand. my wife constantly complains i dont tip enough, but i also feel that a 15-20% tip is way too much for service that does not merit that amount of money. also, if i order $100 worth of food, and the server brings it well and is kind and doesnt buig me too much etc etc, they will get their 20%...but if i order a measly beer at bar for 3 bux dont expect a lot. i might tip 50 cents if that at all...how hard is it to draw off a tap?
Personally, I am a waiter and do think that there are good servers and bad servers as well as good and bad customers. As a server I do my absolute best to accommodate my guests and do it with a a smile. I also do have a college degree as well as 11 of 15 of my coworkers. I get rude guests very often who think "they know it all" and I keep my mouth shut and still try to smile. I usually get 20% on my checks. But it is very annoying when guests order bottles of wine say for example $100 and completely not tip on the wine. I tip out the busser, bar, and sometimes chef and manager. If you don't tip on the wine I lose money. So if you can't tip on the alcohol then don't order it. Also, #1 pet peeve are "campers". You finish eating and your bill is $50. I'm hoping you leave $10 but also, I want you to get up leave. I can make more money from the next guest sitting at my table when you get up. If you stay at my table for 4 hours especially into closing time than please take care of me because you are stopping my income. I could have potentially made 4 $20 dollar tips if i had made 20% on 4 one hundred dollar checks where the guests were in and out in less than an hour.
Riddle me this.
You go to a pizza joint to pick up your pie. It comes out to 10.00. You pay with credit card, and the cashier hands you the receipt to sign. On this receipt is a space for the tip, the total amount, and the line you sign on.
What do you do? Leave a 2 dollar tip?
I've never tipped in this situation. I always tip a delivery guy, but never if I'm picking up.
Enlighten me, wise food service gurus.
For that situation, I wouldn't tip either. I am a server, and I have also worked as a delivery guy at a pizza place. When I order take out food that requires a good amount of boxing/bagging, etc.., then I will tip 10% (provided everything is correct and the person was nice)..but pizza is just put into one box..so I would say that you are correct in not tipping in that situation.
I never leave a tip on take-out pick-up. Most people I know do the same.
probly just becuz the person makin it is black i bet you rasists.
Yeah I think a carry-out situation is generally treated the same as a fast food interaction e.g. no tip necessary since all they're doing is handing you your food really. The tip space is on the receipt by default.
I waited tables for years, and have many strong opinions about this subject, but I'll keep it brief. First, I agree with those of you who have pointed out that most people would not be able to afford to eat at restaurants were it not for tipping. Keeping costs low for restaurants keeps costs low for customers. If you disagree with the system, which is reasonable, then don't participate in the system. That is, don't ask for people to wait on you. Lastly, what really motivated me to write a response, was Mike. I can't really argue with him, because you can't have a rational conversation with a psycho. What makes someone so hateful?
This is obviously a hot subject, judging by all the irate comments.
All I can say is where does this tipping business stop? When I was a child I remember my parents saying that they were expected to tip 10%. Then it became standard 15%. Now according to some posters I am a cheapskate if I don't tip 20% or more. How in the hell I am I supposed to know how much is expected, it isn't like it is posted on the menu or the wall? And if I don't tip well some server may pee in my soup.......what a thing say!! What kind of nasty person would even consider doing that to his worst enemy?
And how do I know which state pays minimum and which state pays a lousy $2.15 and hour? The whole system is fu(ked up if you ask me, otherwise why do so many servers feel cheated and so many customers feel like they are getting ripped off? I have to admit it is so much more relaxing to eat out in Holland or Germany where you pay the listed price just like you do anywhere else and the tip is a genuine thankyou for good service. And come to think of it, I really do enjoy eating at home mostly.....my cooking is better anyway. Still one is forced to eat out sometimes, but the idea of server's bodily fluids floating around in my food may encourage me to just stop for a Wendyburger.
Alright you caught me. I am generous to a fault. Sure people can take advantage of me. But that's their deal isn't it. They say the measure of a man is how they treat someone who can do nothing for them. I am a hugely successful 100% self-made business owner, a devoted son to my 96 year old father, a loving husband, and a father of two exceptional, successful, empathetic, moral children who are employed in finance and law. I try to teach by example. I'd like to consider myself a leader of good, and I strive to be someone who brings small acts of kindness to others with a happy personality and a kind and generous heart. I am however intolerant of bigotry, greed and selfishness. And it makes me angry when I see it. The comments here tonight seem to me that waiters and waitresses are somehow trying to screw people, when in fact they are just trying to do a job. It's a somewhat menial job, but I have seen some of the highest levels of human spirit in it's performance. Sure there are greedy nasty pricks everywhere. I just try not to be one of them. I stand up for people who work hard and often times don't get respect... and that's why am generous to people who serve me always. And you think I'm an ass because I'm overly generous and I made a simple math mistake. Fair enough Dude.
You people are idiots. This has everything to do with who is in office! Its because of him people have to servive off of tips like ants eatting off the crumbs of the effluent. He destroied our dollar. He devestaed our economy. Who else is to blame? It falls on who WE elected. I say the word elected loosely because WE didn't truely elect him. He lied and cheated his way there like the democrat frat brat he is.
How dare you say that things would be the same if Palin was in office. Look at HIS legacy: The worst oil disaster in US HISTORY, devaulation of the united states dollar, war, famine, and polictal discard.
Yet you democrats defend him TOOTH AND NAIL. Because you hate to admit your wrong.
History truely does repent itself.
Nobody said anything about anybody but you. We are talking about tipping here. When did your spaceship land? Maybe it's time to turn off FOXnews and get out and enjoy the beautiful summer weather. Xanax might be an option as well.
Really? reading that message was almost painful, and i think this whole comments thread just got a little dumber because someone let you on a computer.
Your political views are trash, and obviously a regurgitation of some retarded Glen Beck rant. Possibly some other Fox outlet feeding you your beliefs so you don't have to waste any time trying to actually understand what's happening in the world around you. This has to be the truth, because if you did try and understand the real causes of Americas problems you might notice that every single issue you are trying to put on Obama is something that was already there when he showed up. He has simply been put in the crap pot and has to deal with the debacle that started building up a long time ago. Do a little research and at least then your flawed political views will be your own. I would start with Ronald Regan, Margaret Thatcher, and the deregulation of the financial industry. Then you can upgrade to the fact that there was never a proper set of regulations for offshore drilling, which allowed BP to make crap rigs for as cheap as possible, which led to the disaster in the gulf. The war you talk about was started by little Bush, who didn't deserve to live, let alone be president. And i'm not sure where you got the famine thing from, cause most american's are fat as hell.
Even if you had been right, this has nothing to do with the topic of this thread. My opinion on this story, if you can't shell out a little extra cash to help out a server who just served you then keep your a%# at home. None of this self-centered justification for not tipping them crap. There are plenty of people who will tip, so you wont be missed at all. I don't even work in the food industry. It's called proper restaurant etiquette. People like the "Mike" that has been trolling these posts are a prime example of the kind of people we don't need in this country. Load him into a cannon and fire his corpse into his family, we have better things to be doing with the oxygen they are consuming.
Amen! By the way, do you think that FOXnews is just evil incarnate?
Man my fellow Servers 2.13 an hour :(, thank god I live in California, I'm a server making 8 dollars an hour, I have learned that you cannot judge a book by its cover, I ALWAYS give good service and take care of my tables, HOWEVER, if you stiff me the first time your off my "Good" list and therefore I will not check on your table or take care of it much, I won't ignore it but I simply cannot afford to take care of your table when I have other tables that know how to tip and want the extra mile service and I am more than happy too. I don't expect 20% plus all the time, but If i work my butt off for you then please tip. I went to a bar today and had a beer and some chicken enchiladas, bill was 25.00, bartender was great, kept checking on me, threw in a shot for free, and we conversed for a while, 15.00 tip thank you sir I appreciate your time and your courtesy. I'm only 21, most people treat me like shit cause I look young and don't think I know how to tip, haha the few servers who have treated me well know how well I tip and next time I come in they take care of me, just how I take care of my regulars.
I'm generally a big tipper, any where between 20-25% depending on mood and sevice. If I'm unpleased, I'll tip 15%. It's a hard job. Best way to get a large tip from me...keep refilling my soda without me asking. Lets me know you're paying attention...and I won't be thirsty.
You're welcome in my restaurant anytime...;-)
And I like your philosophy Glenn, the only thing is, so many customers get ticked when I just take there cup and refill it for them haha. I know how my regulars are so I know they always want more but others its hard to judge :(
Palin2012.. this has nothing to do with politics. REALLY???? Come on.
*sigh* Educate yourself. And I mean that not in the "democrats are better, republicans suck" sort of way. Because I don't believe anyone should be so ignorant as to respond that way. But this is about something that has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with politics and who is in office. It would be the same if Palin was ruling the country. Please remove your comments from this forum and go comment on something relevant to your argument.
Show me the money. I deserve it. If the man ain't gonna pay me, you better. Fork it over to the tune of 18%, or I'll do something bad to your food.
He's talking to you Bill.
Alright you caught me. I am generous to a fault. Sure people can take advantage of me. But that's their deal isn't it. They say the measure of a man is how they treat someone who can do nothing for them. I am a hugely successful 100% self-made business owner, a devoted son to my 96 year old father, a loving husband, and a father of two exceptional, successful, empathetic, moral children who are employed in finance and law. I try to teach by example. I'd like to consider myself a leader of good, and I strive to be someone who brings small acts of kindness to others with a happy personality and a kind and generous heart. I am however intolerant of bigotry, greed and selfishness. And it makes me angry when I see it. The comments here tonight seem to me that waiters and waitresses are somehow trying to screw people, when in fact they are just trying to do a job. It's a somewhat menial job, but I have seen some of the highest levels of human spirit in it's performance. Sure there are greedy nasty pricks everywhere. I just try not to be one of them. I stand up for people who work hard and often times don't get respect... and that's why am generous to people who serve me always. And you think I'm an ass because I'm overly generous and I made a simple math mistake. Fair enough Dude.
When I order water to drink and no appetizer, I can usually tell that the server thinks that we are the cheap folks who will leave no tip. I broke out a coupon yesterday on top of this. Yes, I'm saving money where I can, as we all should, but most of all, even if the drink is included with the meal, I usually order water because I like it and it's better for you.
My point is that if the server continues to treat me as a valued client and serves me well, I base my tip on not my final bill with discounts, but what it would be if I had ordered drinks as well. It takes as much work to pour water as it does to pour a Coke. If a server treats me like second class, the tip drops to a minimal amount.
The thing is this. If you give good service and treat me like a CUSTOMER and not an irritation to your day and schedule, then you will get a fair tip, if not a very good tip. If the service is poor, then I will not give you my hard earned money and give it to someone who is not willing to work hard for theirs.
The waiter yesterday treated us very well and ended up with a 25% tip. I can tell that it was rare because he made a point of thanking me before we left.
This is what happens when you have a democrat in the office: petty arguments and loss revenew.
Brilliant! On so many levels! Yikes!
ha!.... Best. Comment. Ever. oh man. I'm speechless. ?!
Well said. No really. I sincerely mean that. But someday, somehow, I would like to even just slightly understand, in even the most simple and basic way, WTF are these people thinking and how does the mind develop to the point of the comment above from Palin2012. Come on... Give me something.
The answer is simple; inbreeding.
I think that like with many things financial. People get into purchasing things that they really can't afford. Tipping in the US has existed for as long as I can remember, and I am 50. The deal is, you go out to eat, sit at a table, someone waits on you, and you give them 15% – 20% tip if the service is satisfactory. That's the deal. Maybe people can't afford to you out to eat in the first place. Therefore they certainly don't want to tip because they can't afford to eat out in the first place. But that's not the deal folks. Tipping, if not MANDATORY, is certainly the way things are dome here in the USofA. Maybe since many more bottom dwellers are going out to eat, they are unaware of how things go in the civilized world, but, they need to be aware of the conventions the modern American culture if they want eat in public with utensils.
While you were fighting about tips: Thousands of gallons of oil spilled into your waters, killed thousands of your wildlife, your soldiers were shot at over seas...
ahh, who cares? Lets get back to arrogant customers, crabby servers and nickels and dimes!
Ymiri... your numbers may need adjusting, but your point hits the nail on the head. Our world has much bigger issues to deal with than this.
@ Lyons
Waiters dont get paid minimum wage because they are "probably making a killing on tips" ?
Waiters dont make a killing on any thing. They have good days, but you can never count on generous people.
Wow, this Mike guy is a real asshole. That's really all that needs to be said about it.
Here's a tip: Don't eat yellow snow!
Mike,
I used to pride myself as one of the best servers in the industry. I would make 20% on almost every table I waited on EVERY night. Because I was such a good server, managers would make me pick up the slack of other servers at least once a week. Whether it was a "no call, no show," someone who made it in late or had to leave early, I was blessed with the majority of their section. When this would happen I could not give the superior services I felt my tables deserved. When someone like you would walk in with their "better than thou" blinders on my tips would suffer. You see a server with a big smile that's very polite and energetic come to your table, and when this server is late with one thing or forgets something small it bursts your "you bubble" and you take it out on him.
Now you probably think that I have worked at some pretty bad establishments with some pretty high turnover to have to go through that so often, WRONG! I have worked at "turn and burns" as well as polished the chairs where you preach from your throne. This type of thing happens at ever restaurant that is a "going concern" and is something you need to look out for before pass judgment.
I now charge you with a task before seeking out your next jar of Grey Poupon from the window of your Roles Royce Limousine: Next time your getting bad service, follow the server around with your eyes to see how many tables he has. If it's an amount that you could not see yourself adequately tending give the guy a break. If you see them standing in a corner joking around with another server or on their cell phone you have my permission to leave nothing or call a manager. However, if you talk to a manager without checking and it happens to be a good server your complaining on, the manager will simply pat the server on the a** and you will become passing laughter when they are having a beer later after work. And better yet, the next time you come in and ask for that restaurants best server and that server remembers you, you will be passed on like a bad case of herpes to the dumbest piece of sh*i! with an apron and tie on that server can find.
Well, your friends who brag about all their money and their "few hours of work" are the kind of servers I hate to work with. There is a lot more to waiting tables then taking your order and dropping your food off. There are a hundreds of other tasks I have to do from the time I get there until the time I leave. The diner where I work is small and I usually bus my own tables but still have to tip out cooks, dishwashers and the one busser that may or may not decide to show up. Here's something else to think about; if our cook is having an "off" day and my tables dining experience less than what they hoped on his end, they will still (unintentionally or not) take it out on me (tip wise) but guess what..I still have to tip that cook out even though he cost me my tip. Added to my duties of taking your order and bringing your food I also make 40 pots of coffee, haul ice, sweep floors, bus tables, fill all the condiments, etc on your table, cut bread, lemons, wrap 200 rolls of silverware, make tea, dust, clean bathrooms, stock items, etc. I just cant continue this thread..I have to be at work at 6:00am. I sure hope I have a better pool of people to serve tomorrow then I found here tonight.
Well Cecilia, I sure hope so too.
Cecelia – The best and large tips should go to breakfast waitresses. You work the hardest and usually don't have easy jobs at home either. I applaud you and all those cheerful ladies who have served me in the am. God Bless you!
@ollie Oh man you are hilarious!!! +10 for ollie
I have been a server/bartender for several years now. And I make $2.13/hr. I like to think I give the best service possible and that I am friendly and have the best attitude. Bust sometimes (like everyone), I fall short. Here's how I see it: When you go out to eat, your food is a lot cheaper because your server is being paid less. Even with a 15-20% tip, you end up getting the better deal. If you felt you were given good service by a good server, leave a good tip. Great service = great tip. Bad service = no tip. I tell any customer who asks about tipping that a tip is at the discretion of the customer. I don't feel like I'm entitled to a tip. Yes, I have bills to pay and yes, if you don't tip me, I'm in a bind. But a good percentage of the time, if you got a bad tip or no tip, you probably deserved it. Like someone else previously said, a tip is an appreciation of good service. In any job, if you come in and do a mediocre job, you'll get mediocre pay. I consider a great tip like a raise. You're not going to get it without a little hard work. I know there are people out there who just flat out don't tip for no reason. Maybe they think you make REAL minimum wage or more. Or maybe they're just jerks. But you can't take it out on any other customer. And keep in mind, servers, that bad service will eventually get back to you. You never know who you are waiting on. And you never know when you're boss might just get fed up with you and fire you. And for the person who said to find another job if you don't like making $2.13/hr and people not tipping: not everyone has the privilege and opportunity to have a salaried job or a well-paying hourly job. Everyone does the best with the skills they have. Serving is just as valuable of a job as any other. If you think it is a job you can just piss on, then don't go out to eat any more.
No opinion but only a fact. Not enough customers and a restaurant will close it's doors, leaving "servers" with no job and customers exercising their "little" power of choice. Think about it before talking about doing sick things to peoples food and bragging about it.
I delivered pizzas for five years. This is what I think of tipping in general.
The owner paid me low wages… but I didn’t care about the $2.00 he paid, I was after the tips. I made a lot of money as a delivery guy and was happy with the pay. I learned how to work my tips. There were great tip nights in the winters, there were bad tip days in the summer. Yes, certain people did not tip and I knew who they were (and no, it is not about race; it is about the economic level of the customer) – I just delivered their pie to them and kept motoring. If someone stiffed me, well, that was their right.
Doctors were the absolute worse and I did not want to deliver to them because not only did NONE of them tip, they also wanted me to wait forever for them to come get their food. In the meantime the other deliveries were getting cold or getting backed up. THAT IS NOT THEIR RIGHT.
Now, I generally tip about 20 percent because I know some of the wait people need that money more than I do (I now earn more than 150K a year) but it is my generosity that causes me to do that – I do not think I OWE you any more than 12-15 percent.
If you are a waiter in a buffet style restaurant where you are walking around refilling the tea, sorry, that is not full service and only rates a dollar or two tip – not a percentage of the bill.
BTW, the tip should be 15% of the pre-tax total, not the entire bill.
Tipping is becoming a sickness here in America where everyone thinks they should have their hand out. It is so bad that people working the counter in donut shops have jars on the counter where they expect you to give them 25-50 cents when they hand you an 75 cent donut.
I think 15% is a fair tip for a waiter at a full service restaurant and thinking that the percentage should rise over time is just wrong. Waiting is not supposed to be a career. It is supposed to be something you do for a while until you find a better job. If you don’t like what you are being tipped – get a better job.
"I delivered pizza for 5 years"
FAIL
My cousin delivered pizza for 6 years while obtaining a bachelors then a masters degree in mechanical engineering. Now he is working on research developing more efficient turbine engines for military aircraft. I can tell you are not worth his shoe with your comment alone.
Delivering pizzas for 5 years is fail.... But 6 years delivering them and bragging about taking University of Phoenix classes?
EPPPPIIICCC FAAAAIIILLLLL
To Amazed – well said. Sad bunch. Most of the people who tip poorly only do so because they can screw somebody and cowardly escape before they are publicly ridiculed for being such weasels. Many people just plain suck. Hopefully, those people are not your wife, your boss or your parents. I get the feeling you have nice parents and they taught you well. "Be the change you want to see in the world" – Gandhi
I will get a good tip out of you, go to a restaurant, and tip that server crappy! Throw the extra in savings.
Economics 101.
That should tick off both sides of this ridiculous argument.
Ok, let me get my calculator out. Let's say I take 3 friends out for dinner. Let's say the bill for four dinners and four drinks comes to $100 with tax. Ok.... the server came by, said "hi" then "what can I get for you?" then brought out the food, then asked "how is everything" then took away the plates. Let's see..... sounds like he/she spent a maximum of about ten minutes with us. Ok 15% of $100 is $15.... that works out to $90 per hour for that server. Seriously??? And you have the nerve to gripe about the occasional person who stiffs you? I have lots of friends who are servers, and they brag to me about how they bring home hundreds of dollars a night in tips for a few hours of work. Wow.... think of all those fools who went to law school or medical school to take home $90/hour! They didn't even need to earn a high school diploma to earn $90/hour. Seriously.... all you servers need to stop your whining. In today's economy, you should just be glad you have a job– and stop whining about the occasional rude customer. You're getting paid very well to be nice.
Wow please let us all know where your friends work so we can get a job there. Little hit, sometimes people over brag about what they make, and stiffing is not infrequent and yes if things worked the way your calculation worked out things would be great unfortunately there are other factors involved outside your calculator.
You keep working with that calculator Mr. Math, it's big turn-on with the ladies. By the way, if you think that wait staff make $ 90.00 per hour and doctors and lawyers only make $90.00 per hour you are indeed very confused about things mathematical.
Jacsparo is a liar.
Diners for the most part are great. They pay for everything i do in my life. Sometime they are horrible. Like the vegan, who doesnt mind the duck fat potatoes or the diabetic who cant have the sorbet but can have an extra sweet old fashion. I am a server and the diners who are terrible are the amateurs and the lawyers and the doctors and the teachers and the computer professionals and the blacks and the Asians and the old folks and the Jews and the soccer moms and the argyle dads and the French ( do not even get me started) and the Germans and the Mexicans and kids and prom nighters, and there really isn;t anyone whos not, but we have to make the best of it. Customers are never gonna change and neither are servers. All we can do is enjoy the freedom our job allows us to have and the luxury of making tons of money in the time that we need. If you are a customer that complains about service, go somewhere other than Applebee's, you country turds. If you are a waiter that has a problem with the redneck that didn't tip, really dude, maybe you need to find another type of job, or stop working at effing Applebee's, go find yourself a fine dining gig.
Forgive me for not looking back over the 1800+ comments but did anyone actually say that they expected a tip for bad service??? The point is if your given good service~give a good tip. If your not given the service you deserve then say something about it and move on.
I do not think some of these people want to accept that fact. I think they just like the feeling of having one up on someone, gives them some level of control that they can not gain in their regular lives.
Cecilia, Yes some of these people expect you to pay 20% regardless. I don't. That's what makes this so much fun. I don't tip. Ever. A fool and his money are soon departed...
I think it is ironic how many people here call servers uneducated, I along with many of my friends are teachers and servers. Wow uneducated? Really?
Don't make me pull out the teacher jokes... ;-)
We can't all be trust fund babies.
I eat out with my family at least 100+ times per year. I am shocked by the arrogant and ignorant comments shown by many of the "customer" comments. They really have horse manure for brains and are some nasty people. I show respect for my wait staff always and appreciate their effort to patiently follow my request and the requests of my family. These kind servers run back and forth trying to make customers happy in hopes that they will receive a tip of between 15% and 20%. Many people in the general public unfortunately are just plain idiots. They will tip exactly with a calculator, or they will only tip on the bill before tax is added. because they have the power to decide what to tip, they are able to clearly demonstrate their true, cheap, selfish, egotistical self. Perhaps you should stay home if you are in fact such a miserable human piece a dirt. Otherwise, try to exercise some empathy for someone who is kissing your butt and trying to make you have a nice time. And remember, when you stiff people you not only hurt them financially, you also hurt them emotionally. And that in turn makes them bitter and less nice when they visit my table. Tonight I went out, dinner was 39 and change. I left 61.00 – about a twelve dollar tip. It was a beautiful night to be outside enjoying my life, and I know that the waitress appreciated the extra $4.00 over a "normal" 20% tip. So for $4.00 I made a stranger a little happy. Made me feel good to do it. You should also know that I have never worked for tips, have nothing to do with the restaurant business and never would want to. Mainly because it would change my view of mankind if I had to suffer through encounters with cowardly weasels like I have read about tonight. Shame on you for being so truly mean. Oh and lastly, if you sit down and only have a $ 1.00 cup of coffee, you don't tip 20% moron. Never ever leave less than a 1 – 5 dollar tip. Or are you a total brainless simpleton?
You left an almost 56% tip. try 21 dollars and change, not 12 dollars.
I stand corrected – pulled out the receipt – $49.86 + $ 12.00 tip = $ 61.86 Sorry you missed the rest of my point. Too bad for you.
I never waited tables because I know I'm not very good at personal service (I worked construction while in school), but my wife waited tables to help pay her way through college. She will be the first person to scrutinize the service and tip accordingly (I usually have to convince her to give more). My usual is 15-20% for good service, but expected to tip? Really? Call me old-fashion, but a tip is in appreciation for good service. Not a bonus for showing up for work. If you don't like the OPTION of tipping, find another line of work. I intentionally avoided food service because I knew my attitude would not get me much money–do the same if you have an attitude about your work as well.
Hans Solo
– a personal sexual reference, I'm sure. There's the answer to everything in America - sue them. I bet you have a lawyer that likes to look into body parts. Dumbbell, how are you going to know if anybody messed with your food, and then prove it. What a dope. I probably spit on your burger several times after I dropped in on the floor, and you were wondering why all the wait staff kept staring at you and laughing.
working for the grace of others is futile when you want money
Especially if you live in the South. Those evangelicals are not going to loosen the purse strings until they see the sweat fall off your brow.
dude, if you're not careful you'll be damned to hell...but that's a different topic
Well Aynon, are you thinking for God?
Restaurant X provides me a good experience, I pay my bill. PERIOD. Doesn't the waitstaff work for the restaurant? Tips are a bonus for being a good worker. Don't think I owe you a tip. So called "standard" of 10, 15, 18, 20% tip is nothing but highway robbery conceived by the restaurant industry to get more money out of the stupid customer.
I really almost believe what I just wrote. That's really sad...
This is ridiculous! I have NEVER done anything like that to a customers food. I eat out too!! I have heard stories, of course but to be honest have NEVER seen anyone actually do any of these horrendous things. Im just stunned. Whomever said that is giving servers a bad name and thats a shame.
Wow, what a horrendously depressing message board.
1) Your servers have to pay a certain percentage to busboys and bartenders for the things you order and the dishes you serve. They don't have the choice to avoid this like customers do, so when you stiff your server, you may actually wind up causing them to pay FOR serving you. Reading that should make you feel concerned, not give you a smug sense of accomplishment. If you experience the latter, please see a therapist.
2) Although servers should be paid more in terms of wage, tipping actually has a purpose. Believe it or not, curmudgeons, tipping is actually for YOUR benefit. If you don't think so, try living in France for a while, where 18% gratuity is automatically figured into every bill. Where's my coffee again....?
3) As customers, we should act like human beings. The interchange with your waiter isn't just about your convoluted psychological problems, sense of entitlement, or bitterness. It's about the work day of ANOTHER HUMAN BEING just like you. If you can't understand this, please do not leave the house.
4) Mike is a sociopath and a troll. Please stop feeding the troll. Whatever the hell went wrong in his life is not going to be fixed on a message board about tipping.
Exactly.
Bill
To Amazed – well said. Sad bunch. Most of the people who tip poorly only do so because they can screw somebody and cowardly escape before they are publicly ridiculed for being such weasels. Many people just plain suck. Hopefully, those people are not your wife, your boss or your parents. I get the feeling you have nice parents and they taught you well. "Be the change you want to see in the world" – Gandhi
BECH, well said.
It's really quite simple:
good service = good tip
poor/rude service (that is NOT the kitchen's fault) = little or no tip
nice customer = nice server
asshat customer = asshat server
I am just baffled by the sense of entitlement from some of these comments. And for the record, I waited table for 8 years and I can assure you that the managers/owners didn't care about losing an asshat customer . Good riddance as far as they were concerned.
You forgot shits on your burger. I found a shits on one from Chilies once.
Yikes! My family and I go out about twice a month. There are 5 of us and the bill is usually around the $150-$200 mark (tip: $30-$50) I always tip 20% or more even if the service is just OK.... but after reading about how the wait staff might add a little something to my food, floss my steak with their feet, and heavens knows what else, I think I'll stay at home.
Seems like a lotta posts (1800+ now) for a job that many seem to not have respect for – on both sides of the issue.
When I first came to the US from France, I thought tips were a pain. In France tips are included in the prices on the menu. Having to tip felt like condoning false advertisement. At that time, I never tipped more than 5-10% and only because I had to so I did not make folks with me feel akward . After a few years in the US, I am now very happy with the tipping ritula. When I go back to France and I get lousy service, I cannot do anything about it. In the US if service sucks, I will leave no tip and usually tell the waiter or manager why not. I used to write the reasons why on the check but now I am not shy about telling it to their face. Face it guys, I is a gratuity, it is optional and you are at the mercy of your customer. Up to you to earn your tip, it is not an entitlement! If I get reasonable service, I will tip 10-15%, if exceptional service, 18%. Never 20% or above. Those who tip above 15% are just fools if you ask me. I also hate mandatory tips for large parties, I feel those are technically illegal. In those cases, I usually substract whatever I think is excessive on the check and pay only what I feel is just. I have yet to be pursued by wait staff! Well, I am a pretty big, intimidating guy and folks think twice before messing with me. As to your petty revenges, waiters, not to worry, I rarely if ever eat at the same place twice. Just too many choices out there! You can pee in your soups to your content!!!
Service gratuity on large parties are due to cheap people ordering food and drinks for 20 people and only tipping 100$ rather than $350 which would have been 18%. We tip out to the other staff based on the numbers just like you have to. If you don't like it or think it's illegal then you can throw the dinner party in your own home. No one is forcing you to eat at the restaurant. And regarding your tipping method, leave whatever you feel is adequate but don't stop at 18% and call others who tip higher fools. No one asked you. If someone gave you service worth 25% then leave the 25%. I don't care how big you think you are b/c I am a skinny 5' 9' 22 year old who has called out guests on their bad tips to their face where they got embarrassed by everyone else who is around.
Your attitude sucks. We can argue all day about some servers' sense of entitlement or guests' lack of appreciation for proper tipping etiquette for a service performed. The bottom line is that there must be a compromise between the two, a happy medium, if you will. Bad service should merit a frank discussion with the offending server and his manager. However, bad service may sometimes be a case of a guest being in a crappy mood and therefore angry at everybody. A server could lay out the red carpet for a guest in a pissy mood and still be complained about. I worked as a server when I was a college student several years ago. It was hard work and mostly rewarding. It's difficult to swallow a horrid tip when you work your arse off to be courteous, accurate, and accommodating, which is a server's job. I've read a few comment in this thread from servers who have awful attitudes, and yes, a sense of entitlement that has no place in the service industry. Whatever tip you receive from a guest, it's a server's responsibility to give great service whether they feel like it or not. It's called doing your job and if it's too much to handle, then work in another industry that's less taxing. That simple. When I could no longer handle the work, I got the hell out of the restaurant business. To the diners, learn how to properly tip. There's no such thing as an extravagant or too generous tip when you receive awesome service. If you can afford to dine out, make sure you can afford to leave a good tip. And have reasonable expectations of your server. A server is not going to be able to stand at your elbow in anticipation of your next request. There are other guests needing attention, and a good server will be able to balance if seated properly. Your dining experience will be better if you anticipate your own needs and communicate them to your server from jump.
Having been a server and now, happily, a regular diner and excellent tipper, I am never rude, even if I receive poor service. I patronize a restaurant to receive great food and equally great service. I don't want to be approached by a server having a bad day who doesn't have the grace to put it aside and do his job. Also, if a person doesn't have the proper etiquette for either dining out or serving, take a crash course before engaging in either. Some people simply do not know how to eat out. It's not the server's responsibility to teach, but that's part of the job, getting diners who don't know how to order or tip or even place their napkin in their lap. Servers know full well, or they ought to know, what they're getting into when they put on that apron and have to plaster on a smile. No one is making them wait tables for a living, it's a choice. Sure, somebody has to do it, yet again, it's a choice. I choose not to have a surly waiter ruin my dining experience and expect me to leave a huge tip. Also, guests have to be more understanding. Yes, they are paying for a meal and dining experience, but that doesn't mean that they can take servers for granted and treat them like dirt, especially if the service is great. It's not right. Servers and diners need to both get a grip and realize that one cannot exist without the other. Let's make it work and peacefully coexist.
There is a federal law that requires employers of tipped employees to pay them wages to equal minimum wage if their combined tips and hourly rate do not gross to minimum wage. For example: If tips earned for the week are $132 and regular wages are $85.20 ($2.13 x 40 hrs) for a total of $217.20, the employer must pay the employee an additional $72.80 to bring weekly wages to minimum wage (7.25 x 40 = $290). So technically, tipped employees make $7.25 an hour at minimum. Granted, it's still not a great deal of money for a weeks worth of labor, but at the very least you should be getting that. All tipped employees should be aware of this law. (FYI – I have served as a waitress, hostess and catering waitress)
Have never done the job but I appreciate that its a hard one, serving strangers who can be ungrateful. I don't see the system changing, restaurants rarely make decent profits unless they sell alot of booze so salaries won't change. For good service I'll be glad to tip 20%+ and even 15% for only adequate service. But the flip side is how do we know someone in the back hasn't spat on the food or peed in the tea because they're having a bad day? This is why I prefer kosher places (strict supervision) or fast food where I can see them making the food. As long as spot checks keep reporting the horror stores, I may as well stay home and save money.
A. Tipped employees are a necessary evil but could be the best reason for eating out!
B. Restaurant owners are not generally exploiting their servers. Even a famous restaurant must have a similar cost structure to compete.
C, Restaurants do not close down because the owners are embarrassed about excess profits!
D. I've run restaurants, worked the line in a kitchen, and been a server. (Paid my way through grad-school with tips)
E. The worst customers are demanding, resenting tips, and show up with coupons. They tend to dwell on the cost and not appreciate the value of a dining experience. (Those that do not understand this concept should stick to buffets or drive through fast food) Typically they show up at 7:30 on Saturday night and blame the restaurant & staff for any delay.
F. The worst server is the mirror image of the worst diner; both are pompous losers wanting something for nothing.
G. A familiar acting server is trying to understand the demands of the table; if he or she were psychic they’d be making a killing on the stock market. They’re suggestions and help are directed at enhancing your dining experience. (They like tips!}
H. A SEVER IS NOT AN INDENTURED SERVENT, manners and respect should be mutual.
I. A great meal requires that the diner and servers are partners in the process.
Hey I can appreciate a coupon, right? Well, I always tip as if I didn't have it...I still save money and don't stiff the server because I'm cheap whenever possible.
I also understand that a lot of things are beyond the server...if it's busy, like at 7:30, I realize it will take longer and that's no one's fault. As long as the server is polite about it (checking on drinks or what not every 15 minutes ish), I have no problem waiting.
I used to have a lot of pet peeves...still do, but I don't tip based on it because it's my issue. Yeah, it bothers me when something is forgotten twice, but I also notice my server running around for 10 other people. I'm not that important...(a lot of people seem to forget that!)
I also hate it when I'm out with a guy and he is almost always handed the check, or it's often placed significantly closer to him. I really only get upset with they had the card back to him when I've paid. Seriously, my name is Jennifer...take some time to notice. But in that case, I politely say something. My tip depends on their reaction. (I also account for busyness of the place...)
All of you whining about how servers should either "get another job or an education," are missing one major point. SOMEONE has to do it. You wouldn't like it if you walked into Olive Garden and they told you to seat yourself, pour your own wine, go to the kitchen and cook your own food, take it to the table, refill your own drink, get you more breadsticks, go print your check and pay $50+ for doing all the work, now would you? No. You go out to eat because you DON'T want to do all of those things at home. If you want the luxury of having someone wait on you, then you have to pay for it. Sorry...them's the breaks. I was a server while I was in college...and while I encountered some wonderful customers, I had my share of douchebags that shouldn't be allowed in public.
One night I was triple-sat...for you holier-than-thou folks, that means that I was sat three times in a row, back-to-back, while other servers were skipped, on a 1-hour wait. Two 4-tops and a 6-top. I never let a glass get empty. Apps came out on time, meals were out 10 minutes later, children's plates came out first. The two 4-tops were easy...but the 6-top was a nightmare. Every time I walked by, they wanted something else...more ranch, extra napkins, more splenda, another coloring sheet for the 3-year-old at the table. All the while, he's running up and down the aisles, getting under foot, smearing queso all over the booth, crumbling tortilla chips in the tea pitchers, and coloring all over the table. And not one time did I NOT smile and say sweetly, "My pleasure...may I bring you anything else?"
The last straw came when I had just cashed out my second 4-top and had been sat with another. I was bringing the 6-top's tablet their check....close to $200 in alcohol and food. As soon as I sat it down, the 3-year-old stood up and grabbed a glass of coke, and POURED it on the center of the table.
I got a $3 tip for the whole table...a $200 check. A lady at the table complained to my manager that I made them wait 45 minutes for their food, 20 minutes for their alcoholic beverages, and that I yelled at their little boy. Never happened. The check was opened at 7:40 p.m. and closed at 8:22. Thankfully, my manager knew she was full of it....especially when she asked him to comp their meal.
$3 that I had to split with the bar and the bussers for cleaning up the little...*gulp*...angel's mess of chip crumbs, spilled coke, and queso paint. $3 for the worst table in my server memory.
You're not all peaches. You're not all our favorite tables. But some of us HAVE to do it. The next time you go out to eat, think about what it would be like if YOU had to do it. If you're not willing to pay for the services you receive, then you don't need to receive them.
As for bad service...because it does happen. I've had bad service. If it's soooo bad that you are willing to leave a crappy tip, or no tip at all (trust me...most servers would rather have no tip than a crappy one), then at least explain to the manager why. Bad behavior is not fixed if there is nothing said about it. Take a few minutes the next day to call and speak with the manager and let him or her know that there is a bad server. Don't just begrudge them a tip and then risk getting them the next time you're in. Be pro-active.
Why are the majority of you lumping us (servers) all together? Ok, there are bad servers out there but that is not the norm. Most servers do their best. We dont want to loathe our jobs and walk around all entitled..lol.. Most of us want to earn our way and have some fun doing it. I love waiting tables despite the occassional "s.o.b. customer". It works both ways. But please dont lump us all together in some organized "gang" that are just out to give you crappy service and expect 20% for it. Ease up!
because all of YOU PEOPLE are exactly the same.
If you can't speak-a the english to take my order go back-a to YOUR COUNTRY.
Ugly Truth: More often than not people who are bad tippers or have the "you have to earn it" attitude are low class trash. I mean, there has to be a reason they are being so stingy with their money. Right? I'm sure it's just because they don't have enough cash.
That all said, I'm sure one of those trashy low-tip persons will get on here in a second and say "but it's the principle of the thing," however, if they really had any principles they'd be generous. Hence, without either cash or principles, they're trash.
Oh, and on a somewhat unrelated note here, I judge all of you on this board who use "loosing" when you should be spelling it "losing." If you were to "loose" something, it would mean that you were freeing it. Get your spelling right all you bad tipping trash folk, or maybe just become more "loose" with the tips and you'll be judged a little less.
Well the people I have seen stiff tables surely were nowhere near classy, so I think you may be onto something.
I have a few questions asked in all seriousness, hoping for a few serious replies from some people in the business:
1. For all my life, I've known that the "standard" tip rate to be 15%, with higher % for better service, and at better establishments. Some people say that 20+% is the new standard. Is 20% truly -the- standard? Is it a standard across all levels of casual dining to fine dining? Is it possibly a regional thing? I don't mean to sound anti-tipping here, but I don't understand this change of a long-time custom. From a strictly economic standpoint, the average level of service one would get today is not 33% better than it was 10, 15, 20 years ago. Inflation has caused the menu prices to go up, so too the absolute dollar amount of the tip automatically rose proportionately with the same 15% rate. Has something else changed that warrants an increase from the customary 15%? Maybe I'm just oblivious here.
2. What's the deal with some establishments automatically including a tip in the bill (and I'm not talking about a for a large party)? The Applebee's at Times Square in NYC did this. I witnessed a couple get into an argument with the manager over the check because of the built-in, non-negotiable tip (20% IIRC). I suppose this could be beneficial for servers in locations where there are a large number of tourists from countries where tipping is not expected. But for other people, it just seems like an insult - either the management thinks I'm going to stiff you, or that I can't do math. Is there a reason for this? Who sets this policy?
