soundoff (1,672 Responses)

1. Lynn
   

   PS we ALL deal with pissy people in our service oriented jobs, does that mean too I should get a tip? If so, I am putting out a tip jar tomorrow for my good service. Plan on about $150- $200 for the 15%-20% tip I should get for doing a good job, of which I might add, I do every day, because I am paid to do it!

   June 30, 2011 at 12:42 am |
2. Lynn
   

   HELLLLOOOO! Tips are optional-not required! If you chose to work as a waitress than it is your choice. To have me the consumer, make up the difference because of the choice you made in a profession, is just plain ridiculous! Change jobs if you don't like it! Yes I tip good and bad waitresses and waiters and very well if earned, however I will say I am sick of so many people offering a service with their hand out for a tip! Beauticians, nail salons, car washers, window cleaners, carpet cleaners, fast food restaurants, even the stupid Dairy Queen! I could go on and on! IN CALIFORNIA, WAITERS AND WAITRESSES ARE PAID THE SAME MINIMUM WAGE AS ANYONE ELSE IN ANY OTHER INDUSTRY WORKING FOR MINIMUM WAGE . THEY ARE NOT PAID AT A LESSER AMOUNT IN THIS STATE, but they still have their hands out for a tip! So does this mean that everyone who provides a service should have their hand out for a tip, including me? I should say NOT! It is part of the job that I am paid to do, that I chose and that my company pays me to do each and every day. Each of us in some way provides a service- so should we start tipping everyone? How about when you go to the market, perhaps the cashier should have a tip jar out for tips or your dentist, doctor, the receptionist that answers your phone call, let's add a tip on those services too! After all, isn't he/she providing a service? For those of you that EXPECT a tip, I can only say that is why you are disappointed and call those that don't tip-Cheap! It is OPTIONAL and it is getting out of control!

   June 30, 2011 at 12:34 am |
3. Valerie
   

   One more thing.....If you do not want to tip then please stay home. We do not want to wait on you as much as you do not want to pay us for our service.

   June 17, 2011 at 3:32 pm |
4. Valerie
   

   Every single person who said that tip should not be required should rethink this statement. If companies begin to pay servers the correct hourly wage and end the tipping system, your price for your dinner will go up to include the cost. The reason servers rely on tips is because in the states we assume that our people are generous enough to know how to tip. If you do not tip your server, then you have taken money out of their pocket. Why would a server want to give you the service you think you deserve, if you are not willing to pay them the wage they deserve. I wish the industry would change and no longer rely on customers to do simple math. There are plenty of people who get paid hourly, but do not work hard enough to deserve. I would like to take money out of their pocket when they are rude and lazy.

   Servers are not your punching bag when you are having a bad day.

   AND just because you do not make enough money to feel "wealthy" does not mean you can show up to a restaurant and expect to be treated like you are. You have to pay for the 5 star treatment you want.

   ALOT of people who work the industry are students. We are not less educated or well off than you. I hope you enjoy taking money out of our college fund.

   I eat out too and I know when i've seen good or bad service. I know when I have given good or bad service. I know when I give amazing service and these people do not know how to pay me for my good work.

   FOR EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT KNOW......SERVERS MAKE $2 to $3 AN HOUR......THERE IS A REASON FOR THIS......COMPANIES EXPECT THE SERVERS TO BE PAID BY THE CUSTOMERS.

   It's been like this for years, so please don't pretend like you didn't know(unless you are a child).

   If an 80 year old women/man can come in and tip then a 30 year old knows they are suppose to tip.

   June 17, 2011 at 3:25 pm |
5. michelle
   

   tipping is an outdated concept. my family and I don't tip. I encourage others to follow those steps....afterall, it is optional. the option I pick is to not tip.

   January 18, 2011 at 3:30 pm |
6. Nicole
   

   Seriously? I was a waitress once. I tried my best and always got good tips. I think if you want to get a good tip then you do a good job. Its common sense. I have absolutely left without leaving a tip, on more than one occasion. I usually leave a very generous tip, and it gets lower depending on the service. If I leave you zero tip, you know you've done a terrible job. This is the real world, you reap what you sew. Although I had not thought of it until I read other comments on here, I do agree, why is it expected everyone will leave a tip? We pay good money for food when we go out, maybe your boss needs to be paying you more, but i don't have to, i choose to. I read that someone said it would "ruin their night" to get a bad tip....well how do you think your terrible service was for your patrons? Pretty sure it would ruin their night as well. Your terrible service may also cost your restaurant business. I almost always go online to check restaurant reviews before choosing to eat there. If the service was terrible, I dont go there at all.

   January 2, 2011 at 11:36 am |
   • Nicole
     

     Oh and it should be noted that I do believe good service should be rewarded. I was on a date once and the guy left a 2$ tip for a 50$ meal. When he wasn't looking I put more money down. Its really not attractive to not tip when you're on a date haha...unless the service was terrible and you discussed the tip prior to not leaving it.

     January 2, 2011 at 12:23 pm |
7. ughpeople
   

   I was a waitress, leaving no tip is wrong...very wrong. I now am in a much better financial place then I was when i was younger and almost never tip less then 20% and 10% and a note if it was really that bad. Not tipping is so rude.

   December 30, 2010 at 3:29 pm |
8. Jason Ferrell
   

   i used to tip until the tips got higher and higher. now-a-days, you leave a $1 tip and you get rolling eyes. i say f u, you don't like that tip...the alternative is you get nothing. it's been 2.5 years now...haven't tipped anyone restaurant, barber, you name it. life is good and i can focus on more important things.

   December 29, 2010 at 1:57 pm |
   • ughpeople
     

     So wrong. Not helping out others improved your life. For some reason that does not sound right to me.

     December 30, 2010 at 3:31 pm |
9. Angela
   

   I generally leave 15% if service was adequate (i.e. my drinks don't stay empty for too long, orders are taken in a reasonably timely manner, etc.). If the restaurant is really busy, I understand that the wait for food might be a little bit longer and I'm a pretty understanding person. If the server admits a mistake, apologizes and fixes it, I will still leave a tip and probably a decent one. Truly great service gets a 20% or higher tip.

   The only time that I left no tip was when the waitress was rude, sat at the bar talking with friends instead of refilling our drinks and check in with us, etc. She didn't write down our order and had it wrong when she repeated it back (badly wrong, not just saying medium instead of medium-rare). We asked if she'd like to write it down and she replied with a pissy "I don't need to write it down!". Clearly she did since the food we received bore no resemblance to what we ordered. After she took our order, we didn't see her again until she dropped off the bill where she had written in what a 20% tip would be at the bottom of the bill. Not bloody likely when we had to ask other servers for drinks and silverware! I spoke with the manager who comped our meal and then promptly fired the server. I felt bad for her at first, but the manager must have seen my face and reassured me that she'd been warned several times about her sub-par performance.

   December 27, 2010 at 5:04 pm |
10. susanbellnc
    

    I used to wait tables, and bad day or not, I always treated my customers right. My bad day should not affect theirs.

    I have left little or no tip when service was bad. And it really doesn't take much to please me; keep my drink glass filled, check and make sure everything's OK at least a couple times, be friendly, etc. Is that too much to ask?

    December 27, 2010 at 11:55 am |
    • Nicole
      

      agreed.

      January 2, 2011 at 11:42 am |
11. Mike Boston
    

    tipping will be outlawed soon enough. it's a messed up concept and continues to get out of hand. it causes complications and over pays people who shouldn't make that much......all at the expense of making customers uncomfortable. it's a fad on a one way trip to destruction.

    if you tip but don't want to....take a stand for yoursekf. http://www.notips.org

    stop tipping and supporting a system that's corrupt. if you have self dignity, you won't care what others might think....that's none of their business. it's between you and the servers. it's ur life, no one elses...and you only live it once. take control.

    October 22, 2010 at 3:13 pm |
12. Clarissa
    

    Sometimes poor service is the the waitstaffs' fault. It could be really busy. I had a female customer that was just horrid. We were two people short on the front of house and we did not have time for little stuff. I bought her everything that she needed, but it took a little longer because of being short staffed. So before she left she needed a togo box, but she paid out beforehand, and left me a 27 cent tip. I had a cold sore that day. So I rubbed my cold sore all over her togo box. I handed it to her with a smile and saying how I was sorry for the delays. Herpes, it's the gift that keeps on giving.

    September 23, 2010 at 12:40 am |
    • amy
      

      what a low class individual u are. childish things like that make u happy....u'll get fired soon enough...probably barely make minimum wage as is with that attitude.

      September 29, 2010 at 1:18 pm |
13. Jerry 5* Waiter
    

    I worked in 5 star restaurant for 5 years – so, I know what it's like to depend on tips to make a living. However, the amount of poor service out there is incredible. (Servers with their finger in your drink as they bring it to your table, serving men before ladies, not knowing your menu, wet or dirty tables, etc.) In most places, the wait staff isn't any better than the McDonald's crew.

    If you are just an order taker and food deliverer, you aren't a waiter. When you anticipate my needs (a filled water glass, perhaps?) and provide a professional SERVICE, then you are a WAITER.

    You don't deserve a tip unless you provide appropriate service.

    And TIP jars? Please don't get me started.

    September 18, 2010 at 6:03 pm |
14. Stephanie
    

    A lot of these arguments for not leaving a tip or for a waiter needing to earn a tip would make sense if waiters were paid decently. The fact is, they are not. $2.13 an hour is not decent pay. The fact that many places require waiters to pool their tips makes it worse–suddenly, even if you do an amazing job and get great tips, you have to give away most of it. It's hardly incentive to provide more than adequate service. A waiter is expected to get 15% by default from you so that he or she can make the equivalent of minimum wage. Anything beyond that is earned. If you don't tip, that person is making less than minimum wage. In America, people are expected to tip and so it's built into the system of how waiters are paid. It's not fair and it's not right how little waiters are paid, and it does put an unfair burden on the customer. If you don't want that burden, you have two options: a) don't go out to eat or b) lobby to get a bill passed that requires restaurants to pay their waiters minimum wage as a base rate, but somehow I doubt that people who believe you can live off of less than minimum wage would agree to give fair pay to someone they so clearly see as beneath them.

    September 17, 2010 at 3:53 am |
    • Noel
      

      actually, if you silly argument has been disproved a 100 times already. waitresses do make minimum wage...if your 2.13 hourly plus tips doesn't add up to minimume wage, the restaurant is obligated by law to make up the difference.

      this never happens because these stupid wait staff already make well over minimum wage. probably anywhere between $15-$40 an hour (with tips). Then they have the audacity to come here and whine about people who don't tip.

      please think before you type. wait staff are over paid and they don't want to receive a fair pay from their employers...because then they can stuff cash from customers and get rich. thank you and have a good day.

      September 17, 2010 at 10:19 am |
15. Christine
    

    I've only left a low tip twice. In both cases, the server was condescending and rude. In one instance we went to a well-known restaurant to celebrate a job offer. My husband and I were in law school and we dressed nicely but not fashionably for the date. The server scowled at us, tried to push us into purchasing lower priced entrees, lied that the restaurant was out of the cocktail I wanted (I later saw him deliver it to another table) and then to top it all off would not let me order the dessert I wanted. He promised a special dessert even though I insisted that I wanted apple cake. He then brought out a hard chocolate chip cookie with a candle on top. To add insult to injury, he charged us $6 for it. Our bill with two bottles of wine was well over $200 and we left a ten dollar tip with a note that it was for the bus staff.

    The other time, we were on our honeymoon and had ordered coffee. We waited a half hour in a nearly empty restaurant but the waiter never brought it. We asked for the bill and it included the coffee we never received; we asked the waiter to take it off our check. He refused insisting that he had brought the coffee–even though there were no coffee cups at our table. DH figured what a 12% tip would be and then subtracted the cost of the coffee. and then left that as the tip. The bill had the figures written on it. The manager must have heard the conversation b/c he apologized and brought us coffee. Our server stood a little ways away and glared at us while we finished up.

    September 15, 2010 at 10:09 pm |
    • Springs1
      

      Christine, WHY in the world would you consider leaving a tip in those situations is beyond me? That's why service is so bad today, because you pay them ANYWAYS when they are beyond terrible. Charging you for something you didn't receive is ILLEGAL and I would not pay for something I didn't receive, period!! Nor would I tip on on the higher bill it would be based on that either.

      You are causing your bad service by paying for it. My husband and I have stiffed many of times bad servers. If you pay them, HOW WILL THEY EVER LEARN TO DO THE RIGHT THINGS AND TRY THEIR BEST?

      It's called POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT!! That's just like jail, some people do learn their lesson after being punished, well, if they don't have any money to pay their bills, they will have no choice to try harder or get another type of job.

      September 18, 2010 at 11:00 am |
    • Springs1
      

      Paying someone to steal is really crazy, why would you consider that, considering it was something INTENTIONALLY done and not a mistake?

      September 18, 2010 at 11:02 am |
    • Springs1
      

      Do you honestly think the buss boy got that money? HECK NO, the SERVER KEPT IT YOU IDIOT!! If you want to tip the busser yourself, you have to personally hand people money, otherwise, if you give it to someone else, they aren't going to give it to the right person in mostly all cases. You are an idiot that you did that. Were you born under a rock to think the busser actually got that tip? For real!!

      September 18, 2010 at 11:04 am |
16. mark richards
    

    When you leave a tip, you're tipping the waitress, the bus staff and, more than likely, the dishwasher. When I was in high school and college, I waited at local restaurants. Its miserable work. People work for less than minimum wage, little or no health benefits, and tips are essential.

    I don't begrudge a waiter or waitress poor service because I understand they may be handling six-to-seven tables or subbing for another waiter who called in sick and handling an additional 2-3 tables. I've been in that position before when I worked as a waiter during high school and college. That's why I always tip 25% - no matter the service.

    If the waiter or waitress's service has been deficient, I'll call them over and quietly tell them "I wasn't satisfied with your service, but I've been in your shoes before so I'm going to leave you a decent tip anyways. But the next customer may not be so understanding."

    It's only happened 3-4 times in my life, and only once did a waiter, obviously very frazzled, tell me what I could do with my tip. Instead of following his advice, I refused to pay him and, instead, walked my son and daughter over to the hostess and handed her the bill and money. I then hoisted my daughter and told her to drop the tip - a $20 bill - in the charity jar seeking funds for an expansion of the local animal shelter.

    September 15, 2010 at 12:19 am |
    • Springs1
      

      Mark Richards
      "When you leave a tip, you're tipping the waitress, the bus staff "

      No, you are tipping your server and your server has to TIP OUT those employees, so NO, you aren't truly tipping the other people, YOUR SERVER IS!! If someone stiffs a server, the server still has to TIP OUT the others, therefore, the person that stiffed didn't tip anybody, the SERVER did!!

      September 18, 2010 at 11:06 am |
17. Marc
    

    And one last note, I have been working in the service industry for years, mostly as a bartender and have been stiffed only one time (a freaking miracle I must admit). I have had bad days, but always smile and do the best to my ability. I make my money mostly on my personality and attentiveness, and have had people actually compliment me on how hard I work, even if their order was messed up or I may have forgotten a drink. They see me busting my ass, and I always appreciate compliments. I have never chased someone out of the door because of a low tip (I have seen others do this and I find it insulting) – I just deal with it and move on. It's part of the game. We, however, did not make up the rules of the low state wages, and do not feel entitled to be tipped, we depend on them. Believe any service industry worker, they will tell you that "this is not what I want to do" and are usually just doing it while in school, or for extra money, while they are looking (OR MOSTLY TRYING TO FIGURE OUT) what they/we want to do for the rest of their lives.

    If you receive bad service, leaving no tip at all usually accomplishes nothing – we usually just think you were too drunk to remember. Be sure to tell the manager or server/bartender themselves that you were unhappy with the service, or leave a really low tip – that, right there, gets the point across for the server to get their S**t together.....

    September 13, 2010 at 8:46 pm |
18. Marc
    

    Oh Jaliska, how stupid can you be?

    If getting a great paying job somewhere else was as simple as it is to you, no one would be waiting tables, especially the large group of college aged kids who do this bull***t work because it is a job you can make good money at at different times, not between the hours of 9-5 or maybe when we are in school. But with a name like Jaliska I'll (maybe incorrectly) assume you are African American, in which case we just assume you are going to stiff us anyway. Which is really annoying, considering we all have some sort of "show of entitlement" as according to you. I'm sure the service you get when you go out is sub par, because believe it or not, as stupid as us service industry people are, we remember the bad tippers way more than we remember the great tippers.....

    September 13, 2010 at 8:32 pm |
19. Mamma Jamma
    

    If you can't afford to tip, don't order out (or move to France, check out the service there!). In case you don't know, tipping is an insult in France and service is abysmal.

    Simple. You are being provided a service that, in a restaurant environment is communal. Punishing the business would be more effective.

    I'll steer this to home delivery. If you order food to be delivered to your home, most likely the driver took your order, helped make it and broke 13 traffic laws while risking their life (from accident and robbery) for your convenience. The rule is the GREATER of $5 OR %15, afterall that car does cost about 55 cents/mile to operate. Different animal, and some paid that slave labor mentioned in the article... and, yes, we do know who tips and doesn't... if you don't, don't complain... it would have made more economic sense for us to stay in the store folding boxes than to feed you. By the way, your address gets discussed in our community of drivers, no matter where we work.

    A good tipper doesn't guarantee a good delivery time (hey, we don't make the schedule) but it does guarantee priority! Don't believe everything those order online websites tell ya' either.

    September 13, 2010 at 4:41 am |
20. Mary
    

    Years ago, a comedienne named Elayne Boosler told the story of how she was at lunch with 2 men (her manager and someone else). The waiter paid attention to the men and all but ignored her. When the waiter brought the bill – and made some comment about hoping the MEN enjoyed their meals – she pulled out her credit card – and replied that since the waiter had "imagined 3 sets of balls at the table, he could also imagine his tip"!

    On those occasions when I have take a male friend out to lunch or dinner and was treated like an appendage of the man, I only wished I had the nerve to quote her!

    September 8, 2010 at 7:51 am |
    • Mamma Jamma
      

      Ha! Darling, her server was just playing the odds. 2/3 decent tip. 1/3 2 bucks at best. If you can't afford to tip, don't order out.

      Seen it time and time again... the waiter didn't imagine balls, just played the odds.

      Women generally tip $2 at best (especially for lunch, or ridiculously late take-out)... you get what you pay for. I hear France has quite a fashion scene, maybe you should move there.

      BTW... I'm sorry you have to take male friends out. Life sucks, huh?

      September 13, 2010 at 5:07 am |
21. Joe_Philly
    

    i eat out at restaurants with my wife. when the bill comes I pay the exact amount, smile/thank the waiter, and leave. that food is too expensive as it is and the restaurant makes plenty of money and should pay their wait staff accordingly. you mean to tell me that when they charge $2 or $2.50 for a cup of fountain soda that costs them 6 cents that they cannot pay their workers. fast food places have twice as many workers or shift, pay them appropriate wages, and still charge like $1.

    I'm not here to make wait staff rich, if they don't get tip, they get at least minimum wage. That's all they deserve.

    August 31, 2010 at 11:03 am |
    • Mamma Jamma
      

      Thankfully in some states wait staff does not get paid slave labor wages. Industry will pay the lowest it's allowed by law. I hope in your state this is a least $7.25/hour (if Penn, no) . Who? Could you live on $290/week. $15080 (40/hr/week/7.25/hour) per year? That's more than your wait staff gets, try $1032 at lowest wage per year. SLAVE LABOR! Getting rich... you tell me? Philly, ha! nice try.

      Ever thought about the property taxes there being a bit too high? or did you move already?
      .

      September 13, 2010 at 5:30 am |
    • Sal Fladabosco
      

      Restaurants pay their wait staff low salaries expecting to make their money in tips. If that isn't incentive for them to provide great service then they don't deserve tips, but you are just a cheapskate who doesn't see the value in what they do.