3. Why do some places include the handy tip guideline at the bottom of the bill, and the suggested tip number is obviously computed over the total, INCLUDING the tax?
4. I like to thank attentive service with a nicer tip. Bringing a drink refill or something else I need before I have to ask is greatly appreciated. However, sometimes you get unlucky and have a bad experience. Punishing for bad service can indirectly punish unrelated people (the busboys, etc.) - so how should a bothered customer resolve this? Should I speak with the manager immediately? Wait until the end to talk to the manager? Talk to the server privately?
Thanks for real replies.
1. I live in SC and work at Ruby Tuesday, my manager tells everyone the average tip should be 18%. People tip everywhere from 10%-25% regularly, it really comes down to living within your means (for anyone who will argue that means you don't have to leave a tip...that is NOT what I mean at all, it just means you don't have to be an extravagant tipper to be appreciated by your server).
2. Ruby Tuesday, at least where I work, doesn't allow us to add tip and I am stiffed (zero tip) at least once a week, sometimes once a night on a bad week, and its not my service, it is just that some people don't tip so I assume some places have that there as insurance for those who just don't tip because it happens everywhere.
4. No matter how nicely you tell a server you would like a little bit better service, it always has the potential to lead to worse service, I would suggest waiting til the end of the meal to talk to the manager if you really think the service was that bad, unless he is walking through the restaurant, then just stop him and express your concern. In a situation where you are getting bad service and you can tell it is the servers fault (a little bit of leniency when it is really busy or you can tell we have a table that is being difficult because they can is greatly appreciated), then it is acceptable to lessen the tip a little bit (if you have that option, if not, talking to a manager would probably be your best bet).
I will tip very well for good service and I work in a state that requires servers to be paid standard minimum wage. However, I hate hipster attitude and don't judge me by my gender.... a lot of servers assume two women will tip worse than a male/female couple. Get over your preconceptions... I tip better than a lot of guys I work with....
Had a bartender sell me a $7 beer at 1:59 AM and left a $2 tip. She then took it away 90% full at 2:01 AM because the bar closed at @ 2 AM. Brought 12 people to the same bar the next night and did not tip one single dollar to that loser bartender over 4 hours. Am I wrong for doing that ?
WHY ALL THE OBAMA AND DEMOCRAT BASHING? WHAT DOES THAT TO DO WITH THE ISSUE AT HAND?
considering obama is the reason the resturant industry is failing and losing revenue at 74% a year now? everything
Not to mention he started the recession we're in.
The recession started in Nov. of 2007 and that was just one reason why McCain was soundly defeated. Nice try, but no cigar.
Nice strawman there. Too bad it does nothing except show that demolitards must resort to making up false dates and misinformatuion.
i shit myself and cant think right.
plz give me 20% tip.
I understand how hard it is for customer service. I worked in fast food for 6 years and that is what helped get me through college because I kept telling myself I didn't want to continue to work in customer service. I am now a high school teacher and people ask how I can put up with those kids, well i tell you what I would take teaching anyday over customer service even though i have been threatened as a teacher a few times, one saying he wanted to shoot me.
As a bus girl before I became a waitress the worst thing by far was the family that left and when I went to clean the table they had left a soiled diaper in the shadowy part of the booth seat, partially open and I found it with my hand.
Great tip, a hot steamy turd; what jerks. Please throw them away yourselves people. You can't tip me enough to handle your human waste!
Jessica – Please know that there are many kind, nice, generous, thoughtful people out there that would hang that customer upside down till they were dead. On behalf of the entire human race, we apologize for that table of people.
I quit tipping when I realized that waiters/waitresses have been adding ingredients that make my butt really big.
Your caboose is just fine. Choo Choo!!!
i can train my dog to bring me a beer...should i tip him 20%
You don't feed your dog?
i guess you're right, i'll leave some scraps for my waiter next time
if you can train your dog to bring it to you with a smile, ask if you would like an iced glass to pour it in, and then clean up your mess when your done...then yes.
Having worked in every part of a restaurant, I can't believe how many people think it's okay to not tip. And these stuffed shirts (mentioning no names....Mike) are usually the ones demanding immediate, spot on services- because apparently there aren't other people in the restaurant who require service. When I eat out, I am generally on a first name basis with the wait staff and I tip at minimum 30%- even if service has been less than adequate. Many places either pool their tips or have to payout tips to others- why should they suffer on account of one person? If I'm ever in the same restaurant as Mike, then I'll be sure to be extra friendly and tip more- because clearly some people just don't get it!
To Owner/Chef
I don't understand your reasoning in this, or this whole minimum wage for tipped employee law. I come from Canada where the minimum wage for tipped employees is, well... minimum wage. Here in BC it's 8$/hr. Most servers make this, some restaurants pay more. People still tip. 15-20% is the norm. I don't know a single place that charges $30 for a burger. Your $25 steak that you serve is still $25 here. And if your profit is 18 cents on a $25 steak meal your doing something wrong, your food costs are too high, or your markup is too low, or you are lying to strengthen your argument. There isn't that much different between Canada and the U.S. in fact the costs to operate are probably higher here, but the restaurant industry thrives, and people still tip. From me as a customer however do not believe that a tip is mandatory. If I get good service I tip, and I tip well.
Do you know the difference between and Canadian and a canoe? A Canoe tips! Try hard to be human you Mr. Cheapo.
Instead of bailing out BP the government should be bailing out applebees.
I know BP left a 20b tip for all those fishermen and shrimpers and such. Thank you Obama and thank you Joe Barton for your apology to BP. We will remember it in Nov.
Why has Obama remained so quiet during all of this? I'll tell you why: He doesn't care. Typical democrat.
bush choked on a pretzel because he did not tip.
This is simply sickening. Retired, you ideas are selfish, I might even go as far as cruel. We work within the system, we all do, and for you to deny a server who has performed adequately his or her due because you feel as if you can't be bothered is wrong, plain and simple. Reevaluate yourself, and understand that servers rely on your courtesy, even though it can hardly be considered courtesy as they have earned it.
Mike, I do not what traumatic event occurred in your past that caused your extreme dislike of servers, but what ever it is, please let it go. There is nothing wrong with expecting good service, just as there is nothing wrong with expecting a roofer to do an excellent job re-roofing your home, but this crass superior attitude you carry is undeserved, and has probably gone a long way to ensure that your service is epically horrible. Just because someone chooses to server does not mean they are trash, it does not mean they had some major failing in life, it does not make them losers. We all take different paths on the road to wear we are going, and to condemn someone for choosing to serve is small minded. It is a job that teaches character, self control, and empathy. Get off your high horse, and remember that the man or women taking your order and administering care for you throughout the course of your meal is a person, same as you, with concerns equal or greater to yours. No one deserves your arrogance.
Black people are not all bad tippers. Not all European people are bad tippers. Not all red necks are bad tippers. Not all old people are bad tippers. Stop spreading your bigoted ideas. I am black, and I tip well, as does every member of my immediate family (I can't vouch for the extended family as they live across the country). I am from Oklahoma and serve those that would proudly consider themselves rednecks, and the tip the same as everyone. Same for European people and old people. Shall we stop being so closed minded.
After being a server and a patron I think it sucks that severs have to rely on tips to survive. I do not mind paying more for a good meal and if I know that everyone working there is paid a fair wage.. but seeing as this is the system that we have then you should respect it and tip properly. Tip what you would want to be tipped if you were working their job. As well treat your server with the respect you would want to be treated. If you act like a jackass don't expect much better.
I know people won't read this since there have been so many comments prior but:
1) I tip well because I go back the same places often and servers remember. As a result, I usually get excellent service.
2) It takes a lot for me to not tip 20%. Once I waited 10 minutes for a check while the waitress was flirting with some guy. Then she spilled ash in my drink without comment. But I still left 10%.
3) People are complaining about tipping. Yes, it's not required but social etiquette says you should. If you don't tip, you just look cheap.
4) As I said before I tip 20%, but I also know that sometimes I sit around drinking a soda, hanging out over an appetizer which is cheap. So in those cases, I try to tip $5 an hour minimum to make up for the money they could earn.
Sure it's not required but it's polite. I seems like we've really forgotten that...and it makes me really angry to read some of these comments. I'd rather have our current tip system so I can say "Hey, thanks. I really appreciate how you went above and beyond" or "it sort of sucked, but I realize everyone has bad days, so try harder next time". But I never skip the tip...
I worked a job once where I got minimum wage (yay!) and tips. I never expected it since I was paid decent, but you can bet those who tipped regularly got little extras for free. It pays off.
All you freaking whiny waiters / waitresses threatening to screw up our food or drinks if you don't get a tip....how would you like to be in jail. Its a criminal act to tamper with food and / or beverages. You are opening yourself and your employer up for a huge lawsuit. In fact I wish you would put something in my food or drink....my lawyer will be so far up your butt he will be able to see your tonsils from the inside. Quit whining and moaning....or get a different job or an education
With that attitude I doubt you could even afford the lawyer. Don't be an asshole and you will not ever have to worry about pissing people off. That goes with all things in life.
Hans Solo
– a personal sexual reference, I'm sure. There's the answer to everything in America – sue them. I bet you have a lawyer that likes to look into body parts. Dumbbell, how are you going to know if anybody messed with your food, and then prove it. What a dope. I probably spit on your burger several times after I dropped in on the floor, and you were wondering why all the wait staff kept staring at you and laughing.
I am a big fan of take out. This way I am not "bothering" any servers and I get my food which I can eat where ever and how ever I wish. I also like european style places where the tip is included in the bill. Little Italy in NYC is a good example. No worries about tip. If you really insist on eating in a restaurant AND if you don't want to tip "effectively", then this article no doubt applies to you.
I understand tipping in restaurants and agree with it. What I don't agree with is tipping my hairstylist (although I still do it). I'm already paying $65 for a simple hair cut. Do I really need to leave her another $13? That just does not make sense to me at all.
Yeah, the stuff I get done to my hair can easily be $300, so adding another $60 for the tip makes me cringe a little, but I do it anyway b/c I'd feel like a jerk if I didn't tip her properly. She has overhead (paying for her spot in the salon, supplies, etc.) so I just consider the tip a mandatory part of the price when I'm thinking about making an appointment.
Besides, a hairstylist can choose to give you the best, best quality work, or they can choose to half-ass it. A good tip probably encourages that little something extra.
I worked wait staff for 3 years in college, and I will NEVER go back, ever. I had ghetto trash literally scream at me that their burger wasn't 'rare enough.' I had moms with kids who laughed when the kids tripped me while carrying FOUR meals. I had drinkers get raging angry with me when i couldn't identify the random alcoholic drink tthey wanted... i was 19 years old! The managements only care was that you kept the tables moving, and didn't care if you went home in pieces. I can't tell you how many times I worked a large group with grace, only to find out they'd left you NOTHING. No complaints, praise galore, but when it comes to tipping "don't you dare tell them there is a group minimum, or they'll spend less on the meal!"
Never again, not in this ungrateful culture of entitled a**holes.
I just don't understand why I have to pay an expensive bribe just to get someone to do their job well. no one bribes me to do my job - and if they did, it would be considered illegal.
Jake, you're free not to eat out. If you consider the COMMON tradition of tipping to be a "bribe," then don't expect someone who earns $2-3 an hour to wait on you.
Its unfortunate that people feel like they are "bribing" their wait staff for good service. I think that a good portion of servers, myself included, give 20% service no matter what. It is just extremely discouraging when people don't tip even a fraction of the quality of service they received.
Sounds like you are both from the entitlement generation. gimme gimme gimme gimme. now now now now. just make someone else pay. I just don't understand why this is COMMON tradition. you don't have to pay a bribe in a very nice restaurant in Asia, and you get really great service.
And no one seems to want to tackle that it would be illegal if one of my customers bribed me to do my job and we would both go to jail.
Tradition is not a bribe, thats why. Your comparison is absurd.
Entitlement generation? You mean the one who feels entitled to stiff a hard working person on a nice service on some vague "you're bribing me"complaint against the traditioon itself? Or are you just a cheapskate looking to justify keeping that $5 in your wallet? I think we know which you are.
I am entitled to money that I work for. When I wait on a table, I am doing work, and it is a personal goal of mine to ALWAYS give quality service, therefore I am entitled to make money off said table.
Congress should pass a law that adds a 20% on people's bill when they eat out AUTOMATICALY.
That way everyone is happy and we could finance securing our borders.
I tend to tip well for fair, heavily for great. If I under tip or on extremely rare occasions leave NO tip then I am giving you a hint.: Go find another line of work. As a customer I could not care less how the server and staff handle the tips from there. If any of that you consider unfair, take it up with your employer.
Random notes from my serving/restaurant experience:
I learned that we men are shallow, shallow, and pathetic fools. I am a guy. I realized primal men are when I worked as a waiter. Without fail, the "Chestiest" girls would get great tips, cute girls would get really good tips, and I (THE GUY) would get your average run of the mill tips. This is due to men trying to look like the "alpha male" by tipping big to impress a cute female server.
Also, girls REALIZED this and would flirt with guys to "inflate" their tip percentage. I realized that guys are all STUPID and "suckers" for a cute girl. A poor homely-looking fellow gets this beaming and smiling waitress to speak with him, and he feels like he needs to impress with a bigger than normal tip. Sadistically, I knew some women servers who would laugh as they threw a male guest's phone number (which was written on a napkin) in the trashcan as they pocketed a 20-25% tip! These pathetic men are stupid enough to believe tipping a girl a lot would get a date with them. WRONG!!!! Men don't stop and think, "hmmmmmm.... she has something to sell, the more I buy the bigger tip she gets. Her playful flirtatiousness must be a ploy to exploit my tip money!!!!" Nope-Doesn't even cross guys minds.
Also, I noticed as a male server, if a cute girl server stops and chats at a table, her chances of getting a bigger tip goes UP. If I (an average looking guy) stop and chat at a table, my chances of a big tip go DOWN. I am just annoying them with chatter.
In short I learned-In business and sales, cute women always win! (Because men need to impress cute girls with their buying power)
Don't hate the player(ette), hate the game.
Joe, could you please dig my number from the trash and give it back to that babe. I am sure that was just an oversight on her part.
How much longer can this discussion go on? Everyone has repeated/ reiterated something else that was said previously. Point is, servers will always feel overworked and underappreciated. There will always be rude guests. There will always be people that don't tip. There will always be that one lazy a$$hole on a shift that makes an entire staff and restuarant look bad in a single guest experience. And there will always be that one undereducated a$$shole who comes into a restuarant and abuses a good server because their life dreams died a long time ago. Both sides should use caution. Servers, if you treat everyone like they have the potential to be that one undereducated a$$hole, then you're not gonna make money. Guests, if you treat all servers like they're lazy a$$holes who wouldn't know their head from their butt then- I hope you came to the restuarant just to abuse your server, because you won't be enjoying your meal or atmosphere. Whether you work at OR visit restuarants a$$holes and tips are expected. Come prepared.
I teach...where's my 20% tip?
It is in the love, affection, appreciation and respect shown to you every day by all the rational parents and their amazing children. You Dr. D are richer than most.
I teach as well and if you are in the profession for the money, you are in the wrong line of work.
Would I leave a tip when everyone knows they spit in your food and take shits on your burger?
You still eat out despite you 'know' they're going to shit and spit in your burger???? You deserve a darwin award!!
I have been in the service industry for over 18 years. I have performed all positions in front of house in restaurants, and for the last 13 years have been a bartender. This is not my profession, it's a side job. I do have a professional career with a Master's degree. After reading the comments posted here my stomach turns, so let me be blunt. If you don't believe in tipping for any reason...stay the f**k home!!!!!! Servers in all aspects of the industry work their asses off. Those of you that complain should try walking in their shoes for just one shift and you'll shut your mouths. Surely, there are some that are not the greatest, but that goes in all professions. But to not tip because we make “a ton of tips", I can't type all of the expletives you are in this forum. Maybe that's why Donald Trump is waiting tables. I don't care how old you are, your race, religion, your socio-economic background, etc...If you don't or can't tip, buy a six pack of Natural Light and a crate of Snack Ramen and stay the f**k in your house. And lastly, to those of you that have to use your handy tip card, yes you can throw it in the trash moron...how hard is it to figure out percents! Cheap Bastards
Since when does anyone HAVE to tip. If you don't like getting STIFFED as you say, go stiff yourself you ungrateful piece of work.
There is NO law we have to tip anything. The facility owners should charge enough to pay you and make profit, forget all this tipping BS. It is a bunch of S to HAVE to tip anyone. I will tip when and where I so please, so go get an aviated intercourse off of a motivating pastry. All you people that think you should get tipped for everything are crazy, greedy, idiots.
I work in personel job placement. I think these people have forgotten that they are working for min wage because they gave the min in school and life and they are there to SERVE the customer without wich there would be no job. What ever happened to the customer is always right. That seems to be a thing of the past with this new generation of it's not my fault and you should give what i want you owe me. This generation of complaining about having to do a GOOD job to keep a job and get paid. They believe we should expect bad service, attitude, and a piss pore product and then give them money for it. Maybe if enough people don't tip these complaining under achievers they might shape up.
Your stereotyping of the wait staff is ridiculous and appallling. That attitude of 'I'm better than them because they're servers" is what drives the divide between you, them, and what SHOULD be a pleasant experience for you BOTH.
Btw, when I was carrying four hot meals and had a womans kid PURPOSEFULLY trip me, was that my generation "complaining," or was that someone from YOUR generation LAUGHING at the mess her kid had made of the "lazy server?"
The proposition that the cost of eating out would "double" if tips were eliminated and servers made minimum wage can be shown to be a complete lie by, let's see.... Math?
If a server made $0 an hour + tips and got a raise to $7.50 an hour with no tips, how much would it cost me for a two hour meal? Oh, $14. Now if the server serves only 4 people at the same time, my two hour meal will increase by $3.50.
Let's say the four of us have to support a server, a bus person AND a bartender! Shocking! Our meal will increase by $11 Oh, the horrors!
So the idea that the owners "just can't afford to pay minimum wage" is just BS. Math proves you a liar.
Mike,
I used to pride myself as one of the best servers in the industry. I would make 20% on almost every table I waited on EVERY night. Because I was such a good server, managers would make me pick up the slack of other servers at least once a week. Whether it was a "no call, no show," someone who made it in late or had to leave early, I was blessed with the majority of their section. When this would happen I could not give the superior services I felt my tables deserved. When someone like you would walk in with their "better than thou" blinders on my tips would suffer. You see a server with a big smile that's very polite and energetic come to your table, and when this server is late with one thing or forgets something small it bursts your "you bubble" and you take it out on him.
Now you probably think that I have worked at some pretty bad establishments with some pretty high turnover to have to go through that so often, WRONG! I have worked at "turn and burns" as well as polished the chairs where you preach from your throne. This type of thing happens at ever restaurant that is a "going concern" and is something you need to look out for before pass judgment.
I now charge you with a task before seeking out your next jar of Grey Poupon from the window of your Roles Royce Limousine: Next time your getting bad service, follow the server around with your eyes to see how many tables he has. If it's an amount that you could not see yourself adequately tending give the guy a break. If you see them standing in a corner joking around with another server or on their cell phone you have my permission to leave nothing or call a manager. However, if you talk to a manager without checking and it happens to be a good server your complaining on, the manager will simply pat the server on the a** and you will become passing laughter when they are having a beer later after work. And better yet, the next time you come in and ask for that restaurants best server and that server remembers you, you will be passed on like a bad case of herpes to the dumbest piece of sh*i! with an apron and tie on that server can find.
when i was in the navy we had a saying choose your rate choose your fate which meant the job you picked is the job you do. the way i fill is as a waiter/waitress you job is to give a good service so if you give a good service i'll give you a tip if you don't you don't get a tip. simple as that. yes i do tip if the service is good 15% based off the receipts 15% is automatically charged on parties of 5 of more. if not i'll drop a dollar or two
Its that simple, that concept is difficult for some to comprehend.
Waitstaff like Brandon are the reason I don't eat out anymore. I was always a good tipper, I just don't think I should be forced to give some snotty kid money just to keep him or her from tampering with my food.
You are not owed tips, you EARN them.
Thank you for staying home. You just saved a table for someone who actually tips.
I'm a server and agree that not every server deserves even a decent tip. I pointed this out earlier, but the thread has gotten so long: please let a manager know when you receive bad service. If you don't explain it to anyone, your waiter will just assume you're a cheapskate and not that they did poorly. The manager may even compensate you, and the good servers might not have to put up with a terrible coworker anymore.
I've worked as a server, bartender, and manager at a decent restaurant. Tipping is something that should NOT be expected. I don't expect to get a tip. I provided the best possible service that I could and made sure that all my employees did as well. That is the way to guarantee a tip. You may be slammed and on your wits end, but the bottom line is customer service and unfortunately too many times (IMO) that gets forgotten. I have sat at a table and before and waited for 30 minuted before someone came to the table. No apologies, no "I'm sorry we're really busy" nothing. And guess what, having been on that side before, the tip was less than I would have tipped if the server took the time to let me know. It's possible and you'd be amazed at what taking 30 seconds to stop by a table can get you.
For those that go in and and automatically expect personal service from your waitstaff...get real. If a place is busy, it's going to take a bit longer. That's just life. Chances are the place is busy because its a good place to go.
How often do servers get stiffed? I would never in a thousand years stiff a server, unless they seriously deserved it. Is this common practice?
Looks like it. I was fortunate, I was a bartender, if I had a zero tipper I just kicked them out. I can do that, there is always some considerate person ready to take their place.
I think it's wrong not to tip simply because bartenders, waiters etc. basically have to pay to work at their place of employment. The way that it works out for them if you don't tip is almost like they're serving you for free.
When I eat out, I typically leave a 15% tip for acceptable service–meaning my order was taken in a reasonable amount of time and the wait person was courteous. I tip 20% for good service, meaning in addition being courteous, my wait person also checked to see if our meal was okay and if we needed drinks. For excellent service, I tip 25 percent. I also make a point to let the manager know when our wait person provides excellent service. I've been thanked by wait staff for taking the time to do so. On the rare occasion I have horrible service–meaning the wait staff essentially ignored us for the entire meal– I do not tip. I'm also not inclined to return to the restaurant when there are so many places I can go and be treated with courtesy.
Steve Buscemi's conversation about not tipping at the start of Reservoir Dogs sums up my view on tipping. I'll tip if the service is really good, but being expected to fork over money just because you can't find a job that pays decent is absurd. Tipping should never be expected. "I wish I had a job society deemed tipworthy."
Wow you really take life advice from Reservoir Dogs?
Agreeing with and taking from are two very different things. You don't really need that pointed out, do you?
I have been a waitress for 4 years and have worked at two restaurants that are basically the same in two different parts of town. At the first restaurant I worked at in a better part of town, most people tipped 15%-20% as long as the service was good so I learned to always give my best service to every table and I wouldn't have to worry that my check usually ended up being $0 because of taxes. However, I when I went to college I got a new job just 20 min away from the first restaurant and I found that there are people who, no matter how good the service is or how much money they can manage to get off their bill, they still won't leave a penny for a tip. Since I have to tip out 3% of my food sales (including entrees that my guests were able to get for free because something was "wrong" with theirs), PLUS a bar tip out based on how many drinks I ordered and what kind they were, I end up paying to serve tables that do nothing but waste my time. Where I am working now doesn't allow servers to add gratuity to checks under any circumstances, so just last night I brought home $53 after a 7 hour shift after tipping out a $35. That is how ridiculous the system is for servers and we can't do anything about it because we are the little people, there is always someone willing to take our place, especially in this economy, and it is ALWAYS about the bottom line. So keep that in mind next time you go out.
@Mike, you can sit on your high horse and tell us how we will serve you to your standards because we are obviously subserviant to you. That's cool spitting in your food sure makes your no tipping more worth it. If you think people do not remember who you are and do not get even "along with the other coworkers", you are sorely mistaken. So keep being an ass, we will make it worth our time.
To all those of you servers complain about your income – realize that the REASON you have your job is the customer. The customer's only obligation is to pay for and enjoy their meal. The meal is marked up to pay for overhead such as staff etc. Maybe we should all stay home and cook for ourselves, that way you won't have a job to go to and won't get paid a damn dime for your lousy attitude. If you don't like it, find another job that pays better. I'm sick of servers complaining about tips. The origin of a tip is a "bonus" to be given for exemplary service only, not to subsidize your crappy salary. Get REAL!
You need to stick with the buffet if all you want to pay for is the food. I want great food and great service – I am willing to tip well for exceptional service. Do me a favor, stick with the buffet so good servers don't take your advice and quit!
I am appaulled by the attitudes on this thread. Mike, yours the most. You seem to have a real axe to grind with people in the service industry. No, you are not forced to tip but if you dont want to tip, then feel free to go to a drive through or restaurant where tipping is not neccessary because they pay their servers min. wage or higher. I have a degree Mike and am a very intelligent woman. I wait tables because my husband is a soldier and I can not keep a salaried job because we are moved so often or my husband is deployed and I need flexability with my schedule because we have two children. I work extremely hard to make sure my customers have an enjoyable breakfast/lunch/dinner and I believe that the hard work I do and the service I provide are worth the tip. If you can not afford to tip than go to Subway and enjoy your sandwich. I do make a very good living waiting tables but I deserve it and prove that by providing top notch service. Jobs are hide to find. To say; "if you dont like the pay~get another job" is ludicrous! Its plain and simple...if you dont want to tip, then dont...but dont go to a sit down restaurant and ask someone to work for you that you have no intention of paying for their services. I do not believe that you should tip no matter what but if youre service is good..then tip your server accordingly.
If they want a "tip" (aka: a handout) then heres a tip: Get a real job. Not some bullshit job intended for high school kids.
Any self respecting person over the age of 20 who is willing to work as a waiter needs to get a life.
TO "Get a real job"
It seems YOU don't have a real job. If you can't afford to tip your waiter 15%, YOU need to go back to school for a higher paying career/job.
thats probably one of the best comments on here yet.
I'm in college double majoring in Civil Engineering and Business Admin. I am part of the Honors College at the university I attend and have a 3.9 GPA. All that to say, I am in no way underqualified for a "real job" as you would say, however there seems to be a shortage of "real jobs" out there for people recently graduated and even less for those of us who are older than 20 but still in school. I am working as a server to pay the small portion of my college tuition that wasn't covered by a scholarship and people that don't tip make that extremely hard!
I used to be a waiter at a nice steak restaurant. Us waiters have a great memory for the faces of people who don't tip! All I can say is, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you!"
Additionally, II was TAXED by the government on 15% of all my sales because the government assumes that people tip their waiters 15%. So everyone who doesn't tip their waiter 15% is stealing from them. This is because that waiter gets taxed on their 15% whether the guest tips it or not!
Ok maybe so.
But everyone else in the country is also taxed on their wages, and you, like everyone else legally has to make at least the minimum wage, thus you are in a position just like the rest of us.
As I stated above, if your tips+wage doesn't equal at least the minimum wage, by law your employer has to make up the difference.
You people will use the slightest thing to not tip. like if the waiter ask to repeat yourself because you are talking too low. I mean I vary my tip but most of you are trying to have these people get a tip as if they just went though the american gladiator course to get your food for you and you say did not make the time NO TIP. tip or get out the seat.
Serving is a job most pople would not want. If it paid decently and di not involve relyingostrangers.... To abolish tipping would require a bran new system. many would not switch. Much like the metric system.
Tips are NOT undeclared income. Here's how it works: the waiter is supposed to declare tips as taxable income. If they IRS thinks a waiter is under-reporting his/her tips, the IRS will calculate how much THEY THINK you are making in tips, based on a percentage of sales of the restuarant and the hours worked. THEN the IRS TAXES THE SERVER ON THAT CALCULATED AMOUNT. So if a waiter is making less than 15% because of jerky customers, he/she can actually be taxed on money he/she has never even earned. AND the IRS does NOT take into account all the hours that servers work when the restaurant is not even open for business (during which the server still gets paid the $2/hour rate even though there's no hope of tips without customers in the store. Most servers must stay very late to close the restaurant. This is a minimum of two hours past the time the last customer leaves. Others must arrive early to open the restaurant. Again, about 2 hours before a customer ever arrives. Yet this time is included in the IRS's calcuation of tip-earning income. So all the snide comments about tips as "unreported" or "untaxed" income are WAY, WAY off base. Been there. Unless we change to the system of say, Spain, where tipping is unheard of because the waitstaff is paid properly by the owner, then we must tip for decent service or we are truly screwing the server.
If we as servers/bartenders didn't have to deal with all these fatass americans getting all of their EXTRA ranch or 79ounces of soda(or anything else we as servers complain about) we wouldn't complain about customers, but when these people only leave us 5% for running our asses off when they are sitting at the table eating pounds and pounds of food and asking us for something from the kitchen after you just sent us there six times when we have 1,970,987 other things to do (your usually not our only table).
Another thing people don't realize all of the side work that goes on behind the scenes to make the place run smoothlye..ice,food running, getting drinks, sides, setting up the food, a problem with the kitchen, getting cups, etc..(you do realize that if something goes wrong it isn't always the servers fault where i work it could be the computer system, one of the many cooks that food dish goes through, the person who sets up the food, or even the person who brings the food to the table.I'm not saying servers are perfect because we are human and do make mistakes ona busy night we might have over 100 orders..one mistake a night i think might be acceptable...it would sure as hell be nice to walk up to a table and say hey can i have a minute i have to go the bathroom. we are humans and most of us complaining on here are upset because we don't get treated like real people.... don't shake your glasses at us don't touch us with your greasy ass fingers when we walk by like were a piece of meat, and don't stiff us. we are all just trying to make a living and working in this industry is sure a hell of a lot of work.
ps when you ask a server for something and say "whenever you have some time" we will gladly do this right away because we know that you have a sense of what it is like to be a server.
I never tip because I fear that the waiter and or waitress may be a terrorist and by tipping I am financing their fight against our freedoms. You can nver be too safe what with 9/11
I spent several years as a server and bartender because it was often one of the only possible jobs in the area. I have to make my house payments and even McDonald's was so overwhelmed with applications it's pure luck to get a call back.
I can put a big smile on my face and joke around with staff and customers even when I am in my cruddiest of moods because as a server you MUST. However, I think if I have to act eternally chipper and always be the most kind and helpful person in the world you as a customer should make a slight effort to do the same.
Your bad day is not my fault, I shouldn't get attitude and have to suffer from the moment I greet you.
You not telling me you wanted a slice of lemon with your water is not my fault and if you don't ask for it DON'T expect me to bring it or complain when I don't!
The cook adding mushrooms when it clearly shows on your bill that I told him to omit them is NOT my fault, I will still apologize profusely but HE made the mistake.
I can't read your mind, I ask questions attempting to make sure you get what you want, EVERYONE has their own preferences. I shouldn't get attitude because I don't know how you take you coffee, that you would rather honey instead of butter, that you won't eat vegetables unless they are steamed, or any other of the countless preferences people have so it's pretty unfair, annoying, infuriating and hurtful when I get dirty looks and a rude dismissal for trying to give you what you want.
And If something is wrong, speak up before you've paid and nearly reach the door. If you tell me something's wrong as soon as you notice I can try to get it done right or get a manager who may give you a discount or free meal. Waiting until you've eaten your food and paid the bill before telling me how horribly I screwed up your stay is just obnoxious.
Believe it or not, when a server is trying to cover 10 tables while doing their sidework and covering for the 2 people who didn't show up mistakes WILL happen and things may get forgotten but I am still trying my best. Treating me like a lazy animal is unfair and makes YOU the jerk.
Yeah if you see me chatting with friends for 20 minutes while you wait I don't deserve a tip. If however, I am talking to other customers I just may be trying to get their order and they are taking forever. I may even be more frustrated than you are at how long it's taking.
"The cook adding mushrooms when it clearly shows on your bill that I told him to omit them is NOT my fault, I will still apologize profusely but HE made the mistake."
NOT ALWAYS!! If you are my server that took my order and brought my food to me, if you can see the mushrooms WITHOUT TOUCHING ANYTHING, IT SURE IS 100%, MILLION PERCENT YOUR FAULT FOR SERVING IT TO ME WRONG WITH AN OBVIOUS MISTAKE LIKE THAT!! You have to compare the written order to the food BEFORE SERVING IT!!
Also, what's on our bill, doesn't meant that is what is on the computer in the kitchen. You can also fix it after the fact for example, let's say you forgot to put no mushrooms on the ticket, you can easily fix it on the computer BEFORE PRINTING OUT THE CHECK, LIKE DUH, PEOPLE WEREN'T BORN UNDER ROCKS!! Servers can try to cover up their mistakes.
"You not telling me you wanted a slice of lemon with your water is not my fault and if you don't ask for it DON'T expect me to bring it or complain when I don't!"
While I agree the CUSTOMER should say they want something, I 100% disagree it's the customer's fault, because a CARING, GOOD server ASKS if you want lemon with water, NOT just bring water you IDIOT!! It's just like tea, you ASK if the customer wants lemon.
You know people may forget or expect, so WHY not just ASK so you don't have to run around like a chicken? Doesn't that make sense?
A good example, asking if customers need any condiments if they order sandwiches when they don't say so. Try to be PROACTIVE instead of just taking down what they say. Think AHEAD of what they might expect or maybe forget.
"things may get forgotten but I am still trying my best. Treating me like a lazy animal is unfair "
Are things being forgotten because they weren't WRITTEN DOWN in the first place? If you are too lazy to even write it down, don't expect respect back. Are you really trying your best? Doesn't sound like it from the mushroom example, because a lot of times, I can see mushrooms on a plate. Trying your best means making sure what you can notice without touching the food is correct BEFORE you decide to bring it to me. Trying your best is offering to bring out lemon instead of being stupid that people are going to actually ask for things. EXPECT people to not ask you and just ask THEM instead. A lot of people are going to expect things without asking, that's how some people are, so you have to adapt by asking THEM.
I was graduated 7 months ago with two degrees. The number of "real" jobs I have applied for must be over a thousand by now. The one I have been able to land is a serving job in a top establishment in a high class part of town. Most of my tips are great. Even so, working on my feet 50 hours a week (with no days off and 14 hour shifts without a break on Sundays included), I will be lucky to make 30k this year. Every paycheck reads $0.00, so every dime I earn comes from tips. Personally, I expect great tips, because I know I am an exceptional server. It doesn't take much common sense to put in a food order. However, it is incredibly hard on the body working so hard without a break and getting off work at 2 AM every morning, and hard on the mind dealing with uneducated, power-tripping managers, rude customers, and loud, obnoxious drunkards. Obviously, not every server deserves 15%, but come on. Give us a break.
@john You lie. and if you aren't your place of business is breaking the law.
You say you doubled majored, but you choose to be a sheep? i don't believe it.
Obviously you don't have any freinds who are servers. John may be a little over the top here but what he is saying is mostly true. Oh, I have never been a server but have a number of friends who are.
I never tip because I fear that the waiter and or waitress may be a terrorist and by tipping I am financing their fight against our freedoms. You can nver be too safe what with 9/11 and all.
You must be the dumbest person on the planet!
I agree with "Ever Think".
Obama has done NOTHING AT ALL to secure our freedom.
What freedoms are insecure for you?
Which freedoms? all of them. I mean srlsy look outside and watch the news.
I start out assuming a 20% tip and deduct for service mistakes or bad attitude. I often round up to the nearest whole dollar after calculating the 20%. I dine out an average of once each week and want to enjoy the experience. I am more than willing to reward excellent service since that what I was hoping for in the first place. Servers work hard and should be able to make as much money as any other successful person – I would love knowing my server made lots of money – that must mean they provide exceptional service – that's the kind of service I am looking for every time out.
if every person had that attitude toward tipping, even if they assumed a 15%, the people who deserved to make money would make it and those who didn't wouldn't, which is the way it should be. I enjoy the experience of serving a table that is enjoying their dining experience...it makes me feel really good about myself and reminds me why we are called "servers" in the first place.
I have the same attitude as you and typically tip between 20-25%. I wish there was a way to indicate the level of tip at the beginning of the meal. I'd be more than happy to let the server know i appreciate their work and will tip well.
And to further my original point, by law if the wait staff does not make the national minimum wage with tips + wage, then the restaurant is required to make up the difference. Here is this quoted from the US Department of Labour website;
"A tipped employee engages in an occupation in which he or she customarily and regularly receives more than $30 per month in tips. An employer of a tipped employee is only required to pay $2.13 per hour in direct wages if that amount combined with the tips received at least equals the federal minimum wage. If the employee’s tips combined with the employer’s direct wages of at least $2.13 per hour do not equal the federal minimum hourly wage, the employer must make up the difference. Many states, however, require higher direct wage amounts for tipped employees"
So wait staff, if you feel hard done by with tips, take this up with your restaurant and not the customers.
I don't want a server who has to live on minimum wage – I want a server who could make serveral times minimum wage doing anything else. I want my dining experience to be first rate not just good enough or worse!
Why not?
Why is wait staff any different to any other labour job?
Lots of people work their asses off daily for minimum wage and service doesn't suffer. Besides, I'm not advocating abolishing tips, I'm saying that if someone who works as wait staff isn't making enough in tips there is something they can do about it.
I'm all for tipping if service is good, but I shouldn't be obligated to do so, so I resent people who say 'Don't come out to eat if you don't tip 15%'. I can do what I want, comments like that make me resent tipping, as not everyone can afford to be generous with their tip. Also it's not my problem that you chose a job that doesn't guarantee you enough money to live off (even though it does, if they had any idea of your own laws they would realise this).
well, I live in Washington State, and it is against the law for a business to consider tips part of a employees wages. I also live in one of the highest sales tax states, I live in the highest gas tax state (75 cents), and they are going to throw on the candy tax before the USA starts theirs.
All this and I work 10-15 hours a week minimum wage, paying my own way through college, out of pocket. I am say i want to hang out with my friends, so i go out to eat. I do not need to tip you. I say all this, and i've only not tipped one person. If you put in the slightest effort, you will probably get a tip, but don't forget the people you serge were or currently are in your shoes.
I myself have never worked in the industry but have a many friends and my current g/f that is a restruant manager. And have heard about guest complients of 'hair in the food" and the hair does not match anybody on the kitchen staff seeing it was blone and everybody in the back had black hair.......just to get free food or discounted check or never say anything then call later for Corprates number to get a free app next time they come in. If the people that do not tip or are trying to work the system stay home so the people that enjoy a night out and having someone serve me food can do it with out hearing your lame comments and ruining the night for other customers that are enjoying the serve and will leave a tip.
Hey, I tip like Alex, too. There have been times when I've gone into a restaurant waiting for others in my party to show up WHO NEVER got there. After about an hour, I asked for the bill for my cup of coffee. ... And tipped many times more than what the coffee cost, for the use of the booth where the waiter/waitress couldn't earn more because I was hogging up the seat.
Teens who are out for late night coffee with friends should be taught this lesson. TIP for the time you spend at the table, remembering that wait-staff are not getting paid for your table if you are chatting there with friends all night.
To all the bullcrap arguments that food costs will be astronomical if wait staff got paid a normal wage;
How is it that the entire of Europe gets by with wait staff being paid at least the minimum wage, and average restaurant prices are still relative to how they are here?
I have eaten out in many different countries in Europe, some of which tipping is frowned upon, and you know what, the prices aren't ridiculously expensive at all relative to the cost of living (in general – unless its a really swanky restaurant of course).
So your argument is null and void, restaurants in this country could easily pay their wait staff a livable wage without a restaurant bill being out of control.
Well that is correct to some point seeing there are no real "chain" resturants in Europe other then American ones and they are probably mom and pop places where they gewt there food locally. which as american should do. Not only for economical reasons but enviromental. also then the prices would be cheaper.
Are you kidding me? Have you even been to Europe? That kind of comment is what makes the rest of the World think of Americans as self-centered *not so bright* people...