      September 13, 2010 at 8:44 am |
    • Marc
      

      For the love of God, Joe Philly, I hope you don't eat at the same places all of the time – rest assured, you are hated wherever you go and do not deserve good service whatsoever. PA laws are one of the lowest minimum wages for the service industry, and you, sir, are an idiot.....

      September 13, 2010 at 8:36 pm |
      • Joe_Philly
        

        u sir, r an arse hole. now fuck off.

        i don't eat at the same place all the time, but do come back to certain restaurants. if u don't like the money, find another job.

        i take pride in my work....i'm a landscaper. i know what it means to work long hard hours and use my creativity. i don't bring drinks, food, smile, and expect tip. that is bullshit. lazy fuckers.

        u remember bad customers more than good ones...sounds very negative to me. looks like your just looking for an excuse to cause drama. u got tip always except once and you'd rather focus on the one person than the other 500. hello ass hole.

        that's y i don't tip. look at the attitude of entitlement. Plus u make good money, stop bitching. i make between 40k – 50k per year depending on business....u probably make more as a server.

        September 14, 2010 at 11:51 am |
22. The Night Owl
    

    I don't like the percentage thing either. I mean, whether I go to Texas Roadhouse or Ruth's Chris, I get the same quality/cut of meat, cooked the same way. At Ruth's Chris, you get to pay an extra $25 – $30 for them to not give you two sides and unlimited peanuts & bread. On top of that, they want me to pay another extra $5 – $6 because they can't/won't pay their "super-trained" waiters a decent wage? that's crap, plain and simple, plus the dude/dudette at TX Roadhouse does a lot more work for their anticipated tip. Of course, for the better service I leave a better tip. I think Ruth might have gotten 10% from me...

    August 30, 2010 at 10:00 am |
23. The Bartender
    

    I've never stiffed a server because I've never received service bad enough to warrant it But I have stiffed bartenders with bad attitudes, rude cab drivers, and other service people who seem to expect a gratuity without working for it.

    But I do tip insultingly low when I receive bad service. A waitress followed me out of a restaurant because I left her a measly tip. "Excuse me, sir," she said, trying to embarrass me in front of my girlfriend, "was there something wrong with the service?"

    "Yes," I replied. "It sucked. And you were rude, slow, and ugly." She turned tail and that was the end of that.

    —The Bartender
    http://www.thebartenderfiles.com

    August 26, 2010 at 12:27 pm |
24. Mike
    

    The staff at Goose Island STEALS from their customers – that's why I stiffed the waitress at Goose Island in Wrigley.

    When she came back with my card, she said it was refused. She tried to make it out that I should be embarrassed. At first I brushed it off and gave her cash – but then I thought about it and asked for the receipt for the refusal of credit.

    She said she did not have it and I demanded to see a manager – turns out she ran a few other tables tabs on my card before she ran my bill – no doubt she was pocketing their cash tabs. The manager was equally inept – I had to demand that he go into the trash and get my receipt. Needless to say, by this time – I was making quite a big deal about these thieves.

    I got the credit card company on the phone and they said they thought it was stolen because there were 3 charges on the same card within a couple minutes.

    The moral of the all this was that I make sure everyone I talk to knows that they are CROOKS at GOOSE ISLAND in WRIGLEY.

    August 23, 2010 at 12:18 am |
25. Lance
    

    I'm not some waiter in an air conditioned/heated restaurant, I'm outside in the freezing cold or blistering heat all day trying to please people by "cleaning" the 2nd biggest investment of their lives. I worked at a car wash for 4 years, got stiffed every 1 out of 4 cars easily while only making 2.50$ an hour. I didn't cry or moan about it, I just accepted the fact that TIPS ARE A GRATUITY, or a VOLUNTARY ADDITIONAL PAYMENT made for services rendered. (Wikipedia on "Tip")

    August 19, 2010 at 6:32 pm |
26. J
    

    I think the problem is that most people think that tipping is a right, and an obligation by the customer. But let's think about that for a second. The person who is the waiter decided to go into an industry with low wages, while the upper echelon makes hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of dollars. Also, think about what a waiter does... s/he writes down an order, picks up food, and brings it to the table. There are a reason why these jobs are minimum wage... not alot of skill set involved, yet these people expect to make at least $30k or more a year. If tipping is the norm, then tip EVERYONE. I bet a doctor would love to get 20% on a 100k procedure.

    August 4, 2010 at 4:27 pm |
27. LH
    

    I tip 20% normally and if the service is mediocre i leave 15%. I've had occasions where the service was truly deplorable, nothing to do with the kitchen, just rude terrible service. i have left $.01 and on one occasion just to make sure they got the point i wrote on the tip line "Not a Damn Dime". I have always informed the manager in such cases.

    August 4, 2010 at 11:13 am |
28. jocostar
    

    Having once been employed in the food industry, this reader makes it a practice to avoid eating anything prepared by strangers, whenever possible.

    Caveat Emptor.

    July 31, 2010 at 5:05 am |
29. MicroftHolmes
    

    Yes, twice. Once in Las Vegas at a major hotel for a show. The waiter was surly and uncouth. I left the exact tab and he proceeded to yell to all the other waitstaff that I had 'stiffed' him. Security was called after I really did stiff him in the mouth.
    The other only time I didn't tip was in Petaluma CA at a very nice restaurant. We were having a large family gathering for my daughter's BD. The waiter came over DURING dinner and explained that he was 'getting off' in a few minutes, and would I mind settling the bill before he left. I did and it did not include a tip. Other than those 2 occasions I always tip 20% and better if the service is outstanding.

    July 29, 2010 at 6:27 pm |
30. Rick
    

    There's a point that a lot of people are missing. When you go to a good restaurant, you're paying for the experience as well as the food. Bad service ruins that experience which means that you are not getting the full value you are paying for. This means that the server is effectively taking money out of your pocket. So if the server has really gone above and beyond to treat you like dirt, stiffing them on the tip merely rights this wrong.

    July 29, 2010 at 2:18 am |
    • MicroftHolmes
      

      I agree wholeheartedly.

      July 29, 2010 at 6:30 pm |
31. hot tip
    

    I was a server and so all the more reason why I detest rude service. I understand mistakes happen, but how the server corrects it, is what matters when it comes to my tipping.
    As for the customer, some are just awful and if you don't notify the server politely and just huff and puff, or don't tell the manager and just walk out without tipping then you shouldn't go out to restaurant, and instead try to work in one. Again, mistakes happen, it is the attitude that should count.
    Scott Adams suggested in one of his tips, if you do have a rude server, but are in a position where you just have to tip, put the tip on the floor! Tipping a penny also works, but only if you have brought your dissatisfaction to the servers attentions and allowed for a change.
    Finally, TIP IN CASH PEOPLE, nothing's better than to go home with a pocket full of cash at the end of the day, and really it is just classier.

    July 28, 2010 at 6:11 am |
32. 00000
    

    I would love it if restaurants gave us the option of service or no service. I would gladly get my own drinks and pick up my plate when its ready from the kitchen window similar to fast food but without the crappy fast food quality. I would go to a place like that all the time if it meant I could get good food for good prices thanks to no tip.

    July 27, 2010 at 10:20 pm |
    • hot tip
      

      GOOD NEWS 00000! All restaurants give you that option: either you can 1. cook, serve and clean up after yourself at home or 2. go out to a restaurant and pay the price to have someone else do it for you...

      July 28, 2010 at 7:06 am |
33. cak
    

    I always leave at least a 20% tip, but on occasion, not only have I not left a tip, but one time I walked out without even paying the bill, (it was under $10) the waitress was so bad. But, on those very rare occasions when I don't tip, I leave a note telling they WHY I didn't tip them. If people tip, no matter what, how will they learn about what they've done wrong?

    July 27, 2010 at 4:52 pm |
34. Panducci
    

    You know what people? Restaurants are in a service based industry, the Hospitality industry, and a measure of their success or failure is the SERVICE received while customers are dining there. One should never go to a restaurant with the mindset of not tipping but one should also not go to a restaurant with the mindset that the server will automatically receive a 20% tip. The definition of gratuity is: something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service. This means over and above what is required for services rendered. Servers must EARN their tips and should not expect to be tipped if service is poor. Cheeky Bastard is correct in that attitude is the most important aspect of the dining experience. (from the server-diner pov, apart from the food itself) There is a difference between a server who makes a few mistakes and one who simply does not care and this difference is usually very evident. The best advice is, make the effort and you will be rewarded for it.

    July 27, 2010 at 12:17 pm |
    • bob_california
      

      thank you loser for laying the law and telling us that I need to pay $4 on a $20 tab. Maybe if this tip is so mandatory it should be written on the front door "SERVICE FEE, 20% OF ORDER." Tips are optional as they always have been. If you tip, good for you. Leave those who don't tip alone. I don't see any bad manners comming from the non-tippers here. Only people who expect tip or give large tips are the ones swearing, whining, etc. Everyone should just worry about their own life and what they need to do. Respect other people and people will respect you.

      July 27, 2010 at 12:42 pm |
35. Cheeky Bastard
    

    Most of the people posting here not only don't have a clue as to what it takes to be a truly good server, they wouldn't even be able to perform the job with minimum competency. If they had to serve mongoloids who only thought of them as their temporary indentured servant, and demonstrated the kind of attitudes that have been posted here, they'd run screaming from the place, looking for a place to lick their wounds in solitude. Inasmuch as I don't do everything perfectly all of the time, I can handle when a server makes a mistake, or even a few, as long as they genuinely make the effort (as someone who has served AND managed for nearly 30 years, I can recognize a server who hustles) to fix the error. To people who care, ATTITUDE is the most important aspect of service, but for the guest as WELL as the server. A server who acts like he/she is doing you a favor by serving you is a poor server, and has not earned what is considered the standard percentage (and it is okay to tell them their attitude was unacceptable). But a guest who enters an establishment in order to first criticize, then to dine, has no better an attitude than the surly server, and is not entitled to attentive service, as they most likely wouldn't recognize it anyway. If you walk in expecting poor service, YOU WILL GET IT. Try walking into a place thinking "I'd hate to have to run my butt off trying to keep a petty, tiny-minded jerk like ME happy", and you might have a more charitable attitude and understanding toward people who have to serve you to feed themselves. Very few of the posts above indicate that the writer actually thought of their server as a HUMAN BEING, and not just some tool to move around for their personal pleasure. No, there's no law that says you have to be a nice person (75% per cent of the people who posted here would be incarcerated if there were), but the nice people generally walk out satisfied, without complaint. I have waited on ignorant people, and rather than ignore them, I would feed them super-quick and get them the hell out so that I might seat someone who actually knows how to behave in a restaurant, that is, knows how to be served. Based on some of the ignorant remarks and assumptions made on this blog, just about everyone posting here (with the exception of the food service emplyees) definitely needs "guest training". To the person(s) who claimed to have demanded that their server be fired, you know even less about dining and service than you do about manners and breeding, which means LESS than nothing. Of course, YOU were so horribly wronged that the server who offended you should be dismissed immediately; remember that the next time you have a bad day at work (if you even work). Again, all of the whiners here who claim to know such much about the subject COULD NOT DO THE JOB without more whining and crying, and finally quitting.

    It occurs to me, after reading these posts, that a good subtitle for this article would be "Dinner For Schmucks".

    July 27, 2010 at 10:18 am |
    • tony
      

      lame rant...your name fits you perfectly.

      July 27, 2010 at 12:46 pm |
    • Bradley
      

      Ever actually stayed at a hotel?

      I'm the gentleman that's at the desk, the guy who gets the call to dig through a cramped closet in the dead of the night to find a fluffier pillow, the guy who people scream at because we're sold out, the guy who gets screamed at because our in house restaurant has the audacity to close at 1AM. I'm the sucker who scoured the bar at 2AM to steal a carafe of milk and warm it for someone's child who had a nightmare... I'm the guy who'll run someone a tray of breakfast from our buffet to surprise their wife on their honeymoon. I'm the guy who calls your cabs, manages your phone calls, has your name, your credit card, your address... who secures your rest, obtains your entertainment, checks your flight, and deals with trying to piecemeal a dozen languages together that I don't actually speak.

      Guess what?

      I don't get tips, because people don't tip hotel staff (with the exception of running food or hauling luggage). I'm the desk guy who does every job at the hotel and some jobs I shouldn't... and probably even a few things I -really- shouldn't, just to make a guest happy.

      And never once have I complained about someone being 'cheap' for not tipping me. In fact, I make it a point of personal pride to refuse tips. I'll take something if the person is -really- adamant, but my first answer is always "That's quite alright Sir/Madam, that's what we're here for".

      So you'll excuse me when I say I'm pretty confident I could serve a dozen tables, after all, I'm serving 100 hotel rooms right now.

      August 3, 2010 at 5:37 am |
      • Nicole
        

        i freaking love you. most hotel staff are super nice and helpful. you guys rock so thank you:)

        January 2, 2011 at 11:57 am |
36. SallyF.
    

    I remember being able to see the narrow kitchen window from my seat, with my pancakes sitting under the heat lamp. I was so tempted to get my own pancakes but my companion would not allow it. When I pointed out that my pancakes were cold and had been sitting on the shelf, the (formerly invisible) waitress denied it. I have no idea where she had been, since the restaurant was practically empty.

    I don't remember what I did about the tip, but I probably left a buck.

    July 27, 2010 at 8:47 am |
37. Rick
    

    I own a Catering company and I've worked in food service since I was 16 years old. I'm more shocked by how people treat those in the service industry than the way any waiter has ever treated me. I have never understood why people who are being served treat the server so poorly. I always reward good service with a substantial tip and poor service gets 15 to 20%. I know how hard even a poor server works and the sort of people they get to put up with day in and day out. If you don't like tipping, stick to fast food and take out... and oh ya... if you order take out from a restaurant tip the person who assembles your order, they deserve it! If you want to make a great servers day, try leaving a tip that's more than the cost of the meal. I once went to dinner with a millionaire, 20 of us were at the table. He payed the bill then asked us each to pay our portion as the tip because the service had been outstanding and really made the evening. What fun to leave behind a $1000 tip! When large groups come in more often than not the tip gets messed up and a lot of hard work goes unrewarded.... especially when people split the check.

    July 26, 2010 at 4:29 am |
    • bob_california
      

      hey genius, not every one is a millionare. tip your share and keep it to yourself. If someone cannot afford to tip, that's their own business as well. not everyone likes tossing money around like their loaded.

      July 26, 2010 at 9:41 am |
      • hot tip
        

        "Respect other people and people will respect you." - YOU ARE RIGHT BOB!

        "If someone cannot afford to tip, that's their own business as well. not everyone likes tossing money around like their loaded." "Everyone should just worry about their own life and what they need to do."
        SOUNDS LIKE YOU SHOULD COOK FOR YOURSELF, EAT AT HOME AND CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF. OTHERWISE YOU ARE BEING DISRESPECTFUL, BECAUSE IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY FOR SERVICE, YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS DEMANDING IT, ESPECIALLY FROM SMEONE WHOSE SOLE BUSINESS IS TO WORRY ABOUT YOUR LIFE WHILE SERVING YOU.
        ps: ever considered moving about 40 miles west of the CA coast, it's all you can eat sea food out there...

        July 28, 2010 at 6:23 am |
38. Frank
    

    Ok so I am a cook, and I feel that the kitchen deserves a piece of that tip as much as the server and bus boy. Cause lets face it if the food sucks there would be no one in the seats in the first place. That being said I have left a penny and have walked out leaving not tip, I have also left $1. If someone is having an off day then they are usually apologetic, and nice and do not fall under my crappy tip rule. I find that servers that are inattentive and rude are usually like that all the time, no need to tell a manager since they probably already know this fact. The only time I bring a manager into a situation is if the food is miserable and I either want a replacement or I am not going to be returning to that establishment. Fact of the matter is that restaurant managers/general managers know that you are very likely to return to a place if the service is crappy and the food is good. So they care to a point but usually not enough to hire someone else. The next person could be worse and they have to spend time and effort training that person. I know that at the end of the night the servers that pool will get pissy with a lazy server letting them know they are taking money from them. If there is no pooling then that person will prob not stay there since it is a waste of time. So I am in favor of having a low base pay and let them keep there tips, I feel it makes hard workers work harder, and lazy people get filtered out.

    July 23, 2010 at 1:37 pm |
39. Melissa
    

    I was already well aware of how waiters and waitresses often get stiffed on their checks. I usually leave a really good tip because of this, and because sometimes people get stiffed on tips even if they are great servers. If the service is really great, I will even leave up to a 50% tip and give praise to the manager. I usually try to cut servers some slack, but there are two times I left a penny as a tip. (I leave a penny instead of nothing so they know that it's not that I forgot to tip, I was just extremely unsatisfied.) The first time I was in a (not very busy) restaurant and it took 40 minutes just to take our drink order. Our waiter only stopped by twice (to take our order and deliver food and drinks at the same time). The second time I was in a restaurant where the waitress had 3 tables. I had to ask for a drink refill 4 times, my glass was empty when I got my food and was not filled til after I finished eating. Even then she brought me the wrong drink. Finally the waitress of the other section was kind enough to get me what I needed. I actually did leave a tip on the other waitress' table. I'm always polite to my servers, even when I'm upset about the food or service, I still handle it respectfully. I won't yell or get rude, but I will leave less of a tip and ask to see the manager. If the service is incredibly bad, I am not going to pay for a service I did not receive.

    July 23, 2010 at 9:32 am |
40. barbsketch
    

    Doesn't is seem like the real problem is that there is this special minimum wage for waitstaff? If waiters/waitresses weren't so dependent on tips to just earn minimum wage, then maybe the issue wouldn't be so heated. The few times I've gotten truly terrible service I have given a low tip, my logic being that, no matter how bad one is at waiting tables, one does deserve at least minimum wage while on the job (like every one else in any other profession). However, I hate the assumption that I should be paying 20% to someone who is treating me like crap — that person is not getting anything beyond the bare minimum from me!

    July 23, 2010 at 7:43 am |
    • Noel
      

      Restaurant staff do make minimum wage. If they don't mkae it in tips, the establishment makes up the rest. They are guaranteed minimum wage when they sign up for the job. The 2.13/hr is just a ploy to make customers feel bad and think they need to pay the wait staff's salary. It's just a trick. In the end, the wait staff make a lot more than minimum wage every pay check and the restaurant owners get away with almost no overhead costs.

      I dont tip and usually go to restaurants with a no tipping policy. There is a saying that insanity cannot last forever. Tipping will gradually make it's way out of this world when people come to terms with how stupid of a concept it is. First the excuse was that if you get good service then you can give tip (if you want)...now it's "oh the wait staff don't make any money, they need tips" so you better tip or else *******. The amount of tip keeps going up too, from 10 to 15 and now 20%. Once the American public sees how silly it is to pay someones salary we will see changes. The cheap ones are not the ones who refuse to tip, the cheap ones are the wait staff who beg for a few bucks using threats even though they already make minimum wage.

      Enough said.

      July 23, 2010 at 9:16 am |
      • hot tip
        

        "Tipping will gradually make it's way out of this world...." The only flaw in your grand master plan there Noel, is that there are more decent people out there than people like you. Might be best if you stay at home and learn to serve yourself first...

        July 28, 2010 at 7:27 am |
    • w
      

      Most servers make WAY more than minimum wage. If its a popular restaurant they can easily make over $20 an hour, all thanks to tips. If you ask me servers are highly overpaid. Why do you think so many people wait tables for their whole lives? In order to make minimum wage they just need 2 tables that give a $2 tip an hour, obviously that is extremely easy to hit even on a slow day, usually one table is enough to put them past minimum wage. Havent you ever heard a waiter brag about making $500 every friday night in tips?