Okay, okay, everyone, calm down. It seems to me like no one is happy with the situation as it is. Owners seem to not like having to pay their waitstaff chump change in order to keep business coming (because who would go to a restaurant where a $25 steak is $75?). Waitstaff don't always like having to bend over backwards to kiss butt and make sure they can pay bills, and customers don't really like "subsidizing" their paycheck (although I don't feel that way). But what is the refusal of one person to leave a tip going to accomplish? You're going to make some server who just worked very hard to give you an enjoyable dining experience wonder what they did wrong (if they're not jaded yet) or struggle a bit more to pay bills. You individually are not going to change the system, and you looks like an ass next to the rest of us who accept how it works. If you hate having to tip, try making your statement not on an anonymous comments section but where some change might actually happen.
Just thought I'd also share my crazy trick that always gets me great service: I smile and say "please" and "thank you". Got that one from my parents. And then when it comes time to tip it feels natural to leave 20% or more because the service was great. Although next time I go out I'm tipping 35% because these comments have made me feel really bad for servers.
I think people forget that as a server it doesn't benefit us to make our guests angry, their the ones that pay us. There are a few people in the industry that don't realize this, but overall servers are looking to provide great service because at the end of the day, poor service usually means a poor tip. Odds are were trying our best to make our guests happy.
I love being American, you know why? It is because i don't have to give a fuck about anyone else in the states (at least until WWIII or some other unfortunate event like 9/11 that will bring us together). So to all those waiters and waitresses out there; Fuck you if you get uppity about not getting a good tip for providing half ass service. And if your one of those waitresses/ waiters who are damn good at what they do, then don't worry baby birds, I'll be there to give you the money you deserve.
If you hate the structure of minimum salary for waiting, or requirement of having to tip out a minimum amount even if you may not have received it, get together and strike. Trust me, one week of an entire state that has no labor force for wait staff will open the eyes of the local government.
It's not our fault you CHOOSE to be in this industry. If you suck at your job, I'm not going to reward you for it. If you do mediocre, I don't even think 15% should be required, but 99% of the time I do it anyways, and if the service was outstanding, you'll be rewarded, maybe even in ways other than monetarily.
Bottom line – The reason wages are so low (not here in California, you make minimum $8 no matter what), or you have to pay tax on a minimum amount is because everyone who hates it and bitches about it do it to deaf ears. If it was that bad, there would be a plethora of waiting jobs because nobody would want to serve.
Oh you Leftist. General Strike!
Looks like the democrats are hitting the pockets of hard working americans again. With Ohhhbama in office people can't even afford to leave a decent tip anymore. Score another win for the fat cats while they line their silk pockets with our money. Yes we can, indeed.
Democrats make me sick!
Eight years of bush and republicans made the whole world sick. Touche!
Don't like your customers, eh? Then don't do the job. You have a job because as a customer I chose to patronize your restaurant. Any restrictions or issues you have due to the way your restaurant is structured is not my problem. If I want to move my tab from the bar to the table, then I will. If your restaurant isn't set up to handle tips that way, talk to your boss... if you have too many things to do at one time... talk to your boss. Don't blame your problems on the customers that dared to walk in and give you their business. If you do, then I doubt you will have that problem much longer.
In the words of Ryan Reynolds in "waiting"...Don't F@*& with the people that bring you food. May all of the dismayed servers and line cooks spit into the meals of these self righteous penny pinchers who shouldn't be eating out in the first place. It's a privilege, not a right people...tipping is part of the cost.
I start every tip off at 15% from the get go. It goes UP or DOWN based upon service level.
As a once single mother, I OFTEN skipped out on tips altogether because of the LOUSY service I got when present with my kids compared to a table of guys out for a business lunch. It just INFURIATED me when waters (not waitresses) would make SURE business customers got better and more complete order care than what appeared to be a "single mother" out with kids.
Fortunately, I have only ever been treated that way when I try out NEW restaurants. These who know me as a regular guest know that I tip well, and 95% of the time provide good service accordingly. You know, sometimes you just have to venture out of your comfort zone to realize how sloppy of waiter service you can get.
This is why I LOVED eating out in Japan–tipping is considered an insult there!!!
I think part of the problem in America is that many people honestly DON'T understand restaurant economics. When I was growing up I was taught 10-20% tip based on service. Now it's supposed to be 15 or 18%-30%??? When and why did it change and how the heck am I just supposed to know this?? I don't go to fancy restaurants, so I just can't fathom tipping more than 20% unless it's a big group/party or something like that.
I've had some truly HORRIBLE wait staff here in the States and I HATE feeling obliged to tip them. On the other hand, if a waiter truly does make an effort, I have no problem leaving 15-20%. Unfortunately, that seems the exception these days rather than the rule.
It took all of three posts for this to turn into servers whining about their tips, as justification for poor skills and not knowing proper table service. Maybe if they were to worry a bit more about their behavior, and not be so focused on tips, they'd perform/meet client expectations better and things would right themselves. Don't like the pay- go do something else.
Father Time....you must be an old bugga! This isn't the 1920's!! Come out of your cave bro! And let me tell you, a lot of these waiters/waitresses ARE COLLEGE GRADUATES!! What does that tell you. Maybe a 9 to 5 job ain't cutting paying them bills anymore! On second thought...stay in your cave and barbeque. Pathetic!
AMEN!
ok really people servers get $2.13 an hour and they get to claim about %10 sales and claim taxes on it so when dont tip good service y do u think u deserve good service next time i see you and trust me when people dont tip we tell the other servers and we remember you so we can make sure u get really shitty service next time u come in and ive done to pretty fucked up shit to some rude customers in my day as well as telling a group of 3 people i hoped they died on christmas day before. and 80% of the time the service is bad because u as are too demanding and make yourself not like it cause i can count how many customers didnt like my service just because i was a guy so they made sure they complained about everything and by the way the customer is never right
I am thankful that you have moved on to another occupation.
I worked as a bartender in very busy bars for 17 years. I had a waiter girlfriend actually would say to nasty customers - and I think this sums the tipping problem up - "Be nice to somebody who is going to give you something that you're going to put in your mouth." Can customers be more stupid? She was a riot.
As far as wages, there were many many times, working a day shift, that the government taxed me on tips that I didn't even make because the tax law assumes you'll make the difference from your $2.15. If you haven't ever worked in a restaurant, then you haven't a clue as to the work, the difficulty, the stress, and the pay, that we make. How bout health insurance? Not many of us even have that, because we can't afford it.
90% of the waitrons in this topic really are asking us to support their cause (college, houses, sick families), not tip their good service. Since they don't seem to think their tip should be dependent on their performance, maybe I'll take them up on that offer and just ask what their cause is. If it sucks, no tip. If I like it, 100%. I'm really not liking the entitlement attitude I'm seeing from the food servers here; maybe getting paid for a job well done is a lesson the waiter job is supposed to teach teenagers and college undergrads. Certainly a lesson that this me-generation needs.
Still, I'm sure I'd find much better causes to tip than excellent waitrons.
I tip 15 for average service for two, 25% for an 75th percentile waiter.
From the article it seems to me the wait staff are just asking to be treated like human beings and shown a little courtesy, and remind patrons that they work for tips as that is the system the service industry has set up in this country.
From the comments I read most of the customers are a bunch of cheap jerks who are more than happy to take the service but not pay for it (ala tip). Hi, new to America? This is the system that had been in place for a long time and to complain to the servers or take it out on them is pathetic.
I have never been a server nor worked in the food industry (ok 13 months at a sandwich shop in high school...) but I have always tipped 20% for good service. On occasion if it is bad I leave nothing and write a note on the bill to let them know why (very rare) on the flip side I will tip 30-50% if the service is outstanding. I am middle class and were raised by thrifty parents but it just always seemed right (because it is). I am saddened by the comments by all the cheapskates out there making these comments. You should stay home or eat at McDonalds or some other food trough.
Oddly I learned to tip the staff well from a buddy of mine who was a notorious jerk at stiffing (and stealing) tips at our tables. I always made up the difference for him. Funny enough he is now a great tipper...and has been in the food industry for 15 years and is a head sommelier in SF...
Wow, I can't believe the conflict in these responses. The American system is that the customer pays for service in the tip not in the price. I find I get mostly fast, friendly service and I am happy to tip for it. I usually give 20% and I tip more if the service is outstanding. The very few times I get poor service I'll tip less. I know that serving food is a hard job and servers deserve to be compensated for it.
I tip by time not by cost 15% whatever if i take my wife out to dinner and drop $200 $60 of which if for wine and spend a little over an hour there i should tip them 15% of that i think not that would mean there getting paid $30hr and thats just from me ><
I agree to some extent with the people saying that if you go to a restaurant you have to tip, but if the service is truly awful you don't deserve a tip. If a tip is a serious part of your income that I'm paying and I feel that you did a horrific job you shouldn't get a tip. That being said, most servers are wonderful and should be fairly paid!
Let's call a spade a spade–those of us who tip are not subsidizing the restaurant or the waitstaff, we are subsidizing all of the people on this board who say they don't tip. If we eliminate tipping and restaurants have to pay the entire salary for the waitstaff, the menu prices go up by 15%, so stop complaining about the system and just enjoy your subsidized meals. Every meal starts for me at 15% tip, if the service is lousy, I give 10% if its just awful I don't tip and I don't return to the restaurant. If the service is good (which is in most cases), I tip 20%. If I'm not happy with something, I'll politely let the server know and ask them to fix it–in most cases they fix the problem happily and then I give a 20% tip (I just hope I didn't buy some bodily fluids for my extra 5%).
You're in good shape. No ball sweat for you.
If you don't like to tip then eat at home! Waiters/Waitresses are just trying to make a living! You people are not any better than waiters and waitresses are. Who made you GOD? Have some respect or like I said....STAY HOME!!!!
I find all of this amazing. Especially the Mikes out there. Now I think a lot of the servers are out of line here but I think they are taking this opportunity to finally get to speak there mind. Now I have been in the restaurant industry for well over a decade. I truly love it. In fact, I have recently opened number 7. Also, I feel I should mention I have served for a good period and bartended.. I still occationally do when needed. For those nonrestaurant types out there I also work avidly in the real estate world.
Just for those of you non restaurant people out there.... let take the method of not tipping. Then you're not paying for the service you are paying for the food. I have spent a good amount of time in Europe, not in all cases, but the service is sub par by American standards. And yes, you will pay more for the food. Oh and food in the states on average is a bit higher in actual costs to the restaurant. The US has a lot higher standards for what we can put out on the table. Oh and try telling a French/Italian Chef you want to change the artwork they created for you. Tell them that you need me, I dont need you.
I agree with the system of tipping as a rule. Not only does it help keep the costs low it insures me that I will be providing my customers with A+ service. I know MY servers provide great service because they make the $$ if you will. If they don't make money then inevitably they will leave..yes they too have bills to pay, kids to feed and sick spouses to care for.
Now for the comment of "Restaurants need the customer more that the customer needs the restaurant" well that is not entirely true. First off, if I have a patron "abusing" my staff, I will not only kick you out of my restuarant I will still charge you for your meal. As I do not tolerate my staff mistreating the guests, I will not tolerate the guests mistreating my staff. OH and in all my restaurants and as a good number of others might I add.. there are many systems in place that keep track of 80-90% of guests that enter my restuarant. Are you a non-tipper? Are you a problem guest? Are you a heavy drinker and like to harrass my 18yr old hostess? Well, it maybe Tuesday and I have 20 open tables but I dont need the problems to the moral of my restaurant. You can go to the local pub or Chili's if they want it.. GREAT.
I felt very insulted by the comments at the beginning of this stream. Comments like restaurant staff are criminals or basically restaurant people are the scum of the earth and need to get a real job. I do not hold a MBA but a good amount of my staff do or atleast working to obtain it. Not only that, I would trust any of my dishwashers alone in my home with my kids while I take my better half out for a much deserved evening.
@mike id like to see you even attempt to wait tables. and dont go out to eat if youre not going to tip. tipping is a part of going out to eat. and why do i wait tables? because i am a full time college student and it is one of the only jobs that has flexible hours and pays decent. douche.
This feed is alarming at best. All servers are customers in any number of capacities, and the same is true in reverse. Serving tables is allowing me to pay my way through school while garnering invaluable experience in customer service, business savvy, and product knowledge. If a guest feels personally aggrieved by the level and/or lack of exaction in service, the guest should consider calmly alerting the server as to their distaste or ask to speak with the "front of house manager." More often than not, this will salvage an otherwise unfortunate experience. Diners who are prone to surliness should consider that their actions and body language not only negatively affect the staff but the other clients as well. When in doubt, be polite, direct, remember your server's name, and always say "thank you"–even if you don't mean it.
Wow. You guys hate each other!
@ Busted.. I actually waited tables all through out college to support a dream of making it in my own business... and it worked out rather nicely. If you're smart and driven, there is nothing wrong with waiting tables to get where you want to go.
It's also a great job if you're transitioning and trying to figure out what it is you want to do in life. I make 6 figures now and it all started bc I didn't want to take the route that everyone takes "college-career-capped salary". ..granted I don't think there is anything wrong with that route, but you shouldn't think there is anything wrong with starting on your own and working your way up. It's honorable.. and it builds character... which sounds like something you could use a little bit of.
For the most part these postings are shockingly disgusting. The filthy language and the animosity aimed at servers is an eye opener. I don't blame servers for becoming jaded, but for the most part they have always been efficient, cordial, and ready to make any request on my part, their priority. They are NOT responsible for the mistakes from the kitchen. It makes me wonder how these bloggers treat their own family members and co-workers. Their posts quite possibly indicate a serious personality flaw.
You are all immature children. Reality:
1) Tipping is not optional. If you don't understand that, don't eat out. It is factored into their compensation, although the exact amount should be related to how good the service is (but, unless there was a serious issue, somewhere between 15 and 20%).
2) Waiters don't pay enough taxes. Regardless of the advanced sales-based systems used by *some* restaurants to estimate actual income, no server pays as much in taxes as they should. Period. I don't think waiters realize how much the rest of us actually pay in taxes.
3) The eating public has a right to complain about how servers serve. That is what we pay them for: to be waited on the way we want to be waited on. The eating public has an obligation to be courteous just like any human being, but waiters really can't complain about the eating public's manners as a whole. No one forced you to be a waiter and deal with us. We are paying you to do the job we want you to do. If you don't like it, quit.
There are alot of really negative people posting on here. Most waiters dont horribly mind refilling our glasses and such. And if you dont want to pay for the tip of a waiter then dont eat out. I tip a min of 20% and if i am happy with their service 30% or more. and dont make this about how much money i make because half the time i have to buy second hand stuff to get buy or use a broken bra until pay day. but the saying treat others as u would want to be treated. however if i recieve other than good service i speak to the manager.
Wow... maybe all these bitter waiters and waitresses should go get a college degree and get a better job?
I waited, and yes I hated it for 4 years. got me through college though
Many servers have a college education and weather it was because of this economy or that the degree they have is in the public service realm the we making crap in wages they ended up as a server.
And many waiters are just like you were - trying to get through college and pay for it afterward.
If I were an owner I would be troubled by the comments posted by those that represent the staff. To tell customers to stay home is not, in my opinion, what I would want to hear. Of course I would want my staff to be paid well for thier service bumost of the comments listed from both sides are so far out of bounds that people are not thinking clearly. I know a few folks that have lost their businesses during this recession and I am wondering if this type environment led to it. THINK BEFORE YOU POST PLEASE!
Somewhere along the line people have begun to misunderstand what the blog is all about. It is not just a space for venting the hatred for which they have no other outlet, but I'm afraid that is just what they are doing. It's not about servers or restaurants or any other subject, it's about having a place to spew their poison. A blog is supposed to address the subject matter in the article in an objective and well thought out way that adds to the discourse. What the posts to which I am referring show me is that, not only are they very unhappy people that would not be pleased with any level of service no matter how well they are served, they do not have the education to help them express themselves without resorting to gutter language. Some of the comments are so common and filthy it makes me wonder what kind of parents they had.
Make your own food.
@ Busted Aww .. unfortunately you're only one person.. and you suck.. so I don't really give a shit about what you do with your money. MU WA HAHAH. I have lots of folks that I love waiting on.. and they tip like respectable human beings.. so ya know, I'll "fall back" on their good vibes. I appreciate the "follow your dreams" speech though. :) Cheers!
It amazes me that people such as Warren have never been rushed to the emergency room to have their stomach pumped.
i guess i don't follow. I think your trying to insinuate that I am obese because i go out to eat, which must by why i don't like to tip shitty service?
Actually Warren, I was suggesting that you may have eaten something that was not on the menu. If you know what I mean.
I'm just not seeing it. Your being to clever for me ;)
This has been a pet peeve of mine Forever!! I really do not like the whole idea of tipping. It's not reserved for extra special service anymore but it's a requirement. I firmly believe that it's a way for owners of restaurants, salons, etc. to get out of paying their employees a proper wage. I'd rather abolish tips and have prices raised. If you can't afford to pay your employees than you're doing something wrong And why is it such a big deal when you have 2 or 3 people to give them separate checks? Paying your employees regular wages is fair to the customers and fair to the employees.
I have lived in the US for four years and I really don't like the american tipping system – it looks sketchy (undeclared income, underpaid employees...) and it adds a layer of stress to an unaccustomed patron. I live in Europe where we have restaurants with very different price ranges and yet we don't have to tip a small fortune by the end of each meal and our servers are paid good salaries. Why can't it be like that in the US?
I eat at restaurants 4 or 5 times a week. I make sure I tip even the less efficient waiters well because their job is no fun. They are on their feet all day. They deal with grouchy people in the kitchen and at the tables. I can't imagine why so many of you feel that the servers are not worthy of a tip. If the food is worth the money, certainly the person who brings it to your table is worthy of the courtesy of a tip. Why not spread a little good will? How can it hurt you?
I am a very generous tipper and I always enjoy myself when I go out. If you get poor service simply excercise your right to stay away from there in the future. There is no need to publicly berate someone or call their manager just to scratch some sadistic itch. No one else in the restaurant wants to hear you complain and believe me 99% of us realize that you are the ass. Odds are that most of the people that act that way are complete social misfits in nearly every situation. Most of you poor tippers comp[laining out there are probably the same people that I see eating grapes from the racks in grocery stores. Please do everyone a favor and eat at home if you can not handle a few extra dollars and let everyone enjoy themselves.
Your right it is just a few extra dollars, so why do waiters complain so much about it. You don't need to publicly light into someone if they are giving you shitty service, you just don't tip them. That is why it is a called a tip.
Warren, a few bucks us as an individual is not a big deal, but when you multiply that out by the number of tables they wait then it is a big deal. People that are so against tipping because of bad service are just looking for reasons not to tip. Again, stay home if bad service is such a problem or find somewhere else to eventually complain about.
i love all these waiters just buying time while they work on their 5-year enterprising plan. u will never succeed because i refuse to contribute to your funds. muahahahah
I hope you like the taste of ball sweat.
Make it your damned self then. If you don't tip then im going to rub my balls in your food the next time.
When I was in college, a lot of my friends took waitstaff jobs to help pay for college. I knew I wasn't cut out for that line of work. Sure, there are some good things about it, but it takes a certain kind of person to do the job well, and it's a gift some people have while others just don't.
I actually chose to work a summer at a dairy farm – regularly knee deep in cow poo, starting at 4 a.m. for $6.00 an hour – over a waitress job. I felt waiting tables would actually be far more annoying than cleaning up rivers of cow poo.
Waiting tables isn't calculus (which I am good at) but it does take a certain kind of talent (to do it well).
To begin, for any server out there it is your job to serve the customer and make the customer happy. if you don't want to do that or like to then you shouldn't be a server. Yes you will get stuck with no tip but a lot of times when I don't tip well its because the server sucks. I work in a kitchen, on the line cooking and one of my pet peeves is when a server tells the customer we can easily do something without checking first and then we get screwed. Servers need to be nice to the back of the house otherwise all your tickets will be pushed to the back and you will lose tips. And while we make more than $2.13 an hour, servers make tips that us cooks don't and ultimately, people go to a restaurant to eat. Its the food and sometimes just the bar that brings them in so you need to be nice to the back of the house staff whose working conditions are much worse than your and we don't get the tips you make off of our food. if anyone thinks i am way out of line then maybe they should be a line cook in a busy restaurant for a week. 18 hours a day in a hot kitchen isn't easy.
We always tip well. 15-20 percent for decent service and sometimes 20-25% for great service. I've never been the one to tip poorly even if I get horrible service. Why? Because I will never visit that establishment again. A place with consistently rude service will eventually go out of business. Maybe in time I'll change my view and tip less for less service. Rude service is one turnoff for the entire establishment, regardless if it was a bad day. The same goes for a place with bad food and good service, we'll usually give it another go.
i could really care less about the things that annoy waiters. It is their job to make sure i have a good dining experience, and that i have everything i need to enjoy my meal. When i go to a restaurant to eat i am paying for a service, so why do waiters think they can bitch about me wanting another refill, or when i ask them if they could heat the cold food they just served me. It is your job to accommodate my needs! I am PAYING for it. And don't cry to me that you don't get paid enough, that is not my problem. Just suck it up and give me service with a smile, or just stay home and have a pity party for yourself
You have every right to find another job if you don't like the one you have. I guarantee you there are 10 people behind you who would be willing to have your job if you quit. Quit complaining.
Have you ever complained about your job? Yes? Then shut up. Everyone has the right to vent about what peeves them about their work. It doesn't make the ungrateful. It makes them a human being. Get over yourself.
Yes, I have complained about my job, I work in retail. At the end of the day though, I know that my pay is based on the quality of work I do or do not do.
Reading pompous ignorant people characterizing waiters/waitresses as uneducated is getting OLD. Reading defensive waiters/waitresses (and former waiters/waitresses) respond with a list of the PhDs they currently hold is also getting OLD.
Waitstaff past and present – don't worry, those of us who aren't idiotic assholes do NOT look down on you in any way and very much appreciate your efforts. I wish you wouldn't feel the need to respond to the idiots who just want a reaction out of you – don't give it to them, there's no need.
I tried serving once in college. I had to quit. There are too many CRAZY people. After that experience I became a better tipper. I now work in the medical profession and deal with CRAZY people again. Now I am crazy.
Mike, dude, get your head out of your ass. This self-righteous consumer attitude will you get a little extra in your food, every time. Respect goes two ways. I never tip below 20% and believe me, good attitude gets you better food, more sauce, more fries, more whatever-you-want. I even got my appetizer free just because I POLITELY and not with a stick-up-my-ass attitude, said that I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought.
Dust yourself off, because you'll be spending alot of suppers alone.
I've a great deal of respect for waitstaff. I know that they work hard, and don't get a lot of money. I also know that those who make the most money do so by earning tips.
I usually tip at 15%, but will tip more...far more...if I've gotten exceptional service. One of the keys that I've found to getting that exceptional service is to realize that the waitstaff are people, and deserve a bit of respect. I know that they are there to serve me, but I also know that I need to be as polite as I expect them to be.
Since I often go to the same restaurants, I'll develop a relationship with certain servers, and I will ask for them if they are available, and I'll make sure that I treat them well. From that, I get repeated world class service, even in a chain restaurant.
Take care of your waitstaff, and they'll take care of you.
Now, on the other hand, I've had horrid waitstaff, and almost universally, I won't say anything to them. I will tip them a minimum of 10%, but I'll usually have a word with the manager on the way out. Often times, these servers have had to deal with some moron customer who has made their life miserable, and I've caught some of it. In fact, I had one server who, the next time I went back into the restaurant, saw me, apologized to me, and became one of my best servers!
Treat them with respect, and you'll have a nice dining experience.
@mike: you're the reason i'm a misanthrope. asshole.
OK, for the most part , it looks like no one knows the history behind why we tip in the US. The short story: it was a carry over custom from Europe when elite traveler came home and decided to carry on the custom here.
My thoughts ... employers should be footing the bill as part of the service. Tipping is out dated and way too random for anyone to rely on. That being said. If you are in a job were your paycheck is unpredictable and you don't like it ... find a new job. Here is the new style of tipping I have adopted. I figure that no matter what the bill is ... you are one person waiting on me. Why should you get over $10 an hour from me for waiting on little ol' me? Your servering my food and visiting my table maybe three times which is really only eating of maybe 10 to 15 minutes. On top of that you have more than one table. Why should cafe or franchise staff be getting $30 an hour in tips when the service is comparable to the fee. Now, if I am satisfied with a meal and service I generally tip very well. So for those that scream you shouldn't go out! ... come up with a better come back. Also, with the state of the economy you should be considering yourself to have a job and I am sure their is someone out there that has tipped you soo well it made up for a loss. Imagine if every time you heated your house I wanted a tip from you because you are using a service? It would seem ridiculous. The whole tipping is, again, out dated.
@ UncleBiscuit
That's because they include the tip in your bill. You don't get to choose what to pay.
Someday, I'd like to see an article (not by Eatocracy for obvious reasons) outlining all the stupid people bank tellers have to deal with. "
I have had to put up with crappy service from every sort of profession. Can we dock your pay for your bad attitude?
waiting on table is hard? better get use to it. life is hard
@Keith
i had customer service jobs for 4+ years. served tons of jerks. but i can bitch all i want because i made sure i got a college education so i wouldn't have to do that the rest of my life. problem solved. bitch bitch bitch. i earned it.
@Mike:
I am not a server, and I've never worked for tips or for the food service industry. However, based on your comments here, I just wanted to inform you that you are coming off as a terrible person.
I currently live in Japan and it is acctually offensive to tip. They said what ever you give them is a reflection of what they are truly worth. So I have no tipped in over a year and due not plan on tipping when I get back to America. 15% of a 50$ check cannot and will not be the value I put on a human.
@ North of 49. Good point, I'm from the other coast and here the minimum wage is $10/hr. Food is no more expensive here at restaurants and I've eaten across Canada and in many states. I also have no problem paying 15-30% depending on the service, but to add to this I have no problem paying nothing for crap service. It seems to me that the employers have an issue with paying hardworking servers good money and that's an issue in itself. For those servers that think the world owes you something in addition to doing what you are paid to do then you will always have an issue getting good tips and for those who do the job with a smile and because you like it, you will always get a good tip, even from the grumpy customers.
I'm tired of the terrible people who you dread to see come back. The ones that make the employees groan at the mere sight of him/her walking up the path. I was a cook for the last ten years. I started off as just a dish washer at 15 and worked my way up to kitchen manager. Ive seen it all. We as cooks get tips sent back to us as well as the servers. Most cooks let thier waiter/waitress keep them. At start they get paid the absolute minimum allowed by law, but some places will boost them up over time. What if it worked like that for doctors? If you're known as a lousy tipper, you may not regain full cognitive ability after a simple operation. The same goes for restaurants. Believe me, you get the treatment if your rude, ignorant, or a bad tipper. You think that you can sit there and act like that because your paying? Nuh uh. You have no idea what goes on behind the doors to the kitchen. For an example, this one waitress kept getting grabbed and felt up by the basic stereo-typical loud mouth truck driver. I witnessed the cook floss his toes with the guys steak and send it out. So take some friendly advice, when you go out to eat be kind to the staff and tip generously, because we have to deal with people like you, and you never do know exactly what you're eating.
If that "cook" ever got caught doing that...he would be charged with a felony, face prison time and the owner would face his business license being revoked and a liabilty lawsuit.
Nah, never happen. It's kinda like vegas, what happens in the kitchen stays in the kitchen :)
Tipping is twice blessed
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes. William Shakespeare (sort of)
if the service is good, you get a good tip. If it is not, you get JACK. What part of me being the CUSTOMER and you being the SERVER are you having problems with?
i wish the cook's got the tip and the servers got paid a flat rate. the cooks or chefs are the ones that spend the most time helping me. they're the ones in the hot kitchen and they're the ones making my meal. it's the food that makes or breaks a place for me. i wouldn't even mind going to a fancy restaurant and getting a number to get my food from a counter. especially if it meant i could get up and get a drink refill whenever i wanted. i understand for some people the waitstaff is a big part of the experience, though and i respect the fact that i's a hard job.
What is wrong with everyone's math? ultimately all the money comes from the customer, so why would the meal become too expensive to buy if the owner paid higher salaries in lieu of tips? it should be about the same cost to the customer, but the customer would no longer have the option of low tip or no tip for crappy service!
Here is a tip, go to college and get a real job stupid!
Servers aren't stupid. With the recession, many are college educated these days. Furthermore, many people work in service as a way to pay for college. Your clearly unfounded better-than-thou attitude just shows how very little you know.
If there were no waiters you would actually have to get up and go to the buffet.
Define "Real Job" father time? I graduated from one of the top 5 schools in the country and am waiting tables instead of working a shitty 9-5 and answering to the big guy with a corner office, so I can one day enjoy his view. Entrepreneurs start with nothing and then end up hiring others to work for them.... and having experience in the service industry will better me AND my company because I've dealt with shit ignorance like yours and know how to handle it and treat my employees with respect.
YOU out of everyone should know... it takes "times" to build an empire. ...and until then you need a way to make the money to buy the equipment. I'm 22 and know exactly were I want to be, career wise, in my life in 5 years.
So come on...don't talk down to me. I didn't judge your miscellaneous job until you started talking like an ass hole.
Respect people and they will respect you.
i'll drop my date and tip her with something
Is Mike retarded?
Seems likely.
NoU
The term 'tipping' should be changed to 'cover charge' since customers are getting one stuck up their A.hole just for being at restaurant. It is what it is.
If you dont get paid min. wage, its your own fault. I tip what is deserved, if the waiter talks back, gives you a look, they get nothing, But when earned I never tip under $1 a person for lunch and $2 a person for nights even if we are just having coffee. I have tipped over 25% but if you dont get a tip, I will never probably be back and the mgr knows about your bad service, you probably wont be back either. If you don't like waiting on people than find another job.
If everyone had to work a customer-service job just once in their life (for more than a week), they'd be much less likely to bitch about the wait staff.
your line of work is dime-a-dozen. some of us are meant for far better careers than you common folks. tissue?
wow, you really feel that entitled over everyone else. Take your money and eat it. You probably don't have any friends either eh? What, are you better than them too? Money is great to have, but having it doesn't make you a great person.
By Cretan I meant cretin. Gotta love auto correct spell check!
I know that the wait staff work hard for their money (filling up your drinks, getting your bread & mustard.) I always leave at least $5 or 20% whichever is greater. If I have a problem, I go to the manager. They are in charge of cleanliness, food, service. Not the wait staff.
@Mike You need to get a life other than making endless moronic comments here.
Where i work, we get paid $3.60 per hour, plus tips....I work in a steakhouse, not a franchise....and i simply expect to get tipped on my service....I believe in waiting on people the way that i would want to be waited on, its that simple for me, and it works most of the time ;)
This is the first time I have been driven to respond to one of these things. THANK you, Mr. Green for the voice of reason. Spent most of my life as a well-off woman, circumstances changed, was a server for two years. JEEZ, these places take awhile to write into. There are three sides to every story ~ your side, my side, and the truth lies somewhere in between.. Times are tough for everyone. Fertheluvva****, give each other a break!!
I always tip at least 20%. "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." How many of you bad tippers and rude patrons are God fearing Christians? Just curious.
@Mike – you are a Cretan. No question about that.
Entitlement goes both way. A wait staff thinking tipping is automatic better be ready to give me a blow when my Porterhouse medium-cooked steak is taking longer than 15 minutes. Drop your entitlement attitude or find a new job.
What does a waiter has to do with how long your take to cook ?
Are you a plumber ? Seriously ..chill out .
I am so glad someone said this. It does go both ways. You are not "Entitled" to gratuity/tips. The simplest defintion of a tip: "A tip (also called a gratuity) is a voluntary extra payment made to certain service sector workers in addition to the advertised price of the transaction. By definition a tip is never legally required, and its amount is at the discretion of the patron being served." Voluntary is never entitled...that's like sayin "mandatory overtime."
@ Mike
You are so rude I hope someone spits in your food the next time you go out to eat
@Jason 1980 That was fantastic. We'd work well together.
Here's an idea that may work and that I have been told works well: Put your waiter or waitress' tip onto the table (in all single dollar bills) when you first sit down and tell your server that this is their tip. Take away a dollar or two every time that they screw up or give you an attitude. By doing this, your server will have to literally watch their tip disappear if they screw up or give you an attitude.
I'm going to try that next time
Holy hell are you JOKING? That's the most degrading thing I have ever heard of. Your waiters not a fucking 5 year old child that needs to learn right from wrong. Come on Stevie.. I don't know what you do but I BET you'd want to kick your boss in the face if he was like "alright Steven... now you do GOOD today buddy... here is your daily rate... but if you mess up ...well here is a dollar bill thats going in my pocket! ... Now run along and grab me a stapler!"
I seriously wonder how many of these 'patrons' that complain about bad service and have an unwillingness to tip also stop to let management know of their server's outstanding service, (if provided); or if they're just too in to themselves to even care unless it causes them discomfort or mild unpleasantness.
@Adam
Right on bro!
IMO, get Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child. Follow her instructions to a T. Never eat out again. Problem solved.
Listen to Mike. That is all.
I read a few dozen comments at the top o fthe page here and I have to laugh a little at those saying "If we paid our employees a living wage, you couldnt afford our food!" .. really? 'cause up here in Canada, specifically BC, minimum wage is $8/hr .. a little under 4x your $2.13 server wage and we can afford to eat out quite easily.. a good handmade burger, fries and a beer and I'll be out of the pub for $20..
and no.. we, the customers, shouldnt be making up for your inability or unwillingness to pay your employees properly.. if I get very good service I dont have an issue with 15-20% .. but if your simply 'passing time until closing' why should I tip? If you dont like it, get a different career..
I have never been a server, but I empathize with them. They have an incredibly difficult and frustrating job and are compensated very poorly without tips (and sometimes even when you include tips they don't make very much). Why is it so hard for us to stop and put ourselves in their shoes? If you were on your feet all day, catering to other people's whims, and dealing with the general inconsiderate and self-centered behavior restaurant patrons seem to exhibit these days, you'd like to be acknowledged and appreciated for keeping a smile on your face and doing your job well. I saw tip and be generous, it will come back to you ten fold in the long run.
I think everyone should have to wait tables for one night. I was a watiress during college for a summer and was terrible at it. I know how hard it can be.
My one pet peeve though...please don't set a hot plate in front of my toddler (while you are holding it with a towel because it's so hot) and tell her not to touch it. I'm shocked at how many waiters do this. At least bring the plate to me, and give me a chance to put the food on a cool plate then.
1. For starters, all of you that seem to think 20% tip is standard are high. 15% is standard. 20% and up for exceptional service. If the service is poor, I'll personally drop it to 10%. If you can't afford a 15% tip, stay home. And to respond to one backwards waitress, tips are not to ensure good service. Tips are a reward for good service after the fact.
2. Just as there are pain in the ass customers, there are pain in the ass waiters/waitresses. The difference is that your job as a server is to put up with those bad people with a smile on your face no matter what.
3. Paying servers a living wage and eliminating tips (whichever model you would try) would not raise a $30 steak to $75. You know why? All those people that go out a few times per month for a $30 steak would stop, a lot restaurants would fold and all the food service workers would be forced to find something else they can do. The industry would adjust or die. Period. It works in other countries. Charge me 20% more and knock off the tipping. I was fine with it in Europe and I'd be fine with it here.
4. Servers can stop all the whining about the government setting the rules for taxing your tips. Nobody put a gun to your head and told you to do the job. You knew up front what the deal was and decided to sign on, some of you for years. Boo hoo. Learn to type.
5. Some of the servers that posted admitted to purposely soiling people's food (I know for a fact it happens). That makes all of you suspect. You are expendable, to be replaced at the drop of a hat by the next starving college student with an over-inflated sense of entitlement.
My daughter waited tables to help put herself through college. The restaurants all operated on the assumption she was getting 15% in tips and they deducted a portion of her pay to share the "assumed" tips with the kitchen staff and other staff. One night she was the wait staff for a private party in a side room at the restaurant. It was her only table for the night and the tab was over a thousand bucks. They stiffed her and left no tip. The restaurant assumed a $150 tip and deducted accordingly from her pay. The deduction was several times her gross pay for the evening (her pay was $2.30/hr). She said she did a good job with the table and everyone was enjoying the evening, but they stiffed her anyway. Because of people like that, she got very sick of her job.
@Mike
I have to make a reply to Mike. I'm so shocked by this arrogant, pompous blowhard and his awful attitude. Where do you get off thinking you are the god of anybody and can either make or shape their destiny if only they would kiss your big hairy rear end? Please tell me you haven't mated and produced offspring. I'd hate to think that there is a whole other generation being taught that it is OK to treat anybody like you do. While I don't condone tainting peoples food I'm sure that you've eaten some stuff that is not really supposed to be digested.
You talk about how you expect everybody to worship you while you stuff your glutenous face or else they will be horrified by the ramifications. Don't think you can dangle a dollar in front of my face like you string a carrot in front of a donkey to get them to move. I know you are the type who really hates to tip. That is obvious in your earlier comment about looking at your tip cheat sheet to find the least amount to leave. THE MINIMUM?!?!?!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!? So if I treat you like the freaking Queen of England I can only expect the least, or 10% of what you ate. I bet you ordered a water and paid with a coupon to lower the bill. And if you didn't have a coupon I bet you tried to start some trouble like saying the food was cold and or awful to get the manager to comp something. And if that doesn't work you try to mess with the server like running for extra napkins or straws of extra sauce that you won't even use just to say that the person was awful and doesn't deserve a tip. I've seen your type to many times. One thing I've learned is that if someone seems nice just watch how they treat servers. If they are nice to you but mean to a server then they are not a nice person.
So Mike, if you feel you can rule over anybody or anything I suggest you not go out and eat. Instead download Sim City on your computer. That way you and sit and laugh like a mad scientist when you start an earthquake or raise the taxes. You talk about how servers must be uneducated but you can't even find 10% without a cheat sheet. That's simple math, now who's the uneducated one? I learned that in the 2nd grade. You seem to be afraid you'd undertip but really go out of your way to not overtip. How hard is it to just throw down 5 bucks? 10% of $50 is $5, now 15% of $50 is $7.50 and 20% of $50 is $10. So if you're bill is around $25 and you leave $5 that's 20%. 10% of the same amount is $2.50 Would you be satisfied with $2.50 for 30 minutes to an hour of running around for some lowlife jerk like yourself? Most restaurants have a sign that says they have a right to refuse service to anybody. That includes you.
I'm Chinese American and I grew up going to lots of Chinese restaurants where the service is generally straight to the point and can even be perceived as rude to some. But what I love the most about that service is that it is efficient. There is no mucking around with what's going on...I'm there to eat...the server is there to give me things to eat.
So when I read Yelp! about restaurant reviews and how the "service is so bad," I realize that I don't EVER in my entire live remember feeling bad after being served at a restaurant. Call me crazy, but food is about food, not about how someone smiles at me while I'm picking out what I want.
I think since I grew up with straight and to the point, curt service, I never expected anything more. Perhaps this is good. Expectations low..happiness will be high :).
Plus, my family is a generous tipper ...20% is our norm. I don't know why we do it, esp since we don't even pay attention to the service like I mentioned. It's more like we're happy when the food is good and the transaction goes smoothly (which it usually always does).
America, just enjoy your food, quit your bitching, and give the servers their hard earned money!!
I want to clarify that I am a grudging tipper - usually 20-22%, but I will go down to 10% for bad service.
*Sigh* Can't we all just get along?
Alright folks, time to wrap it up...how about we move on? This argument is becoming a bit redundant ey?
Lets break it down:
People that tip (generally): respectful, educated, happy, good people.