      July 27, 2010 at 9:35 pm |
41. Rick
    

    Here is the best "leave a penny" story I have ever heard. A friend went out to dinner and had a flagrantly awful waitress. He left her a penny. As he and his wife were walking out, she chased them down with the penny held high for all to see: "Sir, sir, you forgot this". He took the penny from her and pressed it into her hand: "No dear, this is for you. You EARNED it". Game, set, and match. You don't mess with a man after you've ruined his meal.

    BTW, he has been a waiter and is generally a generous tipper. For him to do this the service had to be willfully bad with an extra helping of attitude.

    July 23, 2010 at 1:48 am |
42. FJR
    

    Tipping well is my favorite affordable luxury – if I can afford to eat out, I can afford to pay an extra 20% on top of that – or 25%-30%-35%+, etc. if it's a cheap meal – I figure the staff worked just as hard to cook and serve a $5 entree as a $25 one, so it's a shame that a percentage-based tip reflects this. And although I sometimes choose not to revisit restaurants where I've had what I consider a less-than-optimal experience (which is the case with any type of business where I have a choice of provider), I would never mess with someone's paycheck by taking it upon myself to withhold a tip – which is, as an earlier poster pointed out, taxed by the IRS whether or not it is actually received (i.e. the IRS assumes you receive a certain percentage of your income in tips and taxes you accordingly). I wouldn't want everyone I encounter in the course of my job to have the power to decide whether or not I get to earn my paycheck, or whether they get to retain a portion of it themselves – I work for an elementary school, and although the kids like me well enough, I'm sure they'd much rather have my salary to spend on bubblegum. Luckily, I don't have to depend on the goodwill of the individual taxpayer (including myself, as I live and work in the same jurisdiction) to earn my paycheck, I just have to make sure my principal stays happy, which isn't always easy, but is much easier than having to read the minds of hundreds of random strangers.

    Anyway, dropping a few bucks on tips each time I eat out makes me feel like I am at least trying to be a decent human being, whether or not it's been a total lovefest between me and the restaurant staff. Like the say in the Visa (or Mastercard?) commercials..."Not feeling like a dickweed...Priceless."

    July 22, 2010 at 6:15 pm |
43. Cowgirl
    

    When I was growing up my Dad was a notoriously bad tipper. It didn't matter if the service was bad or good, he usually left no tip at all. One day we left a restaurant in Seattle, the waitress ran out after us and stopped my Dad asking him if there was a problem with the service or the food. He was so embarassed at being called on his bad tipping, he mumbled an apology and never failed to tip again after that. incident.

    July 21, 2010 at 4:57 pm |
44. fanman
    

    in Canada where minimum wage is over $10/hour, there seems to be a prevalent attitude of 'I deserve a huge tip for even coming near your table'. If I get attitude, the server gets attitude back, usually in the form of a low, or 0 tip. And that is exactly what should happen. How else are lousy servers culled from the herd? I'm doing them a favor; they figure out that this isn't the line of work for them and go get a government job where their lousy attitude is rewarded.

    July 21, 2010 at 4:16 pm |
45. FppdSafety??
    

    @nicole: If I knew where you and other 'servers' were who glory in screwing with people's meals, I'd turn your asses in for tampering with food, and fast. Anybody in 'the biz' who sees or hears this kind of 'mess with the food' crapola SHOULD. A tip? More like a reward from the health department!

    So thanks–you just ENSURED that I won't be going out to eat, much less leaving the generous tips I always used to. Wouldn't surprise me if there are a whole lot more like me who make the same decision, either, and I hope they do.

    July 21, 2010 at 7:29 am |
46. JM
    

    I have walked out without paying the entire check. Im no sucker.

    July 20, 2010 at 11:15 pm |
    • JM
      

      Actually I did it because the waiter decided to disappear for 20 minutes to talk to his friends. Thats fine I just walked out. Problem is many waiters expect to be tipped no matter what. I don't work that way. If you want to be an ass you will be tipped like an ass, with nothing or maybe a dollar.

      My mother has waitressed for 20 years and I know when somebody just has a bad day or when someone is being an asshole. I understand maybe something happened and your not working 100% not everyone does anyway. Just shows more with waiters because they are in front of people in close range all the time. I will leave a decent tip but if it always happens then I will have to tip less and go somewhere else.

      I am also not the type to make a scene at a restaurant and call managers because the job is tough and people shouldn't get fired for one event. I rather just tip badly and not go again. If they get mad I will just say bring me the manager or keep your mouth shut and keep your job.

      July 20, 2010 at 11:25 pm |
47. Older lady
    

    Sure, I have had lousy service lots of times, but not to tip because of that? Oh, come on! Then, let's not pay for the item we purchased at the department store because the person who waited on us was rude, incompetent, etc. and let's not pay for the less-than courteous cab driver even though we did get to our destination in one piece, etc. It could go on and on.

    I think that wait service is not good because so many people never learned how to serve or how to be polite or listen or not be intrusive, even, but this does not mean you are supposed be Mr. or Mrs. Cheapie Who Will Cheat the Waiter of a Job Imperfectly Done.

    I have known too many cheapskates in this world to believe that the real reason someone won't tip is because of the lousy service. No, they are just waiting for an excuse to be cheap, that's all!

    July 20, 2010 at 7:20 pm |
    • Noel
      

      Not tipping is cheap? ....I don't think so. There are people who don't tip because they don't want to. I think your cheap for wanting the extra money. If someone comes and eats $20 worth of food and leaves no tip, why are you so cheap to be compulsively begging for those $3? Or whining about it on this forum. I thought you waiters/waitresses made top dollar and aren't cheap. Crying about 4 or 5 bucks or even 10 bucks sounds cheap to me. Shut up, do your job, and you'll get tips sometimes, other times you won't.

      Since most of these waiters/waitresses make so much money...why beg for it from people who make less than them. May be the person you waiting on only makes $8 or $9 an hour. It's still their right to eat out when and if they want to. It isn't you right however, to be malicious or rude to them for not tipping. But we all know that when servers don't get their tips, their real personalities start showing.

      Go anywhere in the world and I guarantee you will receive better service where tipping is not customary. There's hard working honest people, then their are trashy people who won't even lift an arm without asking for a buck. Cheap fucks.

      July 21, 2010 at 9:38 am |
48. Emily
    

    jenny I don't understand your math....how would the IRS know what your customers' bills amounted to?
    And as a solution to the tip pool...which I DESPISE and would never partake in ever again....I always give my waitresses their tips in an envelope with their names on it.

    July 20, 2010 at 4:38 pm |
49. KungFuRocket
    

    Giuseppe

    If you go to Europe, correct – tips are not "expected," but the meal will cost more of course – not only due to currency conversion. Yes, tipping is part of our culture here because servers are paid less than minimum wage. European servers are not paid less than minimum wage. I get the point very well, but it appears you are going to be determined to be cheap. That is why I say you are the kind of customer I would hope I wouldn't get, because you feel that you deserve service without paying for it.

    Go somewhere else where you are not waited on if you don't want to pay for it. While I condone absence of a tip if the service is sincerely that poor, by making a habit of not tipping at all, you're showing that you don't care whether the service is good or bad. You also are showing that you don't care about the wait staff at all. If that's the case, you're truly lucky that their job on the wait staff is to serve you and care for you, because you wouldn't be getting it otherwise.

    July 19, 2010 at 10:18 pm |
50. jenny
    

    The fact of the matter is that sometimes poor service deserves a poor tip- but a tip of zero dollars is actually a negative tip because of tip pooling arrangements and taxes. A waiter is assumed by the restaurant to have made a 15 to 20 percent tip and is usually required to give a certain percentage of their sales (at my restaurant 4%) to bussers and bartenders. Moreover a server is presumed by the IRS to have left the restaurant with 11% of their sales in tips and are taxed accordingly. So if your bill is $100 and you leave a $0 tip the server still has to give $4 to the busser and bartender, and is taxed on$11 of income. All in all your server has LOST $5-7 simply for having waited on you.

    Before you leave a $0 tip consider the fact that no matter how horrible the service was they really shouldn't be forced to PAY for the pleasure of waiting on you, and then think about cutting them a little slack.

    A quick talk with the manager is a much more effective solution and is highly likely to result in getting a few items taken off your bill- then tip 15% on the reduced price- the server loses a tip on items taken off the bill and gets a smaller (15% ought to be the minimum tip) tip on the items remaining.

    July 19, 2010 at 5:43 pm |
51. Rich
    

    Tipping is a gesture of gratitude (hence Gratuities) for going above the expectations of your job. You speak of social norm. The social norm is as follows. Good service = good tip. Poor service = poor tip. Its the line of work you chose.Accept the job you chose and get over it, or get a new one. Do not try to make me feel guilty for your lot in life. The ones you should be mad at is your employer. I wish I got a tip for doing my job. Next time you go to the doctor maybe you should tip him too. Lol.

    July 19, 2010 at 4:36 pm |
52. Jen
    

    its not the money that matters but the theory behind it. NO ONE SHOULD PROMOTES LAZINESS. we all work hard for our money PERIOD!

    July 19, 2010 at 10:32 am |
53. roadrunner
    

    Commodore, thank you for a thoughtful take on the business of tipping. It should absolutely be for the services provided.
    And because we rely on tips to supplement our paltry wage, I go the extra mile to please all of my guests. That's how I make my money. My dear Mother always said, " You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar". Still holds true.

    July 19, 2010 at 4:37 am |
54. COMMODORE
    

    It is very rare I do not tip a person in a restaraunt. In fact the only time I dont tip is if I leave the restaraunt in a hurry before ordering or something came up. I try to leave 15% for a tip (if financialy capable, with the recession and all), but to be honest I love tipping big. In a restaraunt, hair salon, and anywhere else tipping is expected. My father both believe that everyone in a restaraunt should be paid more than federal minimum wage. Working at a restaraunt is a hard business, and when you have an owner or a manager who prefer to keep all of the money for themselves, and let the customers make the rest of the wage for the employees; the employees can get taken advantage of. That is way its rare or sometimes never do I leave without tipping. But if the service is great and if I see that everyone is showing great teamwork, then I tip big. The waiter/waitress/host/ess might be the few people the customers interact with but when I see the managers, cooking staff, busboys, cleaning maintenance all working their hardest to provide a great night for everyone in the restaraunt then the tip gets big, and maybe even bigger.

    July 19, 2010 at 2:26 am |
55. Bradley
    

    I work in the service industry, -behind- the servers. (I'm an auditor for a hotel, the guy that balances the floats on a nightly basis, so I see -exactly- how much people are leaving the hotel with and have a hands-on relationship with the wait staff). Some servers at our in-house restaurant make $4-500 PER NIGHT in tips, so kindly drop the "*sniffle-sniffle, poor me, I only make $2.00 an hour*" act. Consider that "most" people leave an average of 15%, and most servers are managing between 5 and 10 tables at a given time, in a place that's averaging a meager $10 a plate you're likely to average $6-7 per table in tips. Provided you're not tipping out 2/3 of that to your kitchen and bussers, you're probably raking $5 a table and clearing down 7 or 8 tables an hour.

    Math = 8 tables * 8 hours * $5 = $320 (And this is for a small restaurant with a low-value menu. When the average plate rises up to about $15, or you're serving liquor, or you're hav ing a busy night, these numbers shoot skyward)

    I've worked in the industry for years, I can't even remember the last time I've left less than 10% to someone. And I actually leave a HIGHER tip if my waiter or waitress is having a terrible night. I actually left 25% to someone that poured coffee on my leg because she genuinely was concerned and really appologetic.

    It just absoluetely disgusts me to see greedy, incompetant servers drag out the excuse that they're underpaid. If you're not making money... GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. Our servers at the restaurant have been here since they got out of school, some of them have been at this restaurant for over a decade because its so lucrative... some of them even have university degrees that they put together while waiting tables, but they don't want to leave the industry because they would be taking a 50% pay cut to take what most people consider a well-paying desk job.

    July 18, 2010 at 4:11 am |
    • Barbie
      

      I agree 100%

      I work in banking, I have customers that bring in tips that are far more than I make in a week. Of course there are others that can't make a living and having been waited on by them I see why.

      Just like any commission based job you truely get what your worth MOST of the time. There are exceptions either way. I'm a big tipper. I go to places around where I work, and the staff sees me coming. I'm seated quickly, have a drink in seconds, and if I've been in several times often get asked if I'd like my usual (I sometimes get stuck on something)

      I'm not a problem, and the wait staff know that the better service I get the bigger the tip. I'm even there off peak about 3pm.

      I like your math, I've been thinking along those lines as I browsed the other entries. Good service realy does add up, even average service.

      July 18, 2010 at 9:30 am |
56. Domino
    

    I think it is sorry, that a waitperson would get on here and say that if they don't do their job very well, they should still get a tip.
    I have tipped poor service well, because on one instance, there were two waiters and a dishwasher running a busy restaurant. I have tipped a waitperson that wasn't assigned to me, because they covered for my waitperson.
    I have delivered pizza, also a tipped job, and had no tip on speedy impeccable service, and great tips on late service(no fault of my own during a lowstaffed rush).

    I thank the Lord for what I get, and leave out all the rest. It is not my business to know anyone's budget or circumstances. If you say that a person can't afford the tip so don't go out, maybe with good service they would give their last dollar, with crappy they would stiff on payday, either way, why should fast food be the choice of people that don't want to go out and get bad service. Maybe bad waitpeople should suck it up and go work fast food. At least in fast food, I expect stuff to be forgotten and messed up.

    July 17, 2010 at 4:15 pm |
57. Swamprattler
    

    Atip is gratuity, for good service, a waiter or waitress's attitude has a direct reflection on the tip. I have told some that when they come to my table with a scowl on their chops. No one is obligated to tip to a ill mannered waiter.

    July 17, 2010 at 11:38 am |
58. JOE
    

    Went to dinner with the wife & decided to have a drink at the bar first , sat at the bar for a while before the bar-maid waited on us took our order but never wiped the the bar off there was some kind of drinks spilled on the bar .I ask her if she would clean off the puddle that was in front of us she did, but kind of half- ass . knew this was not my night, so I ordered (1) mug of beer, by the way had to wait a while before she brought to me my drink , so I drank the the beer paid her. Tip the glass of beer upside down with still some beer in it . left a (1) penny under the glass she was not worth 2 cents. & walk out First time I every left with out leaving a tip.

    July 17, 2010 at 9:49 am |
59. roadrunner
    

    As a career professional server for over 35 years, I have honed my serving and people skills to an art. I have been employed at my present job for over 12 years. It is a fine-dining (I hate that term) seafood restaurant and I'm one of the top trainers and my wine & food knowledge is extensive.

    I am proud of my ability to offer polished service to all guests. In fact, I am the "go-to" person whenever there's a difficult guest to deal with. I have started off with some truly awful people, but by the end of their meal, I have them eating out of the palm of my hand. I consider it a failure if I cannot turn them around. And, of course, there are failures! Some folks just want to be miserable, which is a sad way to go through life. But I would never let them know how I really felt about their behavior. We are actors after all !

    So I get really upset when I read about the non-tippers. If you honestly feel you received poor service, then I would agree that you may not want to tip that person. Personally, I couldn't do this because of my obvious bias. But a consumer has that prerogative. I am only human and honest mistakes are made. When dining out, I try to look at the whole picture of what's happening in the restaurant when things aren't going smoothly. I believe in giving someone the benefit of the doubt. There are so many things that are happening behind the scenes that the guest never sees. It's actually controlled chaos ! An oxymoron if there ever was one!

    If you don't "believe" in tipping, then there is nothing I can say or do to change your mindset. I just hope we never cross paths. And I'm a firm believer in karma.

    Side note: I have been reading the ravings of Springs1 on several different blogs over the years. It does absolutely no good to try and reason with this tortured individual.

    July 17, 2010 at 2:20 am |
60. Max
    

    I travel a lot – or used to before the economy tanked – for work. At the end of a full day of travel from the west to the east, I arrived at my destination city and right after leaving the airport, I went to what was at the time my favorite restaurant in the city. It was mid-afternoon and there wasn't a lot of other customers. I sat at the bar and was in the line of sight of the barkeep, who was on the phone. No big deal, I thought, it'll just be a few minutes. I was wrong; it turned into 20 minutes. Throughout that time, I tried to make eye contact and to get somebody's attention – all to no avail. I walked toward the barkeep to get her attention but she was wrapped up in her phone conversation, which was personal. When she hung up, she came over to take my order – without explanation or apology. I played along and ordered. When it came time to pay the tab, I had exact change -$28 – to cover the bill and motioned her over. I handed her the cash and the bill along with a quarter, explaining "This'll cover the cost of your phone call" and walked out. I later relayed the episode to the manager in an e-mail. He replied he was going to "talk" with her. I haven't been back since.

    July 16, 2010 at 11:43 pm |
61. Bill_Murray
    

    it's quite apparent that waiters/waitresses have bad math. tips at the end of each pay period, they are guaranteed to make 7.25 * hours worked. Even if you get no tips. What's sad is you probably make like over $20 an hour. That's a lot of money for a bitching, whining, snobby attitude person who smiles and laugh fake yet is ready to bite u in the arse for $2 tip.

    If they make so little....why don't we see how many waiters would like to work for $15 an hour with no tips???? ....any takers. Probably not because these honkeys are already making more that with tips. They don't deserve it. Tips should be banned. 2.13 w/tips is just a ploy to have customers pay your $20 salaries.

    I stiff a lot unless I get unconditional service in which case i tip like $1. working for a club for disabled people i know what it means to take care of ppl. I don't beg for tips.

    July 16, 2010 at 1:44 pm |
    • flipking
      

      bill, you appear to be a whiny jerk. if you don't like your job, then maybe you can start waiting tables for a living

      July 17, 2010 at 10:24 am |
      • johny boy
        

        He make some valid points. Do you feel better about your self after insulting someone who just voices their opinion. This shows the f'd up character of the people we're supposed to be tipping. People like you should be stiffed with something else.

        July 19, 2010 at 9:37 am |
62. Jenni
    

    Only one time have I not left money as a tip. Usually, I tip between 20% to 25% when eating out. However, for poor service, I'll end up around the 10%-15% range.

    Why did I not leave money on the table for the service? My waiter sucked. My best friend, who is male, and I went out to eat at moderately priced restaurant. My best friend just lost his job, so I was treating him to a meal to make him feel a bit better. Our waiter showed nothing but contempt for me from the first moment he visited our table. After he came for our orders, I went first and my friend second. After we ordered, the waiter asked my partner what I wanted to eat even though I just told him. We ordered soda with our meals. I complained mine was flat and asked if I could get a different beverage. Our waiter told me that it was in my head because he just drank some a few hours ago. He then asked my best friend to sample from my glass to see if it was "really" flat. He confirmed that it was flat without tasting it. The waiter stalked off and slammed another drink down in front of me so hard that it spilled all over the table. When our food was delivered, our waiter just dropped my plate, turned his back on me and told my friend to enjoy. After finished, he handed my friend the check – without even asking if we wanted to split the cost. Since I was treating, I took the check and paid with my credit card. I have "See ID" written on my card, and handed off my driver's with the card. I was told "I don't need your ID" by the waiter as he stalked off. Ten minutes later, he arrived AGAIN in snit because he wanted my ID to "prove that the card was mine." As a tip, on the bill, I wrote "you really shouldn't be a bitch to the one paying the bill." I've never been more uncomfortable or angry in a restaurant before. The guy was rude and nasty.

    July 16, 2010 at 1:35 pm |
    • Mac Grurry
      

      Sorry about your experience. I am professional and never really see myself getting upset with a customer for something since i know there will be another customer like him in an hour. Most of my brethren try to be as courteous as possible, 'cause tips are important. Tips are actually what this blog is about, but it's wild how everyone wants to bitch about waiters or some waiter, and justify some bad tip they left us. Get over it, we got over it. once in a while we get to vent via youtube or this CNN EatOcracy thing, but for the most part, our voices go unheard, so how about leaving a nice story.anyone? anyone? Bueler?