People that don't tip (generally): cheap, unhappy, jaded, uninformed (don't get offended...these are not insults, it's just "the way it is")
People who ONLY tip when service is good (generally): of course. That's fare enough... I always tip well but that's my prerogative and I have waited tables for years in the past... so I know what's like. But if someone really honestly thinks that service was terrible (and it REALLY was) ... then I get it if you want to bump down the number a bit. Just don't be a dick about it. ...but that's all personality.. which a completely different pointless lecture.
Anyway, that's all I got. Happy eating folks!
....Oh yeah, and although I'm trying hard not to judge anyone else who's commented ... that Mike guy from the beginning is a total prick.
Anywho, CHEERS! :)
funny all these people argue how intelligent waiter are yet they also complain about people not voluntarily giving them MORE money for mediocre service. Tipping is not required if you think it is get a new job. If you plan on "living" off your tips you are in the wrong business get a new job. Stop complaining about other people not donating to your cause when people these days rarely have the money to go out and eat let alone support your bad attitude and sense of being better then the customer cause you bring them food. Get off your high horse and get a real job.
They work in these places so they don't have to claim it to the IRS or Rev Can. Yet, we claim everything we make at our $10/hr jobs. Wahhhh!!!
Don't want to tip me well? Fine you get boogers, spit, and pubic hairs in your food. I also wipe your bread on my buthole!! LMFAO!!
and then i send my lawyers, and sue you for everything you have even if its 10 dollars, (which ultimately) gets you fired and if you have a second job(which most do) inform them of the kind of person that works at their company (may not get you fired but will have you counting your mistakes )
LMFAO
forget tipping. we frequent asian/mexican/india restaurants and tipping is not required. waiting on table is their job. bringing food is their job. if service is a factor, give me a reduce meal price for keeping table clean and eating fast then its a fair deal. NUFF SAID
The basic question that I usually have is: why do I need the pompous servers anyway? I eat at all ranges of restaurants, from zero to five stars, and only occasionally have a need beyond “take my order, fetch me a drink from the bar, and haul my food from the back when the chef rings the bell.” I do need occasional help with truly funky menu items, but that’s about it. I long for the day when the menus are on hand-held computers where the entire table has an up-to-date menu which has a picture of the dish, lists the ingredients (as much as the chef will reveal), nutrition, recommended wines, etc. etc., where the diners wire their order directly to the back, and receive / pay their check by credit card on their own, just like we do at so many other businesses.
The food can then be delivered to the table by low-wage, minimally-tipped non-skilled workers who will recognize this and be happy for the job.
I eat out a lot-and all i know is just because someone is polite-smiles etc doesn't mean they aren't cussing you out in their head:) And if so-who knows what happened to your food before it gets served to you? Politeness,promptness etc may be expectations of an establishment-but I know i can't fake it on my job for 8 hours and certainly not for 2.13/hour.-Almost like those who work on commission-terrible.
SourDiesel
I don't know what your deal is about black people not tipping. Not the case in Las Vegas. I've got a thought maybe they're Democrats. I'm Rep my husband is Dem – he all of a sudden started leaving only 10% until I kept razing "just like a dem for the people until it has to come out of your own pocket". That aside. Las Vegas is a service town every black person I know understands the importance of tipping not only your server, but also the tmaitre d, the valet, the bartender for EACH round of drinks. So stop hating on black people. Maybe you don't give good service or your restaurant doesn't give good service. I try to always tip, if I'm unhappy I give less. But the unhappiness has to be with the server. Not because I received a well done steak when I requested medium rare. But if I have to wait 30 minutes before my server approaches the table – sorry he, or she will probably receive a smaller tip unless they come with an explanation and a smile.
Rent for the airport space is exhorbitant, and on average (don't bombard me with exceptions, I'm talking about average) service is expected to be faster and thus the staff/customer ratio costs more. Sometimes the airport actually owns the business, the person in charge is just the manager and has nothing to do with setting the prices.
Why is everyone so upset. I have worked in the Casino industry. If you dont like people, this job is not for you. If you cop an attitude with people, you probably will not be tipped good. The industry is what it is on the other hand. People please take care of the servers. It can be back breaking hard work. So be a little leniant. I guess alot of people think they are entitled, when they should in fact earn. I usually tip 20-30%, once in awhile more for great service. But it hits me really wrong to tip someone the is rude and arrogant.
If people stopped and thought about it you would realize that if you tip for service it all equals about the same if you cooked at home. First you have to use gas to get to the store to buy the food then more gas to drive home then carry it in the house cook it which uses gas or electricity then eat clean up the mess which uses water on your water bill end electricity or gas to heat the water. Plus the cost of your time to do all this whether it is minimum wage or below. Add that up plus the cost of electricity to refrigerate the food before and after it is cooked.Plus the cost to have your garbage removed from the side of the street.In the ling run it is about the same money to go out and eat only your not doing the work someone else is doing your work who should get paid for it. If you don't like the waiter service then don't go back there again.However you should at least pay the person who is doing your work for you.
PLEASE READ AND RESPOND:
I don't have the time or the desire to read every response on here (so please forgive me if this has been addressed already), but I have a different situation and would really like to know what the waitpersons think....
My family is very poor actually, and we have been saving and saving to make a trip 200 miles away to see our daughter in college (who I haven't seen in over a year *sigh*). We'll be taking her out to dinner, and have enough $ to eat at a fairly decent place....provided I don't have to tip at 20-25%. I really want to take her to a nice place, but having been a server at one time, I don't want to offend the staff either. I am disabled and use a cane, but I don't require any special seating or service.
What should I do? Please keep in mind our situation as a whole. It is also 2 weeks before her 21st birthday and that is a big reason we'd like to go someplace nice, too.
Thank You. I look forward to your replies.
It's a free country, so eat where you want, tip what you can within your means and remember no one is forcing these people to work there. They are free to get another job if they don't like the pay scale. Congratulations to your family and your daughter by the way!
JoLayne skip desert and drink water. LOL
That's great that you work so hard and are considerate enough to realize that some server might be offended if you didn't leave a big tip but also not knowing about your situation. If you were coming to my restaurant I would be glad to serve your family and not expect a tip at all. I've had tables of families that I could tell didn't have a lot of money but wanted to do something nice for their family. They were really nice and thanked me many times over for the great service. When I brought them the bill they were counting change from a jar to try and leave me a tip. I really couldn't accept it from them and had to refuse. I was just glad they appreciated my service and I was glad they were able to have a nice evening. So hopefully you will find a server who understands your situation. But just in case 15% is considered the norm. Oh, and ordering water doesn't hurt, and maybe a coupon. Good luck.
Sorry, but I don't care how nice a table you were, like i said, smiles and thank yous don't help pay my bills, I am not there to work for free, it's not a soup kitchen.
Wow, it's amazing how customers feel so entitle, privleged and hold this holier-than-thou attitude towards their servers. No, we are not all in this job because we want to, or because we are "uneducated." You have got to be kidding me. I graduated from college last year and have still struggled to find a good job. Is that my fault? I think not, but rather its just the challenge of the times. I work in the restaurant because it's a job, but not my favorite thing to do. I have a wife and child, with one on the way. So when you feel all high and mighty in not leaving a good tip, screw you. I likely just bent over backwards to meet all your demands, special orders, complaints, etc. I don't want to deal with your attitude. I give you respect and politness and you should do the same. I am good at what I do, and when a problem arises, it's not always the servers fault, but you take it out on them and their tips. I put in my pocket what I make in tips, everything else goes to taxes. I would much rather have the restaurant run like a sales/commission job, where I just make a commission from the company on what I sell you. Wouldn't that be nice, then you wouldn't have to tip. Rather, the tip would just be worked in to your bill. In this situation, you wouldn't get great personalized service. I would sit there and up-sell the most expensive items, and then you can deal with it. You get great service because we expect to be tipped. Otherwise, you could deal with min wage workers who don't give a crap about their job or your dining experience, and why should they if there is no reward for a good job done.
Not every server is great, and not every customer is as nice generouse as they think they are. Oh, and don't forget, if I am serving you, proper manners like saying please and thank you goes a long way with me. If you are rude and demanding, don't expect me to go that extra mile for you
And don't justify not leaving a good tip because you don't have the money. That's a slap to the face of the server. Dine within your means, and the includes factoring in your tip. The dining staff is also trying to make a living. I'm not there to work for free. Your smiles and extra thank yous don't help pay my bills.
As a former server (and now nurse), I treat everyone as if they are a guest in my home. I don't care what your request is, if it is within my power I will be sure to fill it, quickly, professionally and couteously. Restaurant owners pay slave wages because they are not compelled to do any differently. Your needs always come before mine. Most nights I don't take a bathroom break or dinner break until after the shift has ended. IF you appreciate my service (as a server NOT an RN), kindly use your best judgement as to how much you leave as a gratuity. IF you cannot afford to reward my service, perhaps a dining establishment with a lower priced fare would enable you to do so for another server but only IF you receive good-excellent service. Don't tolerate mediocrity.
I can't believe how hostile some of the comments are. I don't know how it works in the US, but here in Canada where everyone is paid minimum wage ($8.55 in my province), by law, and I can still get a hamburger for less than $75, a tip is given for great service. Great service = great tip. Crappy service = crappy or no tip. It's not rocket science.
I have no doubt that servers have to put up with unpleasant people on a regular basis, but unfortunately, that's part of being in the service industry. You're the people who have to be nice!!!
Any server who stereotypes or otherwise prejudges a guest before he is even seated, forfeits whatever tip he/she had coming to him/her. The server failed to appreciate that tips are not a right, and in doing so failed in his/her obligation to provide the appropriate service to the customer. As a black man not maned Jenkins, Jackson, or whatever (and, incidentally, tips generously and often), I agree with most of the posters that if one cannot tip, one should not dine out HOWEVER, I also agree with most of the posters in that when I do enjoy a meal at a restaurant, my only obligation is to pay for my meal. Tips are given only in proportion with the service rendered. Thankfully, I've been privileged to enjoy mostly good service and tipped accordingly; for the times I did not, not only did I not leave a gratuity, I also informed management as to why.
I have six year of college, and I always believed that I learned more about the world while bartending than I did in any college class. To this day that is still my favorite job. No security or benefits usually, but just a fantastic experience.
How many of the servers commenting here tip their hairdressers 20% consistently?
I don't follow the logic behind, because I make only $2 /hr I am entitled to 20% tip???? Isn't tip supposed to be based on service? The industry equation seems to be 2-3 /Hr and rest based on tips. If you don't like that equation you should be looking for another job instead of demanding that because I get only $2/Hr I deserve 20% tip.
I usually tip on average from 10-17%. But for poor service I have left a 1c tip and have also paid 30% tip for exceptional service, and in none of these cases my mood before going to dinner played any part in it.
To those who do not understand why it is better for servers to be paid $2.13+tip instead of regular hourly.
At my restaurant, we open are from 11 am to 11 pm. Servers come in at 10:30 and sometimes leave as late as 12:30. Servers here usually do not clock in until they get their first table and clock out as soon as their last table leaves in order to get the maximum number of shifts they can each week (because most restaurants do not allow servers into overtime). With a regular no tip minimum wage, restaurant workers have no incentive to complete their work or offer anything more than average service; they be clocked in from 10:30-11:30 (13 hours) instead of 11:30-3:30 and 4:30-10:30 (10 hours) where costs wise it would be 13 hours * $7.25 = $94.25 instead of 10 hours * $2.13 = $21.3. This is over a 450% increase in pay in the largest part of most restaurant staffs.
Tips are also good because they offer incentives for servers to offer better service, and it also gives customers an option to not tip if the service was terrible. As a customer, I would rather have the good server paid more and the crappy one less than the both of them equally paid.
I really dislike the term "real job". What does that mean? If you are not a Doctor or a Rocket Scientist you don't deserve respect in what you do for a living? I have been a server and bartender for a few years now. It's a good job that has flexible hours so I can be with my kids while my husband finishes his doctorate. I give everyone the best service I can give. On average I wait on 25 people at one time in different stages of their meal. Serving is a very physically demanding job. It is also a very mentally challenging job. Try memorizing that many orders without writing it down.
I just want to know where everyone thinks that minimum wage is great? The last time I checked it is a sub-standard wage. If I wanted to work at Wal-Mart I would.
I am a guy that is always get criticized for leaving a big tip, I am always nice and polite to the servers. Since people are creatures of habit I get good service, “servers remember me”…
“Are you still working on that?”
I go to restaurants with other people, even so I am done with my plate, some-one at my table may not be, so I have to pretend to be eating and not waiting for that person to finish their meal, that’s why I do not drop a napkin on the plate. If I want something, I will signal the server.
As far as being obnoxious or impolite with restaurant employees, I do not think it’s a good idea, you may find saliva in your food. :)
I have never had a problem with Servers/Waiters.
And if they are obnoxious or impolite with me, guess what? Low tip. But I'm the first to leave a big tip and talk to the manager about a great server. But some of these whiners here? Puhleeze. Get another job.
Okay this is sexist but it's true. Going out to eat with a wife/girlfriend is usually annoying. Women always seem to want to order food that is not on the menu or ask it to be cooked a special way, just being really annoying and picky. Then they comlain when the food is not fixed the way they wanted it. Just order the food the way it is on the menu you annoying b*tches! LOL Funny thing is these women never even pay fot the meal yet have the nerve to complain. Women. SHEESH.
I waited tables – 15 years ago. Now I make a great deal more money and enjoy eating out much more.
Please service industry, do exactly as the restaurateur above suggests. Let's pay wait staff a real wage and price the food at a range well above what losers like Mike can afford. Then restaurant won't be full of jerks who ruin everyone else's dining experience by whining about low quality service so they can justify walking out without tipping.
I will happily pay $75 for a hamburger to avoid loud mouth, self-important blow-hards who pick on people who are in no position to defend them selves (bullies we call them.) I am sorry you didn't plan your retirement carefully enough to enjoy restaurants within the socially acceptable conventions of tipping reasonably. I am sorry you want to eat out more often than you can afford. Stop picking on wait staff. It is not just unpleasant for them (obviously many of you don't care about such lesser mortals who actually work for a living anyway.) Your rudeness is also unpleasant for people who can actually afford to eat at that restaurant (which includes the basic expectation of a 15% tip.)
alright!...I have read so many of these and the same thing over and over. Lets put it in perspective. You go to McD's to get a double cheeseburger, you know what to expect – greasy, poor service, cheap meal, quick – thus fast food. Not all fast food chains do this, take Chick Fil A...solid operation. Most fast food workers don't care what you get at all because they have a fixed hourly rate that is driven just by how long they are "clocked in". As a former employee, I can tell you that I was treated horrible by the customers, but I always knew what to expect in a paycheck
I grew up and went to college some years later, and worked at a upscale restaurant for 4 years. I served tables during my school and I had a blast. Servers have complete control over your food, thus I do not recommend to piss them off. If your doubting me right now saying, "how could a server get away with that in a restaurant?" ... well I suggest you go to Blockbuster or signup for Netflix and rent the movie "Waiting"....ITS REAL :).....we hate people that suck down drinks, order crazy crap not on the menu, can not make up their mind on a meal, large parties of women, KIDS (very messy, I shouldnt have to clean your kids crap up), people that dont TIP, and the worst is showing up 5 minutes before we close...REALLY!!!! I want to smack you when you do that because we also have lives and plans. If you do any of the previous mentioned...you have a very good chance of getting a very unique meal (5 second rule on floor, spit, Visine, spilled drink...etc) We are people, we deserve respect, treat others how you want to be treated and we will all get along. P.S. the managers are on OUR SIDE no matter what you think.
Tipping deserves its own paragraph...who made up this thing about tipping 15%....screw that....it should be a fixed amount added into the bill, such as TAXES are on most purchase goods. The IRS gets paid, we have to pay the IRS, so how about just add it into the bill. I can tell you that the better you tip, the better your treated, and we do remember the good tippers and the ones that need to be taken into the alley way. We do not make a killing because we are paid minmum wage based on the state we live in, we then tip out based on our sales to other employees, and we have an assumed amount we have to CLAIM as tips. So we could actually lose money by going into work, and yes I have lost money a couple days in the past. We are not your friends or servants, we are employees trying to earn a living. The reason we are so underpaid is because it SAVES you money on your bill to keep food costs down so much – remember McDonald's, that's a perfect example. What really gets me is you will buy a $40 bottle of wine, but stiff me on a tip...RUDE. I have saved lives before by TAKING KEYS away from people, still think we are scum. We also stereotype and profile people, as soon as you sit down we know exactly what we are going to get. The following people are poor at tipping ( teenagers, senior citizens, groups of women, welfare members, religious groups, and yes...specific races – but not going to mention any, if you have worked in the service industry then you know what I am talking about). However, I have been surprised many times and felt horrible when I got a tip that was unexpected, but this is a consensus. If you leave under a $1 and you are with people, I will make sure they know about it because I would rather you keep your change feeling like a scum bag then for me to think I need your change ***Dont be that guy that says "oh the tip is included already" to the entire table, we tell people about the gratuity already added and it is up to them if they want to tip more. Some servers deserve no tip at all, I completely agree but always leave some. If you stiff your server and then they can not pay the bills and yada yada yada...well then they have to get welfare, which ends up costing you the taxpayer even more money... we know what happens when people try to save money.... BP OIL crises need I say more.
Now on the consumer side, I EXPECT a server to be in a positive upbeat mood. I want honesty when I ask for a suggestion, not just the most expensive thing on the menu. I don't care about always having something to drink, but if my glass is empty for more than 6-10 minutes, get me a refill and say your sorry. Biggest pep peeve is those servers that do not write down what you are ordering....I get very upset if my order comes out wrong when you did not write down anything because you set yourself up to fail. Please do not come to my table to hungover or reeking of alcohol or even drunk. Servers are to take your order, bring it to you, and accommodate you to a reasonable extent – unless your first name starts with Tiger which the accommodations put you a front page cover on every newspaper. Do not argue with the customer and I do not care what happened in the kitchen, just fix it. If I am adding something that I will get a surprise when you give me the bill, well you might not get a big tip, so please be honest and tell people upfront what to expect in prices. If I go out to eat with a group and you forget my meal, then we have a problem – I did not come in because I was hungry, instead I wanted to eat with the group. Otherwise I would have swung through a fast food joint. The TO GO GO...no way do I tip on that, why should I tip on the restaurants food prices when I am not getting any service except you bringing my food 20 feet from the kitchen, sorry about your luck...no tips on that.
Alright, I know I will get some comments on this post, realize I approached everything from both sides...in summary, watch the movie Waiting because it explains how a guest should act and how a server should accommodate the guest, also shows the consequences if not. Not everyone can afford to go out to eat, so always make sure you have money to tip your servers – otherwise you might be calling out from work from food poisoning or something similar (this is not a threat, just a friendly suggestion) If you abuse the system, KARMA WILL get revenge.
Enjoy your food and tip your servers like they are your family...and dont use a calculator, its not a science or math equation. Definition : In the English language, tip may refer to a gratuity (a voluntary additional payment made for services rendered)
T.I.P.S. To Insure Prompt Service. Tips were created so the Service industry would have to deliver better service. Otherwise they would have made everything a flat price in the first place.
Having been on both sides. I can tell the difference between a server having a bad day or one with just a bad attitude.
A bad day has a much better chance at a good tip. A bad attitude earns nothing. Oh and i have no issue tipping 20% as long as I haven't felt forgotten about.
I do believe it was you that decided to get into this profession. If you don't like the way the profession is taxed or you feel you are getting less than what you are deserved, get a different job. I didn't ask you to become a waiter/waitress. If you're good at your job then maybe you'll get tipped. I'm just so sick and tired about hearing how bad you have it. Get a different job.
I try to be as clear as possible, as less annoying as possible, say thank you and please 90% of the time, even if she/he makes a mistake. If i make a mistake and have to change the order, I do it in a timely manner not after the food is already come( unless i look for you and can't find you (which is on YOU the server) )
For that 1% that wants to spit on my food or whatever they threatened ( "Remember we are the last to touch your food") I have a warning, i remember faces and names as well as where the restaurant, you better be sure that i will complain to the manager, if nothing is done, SUE YOU, not the restaurant, but only YOU.
customers rarely come alone, much less i do which = PLENTY OF WITNESSES.
I would be interested in hearing what people think waiters should be paid per hour – not percentage of the bill.
Yes it is a tough job and they desrve more than 2.05 an hour, but I am guessing that 20% would put s fair number of waiters into the 20-30 per hour – which is way too much my opinion.
Yes they are quite overpaid. Most servers, as much as these here have complained about their low tips, would object to a normal wage I bet. Would drop them from $20-30 per hour (or more) to what they're worth, a few bucks more than minimum wage. Let's face it, this isn't rocket science.
I have never worked as a server in a restaurant, but I have worked in retail. And I think the same rule applies: treat people the way you would want to be treated. Even if I find a server to be annoying, if they provide good service, they get a good tip. At the end of the day, these people are waiting on you, bringing you everything you need for your meal, and they deserve to be tipped as long as they do a good job. If you have a complaint, try voicing it nicely. Most of the time, the server will take care of it with no problem. But if you treat people like crap, then you deserve to get lousy service.
And if a server is rude they deserve a lousy tip.
Oh and that list didn't include the "verbal tip" or the "I got a coupon so why should I tip?" people....It's considered society norm to tip for your good service. If you can't handle it, STAY AT HOME!!!
Mary, Be professional as a lawyer, not vindictive or arrogant.
I usually don't comment but I have to say something here about this topic. I've worked in the food industry and in customer service ever since I've been able to work. From fast food to casual dining to fancy Italian restaurants. And on the phone at a major household appliance manufactuer and with an insurance company, working both private and medicaid. I see people all the time with masters and bachelor degrees that have to work customer service. With the economy the way it is they are not able to find work in their field. Now some of these people feel that having to work in customer service is below them. I choose to work in customer service and strive to give people excellent serivce and make sure they have a pleasurable experience. Now one thing I've noticed and have had a lot of people agree with me on is the after church Sunday lunch crowd is the worst to have to deal with. You have to work 3 times as hard and make half as much as you would if you worked any other time of the week. I don't know what it is that makes God fearing church people treat their servers like garbage. Some of the worst experiences I've had have been with large parties of church families, during lunch and dinner. They sit there and talk about how great the sermon was and then treat the servers like farm animals and hardly leave any tip or none at all. The only way you can make any money is if the restaurant has a policy to add a tip to large parties. I'm not trying to bash religion because I have my own beliefs and faith. I just don't understand how some people can feel holier than thou. Some people should really practice what they preach.
I always tell people that being a server is the kind of job I'd like to have if I didn't need the money. I just like meeting new people and enjoy the work. What I don't like is when people get upset with me when I'm just trying to do my job. Some restaurants don't care if you just walk up to a table and say, "hey, what'll ya have tonight?" And some places will make you greet the table with a 5 minute presentation about all the specials and wine menu and everything under the sun. I don't like it anymore than you do but I have to do it because I don't know if you could be a secret shopper. And if I get a substandard review then I could lose my job. Not that I'm being forced to give you good customer service because I want to. I try to adjust my serving skills based on how each table reacts to me. I also want to keep my job and if you get annoyed at people being nice and trying to make your dining experience you should just go live in a cave with Bin Laden. If you don't know what a secret shopper is then go Google it.
I agree with you 100%! And I don't think they would get the sarcasm if you "God Bless"ed them. I hear my preacher every Sunday complain about the prices of his meals from the pulpit! Waiting tables is an extremely challenging job, and I will never understand why we are sometimes treated like lower-class citizens.
A while back I was eating with friends in a restaurant and the waitress had been running pretty hard since it was pretty busy that day. The next table had some people who were rather rude and arrogant. They asked the waitress for some extra napkins, and she said she would get them. The waitress went on and continued her rounds with the rest of us, and you could see she'd get those napkins as soon as she could. The jerk waited for a minute or two, and then got up himself in search of the napkins, all while looking for the waitress hoping to land a death glare. It was not an emergency, he was just a jerk.
It was clear that he expected that he and his extra little demands were automatically more important than the rest of us she was dealing with. She was doing her job, and doing it well, but he though the rest of us were unimportant and she should drop the rest of us to get him his napkins. We tipped her well: she didn't put the jerk above the rest of us.
Being a jerk in a restaurant is not just about the server and the customer: it's about the others the server is dealing with as well. If you're a jerk and demanding to be waited on hand and foot, you're telling me that I, another customer like you, are unimportant and should be ignored to make you feel like a little tyrant. Get over yourself.
I have seen idiots do this job, so dont complain about it. Get another job if you dont want to be at the mercy of peoples tips. I cook instead of going out because i dont need to pay some monkey to bring me my food
I travel often and eat out a lot. If I get a real rude waiter I ask to speak to management and ask for a new waiter. They usually give me a new one and the problem is solved.
I try always to be polite to my servers–I actually had one tease me that I said "please" and "thank you" a lot, but that's just how I was raised. I am curious about one thing, though: I generally try to use my server's name once or twice. They introduce themselves, after all, and I figure that's for a reason. BUT someone once told me they think it's kind of weird that I do that? Do the servers find that strange? Just wondering.
Tip3
–noun
1.
a small present of money given directly to someone for performing a service or menial task; gratuity: He gave the waiter a dollar as a tip
Gratuity
–noun, plural -ties.
1.
a gift of money, over and above payment due for service, as to a waiter or bellhop; tip.
Good Service = Good tip 20%+
Average service = Average tip 15%
Bad Service = no tip
Good Service = goes the extra mile, may make mistakes but is honest about it, good attitude
Average Service = gives your food in a timely manner, may makes mistakes (nobody is perfect) average attitude
Bad Service = bad attitude, take forever to come to your table to take orders, (place is empty, a lot of ppl not an excuse) takes your order wrong or doesn't understand you and doesn't ask to clear it up or double check the order
I pay 99% pay at least 15% on all the tips, but if you give me severely bad service, I apologize to everybody but, I am NOT paying a tip.
For the most part i give the benefit of the doubt, but i have been in rare occasions where i am just completely and utterly disgusted by everything that i just wont pay the tip.
99% haven't had a problem but that 1% sorry but you are a bad waiter and deserve NO TIP.
wow, people- relax. Going out to dinner is a joy and the server makes it a better experience for us all. Treat them right and they will always bring better service to the table. A tip is an obvious, simple way of saying thank you! I asked a server how her day was, she almost fell over with surprise. She told me no one had ever bothered to ask her anything personal. They are people who happen to be in the restaurant business. I find it rare that a server is rude or unwilling to help. It's your attitude that sets the pace for the evening out.
I remember one poor waitress standing with pad in hand, trying to keep her composure after getting grief from a customer, when two big tears rolled down her cheeks. Most of these folks work very hard. They deserve their tips.
I waited tables and bartended through college and law school. To all you people who stiffed me, bitched at me, didn't tip me, and were just generally annoying, guess what? NOW I"M YOUR LAWYER!!!!!
Sounds like you got through school on your tips anyway, and now you're probably a jerk overcharging your customers.
Mary, with this attitude, I would not want you as my lawyer. I would be looking for someone with more professionalism, rather than someone who is vindictive, arrogant or carries a chip on her shoulder.
Question. If I order food to go and come pick it up am I supposed to tip?? Just wondering. Thanks.
Yes, A buck or two. More if you're feeling generous.
I'm a server and all I have to say in this mess is this:
PLEASE, if you get poor service, tell a manager! If you leave no tip or something below 10%, the waiter/waitress will assume you're cheap, not that they did something wrong. If you provide honest and calm feedback, the restaurant has the opportunity to rectify the situation (have a chat with the server, perhaps comp a portion of your meal, free dessert, etc). However, if you decide to leave a 'bad' tip to reflect the quality of service, I can guarantee nothing will be done.
I have never understood why tipping is based on a percentage of the cost of a meal the establishment chooses to charge me. I can go into a sports bar, get excellent service, and leave a tip that is 20% of the tab, say for example a tab of $40 draws a tip for $8. But if I go into an expensive steak or Italian place where my meal tab is $150, and the service isn't so great, even if I leave a 10% tip, it results in the server getting $15 which is more than the great service at the sports bar. I don't think a tip should be based upon the price the establishment chooses to charge me for drinks and food. High prices doesn't mean great service, and in fact, I have gone to many expensive places where the service was mediocre, yet the tip, even at a low percentage was too much to pay. Food servers, think about this: If you collect $20 in tips per hour of work, your compensation is more than $20 per hour. You're usually working more than one table at a time. I think a lot of people would be happy with that hourly wage.
“I'm a server and just when I'm reading all these ignorant, pompous complaints, I was thinking how much I hate people in general. Stay home if you get that offended by your server's behavior.”
If you hate people you're in the wrong business; you shouldn't be in any service industry.
The way I see it, a good time = a good tip = a regular customer = better wages. If the service is bad (never stops by the table for more drinks, cops attitude...etc...) next to no tip is given (sucks to be them.
You may be the last to touch my food, but if something was to happen to me or my family and I traced it back to you. You'll need a batter job to pay my bills....lol
The world goes around in a circle, so does everything in it. If its karma so be it! Bottom line is good service= good tip!!
and for those who stay home and eat: name your restaurant, we'll be sure to never eat there!!
Mathematically speaking, if restaurants raised prices 15-20% and eliminated tipping, we'd break even. All of this ridiculous talk about a $30 hamburger is just that.. ridiculous. An $8.00 hamburger would now be close to $10.00. I'd rather deal with that and have the business owner pay their employee. In the end, the restaurant owner benefits the most from tips. They can get away with paying their employees in peanuts and the only person the employee can blame for their low income is the customers (or themselves). The restaurant owner is in the clear simply because that's the way it is.
So many of the comments (many, not all) are from people I wouldn't want either as a server or a customer. The reality is that servers depend upon tips, and if a customer has issues about tips then they shouldn't go to places where tips are expected. The reality is that the better the service, the better the tips, and if a server thinks they deserve a 15-20% tip for barking at a customer, getting the orders mixed up, never refilling water or checking back if the customer needs anything, then they are going to be disappointed table after table. Sounds to me like many in this forum paint all servers or all customers with the same brush because of unsatisfactory experiences with only a few.
To all the waiters:rent the DVD "Reservoir Dogs". Take Mr. Pinks comments on tipping to heart.
For all of you who complain about us servers and bartenders – the next time you order soup or a mixed drink, ask yourself what I just used to stir it.... I have wiped up your pee, driven your wife home, pretended that I didn't know what you drank when you came in with your wife instead of your girlfriend, laughed at your stupid jokes, smiled at your twisted suggestions, and looked away when you forgot to zip your pants.
I see it this way.
Every restaurant from Le Bernadin to the greasy spoon around the corner, your tips are calculated based on your completion of 3 basic tasks.
1. Make sure my drink is always topped up
2. Bring me the correct meal, as requested, and in a timely manner
3. Do so in a polite manner.
No matter where you work, if my meal costs $5 or $500, that is the job of the server. Fail to complete these 3 basic tasks, and you lose out. If you go above and beyond, it is the prerogative of the diner to decide whether or not to add on to the base. (as a former waiter, my standard is 20%). I don't expect more, and I certainly don't expect less.
Late food is not acceptable, granted there are certain situations where a delay in the kitchen is unavoidable, accidents happen. An explanation as to the situation is or course required, as long as its understood that its not the fault of the server at no penalty. Beyond that, the server is responsible for getting the kitchen staff to get his order done in a timely manner and done right. I don't care who has a tiff with who in the kitchen, you are responsible for the table, therefore you are responsible for what comes to it. I've worked as a server, and as a cook, and I've hounded the kitchen, and been hounded by the servers to get food out correctly and on time.
As far as I'm concerned, tipping is standard and part of the meal experience. If you don't feel you should tip, then go manage the chef yourself, and get your own food from the kitchen. You don't tip at McDonalds because that's basically what you're doing. I DO have a problem with restaurants who automatically add a gratuity to a bill based on party size. That just removes the incentive for waiters to perform up to their tasks. They know they're getting their 15% no matter how well they do their job. I've been in restaurants where i've enjoyed the service for two, but absolutely hated the service when I bring larger parties.
Cheers!! I couldn't agree more
I tip a minimum of 20 percent and more for evening meals. I have rarely had a bad waiter or waitress and even then I still tip the same. no restaraunt keeps bad wait staff. I would never want to be a waiter.
Most people who don't tip are also cowards and just leave without telling the server why they were such a cheapass. If you are displeased with the service give your server some feedback please. With that said, if you were served you should pay for that service. Not happy, don't come back, but be a decent person and pay for the service rendered.
Here in Arizona we brought up the wage for that industry to over $5 an hour. Magically the food did not jump prices at the establishments anywhere. It IS the law of below minimum wage slavery. Real establishments could actually pay a larger base salary. It is not the law that they can ONLY pay $2 an hour. Why not pay your staff $6 an hour before tips. It did NOT hurt any bottom line in Arizona. REVOLT... Do NOT work for someone on the gamble you MAY make a lot of money. Not every server gets to work at the RITZ where $100 tips ARE the norm. A single bill at the Wiffle House may only come to $6. 15% of that will NOT pay the car payment. PAY YOUR HELP. OWNER/CHEF will be out of business tomorrow if he truly is only making pennies on the meal. I do NOT care what he tells the IRS but in reality his business is paying him a salary, car payments, mortgage payments and etc. In reality, (Here in Arizona) NO BUSINESS had to triple prices to pay the help more. PROOF IN THE PUDDING.
I can't belive the attitude of some of the servers on here! How can you complain about getting 5.00 from a 60.00 bill?! It could have been nothing, and it also could have been what was left in whoever was tipping's pocket! I have been out to dinners with several people and been left with the tip, and I certaintly can't afford to tip 20% of a 150.00 bill...
I know a server who makes 35,000 a year from tips alone (incl. overtime) It is because he was the nicest and funniest waiter I have ever met! I always leave him more than I can afford because he loves his job.
I never do math for tips, the ammount comes from my heart. After having read this I will no longer scrape the bottom of my purse for change when I am broke to give the wait staff a little something. If you are ging to complain about my 1.50 tip I will just keep it for myself!
And for those of you who said 'if you can't afford it stay home', wow... just wow... I would think you of all people would know what it's like to want to go out and have fun with your friends, and not have the money for a 50.00 tip.
p.s. I would never tip 5.00 for a basket of chicken fingers, that would be a 50% tip, are you kidding me?!
5.00 on 60.00 are you out of your ever loving mind ..please...please stay out of my restaurant,I provide good service and earn my 18 percent if your frienda are paying the billl and you cant leave the 18 percent stay home or eat at a subshop
i am not a server, but really, kc, if you can't afford to tip, eat someplace where you don't have to tip or stay at home. and i'm sorry, but you "tip from the heart"? you're an embarrassment.
What's with the sense of entitlement around here??? I usually cook at home but when I do go out to eat, I'm there for the food! If my waiter has a bad attitude or I have a bad attitude, oh well. I see them for them for 5, 8 minutes tops during the course of my meal. They' get the standard 15-20% from me.
@ all of you people who love to comment "If you don't tip or like the ammount that you tip, that you can stay home and make your own food or goto mc donalds". Who the hell are you to tell people what to do? If you don't like the money you're making then go get another job. I don't like the fact that some of the servers "expect" a tip or feel they're owed something for doing their jobs. Now don't get me wrong, If I goto a resturant and the service is superb yeah I'll tip great but if I goto a place and the service is average then you'll get an average tip, if its terrible you get No tip...that's just how it is. I as the customer should not have to feel obligated to pay you anything extra for the job you're doing. We choose to goto your rusturant to dine, therefore WE choose weather to tip or not. We dont care if you expect it.
20% + or -. I work back from that but it must have been really bad to get 15%,
I worked my way thru college in the food service industry. To this day I think every high school student should have to wait tables for a semester. It would make us all a society of "nice" customers. There is a lot of truth to the saying "don't f**k with people that serve you your food" (or drinks). Given today's economic times, you too could be waiting tables in the future.
my favorite question is "what's your cheapest beer?" that tells me right away i'm not going to get a tip from this person. or "sorry, i would tip, but i'm broke" if you can't afford a tip, you can't afford to go out, period.
Those here venting for having to tip and wish that they did not have to tip...remember the owner of the restaurant will jack up the price of your dinner and will pay the wait staff a honorable wage! Wait staff getting just $2.13 an hour will see an increase to around $10 or more dollar per hour...chew on this!
I think that it should be mandatory for everyone in the work force to work in a restaurant (both front of house, and back of house) and in retail, then people might have a better respect for those who actually do try to give the guest a great experience. One thing I've learned being a bartender is that you cant please everyone. And for you guest that come in with problems outside the restaurant, leave it outside. I cant bring my problems from home to work, so dont blame me if your having a crappy day! Now, there are alot of people out there that honestly are not cut out to be waiters, bartenders, esc., and then there are alot that might not be the greatest at it, but these people are working for low wages, and depend on tips. If you dont know what tip stands for its; To Insure Proper Service! Do us all a favor next time dont go out to eat if you dont want to tip. If i didnt want to pay for my services through my insurance or other things that are provided to me, then i wouldnt be able to have those amenities. So enjoy your diner, and if they are that bad of a server, then give them alittle constructive criticism, maybe they dont know they are doing something wrong.
There are serve yourself buffets for you folks that don't feel that tipping is mandatory. If you feel entitled enough to eat out and be waited on, please pay the labor charge which is what a tip is.
I haven't waited tables for 25 years, but when I did I was always amazed at a few things customers did;
1. When there is one blow-hard that decides you are going to be his bitch and despite the mortification of his dinner companions, continues to make a fool out of himself.
2. People that order lots of alcohol and are flabbergasted when the bill comes. Dude, you had 4 top-shelf cocktails, you do the math.
3. People that think, that just because you're friendly, you're going to comp something for them. It's a restaurant not a soup kitchen.
I don't serve anymore, but I do tip well if it's justified (25-30%). If there is something wrong with the service or the food, let someone know, but do it nicely. Give the establishment and/or the server a chance to make it up.
I mean c'mon. Eating out is supposed to be fun. If you're in a bad mood, stay home.
Absolutely. If there's something wrong – or even better, very right – about your dining experience let the server and/or front manager know about it. Trust me, the manager always wants to know about the problems and the shining stars of service.
@Mike
Whether or not your server was rude, I am assuming you still got your food? As long as you get your food, they are providing you with their service, and you need to tip them. As for tipping, I tend to triple the tax, which for me means 18%, and then round up. As for my favorite coffee shop, dont always put a tip in the jar, but I am in there often enough that I do atleast once a week.
Good service can make all the difference in coming back to a restaurant. The one waiter that angered me most was because he assumed I was not capable of making my own meal choice, and by that I mean I was in college and he was asking my father about my sides, when I placed the order! He still got tipped, even though I wasnt happy!
I waited tables all throughout high school and college in order to pay for my education and bills. While it was often stressful and mentally/physically demanding, I LOVED it. I'm a people-person and this industry treated me well financially. But I have to say that I only worked at restaurants that brought me lots of money and wouldn't have worked at an establishment otherwise. I feel awful for people who work in places that barely make ends meet.
That said, if a customer came in that was an habitual non-tipper or just plain rude (people like Mike) they'd get the service they customarily paid for. TIPS... to insure proper service. If you don't tip, I don't have to give you little extras. That refill you want right away? You can wait a minute or two. Want to substitute something? Sorry, buddy. Should have tipped me more last time. Extra crispy fries? Sure, for the table next to you who regularly gives me 15-20%... but not you. Just remember that if you're good to your server, they'll be good for you.
This is America. Servers: Lobby and come up with a law that restuarent workers esp servers should be paid something above min wage. It's past time. Otherwise quit and let restaurant owners/managers sweat it out & serve the customers. Yeah, he'll probably hire workers with the green cards. What a world. I always tip 10% or a little more.
Quitting not an option most of the time. Be nice and bump your minimum tip up a bit.
Reading all of these comments from waiters makes me so happy that I'm a good cook that eats very well at home. A great number of hard working people will think twice before going to a restaurant given all of the real story from servers.Congratulate yourselves you have single handedly reduced the customer base at your restaurant.
Wow, sounds like there's a lot of people here I wouldn't want to eat out with. I'm surprised by some of the feelings that a server must go above and beyond basic service just to earn any tip. I've always considered a solid tip as part of the expense of going out – the price on the menu is for the food and the tip is for the service. My averge tip is about 20%, great service gets 30-50%, below average to poor gets 10-15%. Oh, and I don't believe mistakes by the kitchen (steak cooked incorrectly, etc)should reflect on the server's tip. Some of the best tips I have left have come on bad meals where the server has shown sincere concern and communication.
now i am 16 and frequently go out to eat with my friends. i have a part time job at a grocery store and i dont make much. but i do always leave 18-20% just because i know how hard it is to make a living in the service industry. ultimately if you go somewhere and expect to be treated well expect to pay for it
Thank you! When you leave a good tip you showing that you respect and appreciate someone's effort. Spread the good vibe!
Good attitude, Jake. I'd work the saute' station for you anytime.
Mr. Pink.... you're the perfect example of what I meant...... you've eaten more spit in your food than you can imagine....and you deserve it!
Nope, not once. I can absolutely guarantee that. I am never, ever, rude to my server. I always keep all of my complaints to myself. I always smile and say thank you. The server never has any idea until I am long gone.
I have always followed to golden rule when dining out. Never mess with the people that handle your food.
Therein lies the rub: you knowingly victimize servers with your exalted tipping scale.
Next time tell your server upfront that you're going no higher than 15%, then enjoy the level of service that gets you.
think about it this way....for most people, that extra 2 or 3 dollars in tip money wont be missed by you...If your having financial problems, i can assure you it wouldnt be because your a good tipper...ill tell you....take a job waiting tables...i guarantee you will walk out of that job with a whole new perspective on the job and people in general...sometimes we make good money...sometimes we make atrocious money...most of us work hard because if we dont, it doesnt take much to fire a lousy server...just imagine running around for 6 hours taking orders from people...people who often see you as a low individual because of what you do...if u dont want to have to worry ab tipping....id be happy to slap on an 18 percent gratuity for every table i get...id make a killing!!!!
Yes ...okay this is better. I've worked as a server in NYC for 8 years and diners think there S!@# don't stink...but if YOU don't have basic dining etiquette, how is that my fault.
The best I'll ever give anyone is 15% and they have to go above and beyond to get that. Guilt won't work on me either as I have no problem at all leaving nothing. 20%, never gonna happen.
The sense of entitlement by the new generation is absolutely pathetic.
Mr. Pink, your heart is black.
Mr. Pink spends too much time watching movies. with that attitude i'd doubt you ever have anyone to go to eat with. don't just think about the server, how does it look on a date when you don't leave any money? you look cheap, and it sounds like you are. pop in another DVD and frozen pizza, you're going to have a long lonely life.
LOL GET A NEW JOB I NEVER TIP!
I started working in a restaurant about 4 and a half months ago. I'm just a lowly busser... all I do is clean and reset tables. But, working in a restaurant has made me develop a real appreciation for the people that work in those positions. Now, I wasn't cheap before. I generally left 15-20%, sometimes less if I felt someone didn't deserve it, sometimes more if I felt like they really went above and beyond. Since I've started working in a restaurant, I never leave less than 20% unless I wait for 20 minutes for a refill or I feel like the service is absolutely terrible. My friends and I have started frequenting a restaurant on Monday nights, and we had the same server a couple times. I guess you could say we've become regulars, and he's become our regular server. The first time we had the server, he had all of us laughing and enjoying our dinner, and even though the restaurant was rather busy, he seemed like he was paying extra attention to us. Because of this, I left him a pretty nice tip... something like 80% of my bill. Ever since, we've gotten the best service in the house. Our server has become a friend of our group, and we go in every Monday to see him. The last time I went in, my food was comped. I didn't have a bill. He routinely doesn't charge us for our drinks, and he'll toss us the free food that would normally go to the employees because one of the cooks mistakenly made it. I've received numerous coupons for free meals, and he even brought my buddy in a beer that he wanted him to try because we talked to him about home brewing once. I guess what I'm trying to get at is if you take care of your server, they take care of you. Now am I saying you have to do what I've done and give him 80%? No. But certainly, if you think a server has done something right, and you truly enjoyed your dining experience, compensate them properly. We in the restaurant industry don't make anything from our employer. You, the guests, the people we lovingly talk to and take care of regardless of how our day has been, are the people who pay our wages. Don't punish us because of a problem in the kitchen, and don't punish us because you're in a foul mood. We normally work 10+ hour days, and we do it all on our feet, and we work hard so that the customers give us our wage. Please, I'm begging you, if you're cheap, or constantly pissed off, don't take it out on your server.
What I wantto know is where did the tip rate escalation come from. For decades the rate was 15%, then 16, 17, 18, and now 20. Well guess what, the meals have been going up in an inflationary manner just like everthing else. So there is simply no reason for the base rate to be anything but 15%. If you give less service you are getting 10%, if you give more service you are getting 20%. Except for my other personal rule. A waiter in a diner is not working any less than a waiter in a more expensive restaurant. so nobody is getting less than $2.50/person or more than $5.00/person.
I'm cheap and crabby. I wish the business was paid partially with tips just like waiters.waitresses. Often the main problems are out of the waiters/waitresses hands. A short handed staff means slow service, but that should ding the business, not the server.
I don't get paid to eat at your restaurant, and to be honest, there's no viable reason diners couldn't go get their food and bring back dirty plates themselves. I've had some great waiters, but I've had some crappy ones- and it's not my job to subsidize your wages if you do a bad job. If you're unhappy with your minimum wage, go on strike, start a union, etc.
Date a server and you'll never see a restaurant the same again. You'll come to appreciate the server's perspective. Unless the server is a complete jerk, I conduct myself the way I'd want to be treated and I never tip less than 20-25%. What goes around, etc. Easy, huh?
This whole message board is terribly frustrating. It's not as though anyone is going to change their minds. I am a server, so obviously my view is that if I give you adequate to excellent service, I should be compensated as well as anyone else who provides a service. However, I have just come to accept the fact that there are going to be the Mikes of the worlds as well as the Chris', Jenkins', retireds', Sues' and so-on. My point is, that while it really blows, at least once a shift you're going to have some asshole named Mike who wants you to get him a billion refills, bring him his food, clean up after him, judge you and think you are less of a human than he is and all to tip you an unacceptable amount. But then, after Mike, you will have a Chris who respects what you're doing and tips you acceptably providing you treat him with an equal amount of respect. It all evens out in the end.
Still sucks that you have to put up with a Mike to get to a Chris, but I guess that's just the way the world works, right?
oh, and in response to the comment insinuating that African Americans are lousy tippers: Yes, in some cases I have seen that stereotype be true. But, I have also seen it be NOT true. Just like in many cases I have been stiffed by rednecks, the elderly, teenagers and groups of women between the ages of 35 and 50, it's a people thing not a race thing....
Ok Mike, since you seem to have an answer for everything let me ask you this question. I bartend part time – evenings and weekends. I also have a full time day job. I always give every patron excellent service. I smile, I fix their drinks quickly and accurately and I say, "Thank you. Enjoy your drink." Now there have been nurmerous times when I will fix a group of seven a mixed drink, which costs $7 each, and I do it with a smile. After they pay and I set their drinks on the bar they walk away without leaving once stinking penny. And yet, I still continue to smile. So you tell me, since you are all knowing, what should my attitude be then? Do I have a right to become frusturated or should I just shove my thumb up my backside and be THANKFUL for their patronage? You tell me.
@DMLady 1st what is your job? To serve drinks. Not how much it cost them, how many are in the party or the total tab. That's not YOUR job. I've worked in the food business for 10yrs., became a manager and then after collage went on to a different career. I did not ever EXPECT to get a tip based on the total cost of the meal. I earned the tip i got and I've gotten some real good ones and some bad ones. That's how it is. I've worked during bad times before and let me tell you that when times are tough tips are bad. That too is how it is. You work and get paid as a server. You get tipped only from the kindness of the patron who thinks that the service was superb. It's not requested, required or a law. And for those other cooks and servers.... if you do contaminate food for ANY reason...it IS a felony...and it speaks worlds of your true caricature and morals.
zOK, folks, here's the reality. At the restaurant I cook at, if you are mean and hostile to the servers for no good reason, or you treat them like slave help, raise your voice, are a demanding control freak or otherwise over the top rude, your food will arrive with an extra ingredient..... SPIT.... it's in your spinach souffle, or in your soup, or salad dressing, nicely mixed in so you can't detect it...but you will end up EATING it.... and they will be in the distance, watching you eat their spit, and laughing at you. And you better believe it happens in even the nicest places. So chew on that!
This is exactly why the server will think they are going to get a great tip and then I'll just stiff them and never come back. I worked in all aspects of restaurant work and the employees messed with the food of customers they did not like at every single place. Some nice, some average.
No matter where you dine people just remember, they will mess with your food.
To the bartender that says they want $10-20 to move the tab to the restaurant and the one that wants a tip just to look at you:
I bartended for years, grew up in the food service industry and find your attitude completely out of line. Why do you think that way? I am now in sales and if I ever treated a client like that I would be broke. You chose to put yourself in that industry of serving people. Treat your customers with respect and common courtesy and you may be suprised how much more you make in tips. Keep going like you are and you may just run yourself out of a job.
Mike
You are an obnoxious ass . You think you are better than servers. come to my place and treat people ith respect you will have no problem. Treat my employees like they are beneath you and I personally will throw your ass out of my establishment. I don't care if you come back. My employees work hard for their money and i will not tolerate them being treated like they are there for you to abuse as you wish. You wouldn't be the first idiot I ever threw out of my place. And believe me I have no problem dealing with ignorant arrogant people like yourself.I rather enjoy it. You Sir (I use the term loosely) are why servers are like they are. People like you should just take their miserable lives and go bury themselves no one cares what you think anyhow IDIOT!!!
just wanted to add a complaint while the forum's still open: Customers who come in 5 minutes before close and then stay forever, refusing to pay or sign a check so we can at least begin check-out. Servers have better things to do than stay after hours, earn our $2, and listen to your inane conversations and insincere apologies for staying late. You're not sorry, so don't feign sympathy for keeping us there. How about I come into YOUR office 5 minutes before you were planning on leaving and just hang out for an hour?
It shouldn't be up to the diner to worry about the server's bills. A tip is for decent, courteous service, a part of the dining out experience, not separate from it. Exceptional service should bring an exceptional tip. Surly service, less or none. A server can be held responsible for cold food, but not poor or poorly prepared food. We all have bad days but the comments of some of the servers indicates they are in the wrong business. A tip is called a gratuity, not a right, for good reason.
Wow...I have to chime in here. I'm not a server, butwhen my son wanted a car I said "car=job" and since he was in school (high school at the time) I encouraged...well forced him..to apply for a job as a server for two reasons. 1) flexible schedule while he was in college and 2) because he would be exposed to all kinds of people and learn how to deal with them. He has certainly had some "experiences" both with good, nice people and with the not so good. I told him to be prepared for the guy with wife and 3 kids that would rather be home watching the game. Wife needed to not cook that night and hubby will take his frustrations out on server. I told him to be prepared for the patrons that simply didn't like what they ordered and don't tip because of it. I told him to be prepared for the family trying to make the movie and their food didn't come out on their timeframe so no tip (not the server's fault BTW). I've heard all these stories from him over the last 5 years...and then some! Sure, son has customers that don't tip out of "principle" or they don't believe in it, but he also has regulars that love his service that make up for the others. Dispite the non-tippers, he's still always the top server in his restaurant because he IS good. So, no worries Mr./Ms. I don't tip. Some of others are so rignt on here....you will be recognized if you frequent the place often. You will be handed off to a less seasoned server if you don't tip and you may never get the excellent service you desire. Tipping, right or wrong is a part of our society in a sit down and get waited on restaurant. Granted, if a server is not paying attention to my table and flirting with other servers, etc. I won't tip as much, but I always tip something.
Wait staff are terribly underappreciated, and unless you've ever done the job you have NO idea how hard it is. I agree owners should pay the salaries but they don't, okay? That's the deal, and you know that going in. The tip is part of the dinner tab and if you're too cheap to pay it, go to Mickey D's. I am an appreciative diner who runs waiters ragged because I don't hear so well anymore and oftentimes forget something I want after the order has gone in. I drink a lot of coffee. I'm a pain, but because I know that, I tip good waiters 50% who have been kind about my poor hearing in a loud place and poor memory everywhere. They deserve every dime for making my evening out a pleasure. And 50% of almost any tab doesn't go far these days.
@ Mike...Would you still tip well if the services was bad, but the servers attitude was fantastic?!?! Just something to chew on...Hopefully not a $75 hamburger?
"Jason
b) Tipping is not meant to be a income generator for wait staff "
---–
Are you KIDDING ME??? Most servers are busting their humps to make you happy because they're making a third (or less) of minimum wage. Tips fill in the gap, and the server(s) will seriously attempt to make your dining experience a better one. Poor tipping on great service entitles you, in my book, to a comped plate of Louisville Slugger with a side dish of pain.
That I do agree with. Poor tipping or no tipping if your server has been polite and prompt and enjoyed your experience makes you a first class dick!
mike,
you may be the dumbest, most ignorant person on this message board. were you a nazi in your previous life?
All i have to say to all you people that think you can not tip, YOU BE A WAITER FOR A DAY AND LET ME GIVE YOU THE MOST COMPLICATED, STUPIDEST ORDER IN THE WORLD. LET ME ORDER THAT MAHI MAHI IN A CREAM SAUCE WITH RAISINS INSTEAD OF THE MAHI MAHI THAT IS MADE IN A WHITE WINE SAUCE.
LET ME ORDER THAT FILET MIGNON AT SUPER WELL DONE, COMPLAIN THAT ITS BURNT.
F*U*K Y*U AND YOUR WH1T3 TR@S4 FAM1LY
Owner/Chef – I am trying to figure out your math.
1 server @ 2.13 per hour + 25% taxes, SS, unemp=@2.66 per hour. $10.00/hr+ taxes =$12.50/hr your expense
$12.50/hr-$2.66/hr=$9.84 for that server
If you sell only 1 $25 hamburger an hour, your server expense is $9.84 more. Your other expenses have not changed. That $9.84 extra expense for serving one $25 hamburger is leaves server net revenue of $15.16.
None of your other line item expenses have changed. None of your other busboy, hostess, bartender expenses have changed. Your tre expense including payroll taxes for a $10.00 wage costs you $9.84. There are rare tables with 1 person. Your server probably serves 4 tables per hour or more. Selling 2 hamburgers per table x 4 tables=$200.00. My server time is probably 15 minutes or less, which means the cost to you is (1/4 of tables) $2.46. Now tell me why your increase of $9.84/hour makes my hamburger 3x as much @ $75.00. In truth, your server probably sells on average $50 per table x 4 tables, giving you revenue of $200 per hour with net server revenue @ 190.16. If you charge a gratuity of 15% for that hamburger, it will give you additional income of $3.25 per hamburger, not including drink income, desser income, etc. 4 tables an hour serving 1 hamburger=$100; 4 tables an hour serving 2 hamburgers=$200 on and on. You will actually have a higher revenue. So I don't get it when you say my hamburger will cost 300% more when your cost for that hamburger actually increases your revenue. p.s. If you only sell 1 hamburger per hour, get out of the business. Volume of sales is the key. Your salary stays stable but your gross revenue increases. I am not a server and I have never been in the restaurant business. 20% excellent service 15% adequate service. i would gladly pay an extra 15%. It would be cheaper for me. Know why your good servers leave? They can get more % tips at a restaurant with higher sales.
As a former server and current customer, I can tell you this: 90% of the time the problem is bad customers, not bad servers. Obviously there ARE bad waiters and restaurants in general, but there are more problem customers than there are problem waiters. If you disagree it's probably because A) you've never had to wait tables and therefore aren't exposed to the kind of garbage human beings put other human beings through or B) you are a problem person who thinks they are above it all. Most likely both. Give your waiter a break. Go in thinking they are doing a great job and working hard UNTIL they prove otherwise.
Tipping is something we do all over the world. Give me bad service you get a bad tip. Great service holds true as well and will get a great tip.
I don't see the issue with this action. I chose to go out and eat and I want to be treated well and enjoy the meal. To have another person wait on me and then tip for that service is not an issue. You pay for the best things in life food and service are not hand in hand. Even though you complaniers see it that way. The food indusrty is not a cheap one. If you who complain knew anything about how hard it is to make money selling food you would stop b!tchin and pay up. Or stay home and slug down over priced and fatty fast food. They don't care if you tip at wendy's....
I am not denying that there are lousy customers and lousy servers. We have all experienced both. BUT I am seeing a trend here and that is a tip should be given no matter what the level of service is. This is a big problem in our society. Why is mediocre work expected to be met with reward? I know in my job I don't get rewarded when my performance is sub par. My boss or my clients don't come to me and say "well you really dropped the ball on that project, but here is a bonus" (remember please as you read this that I work in the service industry) Servers its time to stop saying that every customer is a tight wad or is lousy. Again I am not saying that cheap and rude patrons are not out there and you don't deal with them, but if you are blaming everyone for your lousy tips at the end of the night its time to look in the mirror and realize YOU are the common denominator in the equation!
I think it should be mandatory that people in high school spend some time in a customer service job. I have been a food server and now work in a call center. I work for a website registrar. We sell domain names, emails and websites. People are so rude on the phone, yell, swear at us and you name it! They get so angry because they are so sure we are the ones at fault for whatever when in essence more often then not it was them not understanding something they should have. They call us for help on something but don't know what is wrong or how to even explain it and so we are supposed to be mind readers now! Some people spend money on a product and they don't even know it or what they bought. Our product can be bought online as well as calling in. Had they called in they would know what they bought and how it works and what it's all about. But no, it's all our fault they don't understand. We take so much abuse from customers and it makes me not like people either as another person stated on this blog. People complain about calling a call center and get India, we don't have that with our company, but you wouldn't believe the hard time we have with someone who calls us with a really strong accent and we can't make out what they are saying and have to keep asking them to repeat. So they get mad and call us stupid and everything else! I always tip when I eat out by the way. I don't eat out if I can't tip.
Tips have always been customarily 10% threw-out the 1900's and then now suddenly change to 20%? Ridiculous. Servers also were and still are given a tip based on the service provided not on what they think they deserved. The rules are not going to change after a hundred years and more just because you want a different result. And yes I do tip 10-20% but avg. about 18%. I am not being a hypocrite. If my server was really bad I will still tip but he will be at a low %!
Nobody gets 20%, period. I don't care what they do.
Wow Mr.Pinky, a bit of a cheap bastard I see.
There's no gun forcing anyone to be a waiter. NONE. So if you don't like the tips, if you don't like the pay and if you apparently HATE the customers, why don't you do everyone a favor and get another job?
Its unbeleivable to hear waiters complain about customers in this comment section. Now I know why I only eat out at very expensive places or I simply eat in. The typical waiter at the stereo typical US restaurant is a total joke.
It wasn't always this way, the US used to have the best service in teh world...but now, its a total joke. So all you waiter and waitresses out there, keep dishing out the poor service and we'll keep on giving you lousy tips.
ENJOY.
You obviously don't understand alot of what is being said here or why people work as food servers. May I suggest you got get a job as one and get back to us on this subject.
I am appalled by the rudeness of the waiter's rebuttals. I try to tip well (18 to 20%) and am always polite to wait-staff. But ultimately, wait staff, you are that...staff. You are paid to serve. And the customer is shelling out his/her hard-earned money TO BE SERVED. So instead of talking about how much you hate the customers...how about thinking how you can make the customer's experience pleasant...guessing it will serve you better.
My Dad was a successful businessman who ate out quite often. Although he was a decent tipper, he was pretty constant in his complaint that "nobody gives ME tips!". Finally after hearing it for the umpteenth time, I said "Dad, if you want to get tips, start waiting on tables!". Never heard another peep out of him about it...
Wow, this is a hot topic…I can clearly understand both sides though I think it is fairly simple. You expect to tip someone that waits on you at a restaurant as it is part of the experience. However, if you have horrible service then you generally tip less to reflect that. I always keep in mind what caused the horrible service because it isn’t always the wait staff, but instead the kitchen being backed up. So unless my server is rude or completely ignores us, I always tip 20%. If they don’t pay attention to our table at all once the food is served it tends to drop a bit from there. It is a fine line being a server – you don’t want to annoy the customer by checking on them too often, but if you don’t check on them often enough then they get irritated with that too. You can’t make everyone happy right? ;-)
I'm passive agressive, always tip 30% for just REASONABLE service. I worked for a year as a waiter, and I know, it sucks hard. BUT this nonsense about "stay home if you don't want to tip" is just stupid – if everyone stayed home, waiters would have no job. And yeah, the public has a job to be respectable to those it depends upon, but seriously, you're A WAITER – not a 5th grade principal! What is this power-play crap about "be nice or else." It is your job to "WAIT" on your patron. Get over it. You don't like the job?? QUIT!! There are plenty of other people who know how to slap on a smile and get through their day without resorting to underhanded antics to justify getting a bad comment from someone. It comes with the territory. I think you narcissists have to remember that it's not just waiters that have to deal with the public. Get over yourselves.
To everyone who stated that servers/bartenders should get a better education or a better paying job...for 14 years I made between $200-$1500 a night. I would guess I averaged $300-$500 a night for 3- 4 nights a week. I made anywhere from 60k-80k a year...working 3 or 4 nights a week, bartending, fully clothed by the way. Having said that I gave my best service to everyone regardless of ability to tip even the homeless guys that would come in for $1 drafts AS LONG AS THEY WERE RESPECTFUL, USED PLEASE AND THANK YOU AND DIDN"T ACT LIKE ENTITLED JERKS...kindness will get you many places my friends, including a stronger drink or maybe even a freebie...but if you don't want one...hey no prob:)
IMPOSSIBLE! waiters only make $3 per hour!
Sorry servers leave your personal problems at home. I do not care about your personal lives at all. You either smile while you wait on me and do everything I ask they way I want it, or you get nothing, and rightfully so. You think you can get me back the next time but anytime I am forced to leave no tip that is always my last visit to that establishment.
I don't care how good you think you are you are not entitled to 1 dime extra for only doing the minimum. The best part for me, you will have no idea you are about to be stiffed until I am long gone.
When you work in the service industry you don't get the luxury of "Having a bad day." I work tech support for a small software company. When someone calls me with a problem I can't tell them that I'm having a bad day and expect them to cater to me. My courtesy as a person providing a service over the phone doesn't decide whether or not or how large of a tip I get. I get no tip ever. My job does depend on my ability to come off as friendly and helpful, however. I've worked in plenty of other service oriented jobs from paperboy to Cold Stone ice cream server. People didn't tip me for throwing their paper in the bushes or for serving them melted ice cream because I took to long. I got paid to do my job, I got tipped for exceeding people's expectations. I treat my servers the same way. The restaurant pays you to meet the minimum expectations. If you want tipped you had better exceed mine.
I've lived in Europe – no tipping and the U.S. – tipping.
I prefer the European system. I'd rather have a polite, professional server who smiles because they enjoy waiting on me than a server who sucks up just for the cash. No tipping also places us on more equal terms where I feel much more comfortable. And service quality? I saw no difference – even in eastern European countries. I've had good and bad experiences everywhere – but mostly good. I guess most people want to enjoy their jobs, and giving good service and getting smiles and compliments in return is just part of that.
And yes, I realize prices would go up. That's fine with me. I'm great at math, but after a relaxing, fun meal, calculating tips spoils the mood. Besides, would they go up more than the 20% I already tip?
a) If wait staff don't like the money they earn then it’s time for a new job. Period. Get a job that earns more.
b) Tipping is not meant to be a income generator for wait staff (see point A). Tipping is to REWARD good service, period, not something you are ENTITLED too. You give me crappy service you will get a crappy tip don't like that, tough. I'm not here to feel guilty for you because you CHOSE to be a waiter/waitress and don't make enough money. You made the choice to be a server, deal with it.
I have a customer that comes and sits in my bar by himself and takes up a table for 6 in front of the big screen to watch baseball while going through 3 pitchers of iced tea or water and then leaves a $2.00 tip, $3.00 if I'm lucky....how long does a baseball game last???? That's the point some of these servers are trying to make. His glass is never less than half full, I'm always friendly even though I could be waiting on six people and actually making money.
I've worked as a server/waiter for all of about 12 years, at a very young age. I always tip, but it may be from .1% to 30%. If the server is atrocious, rude, slow, forgetful and so forth, you can expect my rounding the bill off to the next dollar. If the service is great then it'll go up to as high as 30%. Being that I have been a server/waiter for so long, I know what my limitations are and what I can do. I apply that into my tipping factor. If I know I can do a better job then I tip less. If my server is doing as good of a job as I, then I can tip more. This does not work for those who have never worked in the service industry, you don't know how difficult it really is. If there is a terrible customer, you have to put on your facade and try and make them happy to get a tip, that's what this industry is about. You don't purposely give them bad service because they are being crap to you. You have good customers and bad ones, so you can't just get lazy after a bad one. Sure we get horrible wages, sure waiters can account for their cash income for less, but that all makes up for the fact that there is no "real benefit" in this industry. You have to take the good and the bad.
As for @kgreer and @sourdiesel, waiters are humans too. We all stereotype. I dare you to prove me wrong. In this type of service industry there are different sets of people who do indeed tip better than others. Affluent customers generally tip better, whereas those from the "streets" generally tip less. But then you have those who are exceptions. I disagree with stereotyping ethnically, but more of a lifestyle/culture. Many Europeans, I said many not all or most, (tourists) do not tip very well, because in many areas it is not something you do in many countries in Europe.
A possible explanation for the Europeans is that at home they typically round up to the next franc/mark/etc or two. They don't really adhere to the percentage rule of thumb.
i knew people in highschool who made more at sonic because its min wage plus tips. 50 bucks a day plus 7.50 an hr.
While restarants are 2.15 an hr plus tips.
At our restaurant we offer pepper and parmesan cheese at the table. I received a five percent tip on a $200 bill for supposedly not offering pepper for his salad. (He was to busy talking to respond, when he was asked.) And I sprinkled paresan cheese on his arm when I was grating it for his pasta. He asked for cheese but did nothing to get out of the way so I could honor his request. A big guy at that and the way the tables are set-up I had to reach over his huge frame to grate his cheese. And this was the worst service he has ever had. I guess it would have been the wosrt, because McDonald's does not have much of table side service.
Could you imagine if the entire work force was based on tipping. Just imagine if you went up to your kids teacher and said "Johnny got a "C" so I am not going to pay you as much. Now imagine when your kid got to the next grade your kid's teacher's would talk and give a better education to the person that actually respected what they did. I am not saying you have to tip 30%, but when you spend $50 on a meal $1 is not considered fair either.
Having worked the back of the house, I've learned to recognize and reward good service. Front staff gets paid crap wages, so a server that takes good care of my party or has a good recommendation on what is fresh will always get palmed a little green for their pocket.
It's sad that I have yet to read a post from a happy server. I was a server for about 4 years and I loved it! The customers, the other servers and the rest of the staff! You learn so much about people and how to handle them when your personalities do not match. I would not replace the life lessons I have learned from the restaurants I have worked in, for anything! It has made me a better person and taught me a little about maturity. People they' re are great servers out there that really do enjoy their job, if you have one you will love the time you experienced in that restaurant. It's not all about food and servers. Of course you can go out and make the dish you just bought for much cheaper, but you go to a restaurant for the experience and the service. If you don't receive that I am sorry, but do not write a restaurant off for one bad server. If you enjoy the food go back and give it one more try, then make the decision if it is not worth it. Oh and servers, they are not customers they are guests, treat them as so!
When you dine with a larger party, some restaurants will give you a check with "gratuity included". Why is this a gratuity? I shouldn't be "gracious" paying the waiters separately. This should be part of the price of the meal. Yes, raise the price of food by 20%. Then nobody has to feel like they're giving something to poor beggars. I respect server professionals and I think they should be compensated well, just like hard working people in any other profession. They shouldn't be dependent on customers' moods or willingness to give.
I *always* tip at least 20 percent and frankly have never liked the concept of tipping. In my opiniion, people *should* be paid a decent wage and customers should not be expected to *tip*. However, I realize that it is not that way and so I always tip. Still, it is aggrevating to have crappy service. If a server doesn't like the job, find something else. Or if finding something else is not an option (and I realize that often it is not), then at least do your best and don't take it out on the customer. Servers have no more right to do that than customers have a right to treat at server inconsiderately. Basically, don't impose your personal grievances and annoyances on others, whether you are the customer or the server. I believe this: "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." (quote from HH The Dalai Lama)
Its just human beings not careing about other human beings and only caring about themselves and what is entited to them is "quality service"
Think about it... How many days in a year can you perform at a quality lvl without making a mistake. Most people dont have to worry about that. if a server makes a misake it comes out of their paycheck EVERY SINGLE DAY.
How about the next time im at a department store and you say oh thats not my section.... and Refuse to help me and shrug your shoulders, how about we take 10 bucks off your wage for the day...
You're missing the point....tips are not part of the paycheck, it's a direct payment. Performing badly does not affect the paycheck, it affects the tips. The clerk in the department store who snubs you does not get anything taken off her paycheck any more than the server who ignores you does. The difference is that the server still expects a tip while the clerk doesn't.
When I go out to eat I never tip anything less than 15% and if I have a really good server I will tip between 18% to 20%. Yes some servers to make good money, but when they are busting their butts to serve you they deserve it. If you're such a cheap @ss then stay home!
look it comes down to this .... tipping should start at about18%..... If the wait staff is respectful, it goes to 20... if not it drops to 10... after that I go by if i get my food in a timely manner ( remember that if the resteraunt is busy so are the cooks and your server) , did the server attempt to do a good job.... and did some Awhole at the table next to me screw them over.....servers who are obviously just having a bad day get a credit ... and those who feel it necessary to be rude on previous visits get a demerit. Those of you who feel that it is ignorant to tip...just watch the movie "WAITING" and see what you are getting for your ignorant bliss
you 'hate people in general' and you are a server in a restaurant? Hmmm.. i wonder if that reflects in your tios?
Marc had a good comment- he said that not everyone will precieve your service in the same light and not everyone will tip you in the manner you think your should be tipped.
garyprovencher – also had a good comment. He said that some of the servers he works with make $100k per year.
What I think doesn't really matter because this subject is all about perceptions. My ex was a waitress and she often had people come in with two or more kids, tear the place up and leave without even paying. most customers don't see that so they think that waiting is easy enough to constitute the waitresses' good additude. However, I always head that 15% was the norma for good service but that tipping wasn't necissary. I think some restaurants are different in how they pay and how their target clientel tip. One girl I dated, worked as a fulltime waitress with no college and drove a Lexus. My ex couldn't make ends meet as a waitress in another establishment. Both where good and both worked hard. In the end its how the customer feels. You can't make them tip more. On the flip side- not all servers make a lot. You should want to tip them to help a fellow human being out not because you feel obligated. That is the point of a tip- you do good for me and I want to help you out. I shouldn't care what percentage it is as long as it helps them. If its an expensive restaurant then expect to pay a large tip for good service, otherwise why are you buying a $30 steak you could make at home for $10 and eat while you watch a movie you rented $5?
Oh how I pray that there is a God that judges us on how kind we are to others. So many self-absorbed, haughty and cruel people. May there be repercussions to our actions.
Servers make $2.13 per hour. I work part time as a server to SUBSIDIZE MY OWN income... which means that after I work a 40 hour week, I add on a few nights working until midnight. I don't mind doing it and I'm not complaining because I like the extra money. However, I don't appreciate the comments like "find another job" implying that waiters & waitresses are lazy or underachievers. In addition, I worked in fine dining which means that I not only brought food to your table (which is what most people think serving is about), I also described the menu and explained dishes and cooking techniques the customer is not familiar with in addition to extensive knowledge of a wine menu (btw, Sommeliers in fine dining can make upwards of $100 an hour for their services because it is recognized as a valuable skill, as a server I made $2.13 plus generous tips from my customers who appreciated my services). Once I finished my night, I tipped the bar 10% of all my tips (not just liquor sales) and 15% to the service assistant/bus person. Which means that before taxes, I tipped out 25% of what I made. If you are not happy with my service, don't tip me. I understand that my compensation is a TIP not a COMMISSION, however, if you aren't tipping on principal it's not only insulting to me, but it affects the livelihood of two other people. I wonder if those who are opposed to tipping servers tip their cap drivers, florists, hair dressers, take-out delivery or tip at Christmas?
Question to the experts out there- How about when your eating or drinking at the airport? You know you are getting ripped off BIG time and they have you captured.Your between flights and have to eat.do you still leave that 15-20% on top of the 3x normal prices? The owner pays the same for his inventory but triples the price to you only because he can.
seems to me he could use that extra money to pay his staff. And don't give me any reasoning about prices being higher just because its in the airport-it's no different than the charges at the movies-they do it because they can get away with it-PERIOD.But does that mean i have to add injury to insult??
The inventory may cost the same, but the cost to rent the space to serve it in certainly does not. I know you don't care, but try speaking to the person who has to pay for the space in the airport and compare that to the cost of space in a strip mall or other facility. I think you'll see why the charge so much more for the same food and drink you can get cheaper elsewhere. Same with renting a car – - they tack on extra charges at the airport to recover the extra cost they have to pay just to be there versus the off-airport sites. It may not be fair, but it does cost more.
Another side of the story a lot of people don't know. The owners are obligated to atleast pay minimium wage in a round about way. If the tips plus their wage ($2.13 for example) does not equal the Minimium Hourly ($7.25 for example) wage, the employers has to cover the difference. So of course the owners are going to push you to tip enough otherwise it does cut into the profit because they have to cover (tip) what they did not intend to pay them. And some, definitly not all, are not honest in reporting their tips so they don't pay taxes on it. I get taxed on everything I earn. I believe in tipping but attitude and performance does adjust what I tip. Stirring the pot alittle bit here.
That is not true everywhere, it varies from state to state and in some places from city to city. And some posters here aren't aware that it is different now than it was just a few yrs ago.
Wow, it looks like we're on the verge of a war here! I was a restaurant manager for 13 years and now work in banking and deal with customers every day. I think every person should have to work some sort of face-to-face customer service job at least once in their lives to really appreciate what it is like to assist other humans. For the servers, you will get a better tip if you engage in conversation, are knowledgeable about your job, and are attentive without hovering. For you fellow consumers, you will get the service you want if you treat everybody respectfully and plan ahead before ordering to avoid extra trips to your table (not to mention waiting impatiently while your server is helping another table because you forgot to ask for extra dressing, etc.).
it should be a service charge on the ticket. Its proven we wont balk at that. (cable, phone service, electricty, internet, ) all misc charges and we give them billions without losing a wink.
@ Gary- I noticed you put "work" in quotations. If your are suggesting serving is not hard work, I suggest you try it for a day.
I am a restaurant owner and will serve tables from time to time at my place. I obviously don't need your tip but I do need your business due to the fact that I am the CEO of the restaurant. I will be nice and courteous until someone acts rude or obnoxious. It is our job to provide good customer service but gratuity is part of dining out. If you don't want to tip then get take-out and don't waste our time and space.
So here it is...only 1% of your customers will try to scam free food. The rest are honest, hard working folks who will pay for their food. There really are some ignorant, schizo, bi-polar, angry, greedy and insane people out there and we get our share in the hospitality business. I would say 90% of my customers are nice, polite and honest people but the other 10% are just ugly. They will steal from you, lie about the food and service just to get free food or act rude to my staff for no reason. Then we got the drunken idiots or crackheads...let's just say we've called the police a few times. LOL...it's a crazy industry! Just be nice to your server and tip accordingly...it will be good karma.
I personally don't have a problem with tipping, but I see certain words and phrases being used that seem to contradict each other. Gratuity, for example. The definition of gratuity is "something given without claim or obligation". If a gratuity is given without claim or obligation – - meaning there is no requirement and it is not owed – - how does that reconcile with "If you don't want to tip then get take-out and don't waste our time and space"? And what about the places that actually charge you a "take-out fee" – - a separate percentage charged on all food ordered for take-out when it is picked up in carry-out containers?
Wow. I am becoming more and more ashamed of the american people. Curiously, some 76% of Americans call themselves Christian and it seems 7.6% actually practice it. Until you've walked in someone elses shoes, why not accept the POSSIBILITY of what they are telling you? My own dad sometimes acted like an ass in restaurants and I had to remind him servers are not mind readers, they don't order the supplies and ingredients and they don't know what your healths issues are. Let's practice some civility, respect and courtesy. Otherwise, stay home. No one wants to deal with your entitlement issues.
- NoName
So you took your frustrastions of the chef being slow out on your server.
Sorry Servers...don't buy your arguments for not getting TIPS. Your TIPS is to insure that you are working for our benefit. You are there to make our dining experience wonderful. You are supposed to go beyond to make it great. If you do you will be rewarded. If you are not being rewarded then really think back about your service. Look to the person to the right of you who is bring home 20%-30%, what are they doing different. Before you speak make sure you know what TIPS stands for "To Insure Professional Service"
Sounds to me that you want a slave.
lol i ment 40 % less
As someone who works in the retail industry, I can see where these guys have their complaints. I'm an all around courteous and nice person and do my best to be friendly where ever I go now a days just from my job. This doesn't stop, even if I'm at a restaurant. As a rule of thumb, I tip 15% regardless. While sometimes it can be a little harsh (a $1 drink is a $.15 tip, but I do give more than that on something that small), it's still what I've always been told is the base. There have been very few times I've given less and it's usually been because the service has been that bad – I wait 20 minutes to get a refill on water or the food takes an hour in an empty restaurant – but like I said it's been very far between happenings.
Waiters are people too, and I understand that. Retail may not be food, but I get yelled at the same way over the same stupid BS. They don't deserve it and neither do I.
Observational facts arent politically correct, they seperate the truth from sterotypes with evidence. AND YES coultures change, customs change. But as of 2003 that was Fact of serving in a italian resteraunt in a large southern town, where because i was a white caucasion male i was tipped 40% by african americans and my african american server buddies were tipped more. FACT
We have a favorite restaurant we frequent once a week or so, the owners know us and the serving staff know us. Two tables over from us were a couple of college aged kids fooling around, making a mess, and shouting obscenities in earshot of everyone. We asked them to calm down and they started messing with us, throwing napkins and such, basically acting age-inappropriate. My dinner companion went to talk to the owner about these kids asking them if there was anything they could do. The owner comes out to the dining room and tells them to leave. "You are making a mistake man, don't you know who my dad is?" and junk like this coming out of their mouths. Owner tells them leave now or he calls the cops. We are customers for life after this. Treat people right and they will treat you right. This is something you people should have learned in preschool!
I see vehemence on ALL sides of this debate. I also see an inflated sense of entitlement coupled with an obstinate refusal to respect the dignity of others.
Yeah, he may be a snarky or incompetent server and, yeah, she may be a pompous and overly-demanding patron... but if you can't see the other person as worthy of respect, then get out of the gene pool. This is America and last time I checked, the legislature hadn't voted through a caste system or a sliding respect scale based on income.
Regardless of your views on the tipping system, if both customer and client treated each other as humans (and not as a conduit for food/money), I guarantee that we'd not be having this conversation.
I've never been a waiter, but I've known many. I only withhold a tip if I've been neglected for long expanses of time (15+ minutes) or if I've been directly insulted. When a server is less than chipper, I go out of my way to be nicer and I tip them. I do this because nine times out of ten they're sullen because they've been treated like a robot for five hours and not once has someone looked them in the eye, affirmed their human dignity, and showed an iota of appreciation for a mostly thankless job.