      July 16, 2010 at 1:47 pm |
      • Barbie
        

        I've given a $5 tip on a $1.25 grilled cheese sandwich (that's 400%) just because the service was awesome. My waitress thought I made a mistake and ran out to the parking lot after me. I told her I meant it when I had said it was the best service I've ever had. (it really was)

        This is just one of many great dinning experiences I've had. But unfortunately Mac, there are those bad apples out there.

        July 18, 2010 at 10:13 am |
63. KennyRay
    

    I'm in the biz, as I'm sure this article on CNN has attracted most of us to respond. I over-tip for obvious reasons, also i give a little too much leeway when things aren't going right at a table. Bad nights happen for waitstaff and because they're human, they handle what's going on in different ways. ways you may not get. I've never stiffed, but if the waiter was just not interested, whatever.happens. If the waiter was just not interested and it hurt the experience, then I'll try and let him know, " I can wait tables better than you, so you better try harder" with a standard tip, but i don't know if they'll get that message from that.......

    July 16, 2010 at 1:20 pm |
64. P. Farrell
    

    As I understand it, here in Ontario Canada sales taxes are factored into the restaurant bill before presentation to the customer, who can then enter the tip amount, but I would expect that if, in the european fashion the tip were incorporated into the bill, the sales taxes here, and they are not small, would apply to the bill total, including tip, and thus significantly reduce the proceeds to the server(s) and thwart the good intentions of the customer.

    July 16, 2010 at 1:12 pm |
65. Carlos
    

    I say it's about the service you get from the server, and it should not be added on the check that creates lazy servers that don't get motivated to increase the tip

    July 16, 2010 at 1:04 pm |
66. Tobin L.
    

    I've been in the restaurant industry for years. Bad tips happen. Some times it's been my fault but most of the time I'd guess not. I think people who refuse to tip should really just stay home. Unfortunately people get grouchy when they're hungry and often forget that they aren't the only ones in the restaurant. It's nothing personal people! Unless you stiffed me last time....

    July 16, 2010 at 1:02 pm |
67. Carlos
    

    I thinking tipping is according service , also it should not be added to the check this can cause for servers not to be motivated for more tips

    July 16, 2010 at 12:57 pm |
68. Jason
    

    I am currently working as a server in an airport restaurant, the idea that people have an issue with tipping is just silly. Sure there may be a situation where a lesser tip is called for. However simply NOT tipping a person is outrageous, I would honestly say 99% of the time if your experience is not great it may be an issue that is out of the hands of the server. It is a shame that we are usually blamed for most issues, ie. taste of the food, how long the order has taken, prices of the items, I could go on and on but you get the picture. It is true pretty much all servers make around 2.13 an hour. That fact alone should be enough to get everyone to tip at least 10%, great service should get 18-20%, amazing service should get over 20%. If you have an issue with your server mention it to them, also keep in mind that while yes you are our customer we do have other tables and other duties to attend to. Please be kind to your servers, we work very very hard to ensure that your dining experience is enjoyable and we deal with alot of crap for the wages we make.

    July 16, 2010 at 12:57 pm |
    • KungFuRocket
      

      This article is regarding servers who *don't* work hard or make an effort. You seem like a good server, so this article doesn't apply to you. Most people can tell when the issue is the server vs. the kitchen, so this is also assumed within the debate. Please keep in mind we are *only* referring to leaving no tip for poor service, nothing else.

      July 16, 2010 at 4:49 pm |
      • Giuseppe
        

        Tipping...tipping....what is with this tipping issue...

        Did you understand that this tipping etiquette (which is not an etiquette at all but it's actually forced) exist only in the United States. Only 1 Country in the whole world.

        This system is in favor of the restaurant owners, not the waiters.

        Why am i even arguing with you, you don't get the point, you think I should add extra money to my check to pay the waiter, are you stupid? If you think they don't get paid enough, split the bill in 2, show on the top CHECK and on the bottom PAY THE WAITER SO THE RESTAURANT OWNER DOESN'T HAVE TO.

        Or simply, let's see how much a waiter makes and compare it to a mail man, if it's the same, let's put a 20% of what the mail man is delivering to you as tip.

        Are you in?

        July 16, 2010 at 7:37 pm |
69. Ryan T
    

    I have worked in the food/ service industry for over ten years as a server and bartender. I consider myself a very good server, however there are times when I don't receive a tip for my service. These times are few and far in between so I don't make a big issue of it. Even when I don't receive a tip, I still feel rewarded when a guest verbally tells me they enjoy my service. What most consumers don't know is most restaurants and bars have websites, and good reviews often result in rewards for themselves and their server. So when no tips come, but compliments do, I simply ask for good marks on the company website.

    July 16, 2010 at 12:23 pm |
70. Giuseppe
    

    Also the way I see it, to all the waiters/waitresses out there, don't you feel like a Gypsy on the street asking for a tip considering that you are already getting paid? If you feel they are not paying you enough, go work somewhere else. Working in a restaurant it's not the only job available.
    You expect me to give you extra money tp the money I'm already spending in food, and you are already getting paid!
    It's just a bad system in favor of restaurant owners.

    July 16, 2010 at 11:29 am |
    • Alli
      

      I am already getting paid 2.33 an hour. Not minimum wage. So that extra money you leave ensures that I actually get paid minimum wage. Go get another job? Are you aware of the economic downturn in our country? I am so thankful to have the job that I have! Its not that easy to just go out and get a new job.

      July 16, 2010 at 1:00 pm |
      • Giuseppe
        

        There are millions of people right now picking up tomatoes in a field and they don't complain. Your boss should pay you a realistic wage, why do you ask me to pay you the rest? This tip thing is only in America do you understand?

        July 16, 2010 at 2:40 pm |
      • KungFuRocket
        

        Giuseppe

        Show me the "millions" picking tomatoes right now. Show me that they live in the US, legally, and pay taxes. Part of your dining experience at a restaurant is the service. If you don't want to pay for the service, then fine – don't eat there. There are plenty of fast-food and self-serve (i.e. buffet) restaurants available to you.

        Your penny-pinching is part of the downside of this debate. This debate is ONLY about stiffing tips for poor service, not people like you who don't appreciate service at all. Yes, employers are obligated to ensure employees make at least minimum wage, but the payment structure is *designed* so the meal you are enjoying costs less, and you can tip the server accordingly. If you want the "tip" to be automatically factored in, you'd be surprised at how quickly things will add up.

        Considering your "attitude" about tipping, I would wager you have never been to a nice restaurant. These aren't kids that are serving you – they are mature adults. You *will* be called out if you leave no tip (without good reason) and more than likely the restaurant will return the favor the next time you return. You should really learn some class.

        July 16, 2010 at 4:56 pm |
      • w
        

        Youre thankful you have a job that pays more than double minimum wage, dont lie, you have NEVER made less than minimum wage in your life. The only way a waiter can make less than minimum wage is at a restaurant that cant even come close to supporting itself and will eventually shut down, it is economically impossible for a waiter to make less than minimum wage at a restaurant that is making enough money to stay open.

        You can very easily get a fast food job regardless of the economy, another lie, you wont take a job that actually pays minimum wage though because youd have to take a huge pay cut.

        July 27, 2010 at 10:03 pm |
    • Jason
      

      if you feel this way then go to Mcdonalds for all your meals, when you go to a sit down restaurant and have a server you are expecting to be served that is our job, it would not be possible for most restaurants to pay servers full wages, that is why it is a tipped job, we provide you with a service( bringing you drinks and food, making sure you have everything you want and or need) and in return for that service you leave us a small percentage of your bill. It is a system that works most of the time, the exceptions being when people like you show up, and think that you are better than everyone, do yourself a favor and work in this industry for a short time and your views will change. Go find another job?? Have you seen the unemployment rates these days? besides if everyone left the service industry no one would ever be able to go to a restaurant or bar and enjoy what they have to offer.

      July 16, 2010 at 1:03 pm |
      • Giuseppe
        

        First, i leave 30% of my bill when I go to a restaurant, but not because I want to, but because I'm forced to. Your claim of "it would not be possible for most restaurants to pay servers full wages" it's just ridiculous, get your facts straight. If I work at the post office and I make $5.25/hr and I help you lifting your box, would you tip me? C'mon. The reality is that you believe that I have to pitch in where your boss doesn't. He makes all the money, he doesn't pay you enough, and you think it's right that the extra is on me.
        It's just a bad habit here in the United States. Again, read what I wrote, only in the United States. Why? because you guys only think about what happens in this Country and never look at the other places in the world.
        You think that "not tipping" is just silly. Next time the UPS guy shows up at your door carrying your package, tip him 20% of the value of what you have purchased, after all he has to drive in a hot truck all day for 5 buck/hr. You do that, and I'll respect your opinion.

        July 16, 2010 at 2:49 pm |
71. Jonathan
    

    I personally have yet to NOT tip a waiter or waitress. There have been times where I have only left 10% tip for overall bad service with a restaurant, but for my issues, they weren't entirely the server's fault so I still left them something.

    As a waiter in Upstate New York, I am amazed by how many Canadians that don't check to see what servers make in New York State. We make $4.65 an hour. A far cry from Ontario and Quebec servers who make over $8 an hour PLUS tips. Granted, in Canada...tipping is done between 10 and 15%. Many Canadians will say they had great service and are very pleasant, only to walk out and leave nothing. I have chased anyone out the door, but I know a few waitresses who have and the Canadians said they thought it was included. I wish we could have something on our menu or on our tables kindly informing people from out of state that in most cases (with exceptions of large parties) the tip is NOT included. In a perfect world, I'd like to see all servers making minimum wage and expecting 10% to 15% in tips for good to exceptional service. Tipping should not be added into a check. It's something a server earns.

    July 16, 2010 at 11:25 am |
72. Giuseppe
    

    Why don't you go to the root of the problem? This "Tipping Etiquette" applies only to the United States. You are "forced" to leave a tip, while in ANY other Country in the World, tipping is based on 'Quality of Service".
    WHY? Because Restaurant Owners came up with this incredible idea of paying waiters minimum and drop the rest of the responsability to the client. Which other field requires this? Do you thip the guy at the Mc Donalds Drive thru? He's on minimum wage too. No you don't.
    I remember a case in Florida where this restaurant owner my friend knew was paying $1 per hr more his waiters but he would collect all the tips.
    It's the same when you go to a bar and everytime the bartender opens a beer bottle for you you have to give him an extra buck. Why? If you believe what you make is not enough, go get another job.
    In the rest of the world, tipping is a very honest reaction to a service, and you know, again, tipping here is just in favour of restaurant owners so that they can pay less their waiters.

    July 16, 2010 at 11:21 am |
73. Jessie and Rebecca
    

    I am so surprised I am hearing this from folks who are working everyday jobs and work just as hard as those in the food industry. Also, Jaliska you mentioned that people choose to work a job that pays minimum wage; well I hate to be the one who informs you of this but wait staff only make $2.50 an hour and if that is minimum wage then we are all screwed. They also have to declare 100% of their tips. By making comments like this you are showing how ignorant you are. They also have to put up with people who are arrogant and condescending like you and for that no amount of compensation is enough. Most people who work in the restaurant industry are doing so to put themselves through school so one day they can get a high paying job, or are working there as a second job so they can support their family or be home during the day with their children. People who work in this industry are probably some of the hardest working people you will every meet. If you ever took the silver spoon out of your "you know what" and bothered to get to know a server then you would probably eat your own words. Both of us put ourselves through school and worked two jobs waitressing while going to school and now have $100k a year jobs. It is those work ethics we learned while waitressing that make us so successful in our jobs today.

    July 16, 2010 at 9:40 am |
    • John Miller
      

      i hate to be the one to break this to you, but waiters and and waitresses make at least minimum wage since the restaurant will pay them the difference if their total doesn't equal at least minimum wage. You never make 2.13, that's illegal. You make 7.25/hr or more.

      you don't sound like someone with a 100k job. Those jobs aren't handed to fresh college grads...they 10 – 20 years experience after college to obtain and are often administrator level jobs. If you really held one of these jobs I doubt you would say the same redundant garbage about "only make 2.13/hr" that these other waiters/waitresses are saying.

      And reality is, you ppl don't bust your butt so hard. What's so hard about your job???? Bring food and drinks to tables...sometimes 2 or 3 tables at a time. It's not rocket science. What about those ppl that bust their buns stocking shelves at walmart all day. I used to work freight at walmart and lowes where myself and 2 others would pull boxes out of a huge truck and stock the shelves for 8 hours a day. They just work hard and make a reasonable check.

      i tip from time to time, but only for good service. It's not obligatory, and you do make minimum wage anyway. ppl like you make ppl not want to tip at all.

      July 16, 2010 at 10:15 am |
      • Been there
        

        You really do not have a clue. Try waiting tables. I used to train people and explain to them that they have a difficult job, because we get people at their worst. We get them at the end of the workday when they are tired, hungry, in a hurry, have whining, crying kids, and have to make them feel as if they are guests in my living room/dining room. To really be good, the server has to have expertise with food, alcohol, the wine list, food allergies, customer service, balance and coordination (or you end up with a coffee down your back), patience of a saint, a sense of humour, be a salesperson in track shoes...
        In a quality restaurant, I would sometimes have 5-7 tables on a Saturday night. That is drinks, food, dirty plates, orders, etc for as many as 35 people who all want something quickly. I would go 5-10:30 or 11 without slowing down... all quick, knowing the faster I got my job done, the more potential to make money.
        Try that and tell me it is easy. I work in retail management now... waiting tables is a lot tougher than stocking shelves at Walmart... if for no other reason than stocking shelves you deal with far fewer people.
        Try getting food out for a party of 6 or 8 or 10 with kids running in the aisles.
        On the other hand... a good $150 night balances with a couple of $35 lunch shifts...

        By the way... restaurants avoid paying the difference if you make short money because they space it over a pay period. If you have a shift and make $10 .. holiday shift, slow night in the lounge, whatever... plus $2.13/hour, minus tips for bus and bar... the restaurants look at what you make for the week. How would you like to go to work and ...slow day... you aren't going to get paid?
        If you are making 100K a year... how difficult is an extra couple of dollars? Easy work.. put an apron and bowtie on and belly up to the line with me... see if you can do the job, without poisoning someone with a shellfish allergy or spilling drinks on someone, moving at pace and yet being calm and smiling at every table.

        As has been mentioned... I remember the bad tippers. Next time in my station.. they get slower service because I am going to pay attention to the people who pay me. The best nights... my station filled with requests. You lose. Stay out of my table. I guarantee that if there were people at my tables I made more than minimum wage. I also used to work 70+ hours per week on my feet. Waitstaff in a good restaurant are not lazy or ignorant...

        July 16, 2010 at 10:53 am |
      • Alli
        

        You really think the restaurant makes up the difference? FAT CHANCE! I have worked in 3 different restaurants over the past 3 years and not a single one did that. Just because its the law doesnt mean that its enforced. THINK ABOUT THAT THE NEXT TIME YOU DONT LEAVE A TIP!

        July 16, 2010 at 12:56 pm |
74. Curtis
    

    @Jaliska – I couldn't have said it better myself – +1

    July 15, 2010 at 10:11 pm |
75. Curtis
    

    99.9% of the time I DO NOT leave a tip. I don't need to throw money away on someone who "brings" me my food or "refills" my drink – I'd much rather do it myself. It's a bunch of crap – if you don't make enough money, get a new (or second) job and stop whining...You decided to be a server!

    July 15, 2010 at 10:06 pm |
    • Been there
      

      Throw money away on someone bringing you food or refilling your drink?
      Tell you what... sit in a restaurant and tell them before you eat that you don't plan on tipping because you don't need to pay for service.. See if your drink ever arrives. If you don't want to engage in the contract, paying for service given, eat at home or eat drive through. Do you pay the people who mow your lawn, because you don't need to throw money away on keeping your grass trimmed? That is also surely something you can do yourself.

      July 16, 2010 at 10:58 am |
    • Alli
      

      Do you think jobs grow on trees?

      July 16, 2010 at 1:06 pm |
76. BR
    

    I've left 125% tip (on a $20 order), and frequently leave 20-30% in tip.

    But I do not like receiving bad service. When I am convinced the waiter is treating me badly (and believe me, as a person of color I do have this problem), I leave no tip. This is very rare though.

    July 15, 2010 at 9:29 pm |
77. SD Server
    

    I cannot believe how many people are demeaning servers in this comment thread. The amount of venom that people are spitting out about eating out and tipping is unbelievable. You think serving is easy!?! Try remembering 10 things that you just got asked for in about 30 seconds from 7 different people. Think you could do it? Guess again! There is ABSOLUTELY a difference between a good server and a bad server, and hopefully restaurants will recognize that bad server and they will no longer be at the merciless hands of YOU horrible, judgmental people. You think all servers wouldn't serve if they didn't have to? That they wouldn't be serving with college degrees? NO WAY. I graduated college in 3 years with honors in 2007. I entered one of the bleakest job markets ever. I have a full time good paying job now. But back then I didn't, and I served to help keep my head above water. Has it ever occurred to the diner that maybe the server is there, not because they have to be, but because they WANT to be? I serve now because it's something that I LOVE to do. The people who come in and act like their server is "beneath" them are the people who slowly turn something I love to do into something I hate to do. Next time you're eating out maybe show a little but of compassion for someone that is working VERY hard to make your life just a little bit easier and cut them some slack.

    July 15, 2010 at 4:17 pm |
    • Springs1
      

      SD Server
      "Try remembering 10 things that you just got asked for in about 30 seconds from 7 different people. Think you could do it? Guess again!"

      Not by memory alone, WHO COULD, NOBODY just about. I could very much do it if I ***WROTE EVERY SINGLE SOLITARY REQUEST DOWN, I SURE COULD, WHY DON'T YOU TRY TO **WRITE IT DOWN*** YOU LAZY ASS PERSON?

      There's no way I could do it without writing it down. You are stupid if you think you can.

      If you make a list, you just follow your list. Now, it's possible you might overlook something, but in general, if you write it down and REREAD YOUR LIST OF TASKS, you won't have to "REMEMBER" anything, now will you?

      There is NO EXCUSE IN THE WORLD, NO EXCUSE, NO EXCUSE NOT TO **WRITE IT REQUESTS AND ORDERS DOWN**!!

      I have had to-go boxes, checks, to-cups, to-go condiment containers, extra napkins, refills, etc. FORGOTTEN all because of people like YOU that are TOO FUCKING LAZY ASS TO **WRITE IT THE FUCK DOWN**~~

      When you come to the table, you should have a pad and pen READY!! If you have dirty dishes in your hand, you will tell the customer you will be right back, because you won't be able to remember it unless you can write it down. They would rather you get it right, than get it wrong.Also, if it's something simple like a couple of refills, while you are putting those dishes away that were in your hands, you write it down in the kitchen if you know there are other requests ahead of that person.

      "cut them some slack."

      I cut slack when I see that you have TRIED to remember what I said by WRITING IT DOWN!!

      I don't cut you slack even when I told you "You might want to write this down", then get turned down, then the stupid lazy ass server forgets things. WELL I TOLD YOU TO WRITE IT DOWN!!! Now, you get a bad tip(even lower than if you made the same mistakes, but wrote it down, because of your lack of EFFORT to write things down to TRY to remember them.) Then you complain, well you only have to blame yourself if you messed up when you didn't write it down.

      "The people who come in and act like their server is "beneath" them"

      Don't act like I am beneath you, meaning don't bring me the completely wrong food. LOOK AT WTF you hand people!! Don't act so dumb. There are some dumb ass servers out there where I knew MORE about the menu than they did and I never worked there even one second worth. It's all because they didn't even TRY to READ the menu themselves.