Both sides need to try rising above juvenile entitlement. No cold burger or demanding client is worth treating another person as if they're inferior or subhuman.
Well said!
Re: Universally accepted signals to show you are finished: Where in the world did you learn you profession?
Crossing your knife and fork on the plate signals you are NOT finished eating; placing them side by side with the handles pointing to the right does.
Never put your napkin on the plate when you are finished. Fold it loosely and place it at the side of the plate.
Never push your plate to the side. Bad manners!!! You might as well burp and announce you are done.
Finally: Waiters should NOT remove the plates from a table until ALL diners at the table are finished. This bad habit of yanking the plate away as soon as a diner in a party is finished is the worst faux pas a waiter can make. Keep your hands off the table until everyone is finished.
I never heard the 5 o'clock position. Always thought it was across the top of the plate.
One simple rule, "If you can't be servile, don't serve!"
I never realized the hourly rate at which servers were paid, plus their tax situation.
To "work" under such conditions is the height of either stupidity, or desperation.
If you're voluntarily in such a position, you'd better make the best of it. "Sell" that customer on your service, with your charm and wit. Then pray the client responds and gives you anything, as a tip!
Within the comments of a restaurant owner who responded, he claims an $.18 profit, on a steak and fries. That means as a client, I don't mean much to him! So, my complaining about any bad service I've received from one of his servers is going to fall on deaf and busy ears!
That leaves my only recourse as not giving a tip and never returning!
Upon doing that, there is no love lost between your employer and myself, but you're out of a tip!
So play each customer as a unique opportunity and try, try your best to please!
Good luck with your off Broadway acting job!
You're a friggin' idiot!
Does everyone go to work everyday and say "I love my job!" Hell no! I have been in this industry for 11 plus years. I can honestly tell you, I'm there to make money, not friends. This industry will make you hate people, period. But guess what, when you sit down to eat I will smile and kiss your ass like the rest of the people working. Serving can be fun, it's flexible with your schedule if you have children or are going to school. We mostly just hate the people like you on here complaining. It's a very hard job and gets little respect. I guarantee your not on your "A" game everyday at work. Does that mean you should get a different job? And like I said before, leave your kids at home ;)
My wife and I go out to dinner, maybe two or three times a week, and, we go to a variety of eateries. We have found that 99 % of our wait people are usually very friendly. Unlike most people, we talk to them and joke and get them to smile when they look "dog tired ". We NEVER blame them for the mistakes that happen with the food, unless we know for a fact they did it. All it takes is to be smiley and even silly at times to perk them up and feel good at that moment. We always leave a generous tip so as to make them know that we were indeed satisfied with the service they provided. I think that its been quite some time since we have not left a tip for someone who could not leave their "stuff" at home and decided to take it to work and be an ass. When that does happen,very, very ,very seldom. we leave him/her a penny, thats telling them we did not like their service and even less their attitude. So, for all you people who don't think that waiters or waitresses don't deserve something for their labors, look at it this way....IT COULD BE YOU DOING THAT JOB!!!!!
@Marc's post was on point.
I to give 15% as the standard tip. 20-25% if the server was very good to exceptional. No less than 10% if there was some major problem. Normally, I normally will talk to the manager rather than take it out on the server. I am always polite to servers as I know they are just trying to do their job.
I have not served before but I did work in fast food for several years in high school.
Tipping is an option. Sure, everyone should give 15-20% but it's not required. I feel like the server should be welcoming, polite. They should be aware that some people are going to drink a lot and want refills, or other people will want a bunch of napkins, or others may want some extra dressing. WE ARE ALL HUMAN and we like different things.
When you become a server, you know what you're getting into. Again, I completely respect servers and I like going out to eat. But as many others have said before, business owners and their staff NEED customers.
Treat me well at least, and I'll hook you up.
sorry for the typos
I have nothing but respect for any server who works in a restaurant. I always try to be friendly, and not to make any outrageous request. I was a waiter for many years in metro Detroit, and to tell you the truth....... I couldn't do the job today. I worked years of double shifts, coming home and watching my legs twitch for 2 hours while I layed in bed after I worked for 10 hours. I had many famous customers throughout my time as a waiter, and these celebrities ( everyone from Andy Warhol, to Issac the bartender from "The Love Boat") were the most gracious, understanding guests I served in my 10 year career. On the other hand.......... the new money, demanding, local people, i.e. , t.v. news people, lawyers, and inherited money types were by far the worst to wait on. You know who you are people of Birmingham, MI.
I will always try to tip the best I can............. I know these people deserve it. I used to wonder when I was a young man, if I'd ever work my way out of serving tables day and night, and be able to go to dinner whenever, or wherever I wanted. I can today, and I appreciate every time I sit down and can be served a wonderful meal.
I don't know why I keep reading these comments. Invariably, some bigot is going to make a blanket statement about people of color - whatever the color du jour. I am saddened that people like "sourdiesel" are so miserable that they would blame a specific behavior on an ethnicity rather than on a personality. Since you choose to quote "facts," does that mean that one should expect to be murdered whenever in the presence of a Caucasian person? I mean, after all, most serial killers are Caucasion, right? Sounds silly when you put it that way, huh?
Only if you're Caucasian. Most serial killers kill within their own demographic. But then, that's a generalization based on observed behavior. Kinda like some of the other comments here, like blacks and Mexicans are lousy tippers. Oh wait – - was that based on the behavior observed by the commenter? Then it may be a valid generalization.
;-)
I've never worked in the service industry for even a day in my life and the reason is simple: I would probably kill someone. My daughter worked in restaurant while in high school, and I happened to be eating there one day when some a-hole started giving her grief about the time it took for his order to be cooked (big hint: servers don't actually cook the food). My daughter was apologetic and pleasant, but he was determined to be a jerk. I listened for a little bit, and then I approached the man, informed him that he was swearing at my daughter, and told him I would pay for his G-D coke if he wanted to just leave. The man apologized and ate his meal. My daughter was mortified. Ever since, I have tipped 25% without fail, knowing that I could never do that job!
MY PET PEEVE IS A SERVER THAT STOPS TO PICK UP THE BILL AND CASH.....THEN SAYS " DO YOU NEED CHANGE?"
IT ONLY INDICATES TO ME THAT THE SERVER IS TOO LAZY TO BRING THE CHANGE BACK TO THE TABLE.
IT IS BETTER TO SAY " I WILL BE RIGHT BACK WITH YOUR CHANGE" AND WAIT FOR THE CUSTOMER TO INDICATE THAT THE CHANGE IS FOR THE SERVER TO KEEP, NOT REQUIRING A TRIP BACK TO THE TABLE.
That question shouldn't be asked in a fine dining restaurant. The server should always say "May I take care of that for you." However, as a server who has worked in fine dining and casual/bar atmosphere restaurants, I can assure you in a bar that I am not asking if I can bring you some change because I'm LAZY. It's because there is probably a line at the computer I will need to close out your check, or at the bar where I will need the bartender to make change and if I have 3 or 4 other tables waiting on something from me (because generally in a casual restaurant/bar you have a big section which may cover 6 or 7 tables plus folks standing in the bar and flagging you down for things). If you don't need change, it's not EFFICIENT for me to spend 5 minutes waiting for a bartender/manager to have a minute to make change for me. It helps me prioritize what I need to get to first so that I can get to all my customers as quickly as possible.
THE BEST TIP IS TO GIVE UR SERVER A BLOWJOB.......OR IF ITS A FEMALE SERVER.....A NICE FINGER IN HER PUSSY.....LOL -THATS THE BEST TIP EVER : )
Laura, if I had you as a server and your ability to speak the Queen's English was as bad as you wrote it in your comment you wouldn't get a tip either. In actuality, I assume from your lack of writing ability you probably work as a stripper and get substantial tips for doing nothing but wiggling your naked butt in from of customers.
My tips to you:
1. Get an education.
2. Get a better paying job where you don't get away with being a moron.
To all the people complaining about having to tip: that's the way it works in America. If you don't like it, then stay home. I keep reading all of your comments threatening to take away your business. Well shut up and follow through on your threat already. Everyone else who understands how going out to eat works would appreciate it if you just stay home. You probably ruin meals more than any wait staff ever has.
Being a customer does not give you an excuse to be a jerk. Did parents stop teaching basic civility?
Crossing your cutlery over your plate is a sign you're still working on your food! The proper signal for indicating you're done eating is to place your knife & fork side by side on the middle of your plate, tipped about 30 degrees counter-clockwise from straight up and down. Sheesh!
I served as a server for 2.5 yrs before choosing my career path in college, and that was enough time to know that i didnt want to be in ANY part the restaurant industry and the lifestyle that it provides.
A sense of entitlement runs rampid though customers. and it peeks in lower class and higher class people, especially in lower income african american females and older wealthy white females.
Tipping is not the main issue, customers are all different and with that in mind, i found it daunting to try and disect all the differernt pet peeve combinations about people and their personal preferences, spoiled eating habits, and trying not to offend them accidently because of cultural differences from SOUTHERN US CUSTOMS.
- Some people make their tea so sweet they dont want quality refill service, while others get mad if their drink goes below 25% full and they have to tell you they want a refill.
- Serving the men first or the women first. (depending on the ethnicty there is endless possibities)
- Want their food out right away or let me finish thie appetizer first then my food needs to come out.
- If their food is taking forever to come out its your fault (Not the slow rookie chef's)
- How many times do customers LIE because THEY FORGOT to tell you somthing. Then act like its your fault and tip u lowsy.
- Your Boss / Manager wants you to check 5 times during the meal to see if they need anything else. When i find that most people just want to be left to enjoy their food and they will let you know when they are ready for anything else.
- Dont like to called SIR or MAM – ITS THE SOUTH, SIR / MAM
basically most guests assume that you know what they want, because they think everyone is like them and so you should have run into this situation before.
I have treated 2 tables exactly same way and had showers of praise from the first with a 30% tip and no tip from the second and a complaint to my manager.
After the day in day out of never being able to settle into some sort of POSITIVE rhythm of waiting tables and getting abused verbally by restaurent managers who are wired becuase they work 80 + hrs a week to make your exsperience a pleasent one.
- i had enough, i tip great, i allways order meals as is, and no matter how bad the service is i treat the situation like you should which is your only seeing 1 peice of the picture and one day your going to reap what you sow.
I tip 20% or greater. I've only stiffed twice in 25 years of dining due to severely bad service from servers whom were quarreling with me and other patrons. Those people were canned. At the bar, I tip much higher. Its just the way I am. I don't drop the tip rate if the food takes a while in a busy place. Its not their fault.
I tip on how a waiter presents his/her self. If he/she is sloppy, or how often the waiter stops by my table (based on the amount of people in the restaurant). If you suck, il give you 5%, if your good, 25-50%. And guys, if your waiter is good looking, dont give her a 20$ for a 5$ meal, it doesnt get you anywhere, your just wasting your money.
question: when I tip my waiter generously for good service, does he get the entire tip, or are all tips pooled and split between the entire staff at the end of the night?
depends on the establishment but usually the server keeps what you give them (less the 3-5% of sales that goes to bartenders and bus staff)
Fiquring out the tip doesn't take a math degreee. At least in California the sales tax varies from 7 3/4 to 8 3/4%. So if you just look at the bill, and double the tax on the bottom, you just about hit the tipping range. It is really not that hard. And don't forget, when you order all the drinks from your server, they have to tip out the bartender, and usually the busboy at the end of every shift. That's just my look at it. After all, I was a server over 15 years. And it does all depend on where you work. Some states are "Right to Work" states and get paid whatever the owner wants to pay. California is not, so all servers are paid a least the minimum wage.....
@wolflady1229 my cute little tip card that I carry around is too make sure that I tip well. If you want me to throw it in the trash, I gladly will. When I pull my "cute little tip card" out it's generally so I can establish the minimum amount for my tip. I'm glad that you are better at math than I am. My fear is that I am going to miscalculate in my head and under tip someone. So, before you ask me to throw away my tip card, perhaps you should think of the ramifications.
June 21, 2010 at 2:32 pm |
The main difference between customer complaints and server complaints... is the customer is paying for the service... and while the server is being paid for the service.
And as a server, if you hate people, what the h_ll are you doing in the people service business?
I Served and bartended in my younger days and simply put, if you cant afford to leave 20% then you simply cant afford to go out to eat. stay the heck home. I personally leave between 20-50% pending quality of service.
AJ, not true. I can afford to eat out, but not pay for your health and electricity bills too.
Wow.. I knew this was a pretty contentious issue but I had NO clue some folks could be so ignorant and mean. One both sides of this equation there's a lot of nonsense.
I worked in the service industry for around 10 years. In Country Clubs, Chain Restaurants and Steak Houses. I'm now a salesman working on 100% commission.
I got paid a decent salary at the Country Club where the "patrons" are members and range from self entitled, whiny weasels to amazingly fun and generous folks. It can become a HUGE issues at the Club if a member or guest (much worse) has a poor experience. I.e. Poor service not really an option. Tipping was not expected, but the staff always appreciated them for extra service.
At the Chain Restaurant and Steak House I made about $2.50 – $3.50/hr and usually expected, on average in a night, around 15% tips from my tables. I loved working there, had a great time, always tried to provide good service and got excellent feedback for the most part. Even with good service, I sometimes got tipped 10% or below. Disappointing? Sure. But the way I figure it, I also had regulars and generally fun tables that tipped between 20% and 30%. Regulars sometimes tipped even more than that.
That brief history on the table, I usually tip 20% to 25% when I go out. For exceptional service, I always up that on the bill. I don't usually mind when a server/bartender/host has a bad night and the service is off. I do not, however, have much patients for actual bad service, rude behavior, etc. And occasionally that affects the tip to the downside. Point is that my experience tells me the tips can balance out sometimes when you do your job well. While you have one or two tables that cheap out on the tip, you can always have several more that make up for that.
That's just my two cents. As a note, working on 100% commission sucks. It's fun, but it sucks.
Wow, I think all the servers are gonna rally against this Mike fellow. I've worked in the food industry for years and through out college. I absolutely LOVED being a server, and amazing guest made my job that much greater. People like Mike, he goes to places LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO BITCH ABOUT. Don't think for a second that when you call for a manager for a complaint so you might get a free meal or discount, that he hasn't already been warned of your table and your rudeness to his family (because we are like family in the restaurant business), and don't think for a second that he isn't rolling his eyes about you a-holes when he has to walk to your table and grovel .
and as servers it is our job to make sure you have a great experience, but it's not our fault if the kitchen screwed up something, got your filet temp wrong, lost your food ticket, took too long preparing your meal.
accidents happen on both ends, if you aren't willing do deal with them in a positive way then pop the microwavable dinner in and shut the hell up.
Man all you guys are bent outa shape about this. Here's what I don't understand. Let's do a little math.
Fact: I go out with my family of four, we eat, have a drink or two, the restaurant is busy, I have good service, good
food, no issue with the wait staff, service is a tad slow probably due to the number of people in the joint.
The bill comes its $93.50 and with tax its $100.04, I pay $120, that ~17% tip. Its also $20. If that waitress only
does 9 other dinners as described above on this night she has collected $200 in tips. I don't know where you live but
jeez from what I see that doesn't seem really hard at all. So five days times $200 is $1000 a week times 52 is
$52,000. Me thinks the wait staff that is complaining here are working in sub-par establishments or in depressed areas.
If a waiter is working an 8 hour shift, and is responsible for 4-6 tables, on a busy night that is usually a weekend, they can make close to 1k alone. In some places they have to tip their “buss boy” though.
Tell me the name of a restaurant where I can make 1k in a shift and I am coming over. No way in hell, in the many restaurants I have worked in, will a server get near that. In an ideal world, if we got 4-6 tables (my company only allows 3 per server no matter what), and we supposedly get $20 a table, that would be great. But it doesn't happen that way. For every table that leaves a $20, regardless of the total, there were three other tables that left $3. So how does that add up to 1k a night? Like I said, tell me where you work and I'll send in an application tonight!
If you don't want to tip your waiter 20%, then you should stick to fast food or cheap restaurants. Our restaurant industry does not want or need cheap people around. CHEAP people waste our time with attitude, modified orders, and ignorant questions, while we could be giving better service to those who expect it. If you don't like the service at a restaurant don't go again or be vocal about your issue with the service. If you have a good server, he/she will address the problem and make it better. If you appear cheap, which is pretty easy to tell because of the way you treat others, there may be a good chance you will not have the best service and you should stick to low-end restaurants.
There's really no battle here, waiters love their jobs and waiting on people that appreciate dining out. It's the waste of the time, complicated, cheap people that really just want to fight about anything that makes being a server kinda suck. I'm sure those people are everywhere... but what it comes down to is, Do you want to be a diner, or a douchebag? Douchebags can stick to fast food, diners are welcome anywhere.
Wow, talk about entitlement. You want everyone to tip you 20% just for showing up and bringing us our food regardless of quality of service. And if we don't tip 20%, we're cheap even if you have gave us crap service? Do you want to be a server who actually does a job befitting of your nice establishment (in which case, I will tip you 20%) or do you want to be a douchebag? And I doubt there are many (if any) restaurant owners who would want you mouthing off on their behalf about how they don't want our business if we don't tip 20%. Try actually owning a business before making such dumbass statements.
Next time you complain about how long it's taking for your steak/burger, before you say anything to your server, ask yourself why you also ordered your steak/burger well done. Then remember that cooked food takes patience.
Jeez , I did'nt know there were so many unhappy wait staff at restaurants. Tipping is for good service and not required by law – My advice to you folks is to get another job if you don't like what you do and don't make enough money. Life is too short for this crap folks ....
...and this is why I prefer to eat at home. :)
@shar. Have you ever heard of the word inflation??? How much was gas 20 yrs ago? If minimum wage keeps rising every year do you think it's just because? The more time that passes the more expensive things get. So if the gas, groceries, and public transportation is getting more and more expensive for you, then don't you think it is for everyone else too? So wouldn't it make sense that if the standard was 10% 20 yrs ago that 20 yrs later it might have changed?
You do know that a percentage of something has nothing to do with inflation right? 10% of x is always 10% of x regardless of what x equals.
Let's say that 20 years ago I paid $5 for breakfast. If you got 10% then you get $0.50.
Skip forward to 2010. My breakfast is $12. If you are tipped 10% then you get $1.20.
See how that works? You tip went up with the inflation because the same percentage of a larger number is still more money.
Anyhow, I agree that 10% is way too little, but after reading your post I couldn't ignore just how wrong that statement was. Average service should get 15-18%, good service should get 19-20% and great, memorable service should get 20%+. Genuinely terrible service WITH a bad attitude? There's your 10%. If that.
@IRS- Every credit card transaction that the server makes the sale is automatically taxed. So if you didn't leave a tip, we still payed tax on your meal!!! And if you think everyone pays with cash you're dead wrong. It's about 1 in 10. If you have never worked in this thankless industry, you have no right complaining. Every pay check I have ever received from a restaurant has been $0.00 because of taxes. Not to mention the amount I have to pay at the end of the year!!! $6,000 in 2009!! Servers and bartenders live on tips. If you don't like tipping, don't go out to eat. And I'm sure the majority of complainers are the diners that go to your regular shitty places i.e. Applebee's, O'charley's, ect ect. You can't go to one of these spots and expect fine dining service and great food you idiot! The main reason you go there is to complain to th emanager for a free meal anyway. I know, I worked at one of these hell holes for six years. You should probably be more concerned with the guy on probation cooking your food. If you want great service, you're gonna pay for it. And P.S. You can leave your kids at home.:)
Somehow everyone seems to have a problem with math. Why would food be so much more expensive if tips were included in the cost of the meal??? It would only be 20% more expensive. I would have no problem with that. Why is restaurant industry different from any other industry? Do you tip a cashier at a grocery store? Clerk at a department store? Why not simply charge what the service is worth instead of playing games?
Fact: If you want to go out and get waited on, expect to tip.
Fact: If you want to go out and not get waited on = Go to fast food restaurant, or TO GO
Fact: If you want to go out and want to get waited on and don't want to tip = Go out to the supermarket, buy the same food, tell your kids to make the food for you and eat that.
If you go out to eat, you tip because you received a service from someone taking your order, making sure your order gets put in, getting your food out to you and cleaning up after your mess.
"I DON'T NEED TO TIP BECAUSE ITS NOT REQUIRED!" You tell that to anyone that is doing a service for you in their face and see how happy they get. That's essentially saying "I'm just going to pay the company but you get nothing so IN YO FACE!!"
ANOTHER FACT: Blacks/Mexicans are generally THE worst tippers in the world. Honestly, they don't get enough of our tax money to tip but they have enough to purchase stereo equipment to put in their cars?
Its all very simple – When I sit down to eat, I will tip a good waiter or waitress about 25% of my ticket. But for that I expect my drink to be refilled, I expect plates to be taken away, I expect not to be ignored. I understand sometimes that a restaurant may be short staffed sometimes and the waitstaff are very busy. But that 25% will shrink if I have to ask for something more than once, or I have to ask someone else to find my waitress. You might think that's unreasonable, but I work hard for my money and when it comes to spending it, I want what I pay for. Provide good service, get good tip. Provide poor service, your tip gets smaller and smaller.
I'm currently a waitress, and there are a few points I would like to make. Firstly, I agree that servers are by no means entitled to receive a tip. However, there should be a mutual respect–I will serve you to the best of my ability and you will tip me in return. Not everyone can be a server
But there needs to be a better appreciation for good service. I spent an extensive amount of time in Europe (no tipping) and Australia (make wages but still expect tips), and it was a real wake-up call to the benefits of tipping. Most servers didn't know anything about their food, couldn't care less about proper timing of a meal, acted rude or indifferent, and (if they were anti-American) chose not to serve us at all. We would politely ask to place an order and it never came to the table. Servers ignored us and pretended not to understand...and what do they care? They're not looking for our money. The premise of tipping is a good one–you bet I'm going to kiss your ass if there's money on the line, so tip me what I deserve. I put a lot of time and thought into learning the menu, understanding allergies, appreciating fine wines, pacing a meal, and dealing with people in general. Who is going to do that for minimum wage?
I would completely disagree with you. Service etiquette in Europe is much better than it is here. Servers there actually get educated as to food timing and especially handling dinnerware. They usually don't grab a glass by sticking their finges into it etc etc. Whenever I'm in Europe, I almost feel guilty not tipping them... but they don't expect it. They do their job well because they were hired to do it well.
Obviously Europe is a pretty general area. I stand by my comment. Australia was even worse.
I think part of the "tipping is a pain" mentality is age. I've been a server for years and generally younger people are great tippers and easy to wait on. Also, I live in Seattle which is a pretty progressive, educated city and usually people tip well. This is certainly a stereotype but I think older people and middle Americans are a little more stingy with their tips and more likely to complain.
These are observations and factsi observed as a former waiter:
I served as a server for 2.5 yrs before choosing my career path in college, and that was enough time to know that i didnt want to be in ANY part the restaurant industry and the lifestyle that it provides.
A sense of entitlement runs rampid though customers. and it peeks in lower class and higher class people, especially in lower income african american females and older wealthy white females.
Tipping is not the main issue, customers are all different and with that in mind, i found it daunting to try and disect all the differernt pet peeve combinations about people and their personal preferences, spoiled eating habits, and trying not to offend them accidently because of cultural differences from SOUTHERN US CUSTOMS.
- Some people make their tea so sweet they dont want quality refill service, while others get mad if their drink goes below 25% full and they have to tell you they want a refill.
- Serving the men first or the women first. (depending on the ethnicty there is endless possibities)
- Want their food out right away or let me finish thie appetizer first then my food needs to come out.
- If their food is taking forever to come out its your fault (Not the slow rookie chef's)
- How many times do customers LIE because THEY FORGOT to tell you somthing. Then act like its your fault and tip u lowsy.
- Your Boss / Manager wants you to check 5 times during the meal to see if they need anything else. When i find that most people just want to be left to enjoy their food and they will let you know when they are ready for anything else.
- Dont like to called SIR or MAM – ITS THE SOUTH, SIR / MAM
basically most guests assume that you know what they want, because they think everyone is like them and so you should have run into this situation before.
I have treated 2 tables exactly same way and had showers of praise from the first with a 30% tip and no tip from the second and a complaint to my manager.
After the day in day out of never being able to settle into some sort of POSITIVE rhythm of waiting tables and getting abused verbally by restaurent managers who are wired becuase they work 80 + hrs a week to make your exsperience a pleasent one.
- i had enough, i tip great, i allways order meals as is, and no matter how bad the service is i treat the situation like you should which is your only seeing 1 peice of the picture and one day your going to reap what you sow.
As a person who eats at restraunts 3 or 4 times a week I have faced this issue many times. First, I always tip my servers but how much depends on the service. I always start at 18% of the pre-tax total of my meal and work up to 20% or more or down to nothing from there. Rude, unattentive servers do not deserve a tip as the idea of doing a job poorly and expecting someone to pay extra for it is absurd.
I like to think of it as a lose/lose or win/win scenario. What you get is what you give. Poor service gets nothing. Mediocre service gets equal tratment and servers who provide good or excellent service should expect to be rewarded.
Just to clarify – in Washington state servers make minimum wage, which is over $8/hr – plus tips. We have some of the worst service in the country here and I think it is because servers don't have to be as great to get paid a decent wage. And before anyone goes off on me – I bartended for five years.
So if you keep people broke enough they'll kiss up? Nice.
It's customer service. It goes with the job to 'kiss up' or – as I would put it – be polite and do a good job. It's part of the job description, and I'm merely stating that in Washington state they are actually paid fairly as opposed to the states that only pay $2ish/hr. I just find it odd that, in all the places I've been in the U.S., the states that pay an actual living wage to servers (once you add in tips) have some of the worst service. I sleep just fine at night knowing I treat the people that help me in restaurants and bars well – so long as I am treated well in return. It really doesn't have to be more complicated than that.
Couple Things,
I will give a tip if you do some basic things...1. Once I sit down ask if I'd like something to drink, 2. Ask if everything is ok once during the meal, 3. have a decent attitude ( you don't have to be smiling the entire time just don't make it seem like you are doing me a favor). It doesn't seem that difficult to me but you wouldn't believe how many times I can't even get this basic service. I will never not tip but I have a right to tip less if you refuse to make any effort whatsoever. Lastly, I will tip on the PRE-TAX amount only!!!!
If you can't afford to tip then don't eat out!. Plain and simple. When you go to work do you expect for your employer to pay you?? Of course you do. Whether you're having a bad day or not. Whether you're productive or not. Whether you gave great customer service or not. At the end of the day you did your job and by the end of the week you expect to get paid. The only way to go home and turn the lights on at night is to pay the bill. It doesn't matter if the Light Company gave you bad customer service or not the bill still has to be paid. At a restaurant the tip is another part of the bill. For all those commenter’s who say if they don't get great service they don't tip. Most of you probably work in the customer service field yourselves and have probably gave out bad customer service on more than one occasion. Did you still look at your account on Friday to make sure your Direct Deposit Posted? YES!!! Some servers have bad days just like any other profession. Some servers are in the wrong line of business and would do better in another profession. Everybody can't wait tables just like everybody can't be a Police Officer or a Nurse etc... Same thing. But at the end of the day, if you're too cheap to pay for a service provided eat a Lean Cuisine or learn how to cook. That way you don't have to tip anyone but yourself.
Nikki, your sentence " When you go to work do you expect for your employer to pay you??" says it all – - THE EMPLOYER SHOULD BE PAYING THE EMPLOYEE – - the server, in this case. Why should they depend on tips for their pay?
@Nikki
This is the attitude that's killing it for servers everywhere. Read my reply above yours – I'm a damned good tipper. However, I am NOT your employer, therefore you should not be EXPECTING me to pay your way. I do it because I am, by nature, a generous person and I know your job sucks. People like you, however, are pushing me to stop tipping entirely. You're digging your own grave.
This is stupid. I live in Canada where minimum wage applies to servers, and is $8 an hour. Prices are a little higher than in the States, but not much. Tipping is 15%, but not if the service stinks. the tip should be icing for the waiter, not their basic income.
Man, I'm a darned good customer in restaurants. I don't care if you stand up or squat beside my table to take my order. I don't try to pester a busy bartender. I never ask to transfer my bar tab to my table. I know how to signal that I'm finished with my plate. I tip damned well... a bare minimum of $1 per drink at a bar, and a bare minimum of 18% at a restaurant. I understand that you have a tough job (one that I don't really desire to do) and that you consider tips to be part of your income. I get all of that.
However, when I have to wait at a busy bar for 30 minutes or more for a bartender to decide that he/she can take my order now, you can damn sure expect that you aren't going to get tipped. Not going to happen. Your service sucked, so your tip sucks. Deal with it. You want better tips? Get better at your job.
I don't really care if you find us customers to be annoying. If that's really the way you feel – you're in the wrong job. Go find another one. I didn't ask for you to be my server. I didn't even suggest that waiting tables should be your job. You chose it. If you don't like it, move on.
If you hate people in general then you're in the wrong job and I can almost assure you that your tips are going to suck. Believe me, your disdain for me as a person shows and it most certainly WILL affect your tip.
I don't really care about who was assigned to what table or who is or isn't taking groups. If my party needs to move some tables together so we can all sit together then we're going to do it. Do you think everything goes as planned in my job every day? Hell no it doesn't. However, I accept that as part of life and move on. Tough crap.
If you don't like the fact that you have to rely on my own generous nature to put a roof over your head and food in your belly, then you're in the wrong profession. I am not required to tip. I do it out of generosity and graciousness. But remember: TIPPING IS NOT REQUIRED. Repeat that mantra to yourself 2000 times every night before bed. If it troubles you that your profession is set up in this manner then go find another job. And if you aren't claiming 100% of your tips on your taxes then you need to just put a sock in it. Yesterday.
None of the retorts from servers have done ANYTHING to make me actually want to continue being the good customer that I have been. Every one of you, to a person, has been rude, inconsiderate, ungracious, and just plain old surly. Remember the next time that you get a small tip or no tip at all that it may well have been caused by your rudeness in your posts and responses to this very thread.
Hear hear.
I waited tables all though college. It was a great job, I made far more than minimum wage. But I busted a__ doing it so I caould do it well. I found some of the long-term waiters – we called them “lifers” – to be the most entitled, sullen people I ever knew. They did not see that in themselves. They were quick to cause hostess to direct good customers to them and pawn off others, many were burned out from doing same thing for so long and they constantly complained about everything. I saw some angle for double-tipping on large tables, some would even confront patrons when they did not feel tip appropriately. At end of night they’d float their non-English speaking bus-boy a whole 10-spot after they made 20x that, while in the same breath complaining about the cheapness of many of their tables. I see many of those entitled lifers have made it to this blog and have not changed.
It serves well for both side to remember that:
A) The customer is expecting to be served and in return should pay for that service;
B) While the customer is having fun, the waiter is working. Waiting is not a hobby, and the waiter often has mouths to feed back home.
Be generous in the service you give; be gracious in the service you receive; if you have problems, why not help each other?
And finally, it's more likely that the diner paying for a fine dinner one year may be serving that dinner the next. Be humble.
There is one and only one reason why service quality in the US restaurants is 10X that of say European restaurants- in the US waiters get paid more if they are good and in Europe they get paid even if the service is horrendous. Lets keep it that way- tip the waiters well if they are good, and do not hesitate to leave little or no tip if the service sucks. This is not rude- this is what happens in any job in the US- work hard and well, and you are rewarded, suck at your job and you are shown the door.
You give me good service you get a 15% tip. You don't...the tip starts going down. You give great service...the tip goes up. Wish we could pay servers decent wages, but seen the results in Holland. They pay the servers well, the servers get paid whether you get good service or not. Therefore they do not expect a tip...therefore they don't have to try to please you. Those servers who expect a good tip whether they give good service or not...good luck. Refill my coffee....bring my food to the table HOT....and you will get a good tip. Ignore me...well....I'll ignore you come tip time.
Gosh, with all this deep resentment/anger/hate oozing out from both sides, kind of scares me to think about eating out. And I didn't realize so many waitstaff persons hated their customers so much.
I'll tell you what the root problem is here. Waiters dont provide you anything that is valuable but they want to make a living wage out of it. I'd much rather refill my own glass when its empty! At some restaurants you can and its so convenient. Other than that what have they done? Took my order to the kitchen and then carried it back to me? and you want to make a living from that? Thats why i never have much sympathy for waiters' complaints. Your existence is an inconvenience to me and you want me to PAY you for it!! Am i the only one that feels this way...I feel like i'm taking crazy pills.
I typically tip 20%. Having said that, WHY is it that deli charge receipts have a place for a TIP? And a tip jar sitting there. Really? If you're waiting on me in a restaurant setting I'll gladly tip, but don't make me feel guilty about not tipping at a deli counter.
This tipping business reeks so much of entitlement that it somewhat negates the entire dining experience....
Oh yeah...I understand that people like to use servers as their personal punching bags b/c they are finally outside their own miserable existance but understand this... You can tell A LOT about a person by how they treat their servers....it is a FAIL SAFE way to see how someone really is.
In America, tipping for even adequate service is expected. When your father is in the hospital or some other such misfortune has befallen you, does your boss decide not to pay you for that day even though you did your job (albeit without your usual $#!%-eating grin.) No. If a server is truly unqualified to perform their duties, by all means, stiff them. Maybe they'll quit and open a position for someone better. If you repeatedly get poor service at the same restaurant from different servers, you ought to rethink which local businesses you patronize. It is probably owned by a jerk who can't get a good waitstaff to tolerate their nonsense. Oh yeah, Europeans: Read the damn brochure before you come over for business or a visit. Just because servers in your country get paid a living wage doesn't mean we do. Bring cash or stay in London, tossers!
When I was a server 20 years ago 10% was standard and 15% was for excellent service. I don't know when servers started thinking that 15% was standard and 20-30% was for outstanding service.
I've read all of these crazy comments, and my head is kind of spinning. The only thing I'd like to add to forum is a commentary on waiting on tables with little kids. My husband and I looooove cooking and LOOOOOVE going out to eat. We did all of the time before we had kids. And, since both of us have worked in the service industry in varying capacities, we know how and when and what to tip. Now that we have kids, we still go out to eat, but our needs have changed. We need a server who will help us get food to the brood first. When a server walks up to our table -sees our 1 and 4 year olds – and says, "I'd be happy to place the kids' orders first if you need more time to make a selection," that server has automatically made 20%. If the server then actually manages to produce the food in good time, the tip keeps rising. One night, after a particularly busy and tiring day, we stopped into the local Red Lobster for dinner. We got this young waiter who was astoundingly good with our 4 year old son's dinner request – treated him like an actual human being by allowing him to order his food on his own – and followed through by getting the food out in record time. The kids were eating and happy so that we could also be eating and happy. I loved him immediately. We tipped him 30% and bragged to his manager about his wonderful service. Smiles all around. Tables with kids are a flat out pain in the rear, but we want our kids to learn the pleasures of eating out and enjoying foods from around the world. Hopefully, more servers will read this and be encouraged to help out Mom and Dad with the kids. Build future customers. We love good restaurants with good service. We are willing to pay for that service. Make us happy and we will make you happy!
Let's have the gangbangers serve as servers and busboys and have them serve the "NAACP, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and PC Police liberal left-wing media tables" and see them scream about minority rights getting trampled. They deserve each other!
If you do not tip you are pure trash. Nothing more, nothing less. I am not a server but a proud over tipper. Remember that an extra buck or two means nothiong to you, but it can really add up for them. AND if you give me the garabge about a buck or two BEING a lot to you...then you need to not be going out to eat and better learn what the words Top and Ramen mean...
I do my best to treat the servers with respect, because I know what it's like to have people treat you like crap. Afterall I spent several years in the retail industry, and I know it's rough. I also spent two weeks in the food industry and I swore I'd never do it again. I worked for a fast food chain, and some of the customers I had were downright rude. I can honestly see both sides of the arguement. There are some waiters that are extremely rude, but think that they should be given a generous tip. And I've seen customers that just should've been tossed out on their rears because they expected to be waited on hand and foot like royalty, even in light of their rudeness. Sad to say is it's all around, and people can't really do much anymore, without some sort of lawsuit popping up, especially in this ridiculous society. All I can say is this: To both sides you all should act better than what you have been. Instead of finding fault with each other, maybe you should take a step back and see what kind of faults you have that makes the other person resent you so. Maybe then there'll be better service and/or better tips, and even better patrons.
Dear Mike,
I must first beg you to watch the movie Waiting... Then I ask that you take your under tipping, self inefficient person to any restaurant, and attempt to be an outright ass to your server, who will then take your order to the cooks, only to have yourself eat whatever you ordered, plus saliva, ball sweat, or basically anything of use to treat people like you a lesson. Have a pleasant next meal!
Not sure how it works everywhere els but the employer is supposed to make the difference up to servers or anyone who get paid under minimum wage over the corse of the year. You might get paid less some days, and more others. But at the end of the day, it is your JOB to be kind, and represent your employer. If you are not having a good day, put on a smile and work for your tip.
The entire concept of a restaurant is bogus. Home cooking is superior, anyway. And if the main meal prepared needs a night off, the partner should step in and make the meal. If a restaurant owner can't make a living except by paying slave wages to his employees & expects his customers to subsidise his costs, he should go get a real job. The wait staff are consistently exploited...Lincoln freed the slaves! Go ahead, charge $75 for your steak dinner...see how long you are in business. Wait staff are generally better educated and more talented than their employers anyway & can certainly find other, less onerous forms of employment.
PEOPLE......Why are we bickering about this crap? This "he said"/"she said" crap is all because ONE turd wanted to stir the pot. Congrats to the author of the original blog. Congrats on bringing the status quo to light. I hope it worked out for you. Why don't you bring up another non-winnable topic for people to bicker over. I don't think abortion has been settled. Or maybe even the Holocaust should be thrown into the mix. Are you writing a thesis on how to rile people up? Is everyone just supposed to argue about everything in your little world? WTF
Amen! I think the Tupac scandal could use some resolving too1
Amen! I think the Tupac scandal could use some resolving too!
Tipping started by paying the Host in advance to ensure a better table and a good server. Then the restaurant owners realized that they could get by with paying servers due to the fact that diners were willing to tip at the end. As the illusion of middle class grew more people could afford going out for meals. industry and lawmakers got together and agreed to pay the servants third world wages while the rest of the workers continue to get raises servers pay will always remain the same. As a server for 20 years I got tired of working for guilt money and being taken advantage of by my employers. I say stop tipping, make the employers pay a living wage. Stop subsidizing corn and GMO "food" and watch the price of your steak dinner go up to $120. Most servers, good servers work harder and are asked to deal with more than any other profession.
I have to repeat Marc's well worded post...
"For most of my life, I have always heard that 15% was for great service. Sometimes I will go higher, but I find it amusing that people who are servers speak as if they are the authority, and a tip of 20% (or more) is required regardless of the level of service. If you are offended by a 15% tip, you should realize that not everyone shares your sense of your own worth. It is not necessarily that the service is not appreciated, it is more likely that we simply assign it different values.
I'd like to make more at my job and, quite frankly, my job requires more skill than is required to wait tables. Sorry if that sounds condescending, but let's face it, most people have the skill set required to wait tables. It doesn't require years of specialized study. However, my employer and the industry set the pay scale for me. When an industry can hire all the people it needs at a particular rate, then that is the going rate. The market sets the rate.
In food service, each individual customer is their own market. They will pay what they think they should pay to receive good service. If you want to earn more, provide better service. Some will stiff you anyway, but others will give you more than 15%. In my opinion, 15% is fair for great service, so I suspect your tips will average out to that. In some restaurants, 15% of the average bill works out to a high level of earning for a job requiring a skill set that is in such large supply."