      Don't blame someone else when I can see the mistake without touching anything within 2 seconds of the food or drinks hitting the table. I am not stupid. Anyone that does blame the kitchen staff or bartender for a mistake that is very obvious that the customer can see it within 2 seconds without touching anything, that's why we are above you. You can't admit fault, can't apologize, can't be honest, and don't have enough common sense to know that we already know who is at fault, so why bother trying to hide it when it's going to hurt your tip more in most cases. If you don't know that, then we are above you, because you are that stupid. Don't act like we are stupid.

      I had a waiter tell me a wrong price was a misprint. Sorry dude, but there is no such thing. You consent to that price on the menu, therefore, since the customer can notice this, the SERVER can and could have gotten it fixed from their manager BEFORE handing the check to the customer. Don't act like we are stupid, because saying "misprint" shows how stupid you are to blame a MENU instead of yourself. You have a set of eyes too. Unless you are illiterate or need glasses, there is no reason why a server can't see a wrong price, but a customer can. Don't tell me you don't have time, because you have time to get refills, ranch, napkins, etc. ALL of that is JUST AS IMPORTANT and in fact, someone's money being right is WAYYYY more important than those things.

      Why should I cut someone slack that acts like they don't care and doesn't even apologize when they mess up or tries to blame the mistake on someone else when it is THEIR FAULT?

      WHY should I cut someone slacked that didn't **TRY** to REMEMBER things I said by WRITING IT DOWN if they messes up?

      July 16, 2010 at 9:21 am |
      • Alli
        

        You must think servers have some ounce of control of what happens in a restaurant. I work in a place where we are merely messengers between the kitchen and the customers. Do not hold a server accountable for a misprint in a menu that a manager or owner might think is no big deal. Its not that server can just print up some new menus. Seriously, servers are treated poorly by customers, but in many cases, they are also treated poorly by their own employers. Cut them some slack, especially when they DO write your order down.

        July 16, 2010 at 12:53 pm |
      • Mac Grurry
        

        If your server never writes anything down, and constantly makes mistakes, then he/she won't be working there very long. i have worked with people that have never written stuff down at a table. it's kind of inspiring. Pricks like you, however, are more the type to try and trip up some waiter because he told you he can remember what you say so you give him a bunch of pointless demands to foil him. Pathetic. all so you can whine to management and your friends and blogs like this that this waiter sucked. Trying to feel better about ourselves, are we?

        July 16, 2010 at 1:43 pm |
      • Springs1
        

        Mac Grurry
        "trip up some waiter because he told you he can remember what you say so you give him a bunch of pointless demands to foil him. Pathetic. all so you can whine to management and your friends and blogs like this that this waiter sucked. Trying to feel better about ourselves, are we?"

        NO, I just want **PERFECT SERVICE*** if I can have it. It's not about the money, it's about having a GOOD TIME!! I don't want the mess ups. I find if the server writes it down I have a much better chance it coming out correctly than when they don't in general. It's really not about the money. I would rather give the server 25% and up, just give me good service. Don't hand me anything under the sun per say. Once, my husband and I had an appetizer with some bar drinks, no entrées at around 2:30p.m. on a Saturday afternoon when it was slow. The waiter handed us another table's order all because he was TOO LAZY to WRITE THE ORDER DOWN and then was TOO LAZY to COMPARE THE TICKET TO THE FOOD which table had which thing. He handed us a side of beans and something else when we ordered quesadilllas adding a side of ranch. Anyway, my point is, I would TRULY RATHER have gave him a 20% plus tip than for him to do that. Do you understand it's about not having problems and about the server TRYING THEIR BEST, which this waiter was clearly LAZY as can be? I reported him to the manager and he saw how, JUST AN APPETIZER how he 100% messed that up by not writing it down or even comparing the ticket to the food. He apparently put the item in correctly, possibly not the ranch, but either way, ranch could have been brought out ahead of time regardless of WHO brought out the food.

        NO, it's not pointless demands, it's just getting WHAT YOU ORDERED OR ASKED FOR!! I am TIRED OF THE servers like that. Those are the lazy one and uncaring ones that think they are ENTITLED to a tip.

        July 16, 2010 at 11:15 pm |
      • Springs1
        

        Alli
        "You must think servers have some ounce of control of what happens in a restaurant."

        They have LOTS of control over what you get at your table. Think about it.

        They control when they put in your order, what order they put in, what they bring you as far as obvious mistakes are concerned if they bring you your food, they control what they charge you as far as what the product is, price(on the menu or what their manager requires if it’s not on the menu such as extra condiments or extra items), noticing if you have utensils, getting you refills, asking if you need anything like refills, etc.

        You are stupid to think they have ZERO CONTROL, when they have 90% of control of what happens at your table and YOU KNOW THAT IS THE GOD’S TRUTH!!

        "I work in a place where we are merely messengers between the kitchen and the customers."

        No, you are responsible for what you BRING to the person if it’s something you can tell just by LOOKING at it if it’s wrong or not. Use your common sense. I had a stupid waiter bring me quesadillas when I ordered bbq chicken nachos. He even wrote it down. Turns out, he put the order in wrong and didn’t obviously compare his written order to the food to try to catch his own initial mistake.

        Look at these plates:

        http://www.jenzcorner.com/gallery/chilis.jpg

        You can tell in the 3rd picture to the right, they have guacamole , sour cream, jalapenos, tomatoes, etc.
        Let’s say the customer ordered no jalapenos. HOW IS THAT A MESSENGER ISSUE EVEN IF YOU PUT IN THE ORDER CORRECTLY, but you also brought out the food, you can CLEALY SEE WITH YOUR EYES THERE ARE JALAPENOS ON THE NACHOS?

        The last plate on the right side has corn, let’s say if the person substituted fries, well you can clearly see there is CORN. Get what I am saying here?

        YOU AREN’T “JUST THE MESSENGER” YOU ARE THE PERSON THAT IS IN CHARGE OF ****BRINGING IT OUT CORRECTLY***!! If another server delivers the food, if you put in the order correctly, that other is not responsible for any condiments, because the SERVER is since they are making the tip. The other server brings you corn instead of fries when the order was put in correctly, no it wouldn’t be your fault, nor would it be the kitchen staff’s fault, it would be the fault of the LAST PERSON THAT COULD HAVE ***COMPARED THE TICKET TO THE FOOD***, so since the order was in correctly, the person bringing it out would be at fault. It’s still in the service though that person, because they are still “SERVING” you so OF COURSE it should go against the tip. That other server isn’t making a tip since it’s not their table to care, so what do you expect? TEAM WORK, YEAH RIGHT? That never hardly happens since there is no tip involved with that from the customer.

        If YOU are my server and bring me that last plate on the right if let’s say I ask for gravy on the side, if you didn’t take ANY ***EFFORT**** to COMPARE THE WRITTEN ORDER TO THE FOOD, then, if you STUPIDLY BRING IT TO ME WITH GRAVY and even the corn when I substituted fries, then IT’S 100% YOUR FAULT FOR WASTING MY TIME ********BRINGING ME THE WRONG FOOD AND WRONGLY PREPARED FOOD THAT IS OBVIOUS WITHOUT HAVING TO TOUCH A THING TO NOTICE THE MISTAKE***!! YOU ARE NOT JUST THE MESSENGER IN 90% of the cases, HONESTLY!!

        If you forget my side of bbq sauce, GEE, I can see that in the middle picture, there is no bbq sauce, IS THERE? ARE YOU BLIND? YOU WROTE IT DOWN HOPEFULLY!!

        My husband and I have had a waiter put in front of my husband fried shrimp w/fries when he ordered crawfish au gratin w/baked potato. It was only the 2 of us, which mine wasn’t even a complicated order as it usually is. It was because he admitted he grabbed the WRONG ENTRÉE from the kitchen as well as I SAW with MY OWN TWO EYES, he didn’t EVER compare the written orders to WHICH TABLE HAD WHICH ENTRÉE!! HE WAS A LAZY AND UNCARING WAITER!!

        THERE WAS NO MESSENGER INVOLVED AND THE KITCHEN STAFF HAD ZERO TO DO WITH WHAT HAD HAPPENED!! So you see, STOP BLAMING EVERYONE ELSE WHEN YOU HAVE 90% CONTROL OF WHAT WE GET AND WHEN WE GET IT!!

        Continued next post:

        July 16, 2010 at 11:36 pm |
      • Springs1
        

        Alli
        Continued:
        “Do not hold a server accountable for a misprint in a menu that a manager or owner might think is no big deal.”

        IT IS NOT A MISPRINT YOU IDIOT!! WE ORDER FROM THE MENU, THE MENU, THE MENU, NOT THE COMPUTER FOR THAT TO BE CORRECT YOU IDIOT!! The computer price means NOTHING and isn’t correct. The menu price is the ONLY PRICE that is correct since the customer LEGALLY CONSENTED WHEN THEY ORDERED TO THAT PRICE ONLY!! They didn’t order from the computer screen .

        This is the type of UNCARING, LAZY attitude I am talking about that the waiter had. If I, the CUSTOMER, can COMPARE A MENU TO THE CHECK PRICES, SO CAN THE SERVER!! WE DON’T ORDER FROM THE DAMN COMPUTER!! The server is making a tip and doesn’t have to go to a shelf to find each price. They got a little booklet called a menu, which honestly doesn’t take that long to compare the prices since a lot of prices aren’t even on the menus today at a lot of restaurants such as soft drinks or places like Chili’s don’t even have their alcohol prices listed.

        The owner has ZERO to do with this, because even if the owner decides not to fix it(which I have NEVER HAD HAPPEN BEFORE, they all fixed it, because it is STEALING if they don’t), you can’t make the CUSTOMER pay it. IT should come out of your pocket if you want a tip at all. Overcharging INTENTIONALLY IS STEALING and if you know the check isn’t correct, then you are just as bad as the manager.

        You can still TRY to get it fixed from the manager *********BEFORE*********** handing me the check.

        Here's a pretend check for let's say typically what me and my husband would get:

        Bloomin Onion $6.25
        Baby Back Ribs (Full) $17.25
        Add Side Salad to Entrée $2.50
        Ribeye 14oz. $19.95
        2 Cold Beverages $2.50 (NOT LISTED ON THE MENU)(that's how they list soft drinks and tea)
        Miller Lite – not listed
        Down Under Rita – Not Listed

        http://www.outback.com/menu/pdf/C10.pdf

        Can you find the item with the wrong price? I sure can, so can the SERVER. HOW CAN YOU SAY THE SERVER HAS NO "CONTROL" over this when ANYONE, even a 6 yr old could find a difference in a price? It's just a simple COMPARISON of the MENU to the CHECK prices, that's IT. There isn't anything to say the server wouldn't have control over unless they didn't hand the customer their check, which is very rare, but HAS happened before to us a few times.

        The Baby back ribs are $16.95 for the full rack, but on the pretend check, the customer was charged $17.25 What does this tell you? That you are an IDIOT that either cannot READ or just TOO LAZY AND UNCARING to do your job CORRECTLY to care about OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY IN ORDER FOR THEM TO CARE ABOUT YOURS WHEN TIP TIME COMES!!

        Even if the drinks had listed prices, SO? Don’t you want a GOOD TIP? CARE ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY BESIDES YOUR OWN!!

        “Its not that server can just print up some new menus.”

        CAN YOU READ OR ARE YOU ILLITERATE? This is your LAZINESS TALKING HERE!! The COMPUTER IS NOT WHERE WE ORDER FROM YOU IDIOTIC STUPID FOOL!! When *YOU* are a customer, do you order from a COMPUTER SCREEN or a MENU? Well, I am waiting? Isn’t it that ***ADVERTISED PRICE *** on the MENU where you order from? IT IS AND YOU KNOW IT!!

        “Cut them some slack, especially when they DO write your order down.”

        NOT when you can tell they NEVER ONCE COMPARED THEIR WRITTEN ORDER TO YOUR FOOD AND BROUGHT YOU THE COMPLETELY WRONG THING!! That’s just PURE LAZINESS!!

        Also, if I order ONE appetizer and only add one side of ranch, then you can’t get ONE FREAKING PLATE RIGHT, WHAT KIND OF TIP DO YOU EXPECT? 12% or less is what you will get. You get what you give in EFFORT and NICENESS!! If you say you are sorry, you will get more than 12%, possibly 15% just for simply being NICE about the mistake instead of an uncaring bitch!! ADMITTING FAULT WHEN WE KNOW YOU ARE TAKES A LOT and WHEN SOMEONE DOES; TO ME THE TIP SHOULD SHOW THAT!! You don’t care about me; I don’t care about your money, plain and simple!!
        I cut you some slack if you are nice about the mistake and it’s a MINOR mistake, if it’s major, it won’t be as harshly if you are nicer and depending on how you handle it(asking for a comp if it’s major), that will depend on how we tip. A good example, a waiter admitted he forgot to put our appetizer order in. The thing is, I saw he had time to HUG someone. I saw WHY he FORGOT. He PROFUSELY apologized twice and even offered us a certain appetizer for free that needed no cooking(chips n’ salsa). I told him we ordered plenty of food that we would rather have something off the bill instead. At first he came back to tell me his manager wouldn’t comp the appetizer, so I was like, “NO, I meant even a coke off the bill is fine, but we just have ordered too much food, so we don’t want more food.” Well, he ended up giving us $5 off the bill. He got himself a 16% tip BEFORE the $5 discount. WHY? BECAUSE **THE WAY HE HANDLED IT**!! I was pissed about that he hugged someone. He should have been doing his JOB, but we have NEVER had someone that actually GAVE A CARE like that, that wanted to MAKE-UP for his mess up. We usually have the ones that don’t care, don’t tell their managers, no comp., etc. We NEVER have someone that does all that. So he got a tip that really wasn’t deserved for the mistake, but it was 100% deserved for the making up for his mistake. My point is, I will cut you slack if you act like we are HUMAN BEINGS WITH FEELINGS as HE DID!! EVERY SERVER SHOULD ACT LIKE THAT IF THEY MAKE A MAJOR MESS UP!! You want a good tip, TRY to make-up for it. Heck, if the manager wouldn’t have comped anything, I would have honestly expected HIM to PAY for the soft drink. If he would have, we would have tipped the same, but if there was no comp, 5% tip, because as I said, I SAW he had time to PLAY, so he can decide to do what is right. I would rather get a tip than hardly any tip. I know I would pay for a coke if I were a server if I had done that KNOWING I HAD THE TIME, but PLAYED. I would be lucky if I didn’t get stiffed, because NOTHING can make-up for a TIME LOSS. Money doesn’t always make-up someone’s time; especially if they want to make a movie or something else they want to go afterwards and are late because of that type of thing.

        July 16, 2010 at 11:38 pm |
78. JennyNYC
    

    I don't tip because it's a messed up concept. It doesn't take a genius to see that that waiters and waitresses are already payed minimum wage because the restaurants are obligated guarantee them at least that much.

    I've talked to a lot of people and most tip even though they don't want to. How stupid is that....? What is this high school where people do things because of peer pressure just to fit in? Should we tip because we don't want to 'offend' someone even though it's optional? Or do we tip so that these trailer trash people don't piss in our food?

    I don't feel tips are reasonable given the already high cost of food, the OK salary waiters/waitresses make, and their readiness to to get upset for 'little or no tip'...therefore I don't tip. If you don't like that idea.....move on. I'm not like the other politically correct tippers you see.

    PS: I work for a financial company here in New York and am well off...so it's not like I'm cheap or bla bla. I simply don't agree with the concept and therefore don't tip.

    July 15, 2010 at 4:13 pm |
    • SD Server
      

      You clearly have never worked in a restaurant or known anyone who has worked in a restaurant. To say "trailer trash" when referring to servers is a gross generalization and is HORRIBLY offensive. The single mom or college student that is busting their butt to get you that side of ranch dressing that you just NEEDED so desperately doesn't care about your "holier than thou" ideas about tipping. They're trying to make ends meet so that they can provide for themselves, and sometimes their family. There are A LOT of people in America that weren't afforded opportunities to work in the financial sector, and never had a single hand reach out to help them. Maybe you should think about the opportunities that you were given in life and count your blessings cause you don't know what kind of hand the person serving you has been dealt.

      July 15, 2010 at 4:25 pm |
    • Alli
      

      How rude of you... I wouldn't be surprised if you are a regular at a restaurant where they spit in your food because you don't tip. Haven't you seen the moving Waiting? Don't f*ck with people who cook and serve your food.

      July 16, 2010 at 12:50 pm |
      • TerranceTheMan
        

        How about you don't f*ck with other peoples opinions. I don't see where she offended you for you to get so angry. Jackasses spitting in food is exactly the kind of reason why people probably don't tip. I hope someone shits on your food, u tip them, and end up in the hospital for e. coli infection.

        u waste of space.

        July 16, 2010 at 2:14 pm |
    • Mac Grurry
      

      Are you out of your mind? NYC has one of the highest cost of livings on the planet and you're not tipping your waiters? Educated people wait tables, Jen, and they'll be the first to tell you, a tip IS voluntary, but it's also a way to do your part for the economy, and don't try to hide the fact you're chintzy with the old "i don't want to" argument. What if your salad cost more than you want it too? you gonna leave 10 dollars instead of 11.50? you can't skimp on the bill, so don't skimp on the tip, spread the wealth, cheapskate

      July 16, 2010 at 1:35 pm |
    • lisa r
      

      jen, i am sure i am speaking for most of the free speaking servers in ny alone, stay home, you are not doing anyone any favors by going out to eat, i have served for a number of years before finding my "career" job. and still to this day appreciate servers and all they do. when i was serving and putting my daughter through catholic school the schedule i had allowed me to work and care for her during the day. i am grateful for those that tipped as well as they did based on my level of service, which as stated previously never started out trying to be substandard. yes, there are things that are out of a servers control, ie the kitchen, or front of house seating problems, but we, the servers are the "face" of ther establishment and need to protect that "face" if we want to get paid. people used to say to me why don't you get a "real job" excuse me, i have a real job, making "real" money, do you typically bring home $300.00 a week (in the 70"s) i do, and i do not nor have i ever lived in a trailer. your mentality is at best, an excuse for you just being cheap.

      July 16, 2010 at 3:47 pm |
79. Patty S
    

    People that do not tip, we do not do it because we cant afford it. We do it because we dont want to. It is a concious choice not to apply the "social norm". Some jobs are meant to pay bad. It is called a social ladder! climb up if you can. Plus, social norms are meant to change. dont you think it's abou time?

    July 15, 2010 at 3:29 pm |
    • Amanda S
      

      If you're so high up on the social ladder, don't you think you should be leaving a tip? How am I supposed to climb this "ladder" if cheap, or I guess in your case just selfish, people are at my table? I'm doing this job to help pay for my college, not because I desire $3.50 an hour. If you can't afford to tip, and ESPECIALLY if you just don't tip because "some jobs are meant to pay bad," then don't go out to eat. Cook it yourself, because tipping is part of the dining out experience. It is the reason servers are legally allowed to be paid less than minimum wage. People like you are the reason there's the saying, everyone should have to wait tables at some point in their life. Do me a favor, stay home.

      July 15, 2010 at 3:44 pm |
80. Willy
    

    Quality restaurants should have quality wait staff, service, and food. Patrons should leave a quality tip. I waited tables throughout college, and know what its like. If you wait tables at a chain middle-of-the-road restaurant that caters to non tipping, low class individuals, then that is obviously your choice...but don't gripe about not making money.

    July 15, 2010 at 11:12 am |
81. Terrey
    

    I've worked in jobs where if I have a bad day, I can get people killed. I have never had a "bad day" on those jobs. I went into it knowing exactly what needed to be done, and exactly how to get it done.

    As long as you aren't blaming kitchen mistakes on a server, it's perfectly fine to not tip because of poor service.

    I had an experience at a resturaunt in Texas, where the waitress not only got an awesome tip "Find another Job", she got fired for what happened at my table.

    I tip big (30% or more) if I've been taken care of. If the waiter did his job, he automatically gets a big tip out of me. If I'm left wanting, he still gets his 15%. But if he/she screws up, they get a dollar or two. Now, if he pulls attitude with me when I inform him that he's messed up, I tend to write advice in the tip line, instead of a dollar ammount.

    July 15, 2010 at 10:35 am |
82. WestCoastDiner
    

    I've done it before.. BUT I would also be sure that I've taken steps BEFORE that to address the problem.. If it's a speed of service issue, that may not be my servers direct controllable issue.. as such, I'm not inclined to NOT tip, as that's not "punishing" the responsible party.. Part of my reluctance stems from the simple fact that not everything is controllable by your sever– who just by the process is the "face" to your experience.. So, if the kitchen is slow for whatever reason, or your food is prepared incorrectly, that may not be your servers "fault" but by leaving little or no tip, you've effectively punished them for something they had little or no ability to control. Tip pooling makes holding the responsible party hard as everyone is ultimately "tied" together for their performance..

    I would, and have, asked to speak to the duty manager to express my concerns and asked him/her to address it– and also noted, that his/her actions would be reflected in my tip accordingly.. This isn't a threat and I try hard to express as such, and since the manager is most likely not a party to profiting from any tips left- s/he has no direct vested interest in my tip size anyway.. but they should be for their employees sake and the possible word of mouth issues.

    What I don't like and refuse to do is to simply not leave a tip and not give that person(s) the opportunity to correct it.. I recognize that in many cases a servers wage structure is set up with the built-in assumption that s/he will derive a percentage of their total pay from discretionary tips– so I take any tip reduction or elimination seriously.. But in the end, I don't feel that I'm *obligated* to do so, and that if I've received what I perceive to be poor or sub-standard service *and* I've given that person a chance to correct it (assuming it's their issue and correctable) then I see no problems with leaving little or no tip..

    July 14, 2010 at 9:55 pm |
    • Springs1
      

      WestCoastDiner
      "your food is prepared incorrectly, that may not be your servers "fault" but by leaving little or no tip, you've effectively punished them for something they had little or no ability to control."

      In MOST(not all, but MOST) situations, YOU CAN TELL if it's your server's fault or not. Think about it. If you can see something is wrong just by LOOKING at the food if they brought it out to you(such as the completely wrong food, side dish missing, missing side of ranch), you KNOW WHO IS AT FAULT, YOUR SERVER since they have a set of EYES TOO that can compare the written orders to the food BEFORE bringing it out to you.

      If I see my server not going to the computer after taking my order and going to buss a table or going to 3 other tables without them calling him or her over, I can see WHY my food is going to get delayed. It's because they decided to hold my table's orders in their hands instead of putting it into the computer so the kitchen can get started on it just that much sooner.

      MOST of the time, you know who is at fault. Sometimes, there are honest servers that admit fault. Most of the time, it's pretty obvious what has happened.

      The times I am not sure such as an undercooked steak(not sure if my server put in the order correctly), I will blame the kitchen staff unless my server admits fault. In other words, I may be taking it out on the kitchen staff when my server put my order in wrong, but I would say something like that is usually the kitchen staff's fault, so I will go with that unless they admit fault.

      July 14, 2010 at 10:40 pm |
      • WestCoastDiner
        

        Springs, yes I agree that in *MOST* situations that would hold true.. but my point and premise is that I am not going to hold the server responsible for it all and that there can be issue that s/he had little to no direct control over.. Yes, they have eyes and should be inspecting dishes before presentation.. that's a fair assessment of responsibility.. but it's not all encompassing.. there can be issues that aren't visible or measurable by eye.. over-salting for example..

        The point is that not everything falls to the server.. Yes, they play a very large part in the whole event.. and they also represent the "face" of the restaurant to me– for good or bad.... and as such I am not prone to skip the tip when the issue fundamentally may not have been his/her fault *and* if they've done what can reasonably be expected to do to remedy it.. But I do expect that they be my advocate for an pleasant dining experience.

        If the server has fundamentally not done the job, and I've given them a change to remedy it, then I'm totally OK with leaving little to no tip... but I do think that it's only fair and proper to assess– as best as possible– where the breakdown was, and what opportunities were available for recovery and who took them or not.

        July 14, 2010 at 10:54 pm |
83. Lindsay
    

    So ...., reading the debate thus far, I have come to the conclusion that yes, you are not entitled to a tip, and Yes leaving NO TIP is okay by me if it was truly that horrible, NOT if you are a cheapskate. I am sevrer who's worked in the industry for 15 years... and I have seen another shift in America besides "entitlement"
    How about getting your Buy One Get One free coupons etc in the paper or val-pak , and then leaving a sorry ass tip because your bill is half of what is originally was? I think it's alright if you use it once because that's what they are intended for...not the repeaters who scour every paper/online deal and come in 2 -3 times a week to see how much they can get fror free.
    When I started as a server people did this and still tipped according to the original amount BEFORE the coupon discount....now it's just sad to see what people can get for free and then not tip accordingly. That costs the restaurant money and the server too...that includes to go orders in my book as well.

    Servers are taxed 2 ways...TOTAL yearly sales and tips declared.

    July 14, 2010 at 7:25 pm |
84. Name
    

    I understand why some people wouldn't tip when the server is rude, but some customers are just plain assholes as soon as they walk in. I'm sorry, but if someone treats me like a subhuman before anything happened yet, I am not going to kiss their ass for a tip. I'll do what I need to do, but it's kind of hard to be in a good mood if you're being talked down to. So, in that way, I may seem rude, but seriously, some people walk in way too high and mighty.

    July 14, 2010 at 12:17 pm |
    • KungFuRocket
      

      I agree, but that goes for both sides of the table. Customers, servers, and many other people in America today have an egotistical false sense of entitlement. There will always be "those" people, unfortunately – but if you continue to do your job with courtesy, and respect yourself, things will turn out alright in the end!

      July 14, 2010 at 12:56 pm |
    • Bostonian
      

      "Walk in high and mighty"? Oh, puh-leeze. Who do you think you are? That's right: you work for me. We have a contract that says you have to bring what I order or I won't pay for it. You also have an implied obligation to be a good server or I will be released from any obligation to tip you, feeling that your employer has already chosen to compensate you for mediocrity. Does it make me "high and mighty" if I don't want to know your name or allow you to be rude to my guests by interrupting a conversation or failing to cater to our various needs? I don't think so. Get over yourself.

      July 14, 2010 at 10:49 pm |
      • Alli
        

        Common courtesy would be to pause your important conversation so your server can do his or her job. They are not interrupting you. They are doing their job.

        July 16, 2010 at 1:03 pm |
85. Ellen
    

    I used to be a server. I must say that if you feel that I didn't serve you well enough, you shouldn't tip me, but there are those who are truely cheap. They want superior service, but want to treat you like dogs and not tip anything. This one girl said out loud "why should we tip them, it's their job?". Wow! is about all I have to say to that.

    July 14, 2010 at 11:19 am |
86. Jenn
    

    I have never been a server before, but I have absolutely no problem tipping someone an exceptional amount for doing exceptional work.

    Recently, at an IHOP, there were two large parties (about 11 people) in front of our party of 3. Because it was a week day and the mangement thought it would be a relatively slow day, there was only 1 cook on premise and unfortunately no other cooks were available to come in. It took our food two hours to come, even just the appetizer. Our waitress was extremely nice and genuinely felt bad for us having to wait so long. She offered us a discount and anything we could've possibly asked for. Recognizing that it was clearly the fault of management and the kitchen, I tipped our waitress an astounding $8 on a $12 check. My other two friends, one being a waitress herself, left little to no tip.

    Just be sincere, that's all anyone asks.

    July 14, 2010 at 11:13 am |
87. BigMike
    

    Waiters make too much money as it is. don't give me that bullshit about how you make less than minimum wage. you are guaranteed minimum wage (restuarant will make up difference), and everyone knows you make $20 – $25 an hour working a job that should pay minimum wage. then you greedy bums come around here talking about we need tips....no you want tips so you can make $25 and hour. otherwise you get what your worth which is 7.25/hr.

    by the way, the ppl whining here are the same ones that feel they are entitled to all kinds of special treatment yet they can spit in your food or complain about every stupid thing you tell them to do.

    most ppl feel this way, the only ones b*tching are the loser waiters/waitresses (aka beggers). I work as a construction contractor and run my own business...bring home about 90k a year. I stiff everytime because i don't remember ppl tipping me with the exception of a few.

    bottom line, waiters/waitresses just do your work and shut up about the tips. Restaurants and other businesses (like mine) with no tips generally have better service any way.

    July 14, 2010 at 10:51 am |
    • mace
      

      You just had to throw in how much money you bring home? Does this make you feel even bigger than you already are?
      Any restaurant that you frequent and don't tip, be warned. Sounds to me like you are a little guy trying to fill some big shoes. Don't change BM people like you just the way you are.

      July 14, 2010 at 11:19 am |
    • KungFuRocket
      

      BigMike, this is supposed to be a mature, reasonable debate. Your comments are exactly the type that exacerbate some bad stigmas. You are admitting to being a cheap customer, while you make a fair amount of money and can obviously afford tips. There are industries, such as construction, where tips are not a part of the job (but sometimes bonuses are). That has absolutely nothing to do with being a server, where constant customer service is a part of the job. Tips *are* a part of the job, but as I've stated before, they should be earned, and not given "no matter what".

      While I don't give much respect to a self-admitted cheapskate such as yourself, what bothers me more is that you think you are better than others – you're calling people losers. You need a reality check, the world does not revolve around you.

      July 14, 2010 at 12:54 pm |
88. Katie
    

    To what Jaliska said in the article "They chose to work at that restaurant w/ minimum wage. They're not forced to live off that money. If they really wanted to, they could get a good-paying job somewhere else. It's not the customer's problem that the server doesn't earn enough money to fend for himself. We eat out to feed ourselves, not to worry about someone else."

    It's a fact of life that sometimes people can't find any other work. Especially in this economy, having any kind of paying job is a blessing. I waited tables in college and can say that the experience has made me a more empathetic person. Everyone, no matter what you do, has to deal with some type of "customer" so we should all learn to exercise better "customer service". If you go to a restaurant and you're rude, you'll get bad service and if even if you do get bad service, there's no excuse to not leave a tip. Even a penny is better than no tip, that way your server will realize that maybe he/she needs to improve upon some things.

    July 14, 2010 at 10:49 am |
89. Stacy
    

    I have waited tables and been on the receiving end of a 1 penny tip, and I remember being devastated, because I couldn't understand what I had done wrong to displease my customers that badly. After a couple years bussing and waiting- it had made me an over-tipper anytime I went out. Even if I had what most would consider bad service, I would still leave between 15-20%. I never left a penny or no tip at all- until a couple weeks ago I was out with friends. The service was horrendous. We had 3 or 4 different people at our... one to seat us, one to take our order, another to deliver our order and one last person to bring us the wrong bill and finally our bill. We never really had a waitress (we saw the woman who had taken our order actually leave work in a hurry), no one checked on us and we had to fight to get someone's attention to get our bill. We left a 32-cent tip. Due to their lack of attention- I am sure they wouldn't even know who to give it to.

    July 14, 2010 at 9:59 am |
    • Nicole
      

      There are actually restaurants that provide this kind of service (called 'team service') where a different person is in charge of different aspects of the table service. It's weird and confusing and I don't know why restaurants do this. I don't know if this was anything like your experience, but it's seems to be a trend lately.

      July 14, 2010 at 8:34 pm |
90. mainer
    

    everyone that says that waiters should be paid more.. needs to think about that a bit. if they raised the minimum wage to, say, $10 an hour, roughly to handle inflation over the last decade or so, your $6 value meal at McDonalds would go up accordingly, so expect that to cost you $8 now. Just like if you go out to eat at a restaurant and they started paying waiters $12 an hour instead of $2, your $14 plate of pasta will now be more like $25. Restaurants pay servers $2 because they make their money through tips, when its dead, the restaurant isn't making any money, just like the servers. but if they're getting paid 12 an hour.. they'll take a loss, and have to make it up on the cost of food. so you can say they should be paid more, but it will cost you less to just give them a tip.

    I've made over $30 an hour at restaurants when its busy.. but i've also made the $2/hr when its dead. working a 6 hr shift, even if its busy for 2 solid hours, thats 12 bucks an hour, which isn't bad.. but given that includes no benefits, and most likely doesn't happen every shift, waiters don't make a ton of money.

    July 14, 2010 at 9:33 am |
91. BigMike
    

    WAITERS MAKE TOO MUCH MONEY AS IT IS. DON'T GIVE ME THAT BULLSHIT ABOUT HOW YOU MAKE LESS THAN MINIMUM WAGE. YOU ARE GUARANTEED MINIMUM WAGE (RESTUARANT WILL MAKE UP DIFFERENCE), AND EVERYONE KNOWS YOU MAKE $20 – $25 AN HOUR WORKING A JOB THAT SHOULD PAY MINIMUM WAGE. THEN YOU GREEDY BUMS COME AROUND HERE TALKING ABOUT WE NEED TIPS....NO YOU WANT TIPS SO YOU CAN MAKE $25 AND HOUR. OTHERWISE YOU GET WHAT YOUR WORTH WHICH IS 7.25/HR.

    BY THE WAY, THE PPL WHINING HERE ARE THE SAME ONES THAT FEEL THEY ARE ENTITLED TO ALL KINDS OF SPECIAL TREATMENT YET THEY CAN SPIT IN YOUR FOOD OR COMPLAIN ABOUT EVERY STUPID THING YOU TELL THEM TO DO.

    BOTTOM LINE, WAITERS/WAITRESSES JUST DO YOUR WORK AND SHUT UP ABOUT THE TIPS. RESTAURANTS WITH NO TIP GENERALLY HAVE BETTER SERVICE ANY WAY.

    July 14, 2010 at 8:57 am |
92. mace
    

    I am a server, if you are rude to me, order me around and I have the feeling you are going to give me a bad tip. You must remember that I am bringing out your food and drinks, I have friends in the kitchen and bar staff. I can ask them to go light on the alcohol in your drinks you may get a smaller portion, you may get something extra added to your drink or your straw dropped on the floor then put in your drink. There are many ways a server can get back at a poor tipper or rude customer.
    We servers have great memories. We remember who tips us great, so-so, who is nice, who is rude but will give you a good tip and we remember you when you don't tip or leave us little or nothing when you are just being cheap.

    July 14, 2010 at 8:48 am |
    • Lordbinder
      

      Mace, it is servers like you that made me ashamed to be a waiter. You feel entitled to a tip. Whats more if you "think" someone is not going to tip you give crappy service. Believe me Mace, as a customer if I saw "special" treatment to my food or drink, not only would I get your ass fired but if it was real bad I would press charges aginst you and the restraunt you worked for. Tip? Earn it I always did. As a server if I saw your treatments I would on the spot stop what you are doing and get management. you are tarnishing the restraunt you are working at and therefore my tips in the future.. Been there done exactly that.

      July 14, 2010 at 10:27 am |
      • mace
        

        There is no way you'd ever catch me doing anything to your drinks or food, a few words to the right people is all that is needed. You don't know what the cooks or chefs are doing and the bar is also to busy for you to see a short pour. Jump to sue, you can try it your case would go no where with no proof, one person's word against another. If you worked in the same place as I do and you saw some of these offenses and ran to the management. You'd loose face with your coworkers and you may feel better, but in a few weeks you'd be run out of that establishment. The kitchen staff would be on you like smell on poop. Hostile work environment . I hope I tarnish your tipping and you continue giving the same crappy tip at your favorite restaurant. We'll remember it and you.
        I hope you go and feed the trolls.

        July 14, 2010 at 11:00 am |
93. LITTLE or NO TIP GET A LIFE DEADBEAT
    

    The problem with all the non tippers is that they are just plain C-H-E-E-P. They feel that they are owed this service because they paid for a meal. It's the new generation....They feel they are owed everything. A waiter/waitress should have to address their whims and wishes and for less than mimimum wage.... After all they are slaves right? I've seen waitresses that would hump their butts off for $3.00/hr, going back and forth for differnt things and see a table of 4-6 leave $1.00 on a $60.00 bill .You should stay home to cook and wait on yourselves if that is what you feel is a sufficient tip. If the waiter or waitress doesn't do a sufficient job, maybe you should take a look at yourselves. It could be that you are actually the problem. You cop a bad attitude with them and you are probably not going to get very good service. If you have an off day at work on your job, does YOUR boss withhold a days pay and expect you to work for minimum or no wage?
    PS...I'm not a waiter or waitress

    Get a life deadbeats

    July 14, 2010 at 8:37 am |
    • KungFuRocket
      

      You're clearly missing the point.

      To start with, the word is spelled C-H-E-A-P, for future reference. The issue we are debating is whether or not to leave a tip, WHEN SERVICE IS POOR. We're not talking about bad customers and cheap customers – they exist, and it sucks, but before you get all excited about this debate, let's be very clear on what is ACTUALLY being debated, and stick to that.

      I find it interesting that you complain about people expecting everything nowadays – while I entirely agree with that, the servers here ALSO fall into that category. This argument has been made again and again. Please read previous comments on this.

      You also fail to understand the nature of being a server. Your job is to provide service to the customer, or as you are claiming it to be, serving their "whims." What do you think being a server *is*? I'm not talking about the annoying customers who are finicky about everything (although they have *every* right to be that way and to enjoy eating out). As a server, that is your job. It's not unreasonable to expect that the customer would receive fair, friendly, competent service. It's not unreasonable for the customer to have specific tastes and/or preferences that they ask for. The server's job is to properly acquiesce, and provide the service for an enjoyable meal.

      Yes, there ARE bad customers. However, it's not too common. Part of being a server is CUSTOMER SERVICE. Any person who has worked a customer service position knows how *some* people can be. But that's part of the job. It must be dealt with professionally.

      July 14, 2010 at 12:46 pm |
94. dan
    

    You should never leave less than a 15% tip, for any reason. You don't know what is going on behind the scenes. Ask to see a manager if you feel you have had bad service. If your claim is legit, he/she will credit your bill and disipline the server.

    July 14, 2010 at 7:36 am |
    • KungFuRocket
      

      dan,

      There are a few reasons leaving no tip is perfectly fine. It would be nice if you would please read the logical and reasonable arguments already stated, prior to posting a biased one. Stating something like you should never leave less than 15% is an extreme statement, one that cannot be supported. Let me ask you this – if you were my server, and you:

      -talked with your friends (non-working) while I waited for you to take my table's order (menu's placed on the table, all of us looking around for our server)
      -took our order after 20 minutes by memory, and made 3 mistakes
      -took another 30 minutes to fix our orders
      -were never to be found during the meal
      -all of my table watched you talking with your friends (as you looked over at us) and we were signaling you over, because we needed boxes and you still did not come over
      -we signal another nearby server, and ask for the manager
      -the manager talks to you, and you come and get in MY FACE and asking me literally, what my problem is
      (while the manager sees this, btw)

      Do you think you deserve a tip? 15%? Because if you do, you're clearly senile.

      July 14, 2010 at 12:29 pm |
95. Toodle
    

    For servers who work in a place where the average cost of a meal for 2 people is $30. If that server is waiting on 5 tables and the turn over for the tables is 1 hour, then your looking at least $25/hr during busy periods. Pretty good pay.

    July 14, 2010 at 7:24 am |
96. Derek
    

    "some people go out to eat thinking that no matter where they go, they should be treated like royalty, and a server who is working 15 tables at once should memorize their 4 person order and bring it out within a self-appointed "acceptable" amount of time and the server is further responsible for the condition of those orders"

    Well, yes. I expect my server to remember my order either via memory or writing it down. I expect them to be aware of how long we have waited and to check on the order. I expect them to let me know if there is a problem. I expect them to keep my drinks filled whilst I wait and eat. I expect them to check the order before they bring it to me..