I'm typically a great tipper. If you get my food right or even most of the way right, you will get 20% and if it's Sunday or I see the restaurant covered up with folks I know are crappy tippers, you will probably get 25 or more. But what I don't get now is the prevalence of "tip jars" everywhere. If I go to a restuarant which is essentially a slightly upscale version of a McDonalds where they take your order, give you a pager and have you come back and pick up your own food and bus your own table, I still see tip jars right up front. And if I pay on a credit card, they leave the tip line open with a meanful look at me when they pass it over. These may even be places with drive-up windows or not, but I don't feel a tip is justified but then again I mentally weigh my distaste with this practice against the fact that I don't want them to spit in my food either. What is going on with this trend? Is this just a way for counter service restaurants to pretend they are affordable so they pay nothing and expect you to tip their counter staff so they don't have to raise prices or is this just employees trying to figure out how to get more than appropriate? It's becoming ridiculous where I live to the point I'm expecting the guy checking out people at the convenience store to start putting out a tip jar any day now.
Um... about the tip jar at the convenience store checkout? We've actually got one of those already.... in Ohio, no less.
What a stupid article. Not the subject but the article itself. What is this one of thoes I phone, pad reports that are not realy done by journalists but stupid people? The author gives three really lousy points and that is it. As a customer I expect propt service like, when my drink is getting close to being empty I get a new one. Not wait through my entire dinner and am ready to pay before you bring it. Or to wait at a table with empty plates for more than a few minutes for the bill. Yes I said a feww minutes not 10-15. Or to be sat at a table and wait more than a few minutes before giving a drink order.
Where else do you you get service/sales, industrialized production, and in a substantial amount of cases university quality management that echoes threw the 3 groups sometimes the best and many times the worst of passive intellectual aggression. I haven't even started with the customers yet. The customers have to accept that this is a competitive world if they want to get to there next stop faster than they have to recognize the constant struggle. Its in pretty basic form(the struggle) but its all right there none the less. I've worked for grass roots dictators, and I've worked for people who are honorable about civil rights, it's a mix. But rarely have i seen a customer, in a homogeneous high activity environment ("the rush") have the E.Q., observation, and deduction skills to fairly asses where the problem lie in why there experience wasn't to there ideological or necessary desires.
But I bet if those complaining/ass customers wanna get back on the clock on time they'll just have to make that hard decision. because believe me some one older with more experience already probably cultured a good business relationship with some one there. maybe a manager seats them first because there a regular or maybe a server gives them priority because they tip well, brig cash, and or are just easy to deal with in general. bring cash, tip, REMEMBER WHAT YOU ORDERED, comment card are like money in our little world bosses remember the good ones too, but I've never payed rent with a comment card. @least 10% if you get you're food. @least 15% if the experience was benign to you're pre-restaurant state of mind and train of thought.
AND $&%^% treat us like "PEOPLE" we just might be working on our master degree and end up you're boss
Fork & knife resting @ 5:00 side by side, blade in, tines up or down is the universal sign of being finished with that course or meal; "Crossing" your utensils in the center of the plate means that you are "Resting" ...not finished. The article seems to imply otherwise.
Anon, I thought the position was across the top of the plate, not 5 o'clock.
I have a system that seems to work quite nicely. I'm an excellent server. I can tolerate the worst of customers with a smile and a positive attitude. It's my job. I'm professionally trained, college educated and have worked in some great restaurants throughout the country. When I get a "bad" (less than 12% in my eyes) tip, and I'm aware that my service was top-notch as always, this is what I do...... Write down the persons name (from the credit card, the reservation, comment card, or ID), take this information home, go to http://www.craigslist.com, select the "rant and raves" section which is from your general area in the country, and post your expirience with this guest, his name, his tip and his physical description for everyone in the community to read. This way, plenty of people who visit the site will get an earful about this patron's cheap tipping habits and hopefully will be encouraged by others to follow the basic rules which society has accepted as basic tipping practices. I never embarrass customers in front of others, but love to air thier cheapness and tightness in my local city internet community. I work for tips, and I work hard. I do it by choice, and I expect your respect. If not, you will find yourself on one of the MANY "cheap tipper" websites made available to society. Happy dining... I hope to see you soon....
@ people like Mike: I, too, worked in a restaurant for 7 years and now have a "real job." Let me just say, you have obviously NEVER worked in the service industry but what goes around comes around. I personally found it's miserable people like you who go into a restaurant looking for problems and something to be wrong with either the food or the servers attitude, justifying you being a cheap POS. As many others have commented, I would pray to not have the same server you stiffed twice because believe me, they remember. The world would, without a doubt in my mind, be a better place if everyone had to work in the service industry for at least a few months. If you don't want to tip, go to a McDonalds – that's your right. If you don't want to tip and patronize the same restaurant, or worse, the same server, be prepared for bad service – that's their right. There are plenty more people who come in and eat who DO tip well which keeps restaurants in business – or else no one would be a server. Do yourself and the world a favor and stay at home to eat.
This all really boils down to the following:
Intellectually Americans have decided that there is no class separation and that anyone who works for a living is on a level playing field with everyone else. This is in direct contrast with how the economy and all socioeconomic principles work. We are all not the same, we are all not entitled to making fist fulls of money. It is inexcusable to treat a waiter or waitress as sub-human or as a slave. It is not however, to be expected that if your a server you are in any way shape or form entitled to be treated as an equal. Customers should be polite, courteous, and pleasant in general, remember people your in public, ACT LIKE IT! Waitstaff, you also should be polite, courteous, and pleasant in general, remember, these folks pay for your livelihood.
I am not a cheap tipper, you will start at 15% and move up from there, you should expect that if you are on top of your game that you will get 20-25% from me regardless of the final bill. That doesn't mean you can't move down the scale however, the rate of decent is very steep with each problem resulting in another 5% down.
To expand a little on what I opened with, "We are not all equals", we're not. We should all treat each other with the same civility and kindness we in-turn would want to be treated with and if your really nice and do a really good job, you deserve to get a little bump in the tip but, to start out expecting that I "owe" you a dime over the cost of the tab is absurd. Life is about choice, mine and yours, I chose to eat at your establishment, you chose to work there. To put on me some trip about "...it's how we pay our bills...", that's on you. Make different choices. I never once thought to myself when I was in the service industry, "...man, these pricks are wrecking my life..." I understood what I was doing and why, I also was not above "flavoring" some folks food for them but, I never felt like they owed me a tip just for doing my job. They owed me a tip if I did above and beyond my job. If you don't want to be treated like a second class citizen, don't put yourself in a situation to be one.
To be sure, what I've said above is an A##hole thing to say but, its the truth that no one wants to talk about. The notion that if owners had to pay min-wage food costs would soar is the wool you choose to pull over your eyes. Cost is a derivative of the market conditions. You can only raise the price to a point at which your customer base is willing to pay, anymore and your out of business. Any owner that tells you they only make $0.25 on a steak dinner, is full of it. Wait unions, restaurant associations, and local governments are the reason you don't make minimum wage, it's to their benefit that you don't.
dont be a waiter if you dont like making $3 an hour...we all know there are a**holes out there, so if your in a business that deals with people, you have to be able handle a few jerks every now and then....orrr, get a new job
Never been a waiter, but I have had to deal with the public( worked at gas stations and movie theatres during highschool/college) and that can be very frustrating. I do not agree with feeling forced to tip. I typically double the tax to come up with my tip amount ( very easy and over 15%) Why should we tip according to the price of meal? Are you telling me a waiter at a high class restaurant works harder for a few tables an hour vs a waitress at denny's during breakfast rush? As I said I have never waited tables so let me know if my math is wrong here. I have a family of five(children ages 3,6,10) when I take the whole family out to dinner it averages $65, Just me and the wife about $35. Lets meet in the middle and say the average meal is $50. With your 20% rule you should get a $10 tip. Not sure how many tables you wait an hour but I'm guessing 3-5, so lets say 4. Thats $40 an hour on top of your $3.15 an hour and pretty sure nobody claims all their tips so some of that $40 an hour is tax free. Not bad if you ask me.
I think everyone should wait tables at least one day or even one hour to know how to behave and act at a restaurant and how to tip. I was a server a long time ago and I am the model patron because of this experience, the kind of patron every server wants all customers to be like. If people don't want or know or are too cheap to tip really should just stay home.
Far too many commments to read so perhaps this has been mentioned already. If I order one plate that cost $200 and another table orders a plate that costs $20, are the servers of the world entitled to more money due to the fact that what I am ordering is is more expensive? It's still one plate, you're not physically doing anything more for the extra money. I will tip you on your service and service only, not on how much i decide to to spend at your establishment. If you or your boss would like me to spend MY hard earned money elsewhere, that just fine by me. For all the "eat at home or McDonald's" comments, I could....and you would eventually be out of a job. If you don't like it, find another occupation.
Champ,
One thing to consider is that you're pretty unlikely to be in an establishment that has that much price disparity on one menu. If you're in a place where each plate costs $200, then it's a given that your server is pretty much indentured to you and perhaps one other table for the duration of your visit – so yes, in that case, when you've had a handholder for a few hours, tip according to price.
At the $20/plate establishment, your server will most likely have a larger section, and you won't be coddled. You'll have attention paid to you, but it'll be $20/plate attention... not $200/plate.
As a student who had class all day, the only other option for an income in my area in the evenings was to wait tables. I have to say, hungry people are generally cranky. It's human nature. So from the get-go, a server is usually already behind and has to do something amazing to try for the tip that will pay the electric bill. Part of the reason you get good service is because your server is working hard for the tip. Tips ARE the income and it's good incentive to try to be the best server there ever was. If servers were paid a flat hourly rate, there wouldn't be incentive to work in a restaurant and deal with constantly disgruntled customers. You would probably see service decline because no matter what you think about your food or your service, the waiter will still get their pay. So be kind to your server who really is working very hard to please you, and tip them accordingly. There is nothing more frustrating than wasting a smile and a lot of energy trying to please someone who doesn't believe in rewarding someone for their hard work. And think about that next time you want a raise at your job...you want to be rewarded for your hard work too, right?
My pet peeve is food delivered that is not as described on the menu I ordered from or lacks the changes I agreed upon with the waiter, esp hot food served cold. There are numerous reasons the food could be wrong, but I expect the waitperson to verify the dish before its delivered to my table. If they do that quality check, I tip them at least 15%. The extra 5-10% is all attitude. Deliver the food wrong and you get a $1.00. Just enough so you know I didn't forget.
Just to remind everyone, serves usually get about 2-3 dollars an hour. if the resturant paid more per hour you would have to pay more for your food. So if you don't tip you are STEALING!
That's only true in some states. I know where I live they get at least minimum wage.
we pay $15-$25 for bread chicken pasta..and $23 for a small fillet of grilled salmon..so NO..tthere is no hell way ur owner can jack up those prices...DEMAND from ur owner...if dont eat out not only ur owner but u will be on food stamps..
I've served before and frequent restaurants a lot. I have to agree with Mike at the beginning of this neverending forum. The staff needs to make the first move in providing customer service to earn their tip. If you do what you're supposed to and do a good job at it, your tips and repeat customers will come. There will be more happy and well-tipping returning customers than ones that aren't. Trust me on that.
Honestly, I prefer to do away with the tipping system. Many countries do it, and they do not have exorbitant dining prices that some owners are claiming they must resort to if the tipping system was eliminated. That's owners being cheap and wanting to hire below minimum wage.
All these people claiming they will shut your restaurant down by staying at home are fools. For every crap customer like you there are 10 with a positive attitude who come in for the food and will tip as long as the service is good. Please stand on your chair and shout how bad service is so as you leave the rest of us will clap and hope you get run over by the car of the previous rude customer who stormed out.
Before anyone foams at the mouth about how I'm a bad server. I have never a server, I almost always tip if it's deserved and I'm not going to treat a server like a slave no matter what.
If I won the Lottery I'd buy a restaurant just so I can throw out rude customers for fun, video tape it, and air it on youtube.
I'm tired of the American attitude of applauding mediocrity. Let's bring back the days when tipping meant a service that goes beyond normally required.
yes we know you whine about not being paid much; yes we know you work all day; yes we know you work hard and have to put up with idiots blah blah blah. So does every body else. Don't expect a too much of a tip if all you do is a crappy job. Serving people is part of your job description. Unless you go above and beyond, what makes you think the customers will happily tip you?
A tip shouldn't be mandatory. That defeats the whole purpose of a tip.
By the end of the day, if you aren't getting much tip, don't blame the customers. Maybe blame yourself because you were a lousy server.
This is why I work part time in the 'safe-zone' as a dishwasher. I like to stay out of the tip-zone havoc. Im looking for more hours. I honestly dont know what to say about all the contravesal comments, but you guys complaining about lousy tips, well let me tell you, anything right now is better than being out of work. I was making $400 a week before this body blow, and knock out recession started. Now its not even half that. Im happy and blessed what I have now. You should be too. I think you ought to treat these customers like royality, because they are keeping the gears turning, PERIOD! You give me a shovel, and Ill dig the largest hole ever at the smallest expense. :-)
To: owner/chef
Right on brother! You hit the nail on the head!
I worked as waiter myself so I can identify the hassles that can go on everyday just to get the customers taken care of.
To: SourDiesel
Right on to you too brother! You hit the nail on the head!
The worst tippers ( a rather generous term since they don't tip ) ARE BLACKS. That isn't to say there aren't blacks that don't tip (there are those who do and a lot work in food services) and that non blacks do tip ( a lot of the worst offenders fall in this category).
You don't see or hear the NAACP, Al Sharpton, the "Reverend" Jesse Jackson, or the PC Police liberal left-wing media saying anything about it. No. Yet they complain when taxi drivers (who don't get tipped by these so-called African "Americans") ignore blacks (who don't tip ).
@Mike -
Congratulations. You win, buddy. You won a war of words on the Internet. This accomplishment must make you feel even more high and mighty now. Just a heads-up, though: it's not just servers and bartenders who notice your condescending attitude. Other customers do as well. I have no problem with asking to either (a) be moved to another section, or (b) have my check brought early. I'm not going to penalize a server for your boorish behavior. I will, however, point out as I'm leaving that you're a sanctimonious prick and I might even spit in your food (and then tip your server because I know that you're sure as heck not going to).
I waited tables and bartended my way through college. You know what i learned? Attitude gets you pretty darn far. That's why, sir, I don't believe I'm far off track by thinking that you spend a lot of time in your mom's basement, playing with her cats, and wondering how your sad, bitter life got so screwed up.
Servers and bartenders: as long as you provide good service, you get a good tip from me. And if I don't have the money to leave a good tip, then I don't go out. Period. End of story.
I can count on one hand how many times I've been upset with service I've received or haven't liked the waiter/waitress. I've never worked as one, so I couldn't tell you what they go through, but if your the least bit observant you can tell they are being pulled in every direction possible. There's a couple simple words that I"m sure they don't hear nearly as much as they should which are please and thank you. I get so irritated sitting next to tables that snap their fingers or yell across a crowded room, no manners at all. So what if you have to wait an extra minute or 2 for your drink or meal while your server got a child a balloon or some extra crayons. If you don't like to wait, do go out to eat.
Thank you all who serve my family when I'm too tired to do it!
I read "servers only make $3 per hour" and "servers make pretty good money" and "our full time servers make $100k per yer" . If there wasn't money in it, people wouldn't do it. At the end of the day it all averages out, and good tippers balance out crappy ones. Please, though, don't complain about the money; if you didn't make enough you wouldn't still be doing it. EVERYONE wants to make more, but only some people take the steps to do so.
Someone commented about the Australia system. I had HORRIBLE service in Australia (Brisbane) at EVERY restaurant I went to, regardless of menu price, and I habitually tip 20% or more in the States. I felt zero incentive to tip those people because the attitude was very much "a fvck it, I'm getting the same money if I give him a hand job or spit in his drink". Why would we want that service over here?
I was at a restaurant the other day, which we go to all the time. My daughter loves hot chocolate, and they always bring her a refill. this particular time, we asked for a refill, the waitress said I have to charge you. I said they have never done that before. She said very snippy like, I'll get you one more and left. Guess what tip she got based on that crap attitude. Zip, Zilch, nothing.
you are the reason wait staff hates demanding customers. The extra refill is probably given to you because you are........... a bitch. The server you had charged you for the refill because EVERYONE else is charged. If you have a problem paying for the hot chocolate for your brat.......... go somewhere else.
I'm okay with servers getting their say. I'm not always in a good mood or pleasant to deal with. I can admit it. BUT.... let me kindly remind waitstaff that when my husband and I are having a rare lunch out to let us enjoy it! Case example: we went to a chain Italian restaurant for lunch recently with our newborn twins. First, the waitstaff argued with me about how I should place the infant carrier in the chair next to me (they thought they knew what would be easier for me to manage). Second, our waitress – while pleasant enough proceeded to not only dote on the twins, but stand next to our table the entire meal. She even asked if we have a chance to get out often, and we did tell her no, that it was a rare treat for us. She brought her managers and fellow waitstaff to our table one at a time to show them the twins. If she didn't have a reason to be at the table, she would repeatedly come back over with a comment or anecdote about her children. She then capped off the meal with a dissertation of her feelings on child abuse and how she "could never eat a bite of food knowing that children are intentionally starved in this world." In fact, the only time we didnt have her attention was when we actually needed something. The BEST part.... when we were walking out, one of the other servers remarked to us "Have a nice day, sorry you couldn't eat your meal in peace."
Two items:
Firstly, people need to abandon the "TIPS = To Insure Prompt/Proper/Percussive/(whatever) Service"–because it's not true. Seriously. Don't believe me? Good. Look it up for yourself and maybe learn something in the process.
Secondly, open another browser window/tab and Google this: The Customer Is Not Always Right. Potentially another eye-opening experience. While I've never worked in the restaurant industry, my wife has, and I've witnessed firsthand her experiences. I work in healthcare, and while I am well-paid for my years of education and experience, I am frequently paid not nearly enough to deal with the nonsense people bring in with them. I can bear witness to the fact that these self-same people are much the same out in the world. Sad, really.
Each and every day that passes–and having burned 20 minutes reading the comments on this page–makes me lose even more faith in this species.
I am really disturbed by those who claim to put "things" in peoples food for whatever reason. That is absolutely disgusting. How do you live with yourself? I hope the same happens to those who do that, only 10 fold. Shame on you and grow up.
HAVE TIPPED UNDEDR 20%*** sorry
To all you other servers out there...have you ever asked a table, "can I bring you something to drink?"...only to have them respond, "no...Ill just have water..." LOL... what are you gonna do?... snort it?
Servers – Please stop threatening to taint people's food. I waited tables for over 7 years and have never done something like that, nor have I seen any of my co-workers stoop to that level. Yes, customers can be a pain sometimes – but it doesn't justify that. That comment merely confirms their already twisted view of what serving is, and to my knowledge, that practice is NOT the norm.
I have read through all of this and decided I need to weigh in. I HAVE worked in customer service most of my teenage and adult life. I have worked in the food service industry and in a grocery store (where believe me you get the full wrath of a customer and no tip). First off for people who believe you have the right to complain about any and everything....you do. But do not be a jerk about it. Please and thank you go along way. Severs are not your own hired help. They are people who have a job to do and are entitled to be treated with respect. Now servers the client does have a right to set an expectation and you do not have the right to ignore requests and not come back for periods of 15 min when something has been asked for especially the bill. I had a teacher who told us at the beginning of the school year that we all have an A+ and its up to the student to maintain it. I follow the same thinking when I dine out. I sit down and that server has at least a 20% tip already. I dont think its unreasonable to think someone cant do the basics to maintain it (dont forget this is coming from someone who made pizza and got nothing from the servers and still bags groceries aside from my full time job to pay the bills) if at the end of my meal I have been treated with the same level of respect I have given and have not been ignored or treated rudely or been given a wrong order or cold food then that 20% or more stands. Under not circumstances should I be expected to tip 20% for lousy service. Show me any job where sub par work is met with a bonus.
Funny how arrogant people are who dont or never have waited tables. Forget expectations.... I can bring you your food and throw it down on your table and walk away, only to return with the check... that is worth $2.05 an hour.... if you want me to check back on you and prebus your table, refil drinks and make sure you are happy, then you better use some courtesy when you leave... 15-20%. You get what you pay for, and where Im from people remember faces.
Look, I don't agree with not tipping, but what you just said is dumb and your boss would agree and you wouldn't have a job very long. waiters are not the only people expected to give good customer service ie....... convenience store clerks, butchers, produce employees, so on and so on.
I've never worked as a server (or anything even related to the food industry) but I know many people that have. I hear the complaints, and they're all on here. But I just don't understand where these people come from. I mean, it's America... we tip. You don't want to tip? Cook for your damn self. We go to a restaurant to get served and not cook. You KNOW before you go there to tip your server. I can't remember the last time I haven't tipped under 20%. Just me, I'm not expecting everyone else to do it. But really, a group of 3 comes to $50... it's $3.33 A PERSON! Even Scrooge can find it in himself to pay that. What's the problem here? Stingy people making excuses.
In Canada, the lowest provincial minimum wage is $8.00/hour which includes the service industry. We also are expected to leave a 15% tip but last time I checked a steak dinner in a decent place didn't cost me $75... Just saying $2.00/hour is a little ridiculous...
I understand that people work for tips etc etc. Great. But for all the people that say a 25 dollar steak will cost 75 dollars – what I dont think they understand is that if the restaurant accounted for 20 percent of the list price as wages or tips, the prices dont go up like crazy – a 25 dollar steak will cost 30 bucks. Accordingly, at bars, it is easier to open a bottle of beer, than to mix a martini – so why should the tip be the same on each – no really. And as asked in the movie pulp fiction – the servers at mcdonalds, certainly do the same amount of work as opening a beer bottle – why not tip them.
I can't believe all these rude servers. 15% is for standard service– which is what I normally receive, therefore it is what I normally give. 20% is for excellent service. The Lisa who seems to think that 20% is standard is very wrong. Also, I worked at a waitress in NYC while I was in college. You don't even want me to tell you what the servers do to your food if they don't like you. I don't eat out because of the horrible behind the scenes food stuff.
I have a test for you to try sometime. I have done this before for a psychology paper when in college. The next 3-4 times that you dine out, when you get your bill, simply ask your server what they think they should get as a tip. When they give you that amount ask them why they picked that amount. Give them the pros and cons of your experience and then again ask them what they deserve. The answers will be quite different. Most servers think that no matter the service they provide they still deserve the average 15%. Some servers no matter what think they deserve 20-30%. Those servers that you help to understand why you're going to tip them less are going to becoming better at their jobs in the future.
Who has time for all that? Plus, is it really our job to educate restaurant servers? Sounds a bit arrogant.
Give me a break. I'm in law enforcement – do you think I ever get a tip for putting my life on the line every day? You think I should tip you for coming to my table and asking what food I want, and then bringing it to me 15 minutes later (if I'm lucky)? Give me a break.
You should if you want table service – yes. The minimum wage for most servers in this country is about $2 an hour because it's expected they'd get tips to make up the rest.
Do you make $2.13/hour, cop?
Haha...what a typical cop you are. Thanks for furthering the negative stereotype.
Nobody expects a tip on a donut.
All I can say is Mike you sound like a complete and utter Bollix , if you had a clue you would not be making the comments you make . I travel to Europe where they include the wage in the cost of the meal , so an ass like you would have to pay full price with no choice in the matter.
I remember the days when I delivered pizza. Although we got paid full minimum wage, for some reason the majority of other delivery drivers expected to be tipped. I can partially understand that – - after all, you are providing a service. After a while, I began to expect it as well, since the service I'm providing permitted the customer the convenience of not leaving their house. Believe me, we remember good/bad/no tippers and your delivery time was adjusted accordingly, especially when the penalties for late deliveries were eliminated. Did some drivers mess with your food? Possibly. The easiest way to prevent that? Get off your butt, go to the store, place your order, watch it being made, and take it home yourself. Oh, and just so you know, most of the places that charge a delivery fee – - that DOESN'T go to the driver, the store keeps it!
Several of my family members and friends have been or currently are waitresses/servers; therefore I know how important tips are to them. And it can be difficult to work with the public sometimes. I work with the public in a non-food service industry and am amazed at how rude people can be. How about if we all treat each other as human beings (or better yet, treat others the way you want to be treated)? What really disturbs me are the threats to spit in or mess with the food or drinks I order. Truly disgusting. Let's just play nice people.
I'm a Bartender to supplement my income on the weekends. When my bar is 3 deep and a guest isn't tipping you can bet I'm skipping them to take care of another guest that is tipping. Oh also, when I do finally serve you your getting a short pour. It's the reality of what really happens.
Ryan...let me guess...you're a dick and expect that everytime someone orders a drink you deserve a couple of bucks thrown at you for doing a minimal amount of work that took you all of 5 seconds to complete? Am I close?
Barternders and waitstaff have to make their money when the rush comes. It's absoulute mayhem because they're trying to make almost all their money in a 2 hour period when their shift is 6 to 8 hours long and last shift WILL stay late every single night to clean up, close, and set up for the next nday. Add two hours after the doors lock, THATS when the lights turn off. Waiting tables is controlled chaos. Supply and demand determines your level of attention and service.
I do not believe what Im reading. Why cant you be thankful you have a JOB? No wonder I see alot of posistions open for bartenders. Bottom line is they are the customer. You spoild school boys never have enough education to admit when you are wrong. Let me tell you somthing, if I come into your bar and deal your 'school boy snobby too good to work for a low wage attitude, *WILL BLOW A HUGE BLUE COLLAR CLOUD OF SMOKE IN YOUR FACE!!* POOR PRIDE!!! I hope you get sent out into the streets. Selfish people like you just MAKE-ME-SICK!!!!
Servers should give good service – customers should tip the customary amount when they get that service. Why is this so hard? It's true that servers make only around $2 an hour in pay, and rely on tips for the rest – but they shouldn't feel they are owed a tip if they provide crappy service. If someone is just too cheap to tip – they should eat at a quick-service operation or stay home.
Waiters & guests are like politicians: Most are good but too many are rotten. Many times waiters get blamed for the cooks negligence. But the worst is a manager who sends too few waiters for too many guests, and of course the guests blame the waiter.
For most of my life, I have always heard that 15% was for great service. Sometimes I will go higher, but I find it amusing that people who are servers speak as if they are the authority, and a tip of 20% (or more) is required regardless of the level of service. If you are offended by a 15% tip, you should realize that not everyone shares your sense of your own worth. It is not necessarily that the service is not appreciated, it is more likely that we simply assign it different values.
I'd like to make more at my job and, quite frankly, my job requires more skill than is required to wait tables. Sorry if that sounds condescending, but let's face it, most people have the skill set required to wait tables. It doesn't require years of specialized study. However, my employer and the industry set the pay scale for me. When an industry can hire all the people it needs at a particular rate, then that is the going rate. The market sets the rate.
In food service, each individual customer is their own market. They will pay what they think they should pay to receive good service. If you want to earn more, provide better service. Some will stiff you anyway, but others will give you more than 15%. In my opinion, 15% is fair for great service, so I suspect your tips will average out to that. In some restaurants, 15% of the average bill works out to a high level of earning for a job requiring a skill set that is in such large supply.
Well said and without Snark..... good for you.
Complaining about tipping is self-defeating. Otheres have pointed out the acronym "to insure promptness," and I think it is worth realizing that it acts as a check against bad service. Of course good tipping does not eliminate bad service, just like good service does not eliminate bad tips. But common sense dictates there is a correlation– the better the service, the better the tips,and vice versa. I was a former server and I took pride in my admittedly menial work; but I find it interesting how useful the multi-tasking skills so well-honed in waiting have served me very well as a physician. I take equal pride in how I perform my duties today, despite the obvious differences in job duties. I will say this– waiting was the most stressful time in my life by far, by far outweighing the stress from the complexities of medical school and residency; at least in the latter I had control of my destiny. It's a hard way to live when your livelihood is based entirely on the whims of someone else, whether those be good reasons such as rude or inadequate service, or more nebulous and frustrating ones such as customer's financial situation or personal stance against tipping. I ask that everyone who hasn't waited tables to keep an open mind, to understand that just because it requires little job skills does not mean the server has no potential skills to offer, and that given a choice, most waiters would move on to greener pastures were they available. To my knowledge, the current standard is 18% for adequate service– adequate being reasonably prompt greeting, professional demeanor, reasonable attentiveness adjusted for the restaurant conditions, and addressing and acknowledgement of problems and/or delays. Incorrectly cooked food is not your server's fault. Tipping is more difficult for take-out orders, but just like waiting there is an art to it. It's not just turning in orders and handing out food. There is an element of experience to judge the busyness of the kitchen to estimate the time the customer should arrive (along with the 10 other orders to go). Trust me, as a customer, ideally you want to wait at least a couple of minutes once arriving; this means your order was just finished and is as fresh as possible. I still tip 15%, and would increase that according to the size of the order.
When waiting tables, you should not be compensated for everything you have to offer society, but, for what is required by the job. I worked night stock to put myself through college. I earned a degree because I felt I had more to offer than stocking shelves. Nonetheless, when working as a stock boy, I earned what a stock boy earned, and did not expect to be compensated for abilities I had, which I did not use at work.
@ Marc:
I agree with you entirely. We cannot pay for what someone may do in the future; my only intent was to complete the picture of the person working as the server, or any other low wage profession.
My wife and I stopped for a drink the other night. I had a beer and she had 2 glasses of wine, with the wine being highly recommended by the bartender. My glass of beer was $5.50 (domestic even) while my wife's 2 glasses of wine were $24.00. I have no doubt the bartender recommended the wine because it was expensive. So I have an over $30 bar tab and am expected to leave another $6 for the freaking bartender to pour our drinks???? Needless to say I felt very ripped off and will never go back.Get freaking real
I usually tip 20%. I never go under 15% even of the service is lously. I have never been a server but I used to be a hostess...so I sort of understand what servers go through(even though I hated working with them sooo much). I never leave less than $5 even if its a cheap meal. The only time I get peaved at a server is when the restaurant is really slow and I get bad service when I can see them goofing off with their coworkers...but mostly I feel bad for servers they have a really hard job!
My main annoyance working as a server: customers who move tables without asking. You think it's totally alright to move two tables together because they are adjacent or near by, but you have no idea how the servers' table assignments are determined or if a certain server is not supposed to be taking large groups. By taking it upon yourself to just combine the tables you run the risk of really pissing off your server staff before they've even come to your table.
I waited tables through college to pay for rent, tuition, books, etc. It was the only option that had flexible hours that I could work around my class schedule and paid enough generally that I could survive on tips (w/a couple of roommates in a cheap college town). I then went back to waiting tables as a part-time job to supplement what my salary at my professional, white-collar job did not (whatever my dental insurance didn't cover; unexpected expensive vet bills; an occassional 3-day weekend vacation). Nothing really changed in the 10 years between service jobs – most people were nice or nice enough, some just didn't know better and more than a few were just out to make someone else's life as miserable as theirs (Mike, I'm thinking you're that type). If you've never waited tables, you don't know what all is involved. It's hard work and the amount of BS you have to put up w/from people is astounding. Most servers grin and bear it because we're usually too busy to get sucked into the drama and don't want our other tables to suffer because of one jackass. No doubt there are too many waiters and bartenders with a ridiculous entitled attitude but they're not the norm. If you have a problem w/someone like that, ask for the manager and fix the situation. If you're the problem and treating your server like a servant, don't expect them to kiss your ass. Tipping is the norm in this country. If you can't afford to tip, don't go out to eat. If you're too cheap to tip, don't go out to eat. If you can't behave in public, don't go out to eat. If the server does an exceptional job, tip 20-25%. If they do a good job (prompt, pleasant, helpful, etc), tip 15%. If there's a problem w/the food (that's the kitchen's fault) and the server doesn't make the situation right, talk to a manager and tip less if you really feel the server did you some sort of disservice, but don't just stiff someone that makes $2.13 an hour because YOU think they should find a better job or they deserve to make no money because they wait tables. That ignorant, arrogant attitude is about as acceptable to servers as the entitled server attitude is to you.
Wow, such bitterness on both sides. Crazy, flinging insults at each other. I've worked fast-food, I've been a server, and now I enjoy my job behind a desk, and the privilege of eating out occasionally. All of you that patronize restaurants, is it really going to kill you to go with a base 15% tip and then add more for a good server? And do you really expect your server (who, on a slow dinner rush might have 6 tables) to be your personal slave? We tip extra because our kids make a mess no matter how hard we try to contain it. We're polite, easy to get along with, and the only things I'm going to "down grade" are things that pertain to the job of server; things like refills; getting the order correct. If you're choosing to eat out, and your server is choosing to earn a living that way, will it really kill us all to let the little nit-noid pet peeves wash over us, and try to have a pleasant evening together?
I used to serve and as a server felt that I earned the tips i got. Because of that, i went out of my way to be overly friendly, nice, helpful, and courteous. Some people were just lousy tippers, but for the most part, I got 20% or more as a tip, which I felt I had earned. I never felt like I was owed a tip or that I should get a certain amount for a tip just because I was there. As a customer now, I generally start off at 10% as a tip... if the service was awful, I lower that. If the service was great, I raise it. If the service was really great, I not only raise it, but I ask for the maanger to tell them my service was great too.
I generally follow that same rule for any other service as well, start at 10%, raise it if it is great service, lower it for bad service.
I don't eat out much anymore. I prefer to stay home and cook. When I lived in Vegas- I got great service and often times had waitresses me and my coworkers would go back and see weekly. We would always tip around 20-30% and where happy to. Iowa is different. A vast majority of waiters have additudes and try to be tough guys, which is why I preferred waitresses. But so many are judgemental because I ask for water or only order $9 in food. I'm an athletic man and I want to keep my body fit- so I don't drink soda and I don't stuff myself. If the waiter/waitress is courteous then they may even get a $10 tip for my 30 minute meal of $9. If they do the bare minimum and don't seem interested I do understand that they are not their to be my friend- they still get $3-4. If they are rude-I will try to assure them I am a good custoemr with sparse friendly conversation, If that fails they get nothing and I pay in cash so they can't forge a tip. These people are people too, just because I walk in with a tie doesn't mean I'm better. But servers should understand that most people view eating out as a special occasion. Customers want to have fun- so be nice so you don't spoil our mood. Btw- the holdiays are especially tough so give a nice tip if you can. I make it a practice to tip $50 for outstanding service just before the holidays. Not everytime- but then again, I rarely eat out anymore because of the rudeness I do encounter.
If you can't afford to tip, then you don't belong eating at a restaurant.
First, to all the restaurant owners saying that they cant pay more than $2.09 an hour. I do cry foul! In California the minimum is $8 an hour plus tips for servers and these are full service corporate chains.Guess what, the burgers starch and vegies cost around $22 a plate.It sounds to me that whom ever is paying only $2 an hour is cheap. The cost of living is even higher in San Fransisco where now to make up for this the minimum is $9.75 an hour. I will admit the food is a bit pricier but still not $75 plate for the burg, starch and vegies. Being an executive chef for the last ten yrs. and working in the FOH also as a manager. I am aware of the costs of the food and the need for friendly service but people tip and servers be nice no matter what . It is a job it is not ment always be fun, and servers move to Cali where they arent cheap and pay better hourly wages. Beware cause the guests are the rudest and modifying champions and they really dont care about you.You deside the lesser of the two evils. Finally tip damnit, stop being cheap.
Please stop responding to Mike... don't feed the trolls. ;)
For everyone of you jackazz's that don't tip then shame on you. Its apprarent that you have never had to work as a server before or you would think differently. I guess if you say that waiters should be paid by their employeers I guess you could say that about all jobs that take tips. There are alot of jobs that have tips included. So if you take into condiseration what all the dumbasses on here say then half the jobs in the work wouldn't exist. Tips have been around for years and years and if you have a problem with tipping then keep your cheap ass at home and eat McDonalds.
I was just informed CA pays minimum wage. I feel better now, knowing that my 10% to 15% tip is indeed QUITE generous. For you servers out there saying "well your food would cost a lot more if we got paid min. wage..." well here in CA the food is not that expensive, so quit that argument.
It sounds like most of these server's shouldn't be doing what there doing? Most of them seem very angry-at what? Figure it out. You work with the public. Just because, you serve food doesn't mean you deserve a tip. Why should I tip someone that gives lousy service or doesn't remember my order, or doesn't bother to check up on my table!! Seriously, find a different job that you would prefer to do.
For those of you serving: There really is no excuse for rudeness. Being friendly IS part of the job.
For those of you talking about not tipping: you need to actually think about the math here. The expenses and taxes that are taken out of a Servers pay are based upon their sales, not upon their tips. The IRS FORCES them to claim a percentage of their sales. Its not a % of their tips, but their sales. If you have a dinner that sets you back $200, the server is going to be taxed as if they made 22$ off of you, whether you give that to them or not.
The type of restaurant does indeed make a difference as well. A server in a better establishment that waits on an average of 8 tables a night, cannot deal with being stiffed as well as a someone working in a diner turning over 50 tables a night.
Im not saying that you should give 20% for poor service. Im saying that you should leave SOMETHING to at least cover the servers expense for waiting on you. If you are willing to stiff the server, having a conversation with manager is a good idea.
Heres a fun blame list:
All the food is cold: Thats your waiter/food runners fault
Some of the food is cold: That means some of the food was ready before others, this is the kitchens fault
Your table is terrible: There is usually a rotation, or sections. The seats are assigned based on not overloading any one server. If you are sat somewhere you dont like, ask the hostess to move you right away.
Your cocktail is weak, its stronger when you sit at the bar: Bartenders get in trouble for pouring to heavily. They are more likely to take that risk for someone that will tip them directly. Customers at the bar can also think they can visibly see what is poured. (there is an air hole on liquour pourers. If you cover the hole nothing comes out. when you add a mixer at the same time you can make a real light pour without the customer knowing, even if they are looking right at the drink while you pour)
Food is mixed up: thats your server
They forgot my special request: its your servers job to communicate that to the kitchen, and verify that the kitchen honored it.
Meat is not cooked to my favorite doneness: This could be either the kitchen, your server, or you! Google it and find out if your the one mis-ordering.
People have come to think that they deserve more than they do, both customers and waitstaff. Tipping is not required, however that doesn't give the customer an excuse to look for reasons not to tip or to be uncivil. I've never worked in a restaurant, but I've worked in customer service and some days I went home thinking how much I truly hated people. Seriously, a waiter is not the same thing as a servant. Loose the attitude. Maybe your bad service is a result of your own doing. It sounds like @ Mike has had a lot of bad service. I personally try to always smile, say thank you, and tip well. It is very rare that I have bad service and when I do I look around to see the cause. It's usually do to being short staffed or something noticable. If I can tell the server is trying, but something else is going on I still tip well. I've never had someone be an outright bad server. I make mistakes and I know others do to so I try to be forgiving. If there is a problem address it nicely and you'd be suprised at the results. And because I'm such a nice customer I think I get better service because of it. However, if I did get truly bad service I would tip a lesser amount, but I'd still leave something. Another thing to think about is that the server you are being rude to, may be connected to you somehow through a friend. Would you treat your friend's younger brother or sister like that? What if you (customer) are a business owner... you may have just lost a potential customer because of your attitude? A customer deserves a good experience and should get it, however some customers go beyond and think they should be treated like royalty.
I was a bus boy and a bar tender for a number of years. As far as servers go, TIPS are 80 – 90% of what they take home people, Please don't forget that. By treating your server nicely they will respond in kind. If you have the mentality that you are the only customer in the place, try trading places with your server. I GUARANTEE you'll see things differently at the end on one shift. If your bar tender treats you well, treat him/her well. It's the bar tenders choice to serve you, they are not always required to serve you. If the bar is extremely busy, TIP WELL, poor tippers at a busy bar are the FIRST people to be ignored by a bar tender. When a bar is full, a bartender has the best opportunity to work hard and make some good money. This makes up for the nights when the bar is dead, so please understand, we like to eat well too. The bottom line is that you should follow the golden rule; If you do you won't be disappointed.