    Sorry if I am expecting too much..

    July 14, 2010 at 7:14 am |
    • Amy
      

      agreed. And if I cannot get all of those things, then dang, just let me go get my own refills. Let me get my plate from the kitchen. I really don't care. I just actually want my food. I want the environment to be nice and clean. And I would like to hear the person I'm sitting with.

      July 14, 2010 at 8:37 am |
97. Seb
    

    If your electricity cut out, and your DVR didn't record last nights episode, and the check engine light appeared on your car you just wouldn't pay any of those bills...that being said TRULY bad service is bad service and should not be rewarded. But I don't think most people take your order because they WANT to give you bad service.

    July 14, 2010 at 12:06 am |
98. Rik
    

    I've left a penny tip–under the teapot in a Chinese restaurant. Which was closed the next year, probably due to other customers voting with their feet. I live in NYC, don't know where the rest of you live, but BAD service tales are legendary here. I would no sooner tip these people (or tip them well) than I would maim myself. I will tip generously when the service rises to the level of Service. I was at a company dinner at a five-star restaurant, and witnessed first-hand what high-level service comprises. Most servers/waiters could never be employed in an establishment like this. Too many of us think that we are Chiefs, and not Indians. We're all Indians (sorry, Indians), and should treat each other well, always. I've had waiters who felt they were too good to do their jobs. I've had waiters who were so good, professional and friendly that I made sure I, and everyone at the table, tipped then handsomely. Tipping is a gratuity, not a requirement. It is a reward for service rendered. No service rendered, no tip. Another thing; bias does come into play. I'm a Black man, and clearly, anathema to some servers, who feel I'm genetically predisposed to leaving nothing, a penny, or maybe my phone # on a napkin instead of a tip. Not really. I'm a diner who wants a meal/drinks/service like anyone else. If I think you're ignoring me because I won't tip, well Bingo! You've now altered reality to fit your fantasy, and I won't tip. Won't come back either, and I'll tell my other professional friends (of all colors) what a hole your establishment is. Bottom line–most times, the power to receive a good/great tip lies in the hands of the waiter. I don't punish bad management, or so-so food, or even poor ambiance. I cannot disrespect myself, however, by rewarding someone who disrespects me, when all I wanted was to eat and drink.

    July 13, 2010 at 11:48 pm |
99. Leslie
    

    Thing is, I actually enjoy tipping. It gives me a chance to thank the people who help me out and feel like I’ve made someone’s day. I actually found myself upset today because the maintenance guy at my apartment building left my place before I had the chance to pass him a ten-spot. I guess some people don’t get as much gratification from being nice to other members of the service industry as I do. I’ve found when I go out of my way to be nice to someone, they do so in return. Maybe that’s why I’ve never had a terribly scarring experience when going out to dinner. I find that when people are nasty from the start, or seem to be in a bad mood, the tip is going to be bad. No matter what I do. I’m not saying anyone is required to do anything. But I am saying it’s shitty. People should get off their high horse from time to time and just treat each other with mutual respect. We would all be better off.

    July 13, 2010 at 11:44 pm |
100. KungFuRocket
     

     Leslie,

     my responses:

     1) While yes, this is an "extreme" example, it's not out of the question. It's an example of a situation where a certain level of service and competence is expected (regardless of the result being permanent or not). It's also an industry where giving a tip is pretty standard. If you receive the service (poorly) and not to your satisfaction. I guess I could change it to another industry – let's say you take your car to the mechanic because it's cutting off when you're at stoplights. He looks at it, maybe changes a sparkplug, and charges you a couple hours of work ~ $150. If your car dies on the way home, would you want your money back? Would you want him to fix it for free?

     2) I do find it hard to believe you would actually pay + tip for a haircut you did not want or that you hate. I find it easier to believe you would say you would pay, for the sake of argument. I understand people don't read minds, this is why I specified a clear example where you could show a picture or at least assume you could tell your stylist what you wanted. Regardless, let's say you are being honest and you would pay + tip for the undesired haircut. I commend you, as most people would at least not provide a tip, even if they would pay.

     I do know you wish to provide great service – as I've stated before, I was a server for a couple of years. I know what it's like on both sides of the coin. Keep in mind that the debate is starting to get too obfuscated – you're discussing quality of food, spilled drinks, etc. My argument (and the majority of the goose-egg crowd) is simply regarding service quality. Yes, things can happen – I'm sure you know. If a drink is spilled, apologize, do your thing. It sounds like you're a good server, one I would appreciate it. So this isn't anything personal – the argument is regarding poor, incompetent, lazy service that creates a bad dining experience. The first thing they told me when I started working at the restaurant:

     1 bad review = 8 good reviews.

     Things happen and it can't always be perfect, so I appreciate servers like you that actually put in the effort, even when things don't go as planned. Servers like you should be rewarded, but the tip should never be "expected." It's a very fine distinction that must be made. Also, I hope you don't take it the wrong way – there are horrible customers as well but that's outside of the debate. The issue at hand is whether or not it's OK to stiff a tip when service is bad. In my eyes, that means the service would have to be so bad, I would never want to return – that happened once to me at a Macaroni Grill. Another story.

     Anyway – another thing to note is that most of the reasonable arguments about poor service and leaving no tip include the disclaimer that the management should be made aware. That's very important. Besides, in most cases, if management is made aware, a tip can be salvaged. I'm not talking about stiffing the tip if food is cooked improperly or something else, I'm only discussing poor, incompetent service. This also assumes I have brought my concerns to the server's attention as well – in no case do I wish to have a server stiffed for poor service if it was never communicated.

     4) I can understand – I've been there. I served a large party (15) and after everyone claimed to have paid, and left a tip, I still owed $35. Turns out, one couple who had been eating there left early, and nobody else wanted to cover their tab. So instead of getting a nice $50 tip, I owed (the manager comped the meals on a one-time basis, but I would have been screwed) There ARE people like that, and it sucks. On the other hand, again, under no circumstances are you *ever* actually paying your customer to serve them (unless they skip out on the meal like they did to me). Your employer is responsible for paying you up to full minimum wage if your tips don't cover it.

     I understand your compassion for this, and I see where you are coming from, but in the end, we will simply have to agree to disagree. I find it selfish to expect any tip at all, and you are on the other side of that coin. For the record, I've only not left a tip once – during the Macaroni Grill incident which was entirely the server's fault. The Manager comped our meals, gave us gift certificates so we would return, and fired the server on the spot. It was BAD.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:32 pm |
101. Lynn
     

     My husband and I go out to eat pretty often and have only experienced really bad service on 4 or 5 occassions in the past 5 years. My husband has always been a good tipper, he always buys alot of food and beer and usually always tips 20% or more. When we do get a bad server I think, wow, you have no idea how much money you just lost. The worst server we ever had was at a place called the Troll in GA. The server sat us down, took our drink/food order, brought our drinks and then disappeared for about a half hour. We remained patient but were getting annoyed. Finally, she came by appologized and said our food would be out soon and said she'd bring us some chips/salsa to make-up for the delay. It took her another 25 or so minutes to refresh our drinks and bring us the chips. Now we're going on an hour and all we've gotten a couple of drinks and some chips. Other guests that were seated AFTER us had already eaten their food and we're paying their bills. I kept telling my husband, if she doesn't bring our food (sandwhiches) in 15 minutes, I'm leaving, but my husband kept saying just wait. Sometimes he gets on my nerves! Just as I was about to get up and leave (another half hour went by again), suddenly our food arrived. I was so mad I could barely eat and the food wasn't worth the almost 2 hours of waiting. This waitress gave no excuses or appologies. She could see that we we're pretty upset. I think that she originally forgot to place our order and when she finally realized her mistake, we'd already been waiting atleast an hour. Needless-to-say, she did NOT get any tip. She's lucky that we didn't go the manager to complain. We go to that area a lot but haven't been back to the Troll since and never will.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:45 pm |
102. Dana Hart
     

     I am a waitress, and there are a few circumstance under which i would leave a low tip, for example if the server was deliberately rude. HOWEVER, i would NEVER leave no tip. here is why:

     at a lot of restaurants, including the one i currently work at, servers are required to tip out the bartenders and busboys. i have to tip out the bartender 2%, and the bus boy 1%, of my total food sales. that might not sound like a lot, but it is. say i sell $1,000 of food in one night; that means i have to pay out a total of $30 from my tips, which makes a big difference to someone on a server's salary! so if you buy a $100 meal, that means i automatically have to pay the bartender and bus boy a total of $3 dollars, regardless of what you tip me. if you leave me no tip, i am actually losing money on your meal. and thats fucked up!

     i don't like the system the way it is; i think that restaurants should pay their employees. this means customers shouldn't have to tip, and servers shouldn't have to pay their support staff. but, thats the way it is, and it isn't fair to punish servers for this system.

     so next time you think of stiffing a waiter completely, wait a minute and realize that when you leave NO tip, you are actually costing the waiter money, and no service is so horrible that the waiter owes you money. always leave enough to cover the bartender/bus boy tip out, even if it is just a few dollars. the bottom line is that someone performed a service, and even if they did a shitty job, that doesn't mean they should have to lose their already hard earned money.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:44 pm |
     • Springs1
       

       Dana Hart
       "at a lot of restaurants, including the one i currently work at, servers are required to tip out the bartenders and busboys. i have to tip out the bartender 2%, and the bus boy 1%, of my total food sales. that might not sound like a lot, but it is. say i sell $1,000 of food in one night; that means i have to pay out a total of $30 from my tips, which makes a big difference to someone on a server's salary! so if you buy a $100 meal, that means i automatically have to pay the bartender and bus boy a total of $3 dollars, regardless of what you tip me. if you leave me no tip, i am actually losing money on your meal. and thats fucked up!"

       Shouldn't the server SUFFER with that CONSEQUENCE by PAYING to SERVE US if they were RUDE and did a shitty job? To me, it's 100%, MILLION, TRILLION PERCENT DESERVED if they were really horrible or/and rude.

       By paying them, you are just CONTRIBUTING to the problem of them doing it again and again. WHY do you think they have jail for example? It's so you LEARN from it, NOT to do the same things again. I will agree, some don't learn, but some do. With this, if all customers would tip the way me and my husband tip by tipping based on service(not at all based on servers tipping out), the servers would LEARN that they couldn't pay their bills if they didn't bust butt next times around.

       It's fucked up if the customer stiffs you for no real reason except for being cheap. It's not at all fucked up if you truly deserve it by giving poor service.

       I feel that waitress I talked about above DESERVED to lose her job and DESERVED to PAY to serve us. She didn't even TRY her best. It's not just bringing out what the kitchen staff gives you, it's verifying the obvious items BEFORE bringing them out, otherwise, WHY NOT LEAVE THE SERVER OUT OF THE EQUATION IF THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE BRINGING OUT?

       "i don't like the system the way it is; i think that restaurants should pay their employees."

       I love the system. I don't think restaurants should pay their employees, because then service will be NOTHING!! There will be NO INCENTIVE to do anything for the customer or get their order right. You think service is bad now a times, without tipping, why would you bother to get 5 sets of refills, getting people's order right, getting them extra ranch, napkins, mayo, etc.? It would be exactly like McDonald's where they hand you anything and don't give a care.

       Positive and negative reinforcement truly does work. If someone gave you a $20 bill to do nothing or work for an hour serving customers at a fast food restaurant during lunch time(meaning you only get $20,not your hourly pay), which one would most people pick? I would pick to do nothing just as you would, be honest now. If I am going to get the $20 anyway, WHY would I lift a finger to do ANY WORK?

       Tipping makes service better. If you do better, you can get more. If you do poorly, you get punished and LEARN to do the job BETTER. If you get a set pay, you NEVER will learn. It's kind of like if you get in trouble with the law, but always get a judge to let you off, you will most likely keep on doing it, whereas, if you are punished by getting jail time for example, you just maybe will learn not to keep doing that activity. This is the GOD'S TRUTH!! Tipping is the best thing for non-fast food restaurant service, because otherwise, if you think service is not good a lot now, there will be no reason for you to get a refill or a refill in timely manner. They may get it, but you may not see it for 10 minutes, because they know the pay is already there, whereas if you are tipping, they are going to GO ALL OUT for you to bust butt to get that tip. Now, some won't that are lazy and have the ENTITLEMENT mentality. Also, what cause the entitlement mentality is people like you that don't stiff for bad service. If you pay them 10% for terrible service for example like the one I mentioned above, you are PAYING them to RUIN your outing. If you want to do that, that's your business, but just know you are contributing to the actions they are doing. You want them to give you better service, CONTROL their service by punishing them with not paying them. That way, with no pay, they will LEARN(gee I can't pay my bills), so they will have no choice but to shape up or ship out!!

       "servers shouldn't have to pay their support staff. but, thats the way it is, and it isn't fair to punish servers for this system."

       It's unfair to have to tip out bussers and hostess, because they don't serve anybody. Bartenders on the other hand, I 100% disagree with you on that. If they are only making $2.13/hr like you are, then it's only fair they get a part of a tip for the drinks they make. Especially, if the customer stiffed you because of something completely your fault, the bartender should still get his or her fair share of the tip since it wasn't their fault you got stiffed. Now, when it is their fault you get stiffed, I can see it being not fair, but most of the time, it's the server's fault why they have bar drink issues. Sometimes the servers can see without touching anything something is wrong with the drink or forget to put in the order or put in the wrong order or forget to get the drink from the bar.

       While it is unfair to have to tip the hostess and bussers, that's not OUR ISSUE as a customer and you shouldn't involve us in that. WE DON'T GIVE A CARE!! WHY SHOULD WE? We have NOTHING to do with the corporate/managers/owners policies of tipping out. That is YOUR ISSUE!! I DON'T CARE IF YOU HAVE TO TIP OUT ANYTHING OR TIP OUT $100 of your money. I care about if you give me GOOD SERVICE.

       HAVING TO TIP OUT YOUR SUPPORT STAFF SHOULD MEAN NOTHING TO THE CUSTOMER AND IT MEANS NOTHING TO MOST CUSTOMERS OUT THERE!! Heck, most customers don't even know this, much less care!! That is YOUR ISSUE that you have to tip out. We have NOTHING to do with that.

       In fact, that should make you try HARDER to get a huge tip if you know some of the tip will go to other employees. So if anything, that should make you a better, HARDER worker.

       "wait a minute and realize that when you leave NO tip, you are actually costing the waiter money,"

       So WHAT? That is YOUR ISSUE, NOT OURS!! If you suck, you shouldn't get anything!!

       "no service is so horrible that the waiter owes you money."

       It sure is. There are plenty of times where you should owe to serve us. TIPS ARE NOT ENTITLED TO YOU SERVERS!! YOU EARN YOUR PAY!! If you have to tip out other employees, how is that OUR PROBLEM if you RUINED OUR OUTING? YOU SHOULD PAY TO SERVE US IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE AN ASSHOLE!! What goes around, comes around. Maybe next time, you will learn NOT to do that behavior again.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:27 pm |
       • Dana
         

         woah! you have clearly had some pretty bad service in the past, and i sympathize! i read your first post, and i agree, if i had had that waitress, i would have given her no tip as well. however, my "no tip" would have been a small enough tip that she isn't actually losing money on my meal, i.e. i would leave a tip, it just would work out to be small enough that she sees no gain from it, because i disagree with you on one point; i really do not think a server should ever have to pay a customer to wait on them, even indirectly.

         i agree, i think incentive works wonderfully. i like getting 20% tips, so i work hard and i'm a great waitress. luckily i have never, ever been stiffed. but i feel sympathetic to people who have been, because i know that "no tip" can actually quite often mean a negative income for the server on that table.

         i also agree that not many customers know or care about what servers get paid and what they have to pay out at the end of their shift. i just wish that that wasn't the case: when i wait on a table, i genuinely care about the people i am serving, and i put real effort into understanding and meeting their needs. i would like to think that that mentality is reciprocated, and that my customers care, even just a little bit, about me. sadly, as i have known and as your response has reaffirmed, this is not always the case.

         i hope your dining experiences in the future are more positive, and that you find yourself tipping big and feeling good about it!

         July 13, 2010 at 11:53 pm |
       • Lindsay
         

         Obviously you have never been a server.... and with your claims about busting butt to get better tip..realize it's not the bartender tip etc for his sales he gets tipped out...it's TOTAL sales.. so if i sell $100 and have to tip out $30 for bartender and busser... and your drink was wrong b/c the bartebder messed it up .. and I fixed it for you...you're saying I should be punished for poor service.?

         Try being a single mom of two...recently divorced... and NOT on state or federal aid.Because the government in Texas says the poverty level for help is less than $ 2,000 a month for a familyof 3. Because i make too much money as a server, and this is the only job i can get in this economy is waiting tables....then talkj TO ME ABOUT NOT TIPPNING.

         July 14, 2010 at 7:45 pm |
       • Springs1
         

         Dana
         "The fact that you don't think of servers as human beings with feelings because they ruined your evening is absurd. Don't tip, stiff, whatever, but to say that you don't care about them, don't see them has human, don't care about their income or life situation, all simply because they 'ruined your evening" and served you your drink late...it sounds to me like you are dealing with some larger issues here than just deciding if someone deserves a tip or not."

         It's the 100% complete OPPOSITE. I think of servers with feelings, that is why I put MYSELF in THEIR SHOES, WHAT WOULD SPRINGS1 DO? I sure as hell would think of someone's feelings and time by not kissing my significant other while I was taking an order. I also would COMPARE the WRITTEN ORDER with the food as well as the menu if I didn't know the menu well enough yet. I would TRY NOT TO RUIN SOMEONE'S OUTING. You don't seem to get that I am going by what and MOSTLY HOW they do it. Do they SAY THEY ARE SORRY? Are they being selfish(kissing someone while you are taking my order is extremely self-centered)? I treat them as human beings WHEN and IF they TREAT ME AS ONE!!! THEY ARE AT OUR MERCY, so if they want a good amount of money at the end, they need to TRY their BEST and BE NICE AS WELL AS CONSIDERATE of customer's time.

         How is it "ABSURD" when they do such rude things like KISS their boyfriend during taking my order(WHILE I WAS TELLING MY ORDER)? It is rude to interrupt people in a casual conversation, so why would this be treated any differently?

         WHY should I care about their income or life when they don't care about ours? They look at us as DOLLAR SIGNS. That is the truth. Customers are dollar signs to them. We aren't people to them, because otherwise, they wouldn't TREAT us in that type of manner. They would be NICE and CONSIDERATE people. They would try their VERY BEST and couldn't FATHOM interrupting someone ordering unless it was an EMERGENCY such as if someone died in her family or a fire, etc. I can understand those things, but to just kiss your boyfriend just to do it without ANY APOLOGY, FUCK YOUR TIP!! You want a tip, DON'T BE RUDE and INCONSIDERATE!! Do your best, be apologetic etc. if you want a good tip, don't be an inconsiderate person. I say I am sorry if I bump into someone by accident even, why couldn't she have said she was sorry for what she did? I know why, because she was an inconsiderate, lazy ass bitch that was only concerned about HERSELF. She didn't treat us as human beings with feelings, did she? Then WHY SHOULD WE TREAT HER ANY, ANY, ANY, ANY DIFFERENTLY? Well, I am waiting? It's only fair to give her what she deserves back, a zero tip and a letter to corporate as I did. When we went back some time later, she wasn't there anymore, I wonder why. Well duh, either she quit because she couldn't make any money due to her inconsiderate, piss poor service or she got fired.

         July 20, 2010 at 8:58 pm |
     • Springs1
       

       Dana
       "however, my "no tip" would have been a small enough tip that she isn't actually losing money on my meal, i.e. i would leave a tip, it just would work out to be small enough that she sees no gain from it, because i disagree with you on one point; i really do not think a server should ever have to pay a customer to wait on them, even indirectly."

       It would have been a tip then if she didn't lose money.