I was a server in high school, college, and a little bit after college. About 90% of the time, I got a good tip from my customers. Here's why – the tips are a server's compensation. Like anyone else, however, you have to EARN that compensation. You're not entitled to tips just because you're in the service industry. If you worked in an office and constantly copped an attitude with your boss and were inattentive to your assignments, you'd get fired. Consider your customers your "bosses" and treat them accordingly. They'll have a pleasant experience and you'll get fair compensation for a job well done.
If you have been working in this field your entire life then you are a loser. Get a real job and stop blaming others for your misfortunes. being a server is not a profession its a way to get by while in scholl. GROW UP YOU BUNCH OF WINEY FAT KUNTS. SERVING FOOD IS NO WAY TO TRY AND MAKE A LIVING..... HAHAHA IF YOU ARE STUPID ENOUGH TO TRY AND WORK IT TILL IT DOES!!!!!
sounds like a lot of lousy wait staff complaining that they have to deal with people.. if you don't like people, work in the kitchen! It is your job to wait on people.. nice people, mean people... your food prices are the same regardless of the person you are waiting on, the service should be the same too. If I have questions, I intend on asking them.. if I annoy the wait staff because i am asking questions, well, tough. i am paying your wadges, and should not be afraid to clarify anything that is on the menu... And as for the bartender nbot wanting to transfer a check.. um.. just say, no, sorry, you need to close out here. Done. Fin. I was a server for years... as a server, if you want to get paid, you better make each table feel special.. answer thier questions, take thier orders with a smile, suggest parings, and really, in short, do the job we are paying you 15-25% over the check total is, without attitude, and we will be happy.
I am capable of calculating a tip...although I disagree with the leave your tipping chart at home comment, some people grew up relying on a calculator and fortunately my teachers insisted we keep are basic math skills too. I generally calculate closer to 20% or more than 15%
Never been a fulltime server, hopefully I will never need to be...but I sure can relate to the grouchy customer complaint. I have friends that I dread going to a restaurant with because although they may normally be nice people, they morph into the Grinch when we sit down. Nothing is right, service is too slow one time too fast the next, food is too cold one time, ridiculously hot the next. "How dare he/she not ask if I would like dessert before bringing the check?" when in reality the server is probably as anxious to end this meal with you as I am. If the server sits or squats next to me or the table, I assume it is to make the atmosphere more intimate for one reason or another.
My one true pet peeve from a server...asking if I need change . Tell me you will be right back with my change. I'll tell you if it is not necessary. I know you are tired of running back and forth.
The notion that customers are supposed the pay more than the price posted on the menu plus tax is the reason I frequent fast food drive-thru lanes. I don't like the tipping practices in this country. Therefore I don't bother going to restaurants where I am supposed to subsidize the waiter/waitress' salary. I think tipping is a silly prictice. If your boss wants you to earn minimum wage, then he/she should pay you minimum wage, not below minimum wage and then expect the customer to make up the difference.
There are idiots on both sides of the table, and most of these posts are a joke. I was in the service industry for years as was my wife. I've held every position from bus boy to manager. We are no longer in the industry but still have many friends who are, and for the record, we both enjoyed our time doing it. Here are just a couple points for both sides:
Waiters –
20% is not mandatory. Your tip will be based on your performance. Stop complaining. Seriously.
If you are not making 15%, maybe waiting is not for you. Not everybody is cut out for it.
Some customers, as in all walks of life, are a$$es. Deal with it. Smile and move on. Bitch about it in the back of the house.
They call it the Service Industry for a reason. Give good service, get good pay. Check your orders when you put them in and again before you deliver them. It is your job to make sure the customer has a good experience.
Keep yourselves well groomed. Nobody wants to be servers from a slob.
Learn to read your tables. If you can't, this industry is not for you.
Customers –
Eating out is a luxury. Tipping, based on service, is expected. This should be part of your budgeting before you choose a restaurant. If you do not want to tip, may I suggest KFC, take out, tv dinners....
Tip based on the service level. If your server sucks, so should the tip. Great service, 20+ IS appreciated. We will brag to other servers on how awesome you are.
You are not superior. Your server may have more education than you. Then again, you just may be in a$$ all the time.
Good waiters make good money. But shouldn't hard work be rewarded? Good engineers make good money. Bad engineers work for BP(couldn't help it).
Hope that helps! Now everyone stop your complaining.
I was a waitress for 2 weeks when I was 16 and that was enough for me. I know how tough the job can be. So Iround up twice when I go out. First I round the check amount up to the next $5 mark then I figure the 20% off of that number. Then after adding the 20% to the check I round up again – whether it is to the next dollar or next $5 is entirely dependent on the service received. I would do just about anything rather than wait tables again – anything!!!!
I think the funny part is that everybody's hating on the waitstaff for not "taking it"; saying "we all have issues at our job, but you don't hear US being openly annnoyed blah, blah, blah...." LOL Well, why don't we go to your homes and listen to your families and see if you DO openly complain everyday about your job, how YOU don't get paid enough for what you do, how life isn't fair. BULLSH*T!!!!!! I bet all you haters complain every moment your bosses aren't around about how much you hate your job, your spouse, your kids, your car, your pets, your lawn, you name, you'll hate it!! Nothing is going to make you happy. Please stay home!!!
I've never been a waitress or worked in any part of the food service industry but one thing I consider the golden rule – Don't mess with the person making your food. This is just plain commonsense in my book. I have no doubt these position are hard work not only are you on your feet the entire shift but you're basically the go between for the customer and the cook/chef and prep workers so you get heat from both ends when something goes wrong. I'm not a jesus freak and not a religious person at all but I do think that just one person out of an entire day showing kindness to a stranger can change so much of the world. A simple gesture of humanity can go a long ways and you may change someones entire day.
I have to wonder – I see here a fair number of people claiming that restaurant food will be extremely expensive if servers were paid minimum wage. In at least one state – they do get minimum wage: Oregon. By state law in Oregon, restaurant owners cannot count tips toward the wages of servers – they have to pay state minimum wage (which is currently $8.40 compared to federal minimum wage of $7.25).
I don't see that restaurant prices in Oregon are substantially higher than anywhere else. I guess Oregon restaurant owners simply operate on slimmer margins. Put another way, restaurant owners in other states who pay only a few bucks per hour to their wait staff must have pretty big profits.
From the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries FAQ (http://www.oregon.gov/BOLI/TA/T_FAQ_Min-wage_2010.shtml):
Q. May I count an employee's tips against the minimum wage?
A. No. Oregon law does not allow for tip credits. ORS 653.035(3).
i was always told 15% was customary and that's what i tip unless the service is really good then i'll go to 20%. even if the service wasn't great but was ok 15% should always be tipped. but some people do not deserve a tip and since i've grown up accustomed to tipping i shouldn't have to feel bad about not tipping for horrible service. it is a gratuity and something that should be earned. but, servers should not have to bend over backwards to get a tip because a customer is a cheapskate. i know customers can be difficult and it takes a lot of restraint to be courteous sometimes. i know i'm going both ways on this but different situations call for different measures.
You make a good point about bad service vs cheapskate – very important difference!
Wow – I can't believe how many people are ignorant of tipping and how the law reads.
YES – all tips are reported as income because all tipped employees are required to document to their employer the tips received vs the meals they served. There are 'minimum expected tips' that are automatically taxed as income. So in answer to most peoples wrong assumptions, yes your tip money is counted as income by your server so get over it.
NO – employers are not required by law to pay more than the minimum wage less a 'tip credit' which varies depending on the minimum wage in each state. You tell me what employer is going to pay more than necessary? In the restaurant business it's nearly impossible to determine how many people will be served on a given night, it's fair for the employee to receive the bulk of their income based on the amount of food served. That way the $30 steak remains the same price and YOU, the customer, gets to decide how much more you would pay for that. Or maybe you would like the employer to charge everyone $40 for that steak even if you get crummy service – which you most assuredly will if tips are not the major portion of the employees pay.
Do some math and investigation before spouting off how wrong the system is.
Please allow me to help all of you learn to enjoy your experience in any restaurant.
The first and most important rule is to interact with your server. Our job is to provide you with the best experience possible. To do that you need to be more forthright with some information. If your celebrating something let us know. If it is a business meeting let us know. If it is a casual hang out let us know. If it is a date, guys tell your server they can be a useful tool in your date. Each one of those situations need to be handled differently. If you leave it up to us to figure out what is going on, or what your needs are, you can not complain if the server does not handle the dinner properly. Know with tipping on bills. If you don't believe in tipping that is fine, just don't go to the same restaurant frequently. You will be black listed and your service will always be nothing more than fine. Do not expect us to bend over backwards for you at all. One thing you might not know is regardless of what you tip, I am still tipping out the hostess, the busers, and the house. Everynight I tip out 6% of my gross sales to other people. $60/$1000 in sales. If you do not tip me your dinner cost me money. Hate the game not the player.
I hope that helps
I completely agree with Theresa. Waiters work for tips so make sure to leave them something. If they did a sub par job then don't tip the full 20%. On another note, waiters and waitresses please do not ask "are you still working on that," instead ask if I am finished. My food is not something I am "working on."
I haven't read all of the posts here, but:
I am currently a server at a chain restaurant, and have been for nearly three years. Many of you servers that are posting really are clueless: Mike is absolutely correct on every point. If you are rude to a table, do you honestly expect to be tipped well?
Yes, bad tips happen, and yes, that's upsetting. But you absolutely CANNOT let your anger and frustration show at any of your other guests. They came to enjoy a pleasant dinner, not to endure a server being short with them. If you give them anything but pleasant service, you get what you deserve, which is nothing.
On the other hand, guests need to consider what serving entails. On a busy night, you are usually one of five, maybe six tables. We do have other guests to consider, as well. God forbid you have to wait an extra thirty seconds for extra ranch dressing so I can take food to one of my other tables. At my store, we are required to tip out 2% of our sales for the night. This is for the bartenders that make drinks for us, and the hosts and hostesses that seat and bus our tables. It is not too much money, averaging anywhere from ten to twenty dollars at the end of the night, but if you don't leave any tip at all, you literally cost me money. I had to pay money out of my pocket to serve you. And if you treat me rudely in any way, you're absolutely crazy to think you'll get good service from anyone else in the store. If you think I'm doing a terrible job, that's fine, get a manager, ask for another server, leave, whatever you feel is necessary, but I will not tolerate rudeness from a guest, either. I simply walk away from the table, and you will be ignored by me for the rest of your visit.
I have enjoyed my time as a server. The money is absolutely great for the amount of work we do, and the hours we work. More often than not, people are pleasant and enjoyable. However, I am also extremely glad that that pat of my life is ending, as I have also met more than my fair share of jerks.
Servers, I know how it is out there, but people like Mike are not the problem. He has simply stated he expects good, pleasant services, and will not tolerate rudeness. If you give that, he will reward you with a good tip. That's pretty much the definition of your job. It's the people that don't tip, just because they don't want to, or can't afford to that are the problem. If you can't afford to leave a 15% tip, you can't afford to go out, period. Go to McDonald's instead. And also, Oprah and Rachel Ray telling people that it's okay to tip 10% or less. That's the problem.
I was a server for years while in college, and it was the most difficult job I've ever had in terms of the rudeness I had to deal with from the public. It often seemed as though people thought that paying $35 for a dinner meant that they were entitiled to act like arrogant, filthy kings and queens flinging their food to the floor, spilling drinks, and letting their small children run amuck for "someone else to clean up". Every business owner appreciates a customer, and wait staff get excited when they get a new table, and I am not implying that everyone should "stay home" rather than eat out. Rather, the same rules that "should" apply everywhere else "should" apply in restaurants. I would venture to say that the same people who cut others off in traffic, flip people off on the road, swear and yell at their children in public, go outside dressed and groomed like slobs, and are general a**holes are the same ones who make waitstaff miserable. As for those who don't tip based on some "moral theory", get over yourself. If you have that much leisure time to formulate a long-winded reason for why you refuse to tip someone who serves you, odds are you A. Have a lot of money and are selfish, or B. Know deep down that you are wrong, and that's why you have come up with such an elaborate excuse. Tips are To Insure Prompt Service: people who tipped are remembered, and treated thusly. My regulars who took care of me never had to wait for food, often got free items with their meals, and recieved my prompt attention. To those who don't like this because they think EVERYONE deserves the same attention, perhaps you shound consider the nature of the industry. It isnt going to change because you don't want to leave a $5 for a server. From now on, tip to thank the server for good service or insure future good service, or just expect your reputation to preceed you when you go back and TRUST ME, it does. We used to draw straws where I worked to see who had to wait on the notorious "bad tippers", not to mention rude slobs that came in all the time. WHen I think about what that job was like, I can only hope to never, ever have to wait tables again....especially after reading the comments some people left on here! It's truly shameful to degrade someone's profession when the nature of the industry has been established for centuries. Tipping isn't the law, but your position on it says volumes about what kind of person you are....and that's the fact.
You waiters have such an ego........screw you. Why should I pay outrageous prices for food / alcohol and then turn around and slip another $20-30 in your pocket? When I go to a fast food restaurant I usually get good service and my food the way I order it. However, the cashier does not stand there with their freaking hand out asking for a TIP. Why don't you all get a pair of dark glasses and panhandle on the street instead of begging from ripped off customers.
This is the best part – YOU DONT HAVE TO. Stay at home. Do everyone (including yourself) a favor and dont eat out since you apparantly can't afford it.
“I'm a server and just when I'm reading all these ignorant, pompous complaints, I was thinking how much I hate people in general. Stay home if you get that offended by your server's behavior.”
When I read this, as a customer, I have to ask, "If you people so much, why don't YOU get out the restaurant business"? Their attitude doesn't make me anymore inclined to "play nice" with them.
“It works both ways, there are things our guests do that drive us up the wall but we understand that its part of the nature of our jobs and we move forward and so should you.”
This, on the other hand, would make me stop and think about some of my annoying habits. I would be delighted to work with them to be a better customer.
Reading these comments reminds me how stupid people are
@Mike – Your sense of entitlement seems to have blinded you to reality. A restaraunt experience isn't a fairy tale, it's a meal. Servers by long tradition are tipped (the current rate is 20%) for good service and more generously for EXCEPTIONAL service. Their job is to see to your comfort and that you get your meal on time, but I suspect you're impossible to please and look for any excuse NOT to tip out of cheapness, not disappointment in service. You must be a real joy to hang out with.
Mike
Waiters get mad play. It sounds like a waiter played a little too much with one of your girlfriends and you just have a personal vendetta. Get over it man it wasnt anything personal im sure.
Seems to me that the real problem here is from the employees view. Server is the title. That means to me to be of service. Without the customer there is no reason for service. I have found the employee sets the tone of the meal, experience, and tip. I have servers that I feel bad not to tip 25 percent. I want to tip. The opposite types I want to explain they need to get a differant profession. Be the best on your shift or get out of the view of customers.
Look, I don't make the rules. It's not my fault you CHOSE to work in a profession that makes 2 bucks an hour plut tip. You want a nice tip? WORK LIKE YOU NEED THE MONEY. I LOVE to tip big to people who work hard and deserve it, but I give NOTHING to those who have the attitude that they can do a mediocre job and STILL expect 20% because "that's the rule". You want to make more money? Be a better waiter or GO TO COLLEGE.
Yeah, cause no servers ever work that job to help pay for college....nope never
-Signed
Someone who is likely smarter than you, has a higher degree than you, and was a server through college
I think it is pretty clear this is George Bush's fault!
So what if a customer is in a bad mood and may give attitude and a bad tip?! The same works both ways! Servers are humans, too. And they can pull some nasty antics on the customers. " Tit for Tat." Instead of getting angry, try putting the shoe on the other foot. Yeesh, I am no tree hugger, but I have been on both sides and a SMILE and some (even if forced) pleasantness goes a LONG WAY. Grow up, people!!
Here's the deal. Here in the U.S. our seated restaurant industry is a tip based economy for it's servers. You all know this and if you dine out, you know that an adequate tip is a part of dining out. Period. If your server provides poor and inadequate service, by all means, show it with your gratuity or lack thereof. On the other hand, telling your server how great everything was and showing obvious appreciation for your experience and then leaving jack only shows you to be a parsimonious prick. I don't pay my bills with verbal tips. In fact, the IRS requires servers to claim at least 15% of their sales so you leaving less than that when it is not warranted means I am paying taxes on money I did not receive. If you don't want to feel like you are subsidizing a server's "wages", either do not dine out or jump to the front of the line in changing the system. You know what is expected when you dine out, claiming otherwise is a cop-out.
A couple other points; The server does not cook your meal and is not the one who overcooked your steak. Your server did not bring in the child annoying you on the other side of the room and isn't responsible for shutting it up. Your server didn't prep whatever is used for the day or make that decision and therefore doesn't deserve your wrath when we run out of prime rib or baked potatoes for the evening. If you have a coupon, that's great. I did not discount my service because of your coupon, you're being cheap when you discount the tip and base it on the bill AFTER the coupon.
it's a huge mistake to expect the public to come prepared with knowledge beforehand.
Without people in seats, restaurants and their staff do not have income. If you are a server, and do not think you need to submit to the customer, consdider the fact that your performance either ads to your income, or detreacts. You may not like it, but you chose this job. You are in a customer service industry., You are the front line for the business owner, the face of the restaurant. There is no food tasty enough to put up with lousy service., lousy attitudes.You have to take the good wtih the bad when it comes to tips. Some people just don't have it to give what you think they should, or desire to give. That is their free will. Fact is, the restaurant owner would rather have someone pay for a meal and leave no tip, than not pay for a meal at all. THAT is the reality of what you do. I'm sorry if that is blunt, and angers you, but it is the truth. Your beef should not be with patrons, but with the system itself. Do something productive- change the systems. Stop whining to the patrons. Talk to your boss. The profit margins on food aand drinks are outrageous. Perhaps servers deserve a larger cut of that. But if restauranteurs rasie the prices too much, there'll be no customers. Don't threaten your customers- that dosen't work. Accept that you are an expendable postiion in the restaurant, and you are paid based on your importance, and your abilities.
I think the tipping system is archaic and useless. In other countries they pay their wait staff better and it is customary not to tip. Also correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't it customary to tip 15%. Now the wait staff expects 20%? When I eat out, if the service is average, I pay 15%. Less if it's below average and more if it's above average. I have read many posts about the food being more expensive if the staff was paid more. So? Big deal. Charge accordingly and pay the workers what they deserve. If I'm expected to pay 20% more for a tip, why the hell can't the bill be that much more? If management expects that they will have to charge more than 20% in order to pay the servers more then it is a problem with management and that management needs to be fired. I don't eat out much because I like to cook and rarely do I see anything in a restaurant that I can't make better myself. But I'm sure there is a higher percentage of the population that resents the "subsidy" than don't. So If you say to me not to eat out because I don't like to tip, well throw me in the brier patch then. For whatever it's worth, I think that most of the servers in this country are hard workers but the tradition of underpaying them is a management issue that we the public have put up with for far too long. As far as reporting your tip income? If 100% of servers reported 100% of tip income, life would be fair. I HAVE to report 100% of MY income. So those of you who are whining about not getting paid enough yet aren't reporting 100% of your income have NO RIGHT TO BITCH!!!! And as for the threats of retaliation? If I don't get good service in a restaurant and tip accordingly, you can bet your hiney, I won't be back to that restaurant anyway.
I worked in all facets of restaurants, server, cook, manager. I can honestly say to those of you who feel that tipping isn't "required" please eat at home. Yes there is no law saying you have to tip, but realize that if we eliminated tipping the cost of your meal will skyrocket, the labor cost built in to having to pay waiters even minimum wage (which wouldn't work because no one is going to put up with your crap for $7.00/hour) that cost will be passed on to you the customer. Profit margins in restaurants are alredy fairly slim so to add on additional labor costs will only mean more money coming out of your pocket.
If you want to make the waitstaff compensation mandatory, then eliminate tipping, build it into your cost/price structure and raise your prices 50-100%. Then people who can't afford to go out to eat will stay home, the restaurant business will reduce by 85%, and only the quality eateries and qualified waitstaff will be left standing. Better for everyone! No more complaining about tips – No more tipping! People who are dedicated to doing a good job and offering value for money (regardless of how many dollars) will stay in business, and the cattle troughs will fold. Families will eat at home together again, and parents will find out about what their kids are doing all day – improved parenting! A side benefit if ever there was one. What a fine idea from an advocate of the food service industry, you must think you're one of the ones that will survive.
Gee I can't imagine why they aren't getting tipped.
I like tipping. I like to reward good service. I hate 'service charges'. However, if my tip is mediocre, it's because I thought the service was mediocre. If my tip sucked, it's because I thought the service sucked. I don't tip to prove I'm a tipper to get extraordinary service. I reward great ordinary service.
As a customer, when you visit a restaurant with waitstaff, you should sit down expecting to tip at least 15% for standard service. Tips are optional, but that doesn't mean that they aren't expected (and depended upon). If service is so bad that you believe you should leave less than 15%, then you should have the cajones to ask for the manager and explain how the service, food, etc. didn't meet your expectations.
As a quick tip calc, I typically move the decimal point on the bill and mutiply by 2 (or 3 in good cases)...20% to 30%.
I was never a waiter, but if you can't empathize with people being human beings and working for a living (and making honest mistakes on accident)...As others have already stated, what goes around comes around.
For those waitstaff that kept responding to the rude comments on this board with rude replies (such as messing with the food)...Just remember, what goes around comes around – Two wrongs don't make a right. When you spend time in the back whining or making fun of the prick that just stiffed you, you're wasting time that could be spent on the good tippers.
When I dont leave a tip (or leave a poor one) I always leave a note explaining why I tipped poorly. Its not that I dont have the "cajones" to talk to the manager, its that I am realistic and understand that nothing is likely to be done about it, why exactly should I waste more of my time? Most restaurants are managed by kids (by that I mean, people in their early 20's). If you honestly think me pulling the manager aside to say "this waiter was really slow, and on top of that, not at all pleasant, and on top of that, seemed like he'd rather be anywhere but here"...is going to do anything, other than point out the obvious (and I think comments on these boards by servers proves that I am right)...you're mistaken. Im pretty sure that a crappy tip and a note explaining, is sufficient...and frankly, more people should do exactly this. It will seperate the people who just dont tip because they are cheapskates, from the people who are just tired of paying money to people who cant be bothered to actually DO their job.
To Jessica:
Leaving a nastygram and no tip is EXACTLY WRONG. I'm not so naive to think that anything will happen from leaving a nastygram and no tip. It changes nothing at the restaurant – It only serves to make you feel better for not tipping. If I were a bad waiter who didn't care about my work, I would probably be relieved to find a nastygram about my service – 'Hey, at least they didn't tell my boss'.
If a manager can't empathize (or at least pretend to care) with my situation when I've had bad service, I simply won't return to the restaurant (only happened twice in my life).
Not to stereotype "managers in their 20's" as you have, but if you only eat at restaurants with "managers in their 20's", you're missing out. And for my cliche to you Jessica – Skip the chain restaurant one day and visit a restaurant that uses at least some professionals (Head chef, Managers, etc.). It's worth the extra money on special occasions.
On the flip side, leaving a nice note and a good tip is fine, and probably appreciated.
If you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to eat out.
Simple as that.
I honestly did not know about servers working for less than minimum wage but have tried my best to be a good tipper. (My favorite place to go to breakfast the waitress smacks me in the back of the head sometimes but it's in good fun) My breakfast usually comes to less than $15 and I always tip $5 even when the bill comes to about $7-$8 because we have a good relationship. I will definately keep the 15% minimum in mind when I go to other places as well...
Im thinking the whole system needs to change. Heck, they dont even deliver the food or clean up the plates. All they do is take your order, bring your drinks, show up after the food has been delivered and say "everything taste ok" right after you've taken your very first bite (so at this point, kind of hard to tell you how well the entire plate is...) and show up with the bill (maybe a few drink refills). Im just thinking why did we go from tipping 15% std, to 20+ and their duties are less? I know people who have waitressed, if you care about your job and working hard...you'll make good money, and its not a job meant to be long term...im not still working as a grocery store bagger for $4.25/hr ya know. (1998 wages, not that long ago)
I'm thinking you should learn how the system actually works before complaining about it. Those people that bring you to your table...those people who bring you water at first...and those bussers that clean up your plates after you are done? Guess how they get paid? The waitress owes them a percentage of her tips at the end of the night.
Do you want to have to tip each person? So far it seems like the system is trying to make it easier on you by only making you tip once. That tip gets distributed to all those involved in your service though.
Keep in mind that, in those team environments, bar, bus, and food runners get tipped out of the waitstaff pool. So, it does cost them to have that work done for them.
You just proved my point that the system needs to change. Do you think the average person coming in to eat has any clue about the innerworkings of restaurants...or rather...cares? So, perhaps then bussers and water deliverers need to explain to their waiters/waitresses not to be such worthless workers...and they'd always get a fantastic tip from me. I always tip 20% or more for great service, I tip 15-20% for average service, and I tip nothing or close to it for horrendous service...and I always leave a note when I tip poorly explaining why. Im guessing those waiters dont go back and share my other handy "tips"? I've worked in the service industry, maybe not as a waitress, but i definitely understand how frustrating people can be, but I guess being professional, even when you're just a waitress, is too much to ask? All the jobs ive ever worked have been customer service based...trust me, im well aware of how hard it is. Im just not that pathetic that I would cry a river...or refuse to get a better job if the job was too frustrating to manage.
I tip based on the service I get. If they are outstanding I overtip them, if they are normal I give them a normal tip, if they completey suck I still tip but not much. I think that they at least deserve something for their troubles. Never leave nothing. Even with some of the worst service I've ever had I've never left nothing, that's just rude.
This is a no-brainer and a self-fulfilling prophecy. Stay out of the customer service business if you don't genuinely want to give good service all the time. If you give good service, good tips will come more often than not. If you're a mercenary, it will show in your demeanor and your tips will suffer, making you more bitter and causing your tips to suffer further. A customer doesn't care how many other things you have to do, and they shouldn't have to. If that's a problem for you on a regular basis, hire more servers. The result will be happier customers and larger tips for the better service delivered.
Personally, I hate it when people over-tip for mediocre service. You get what you earn when I sit down. Do a good job, and get a good tip. If the check is small, the percentage might be a little higher, but don't cry when I don't tip you a full 20% on the $120 bottle of wine we had with dinner. Did you really do that much more work to deliver it to the table than you did for the $20 bottle?
Let me start here by saying I tip 20% normally, with more for great service and as little as 12% for truly bad service, as in not trying. What bugs me about this thread are all the morons claiming that if tips were not part of the deal, the price of my meal would double or triple! I am very good at math, so I can grasp some pretty complex stuff. THAT ISN'T WHAT WE HAVE HERE.
Try this: if the meal is priced lower because the staff is paid badly, and everyone is expected to tip 20-30%, then what would we expect the increase in cost of food to be if the servers were paid properly? Anyone? 20-30% more, you HALF-WITS! Of course, that doesn't take into account all the folks that don't pay taxes on the bulk of their tips and would have to if it was part of their salary.
I'd prefer it be included in the cost of food, then I wouldn't have to subsidize all those cheap jerks that tip little or nothing!
School is out!
Laura says, "I get paid $2.00 an hour!"
Where do you work for $2.00 an hour? Mexico????
I'm curious where all the comments are coming from that the standard rate for tipping is 20%. I always thought it was 10% and 15% for above-average service. When the service is bad enough that I don't think 10% is appropriate, I just skip the tip altogether.
20% is the range of the "mandatory" tip added in for large groups, which I often disagree with. If I come in with a group of 8 instead of 2 groups of 4, how does that change how many people are there? The number of meals doesn't change. Why should the tip change? In fact, I often feel the tip should be even less, because it usually seems like the waiter is less devoted to the large table than to all his other smaller tables.
The size of the tip should be related to the quality of the service, and somewhat to the people being served. When my kids are rowdy (rarely. they are usually fairly well behaved) or make a mess (much less common than they did a few years ago), the tip gets bigger. When I have to take my glass and wander around the restaurant looking for the water pitcher because my glass is dry and I've eaten all the ice already, the tip gets smaller.
@Ben – I have also wondered where the 20% came from and I also used to think the minimum was 10%. I usually tip 20% or more. On small meals at the counter I often leave $20 for a $10 sandwich and I have tipped $50 on a $100 meal with my wife, so I consider myself a good tipper. But where did 20% come from?
If there is something I would like, even if a waiter has to fake it, it would be if they said "thank you" when I leave $50 on a $100 check or $20 on a $10 check. I do not eat out that often because I enjoy cooking, but when I do I cannot recall the last time someone said thank you for a tip that by any account, is a good one.
One server recommends the following to signal one is done witht heir meal: "push [your plate] to the side, place your napkin over it, or cross your fork and knife over the center of the plate. You'd be surprised how many people don’t know to do this.” Actually, this is a list of things you should not do to signal you're done. The first two should never be done (putting your napkin on your used plate or pushing it off to the side. The third is completely the opposite. To signal you're done place the knif and fork paralled, at an angle on the right side of the plate. I'M SURPRISED THE HIGH-HANDED SERVER DOESN'T KNOW THIS
Honestly a server would have to be a real a55 for me to get upset or anything. The job doesn't pay much and it is thankless I'm sure. I always tip and generally have a good experience because I'm not judging every little thing. I mean, upset about a server sitting or crouching? How up tight can a person be? Snobs. Now that being said, when my child was 2 if we went somewhere and the service was bad( I mean attitude bad) we'd have "operation mashed potatoes" and let the kid have at it. Of course that was in extreme situations.
Respect starts with you and if you don't respect yourself, it will be impossible for you to respect anyone else or for them to respect you.
It's really that simple, irregardless your background or education.
That's all tipping is...respect. It's not mandatory, it's not required, it's just the right thing to do!
For those non-tippers, just what lobby do you think pushed for the expception to the minimum wage? Complain to the management, don't stiff your server, it's not his/her fault. Servers are just trying to get paid for doing a difficult job. (and no, I have never been a server). Tipping for good service is part of the price of dinning out. If you can't afford to tip when and where it is appropriate, stay home and get yoiur $30 steak for $15.
RESTUARANTS SHOULD PAY ITS EMPLOYEES (servers) SO IF I DONT LEAVE A TIP THEY WILL KNOW i WILL NOT BE BACK FOR THEIR OVER PRICED FOOD
Everyone should have to wait tables at least once in their life. It's only then that you can possibly understand what it is like to be in the foodservice industry. It's not up to the waitstaff how much they are paid, and if they don't get the tips, they get fired because the restaurant has to subsidise the difference.
If you don't like the service based industry that the United States has, go to another country where there is no service. You get up to order, you get up to pick up your own food, you get up to fill your own drinks, etc. You'll get tired of that quickly, I assure you.
Even a bad waiter gets 10% from me. Good waiters will always get more. Since they have to share those tips with the runners, busboys, hosts and cooks, keep in mind that a lot of their tips go to others *before* ther're taxed.
@owner/chef
I tip, I think servers should be payed more and not have to rely on tips. I do take offense at the notion that if servers were paid $10.00 hr your bill would double. If a server only handled 1 table an hour, I have no idea what you are really
expected to do but I think you would have more then 8 customers in an 8 hr shift. So you have 1 customer/hour,
you get paid $2hr now, you are upped to $10hr, add in employer taxes, say $2hr, so the net cost to the employer
is $10hr. You wait on 1 table, 1hr, your $25 steak now costs $75, an increase of $50hr, someone needs to learn
basic addition. I don't know but I honestly think most servers handle at least 10 customers in an 8hr shift, 10×8 =
$80 more a shift, divide that by 10 tables and you raise each tables cost by $8, divide that by 4 people on avg
check that is $2 a meal. I would happily pay $5 more a meal to have tips be optional. The whole system is so
screwed up it needs to be abandoned. What happens if the food is lousy?, your only option is to screw the
server when they had nothing to do with it. It is just plain broken.
What an uproar! In most every serving job I've had, I've made nice tips, and even though the paychecks were small because of the reduced wage, I still got by well and made good money overall. Some country clubs where I live will pay a flat $10/hour for serving, but I've never taken that route because I'd make at least $20/hour as a dinner server. The work is hard, the people can be rude at times, but I loved being a server, and I'm sure that customers could pick up on this.
BEWARE: Gotta watch some servers/establishments, though. I worked many private parties in restaurants where an open bar was offered, and nearly every time a whole lot of drinks that were never served or ordered were padded to the check (by the servers), which would up the tip for those working the party.
wow – what don't you all understand? My husband was a server for years while in grad school. The government determined the food service wages, not the restaurant owner. Tips must be over-reported, so the "paycheck" from the restaurant,which starts off at @ $2.30/hr becomes almost nothing, because they assume a certain amount of tips and tax on it. It is true that often it costs the server in taxes for tips they did not actually receive. Yes, bad service should not result in a decent tip, but neither should good service result in a bad tip. My father consistently leaves a bad tip at a restaurant near his house after running the servers to death and can't understand why his service is getting worse. Restaurant wages are what they are – if you know that and choose to go out to eat, and get decent if not excellent service and choose not to tip, then you really do need to stay home.
Also keep in mind Mike, as servers we have the right to refuse service to anyone! And thanks to Mike, I assure if he goes out this evening he will get one of the servers on this blog whom he has already given a attitude for the evening. Going to work to wait on people like you is so rewarding....yah right!
I waited tables for years at a small restaurant, where the majority of our customers were regulars. I understand that there are bad servers out there but that is not an excuse to not tip, or to tip poorly. If you can't afford to tip well then you can't afford to go out to eat. And please remember servers have long memories. If you are a good tipper and pleasant and you return to a restaurant on a regular basis you will be basically guaranteed good service. However, if I have 5 tables, and I know that one table is not going to give me a good tip, no matter how good I am and no matter how pleasant they are, I will ALWAYS put the other tables' needs before theirs'. As many people have said servers do it for the money, and thats true. Tips are meant to insure good service, so if you don't plan to tip, don't plan to get good service.
My family often dine out and we tip generously, usually at least 30% or more depending on how many we are in the group. We only dine in 3 to 5 of our favorite restaurants and so far, the servers somehow know us. We always get good service. I don't want to imply that we get good service because they know we tip well. We are believers that customers must reciprocate the kind of awesome service we get from these hardworking people. Servers and customers are not created equal. Some are well-rounded and polite while some are the opposite. But as a customer, I say it is fair deal to tip for a splendid meal and service. And we do it well. BUT when service and food are bad, my tip or the absence of it will reflect how we felt about the dining experience. We are the kind of customer who get pleased easily, a smile goes a long way for us so for us to get really pissed with a server, he/she would have been really, really lame.
Brass Tacks: On top of being taxed on our regular wage the IRS will audit a server's sales and expect that we made at least an 8% tip for each food/drink ticket. So to those who have never worked in restaurant but seem to have the expertise, while you are still and idiot for not tipping, you could at least drop the tax man 8% of your meal, cause I we do.
Oh and for those who want to eliminate the need to tip, servers are all for it. In Europe it's called VAT (value added tax), and it's 17% (not 15%) of your meal regardless
and service in my experience is worse. Just like those who work for salary are often "lazier" than those who for commission....less incentive.
I am continually appalled at the complete lack of respect and kindness that this world has for its occupants. I keep reading these comments, hoping to find something redeeming, and it seems I am "insane" - doing the same thing over and over, hoping for different results.
Why is it so hard to respect people online? Why must we continue to bash servers who are probably either doing the best they can, or are happy waiting tables? What's it to you that they may or may not have an education (or are working on one)? Does that make them any less deserving of human charity? I'm not talking donations, I'm talking simple kindness - treating people as PEOPLE, not slaves or trash. Your waitress has feelings, and she is just as hurt and frustrated when you don't tip as you are when you are passed over for a promotion.
I served all through college and now work in marketing at a fortune 500 company. One thing that I don't see posted yet is that often customers who have never worked for tips don't understand the tax issue. If you dine out and either stiff the server or leave a silly tip like a $1.00, the server is actually PAYING for part of your meal. The IRS assumes that the customer has tipped an appropriate amount and the server has to claim a percentage of their total sales for tax purposes. If you have issues with people not making livable wages, then do something about it. Write to your representatives, but don't screw the person serving you by making them pay for part of your meal through income tax. Remember they also have to pay a portion to the bus boy, dish washer, cook and hostess in addition to Uncle Sam.
I hate to say it but I agree with the wait staff. They do a valuable service. Yes, some do it better than others, but stop and think of your next dining experience without a server, bus boy, and a host. It is really easy, just ask questions that are pertinent to your order, be pleasant, put a napkin over your plate when you are through eating and be happy. Remember to tip if the service is good. If it is bad, ask yourself this, "Is the server trying to do his job?" Many times it is the demands of other people that is causing a delay at your table. If the server is doing his job, reward him. Ask the manager to address the needs that you have seen for future diners. If the server did not do his job in any way, don't tip. Servers are great people. Many are going through college, some have a business on the side, some have a job on the side, and some or worthless. Before you complain, ask yourself, "Could I do his job? Am I doing my own job well?" Let's not be so critical of the wait staff. I do not wait tables, but I did 20 years ago for 5 years while in college. Just remember, they work hard, deal with MANY people, and put up with a lot from customers and from their employer.
"If you're finished with your meal... cross your fork and knife over the center of the plate. You'd be surprised how many people don’t know to do this." That's because this is incorrect. Crossing your fork and knife (with the fork handle pointing to the right and the knife handle pointing to the left) over the center of the plate should signal that the diner is *not* finished with a course. The appropriate signal for being finished with a course is to place your knife and for *parallel* either horizontally across the plate or diagonally with the handles pointing to the right. If you're going to complain about people not using the correct signal, you might want to make sure you've got your signals right in the first place.
ok listen up to all you waiters and servers that are crying that we dont tip.
personally if you cant handle what your making now as your salary find a better job.
secondly i used to be a waiter its a good job but seriously if you are gonna come sever me with an attitude and expect 20% hahaha ill laugh in your face. its not about the customers giving tips and how much there is to be given its about the wait staff and how they present the way they work if your gonna be lazy and i have to ask 40 times to get me a fork or a napkin then what do you want me to do give u 20% for whiping my hands on my shirt or eating with my hands. when ppl go out they are looking for the dining experience the experience is not suppose to come with an attitude plus 20% tip.
I dont mind tipping ppl cause i know its your way of making a living but dont give customers your attitude. i have had that problem b4 a waiter came and was very rude and when i didnt tip him he came after me asking wheres my tip and i said wheres my service. dont be selfish waiters or servers if thats what u want to be called either shape up or ship out thats my 2 cents and maybe even you tip
I worked for 6 years in restaurants before and during college. Most were 4*, one 5*. One thing I've noticed is that the more the customer pays for the meal, the more of a pain they are – to a point. Once you cross that $500-$1,000 per plate threshold (1980's prices at least), customers are much more relaxed and respectful. Shoes come off, people are laughing and joking with the staff, there's no pretense of 'master/servant' because these types of people are generally secure in their station and don't take their insecurities out on hard-working people.
Some of you on here really need to lighten up and not take yourselves so seriously.
I can sympathize with all the servers both good and bad who have responded on this post, but as a middle class father who would like to take his family out 1-2/ month this puts an enormous strain to even consider not eating out when the expected amount to tip is 25% or higher. So its the system that I have an issue with that constraints both the server and the served. This will just keep more and more households from enjoying the "finer" things in life as it gets more and more expensive. BTW, I just never tip less than 15% even if the wait staff was obnoxious since I would like to have a clear conscience at the end of the day. I just dine out less or do takeouts( tip expectations are more like 10%) like some people have not so kindly suggested.