       As far as you thinking they shouldn't have to pay for a customer, maybe if you would EXPERIENCE the HELL we went through with some servers, you'd understand that they DESERVE to have to pay up. They will LEARN MUCH MORE if they LOSE money.

       Also, WHY not stick it to them? Why treat them as if THEIR MONEY matters when it shouldn't if they have treated you so horribly RUINING your outing?

       Why treat their income as if it matters to you if they have done a horrible job and were rude to you?

       Another example of when we stiffed:

       Have you EVER had 5 or more mistakes in ONE dining experience? This incident was at a Fox and Hound Restaurant. My husband and I have, which we left zero tip. The waitress was rude because she kissed her boyfriend bye and told him bye while she was getting my drink order interrupting me ordering my drink, but even if she didn't do that, sorry, but I can only take SO MUCH before I feel the server ISN'T TRYING AT ALL AND DOESN'T CARE AT ALL ABOUT HER CUSTOMERS. My husband's soft drink was wrong(root beer instead of diet coke) which she even told my husband root beer and he said "No, diet coke" when she brought it to the table(this happened because she was TOO BUSY kissing her boyfriend and chit-chatting), appetizer came with our entrees instead of as an appetizer, pickle with a toothpick on top of the bun(VISIBLE TO THE SERVER’S EYES)(ordered without pickles), cheese fries were supposed to come with ranch according to the MENU(ANOTHER VISABLE mistake on her part, because NO RANCH was there, NO mayonnaise was brought for my burger as I ordered. Backtracking here, when she had came back with my husband's soft drink she repeated the wrong margarita I ordered which means she didn't even put the order in yet for the margarita which I had to repeat my order again to her due to her worrying about her precious boyfriend instead of doing her JOB. She should have ALREADY PUT IN THE ORDER FOR THAT MARGARITA, ((((BEFORE))))) coming back to the table with the soft drinks. I also ordered the burger with no tomato, which there was a slice of tomato(the manager told me she didn't print the ticket correctly so that mistake was on her). Normally you can't see a tomato so I normally don't blame the server for things the server can’t control, but I could that time, because the order wasn’t put into the computer correctly the manager later told me) and the mayo packets I asked for when I ordered weren't there(ANOTHER VISIBLE MISTAKE). Sorry but when you have THAT MANY MISTAKES, YOU AREN'T TRYING YOUR BEST, YOU JUST DON’T GIVE A CARE! I don't feel that's even worth 10% tip. You didn't go through the bad experience, so you have no idea how it felt. It was aggravating to have to keep repeating my order constantly for things she wrote down and can you believe she wasn't going to write it down the food orders? I had to ask if she could please write the order down. I can't imagine what our meal would have come out like if she wouldn't have written it down. It would have been more screwed up more than likely. I feel that's a ZERO tip for not trying. 1-3 mistakes that are small is tolerable, but getting to the 5 mistakes area is a VERY BAD I feel. To begin with, she showed us lack of RESPECT by INTERRUPTING me ordering my margarita for her to kiss her boyfriend and chatted for a moment. I even get better service at MCDONALD'S than that. It's sad, but TRUE. At least the McDonald's cashier is NOT trying to kiss her boyfriend bye while taking my order. I feel you be rude to me, no tip for you. Also, you would have thought the waitress would have said she was sorry for interrupting me, which she DIDN'T. She did say she was sorry for one of the mistakes, but that's about it. To mess up so many times on drinks, is just really not trying at all. Having to ask a server to write orders down after they had made mistakes is RIDICULOUS as well. Even if she wouldn't have been rude to us at the beginning with the kissing her boyfriend issue, we would have still left nothing, because there were too many mistakes that were COMPLETELY PREVENTABLE. She really acted as if she could care LESS about her customer's happiness. If you went through this experience, I truly think you would have left nothing too. A server is NOT supposed to be INTERRUPTING you ordering to kiss someone. That is just SOOOO DAMN RUDE and a person like that doesn't have any manners to speak of.

       Do you think kissing your significant other is appropriate when taking a drink order? To me, that's just as rude as a customer being on their cell phone or the customer ignoring their server. We didn't call over a manager. I just sent a letter to corporate instead. We wanted to just leave it was so horrible.

       Don't you feel that if the server CARES ONLY ABOUT THEMSELVES they deserve ZERO for being so selfish and RUDE? Kissing your significant other while taking an order is rude. What she should have done is just waved by at the most and said "Sorry about that." See, but she didn't apologize. She was so SELFISH and SELF-CENTERED!!

       That margarita order should have been in the computer when she came back the wrong drink. That was her fault that my margarita got delayed. She was so preoccupied with her boyfriend, she wasn't paying attention to her customers and wasn't doing her job. A job is a job, it's not playtime when you have customers. I can see if it's slow, but if that were her, she wouldn't have liked it if I had treated her in that manner, now would have she?

       To not write drink orders and after messing up so much that you have to ask your server to write it down shows "I don't care" attitude. It also shows how LAZY she really was. Every server should be writing down every single solitary thing. I don't care if you have the best memory. We all mess up, so it's a greater chance you won't mess up if you write it down, then compare the written order to the food. She was even so lazy to bring me mayo packets instead of containers of mayo, which they do have at this restaurant. Packets are to-go. That's the LAZY way to do things. That's another thing she was lazy about.

       To me, to interrupt me ordering, even if the service was perfect otherwise, was a stiff right there, unless she would have said she was sorry(I know I WOULD HAVE). If the service would have been perfect otherwise, 10% would be the most she would have gotten with an apology, because it is UNACCEPTABLE to kiss or hug someone while taking someone's order. You want our money, then just wave bye, then apologize. I can accept that a lot more than chatting(she said bye and something else to him along with the kiss). Honestly, she should have told him bye BEFORE she got to our table to greet us.

       To me, it's just like being on the phone when a server is trying to take an order, but you are just talking away on the phone not paying attention to your server. It's RUDE!! Both situations are RUDE!! If I would be the type of person that would on the phone when greeted(I AM NEVER), I would tell the server I wouldn't be ready to order, that I need more time interrupting my conversation on the phone to do so. I am only on the phone during times when I am not ordering things such as if I am waiting for my food so I have plenty of time to chat.

       What I am saying is, she should pay to serve me if she can't RESPECT other people's time and feelings to even simply APOLOGIZE for her RUDENESS.

       I don't know how you can say anyone that treats people like that and RUINS your outing should be thought of as another human being with real feelings? WHY should anyone CARE, even YOU, about another person's money that is SO UNCARING, SELF-CENTERED, and VERY LAZY? It's not like she TRIED HER BEST during the service. Not writing down orders, not paying attention, playing around with her boyfriend, not verifying orders, etc. is what she did.

       Do you really feel someone like that deserves anything, even enough to cover their tip outs? Why would you consider their money when they didn't EVEN ONCE, NOT ONCE, consider YOU as a person?

       July 14, 2010 at 10:24 pm |
       • Dana
         

         Springs1...i don't even know what to say. This is supposed to be a forum for discussing the issue of gratuity, and as someone with experience as a server, I threw in my two cents about it and tried to give some information that might shed light on the situation for others.

         I have to say that I am offended by your comments. The fact that you don't think of servers as human beings with feelings because they ruined your evening is absurd. Don't tip, stiff, whatever, but to say that you don't care about them, don't see them has human, don't care about their income or life situation, all simply because they 'ruined your evening" and served you your drink late...it sounds to me like you are dealing with some larger issues here than just deciding if someone deserves a tip or not.

         Good luck with your next dining experience and growing to a point where you can maintain a sense of humanity despite incredibly minor setbacks throughout your evening.

         July 19, 2010 at 1:34 pm |
103. Leslie
     

     Also, the idea that it’s acceptable to leave someone a penny just so they feel the “sting” actually disgusts me. It’s cruel, it’s not funny. That person, no matter what happened at your precious dinner (did they verbally attack you or just never serve you at all?), just brought you food and water and tried to make you happy and clearly all you had to give was disrespect.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:42 pm |
104. Smile!
     

     I've been a server for a few years and have had some horribly rude tables, but I've also had some amazing guests who I truly enjoyed serving. My WORST experience in regards to tipping was this: A busy weekend night, I had several large parties. One gentleman asked me for a glass of soda, and on my way to get it for him, a young girl at another one of my tables had a seizure. She fell down right in front of me, so instead of getting the soda, I helped the girl's mother hold the young girl while my manager called 911. Keep in mind, all of this happened right next to the gentleman who was waiting for his soda. Before the paramedics even left with the girl, the gentlemen made a huge fuss about his soda. My manager overheard him and brought him the soda while I closed out the other family's tab. After all of that... when I returned to the gentlemen to see if he needed anything else, he only made a rude comment about how I couldn't spare a moment of my time to do my job. I apologized and let my manager know that the guest was unhappy. But nothing my manager could say could change the guest's mind in leaving me a 0$ tip. Oh well... he must be a really pleasant person to interact with on a daily basis. I felt bad for his wife though. : /

     July 13, 2010 at 10:40 pm |
105. LadyFromNewark
     

     I once left a $0 tip. The reason is because when I asked about some items on the menu she got upset and LITERALLY started yelling and screaming at my group just because we were teens. Teens or not, there was no reason to get into a fight. The manager had to come over and excuse the waitress and escort her away. We DEFINITELY did not tip. However, the manager felt awful and gave us a discount for the trouble.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:25 pm |
106. A Tip for the Tipper
     

     Just an FYI – when restaurants use bussers and food runners, those employees are typically paid wait-staff minimum wage, somewhere around $2.15 in Virginia. Those employees are given a cut of the tips from the servers and bar at the end of the night. By law, they are required to report all tips made at the end of their shift, and are then taxed on what they report (same for servers and bartenders). Now, whether or not all employees (servers, bartender, runners, or bussers) report all tips all the time is "questionable."

     July 13, 2010 at 10:23 pm |
     • Lindsay
       

       May be in Virginia... but in Texas, back of House staff (bussers, food runners) get minimum WAGE and tips... so don't make sweeping generalizations about who gets paid what hourly wage... also it's a federal minimum GUIDELINE not minimum WAGE for tipped employees to be paid $2.13/hr... WV they make $1.45/ hour

       July 14, 2010 at 7:52 pm |
107. Dawn
     

     I've left no tip a couple of times, but mostly only when the service was REALLLY terrible. Even if I'm really strapped for cash, if the service is good, I'll try to scrape up what I can for them. But if I don't, I don't feel too bad.

     In some states, servers don't even make minimum wage, and they have to count their tips.
     Here, you get minimum wage (at least!) PLUS tips, which for a good server/bartender can be upwards of $100-200 a night. Lol, THEY should feel sorry for ME!

     My mom tells a story from when she was a waitress at a Chinese restaurant. Someone left her a tip for a penny.
     So she put her own fortune in their cookies. That the guy needed to lose weight, and his wife was a b!tch. hehehe

     July 13, 2010 at 10:06 pm |
108. Springs1
     

     Leslie
     "4) Leaving a zero tip is unacceptable if you look at the facts. At most restaurants, waiters and waitresses are required to “tip-out” the rest of the front-of-the-house staff by paying a percentage of their cumulative sales to bussers (3%), foodrunners (1%) and bartenders (1%). If you tip us 0% or even 5%, we have to pay to wait on you. It doesn’t matter if we don’t get tipped on a table; we still have to tip-out on their sales even if the runners, bussers, or bar contributed to our lack of tip. There is no situation in which it is acceptable to make someone pay to wait on you hand-and-foot for up to three hours."

     Don't you think that is an issue that is YOURS as the server as far as tipping out goes? That's not OUR PROBLEM, don't make it ours, because that has ZERO to do with us customers. We are tipping YOU, NOT them!!

     "There is no situation in which it is acceptable to make someone pay to wait on you hand-and-foot for up to three hours."

     While my husband and I don't usually dine out for 3 hours(more like an hour or an hour and a half at most, most of the time), there are PLENTY of situations that are VERY ACCEPTABLE!!

     Being rude is one of them.

     I have several stories that I can tell you, but for now, one, because each one is long and I don't want to overwhelm you with all of them at once.

     My husband and I had a waitress at Chili’s. She wrote down my order, but SHE brought out my food with the most OBVIOUS things WRONG. I ordered “Grilled Baby Back Ribs with honey bbq sauce on them with substituting the bowl of cinnamon apples that the ribs came with it for extra fries, 2 sides of honey bbq sauce, 1 side of ranch, and 1 side of mayo. She comes out with the BIG BOWL of cinnamon apples on the plate with only my side of ranch as well as NO extra fries and has the audacity to ask me when she brought out our food “So what did you order” when she WROTE IT DOWN. That was just showing how VERY LAZY she was NOT to REREAD the order. Aren't we PAYING the server to *REREAD THE ORDER AS THEY WROTE IT DOWN TO GET IT AS OBVIOUSLY CORRECT AS FAR AS WHAT IS IN THEIR CONTROL TO NOTICE?*** She probably STUPIDLY threw the paper away. The manager told me she put in the order correctly. WHAT GOOD DOES IT DO TO PUT IN THE ORDER CORRECTLY IF THE FOOD IS OBVIOUSLY WRONG? The ticket being correct doesn't matter if my food is OBVIOUSLY wrong, I STILL have my food wrong. It's like whose fault is it for making my food wrong is NOT the issue; it's that the food is WRONG that's the issue. Bringing it to me like that makes the server look like a complete IDIOT when that BIG BOWL of cinnamon apples was on the plate since she took my order. If another server takes my food to me, that's an ENTIRELY DIFFERENT situation, but when it's the SAME SERVER that takes the order there should be some *EFFORT* to make sure my food is taken to the customer correctly as far as OBVIOUS mistakes go. It's like NO EFFORT on her part to make sure I had EXACTLY what I ordered. It makes me mad that they can’t REREAD the order BEFORE they take it to me and compare it to the food for obvious mistakes. At about 15 minutes(9:18pm.ordered at about 9:02p.m. )waiting for my margarita she asks if I had been brought it, which I told her no, but I couldn't help myself, I told her about all my complaints, because I was really getting SICK of her horrible service without ANY APOLOGIES. I had to ask for utensils TWICE. I told her about that I had to ask for utensils twice and she replied "That's the hostess's job" right to my face. I ended up reporting her to corporate and she got fired. Yes, we STIFFED the waitress, DESERVABLY SO. She could have gone to check on my margarita after the 10 minute mark(9:12p.m.), NOT almost 15 minutes which is what she did. My husband and I were WELL finished our meals even with the mistakes she made by the time my margarita arrived. I NEVER got ONE apology from her, NOT ONE. I had reported this situation to the manager due to the fact that I had waited for a half an hour for. Turns out they were out of shakers that the Presidente' margarita came in, so there was a mix up. The bartender made my margarita in the wrong glass. The bartender never told the server about the situation nor did she find out about it within a reasonable amount of time, therefore, I ended up getting my margarita from the manager after waiting literally a half an hour for it(9:02p.m.-9:35p.m.) way after me and my husband were done eating. Someone else apparently ended up getting the margarita that was mine. The waitress NEVER ONCE apologized for all those mistakes. That was one of the RUDEST waitresses I've EVER encountered. If she would have said she was sorry at least once even, I probably wouldn't have been so pissed off. Some servers are really UNCARING and MEAN. She could have apologized, went to check on my margarita sooner, could have compared the written order to the food BEFORE bringing out such obvious mistakes, not had asked me to repeat my order at the time of our food arriving all due because she was too lazy to do it herself, could have apologized for utensils as well not just the food/drink mistakes, etc.

     This story is one of the few times when I lost my cool. I don't normally do that, but she made me so mad with her lack of apologies, lack of admitting fault, lack of effort, and lack of caring. The not apologizing honestly is what made me lose it.

     This is one where a COMPLETE STIFF is deserved.

     SO WHAT I GOT SERVED? The waitress wasn't nice, didn't care, was rude, etc.

     By you saying that, you have that "ENTITLEMENT" mentality. You aren't "ENTITLED" to a tip, it is 100% EARNED(unless of course you have automatic gratuity added due to you are in a large party for example)!! You aren't entitled to money just because you serve me. You are entitled to money if you try your best, be nice, etc. You shouldn't get anything if the service was absolutely horrible. I will treat my server as they have treated us. THAT IS VERY FAIR!! So what you gave us food and drinks if it's not correct, not in a timely manner, and if the server isn't nice, does it matter if you gave us things at a table? If you are not giving us exactly what we want in a timely manner, you get what you gave in terms of EFFORT and MANNERS!! ZERO is what she did for both, so that's what she got. She also lost her job. She deserved it!! I am so proud that I prevented other people from getting the HELL we went through with her. She did the least she could do instead of trying her best. She was too lazy to even get her pad of paper out to find out what I ordered by making me repeat my order when she brought out our food. WHY should a server that isn't nice and lazy get anything?

     You aren't "ENTITLED" to money just because you serve me. You EARN your money. If a server makes my dining experience a living hell, I sure have every right to make his or her tip a living hell by giving nothing. I treat people EXACTLY they way they have treated me. She treated us like shit, I treated her like shit in the tip. You earn your tip also by being nice. A simple "Sorry about that" would have calmed me down and not made me as pissed off. She acted like we had no feelings, I acted the same way in the tip by not caring about her 2.13/hr pay.

     You must of not have had bad service like this I am assuming? My husband and I have quite a number of times.

     There are PLENTY of situations where the server deserves absolutely nothing!! You are paying for someone to ruin your outing if you tip on a situation like the story above. WHY should anyone care about tipping out and them losing money when they were EXTREMELY UNCARING towards US? They didn't care about us, why should we care about them?

     Don't you get why she got fired? She was a bitch and rude. I don't care if it's INITIALLY someone else's job, you are the person that has to get the utensils if no one else does. Customers shouldn't have to ask for that. It should be a common sense issue. A server that wanted a tip of some sort would have said "I'm very sorry about that and about all the things I messed up on." Instead, I got a complete BITCH that wanted to DEFEND HERSELF and be EXTREMELY LAZY, even too lazy to REREAD her WRITTEN ORDER. If you are that lazy, WHY did you become a server if you can't even REREAD an order? I mean seriously, we don't care about you servers tipping out if you don't care about US?

     Treat us as if that were YOUR service. What if that were you in the customer's seat. A tip is EARNED, it's not a right!!

     July 13, 2010 at 10:04 pm |
     • Nadezhda
       

       WORD!!!!

       July 13, 2010 at 10:46 pm |
109. Leslie
     

     Ps: Tipping is not a gift or a handout. It’s a payment for labor, and you’re expected by society to pay it because free labor is illegal here.

     July 13, 2010 at 9:54 pm |
     • KungFuRocket
       

       Leslie, a tip is a reward for good service. Your employer is responsible for paying your labor wages. Yes, many undercut minimum wage and expect you to make it up in tips – but that's why you work hard for the tips. Do your job right, and you won't have problems getting them.

       Let me ask you this – if you go to the salon/barber, and you ask for a specific hairstyle, yet they cut your hair wrong and you hate it... do you pay? Do you tip? If you ask for a tattoo and they make some mistake (i.e. spelled incorrectly) or something equally horrible that could have been avoided if they paid attention – would you pay? Would you tip?

       July 13, 2010 at 10:02 pm |
       • Leslie
         

         1) Having a tattoo incorrectly and permanently put onto your body is the most ridiculous experience to compare to dining out and not enjoying the meal that I can think of right now. Also, I’ve never had a tattoo so I don’t know.

         2) Everyone doesn’t like a haircut from time to time and yeah, I pay and I tip. People can’t read minds and hair grows.

         3) I have never tipped less than 20% in a restaurant. If I’m strapped for cash I either tell my friends I can’t eat out or I
         calculate what I can afford on the menu after 10% tax and 20% tip. A server or bartender doesn’t deserve to suffer just because I don’t have enough money to pay them for waiting on me. Being cheap is different than being frugal, and is a much less attractive characteristic. Even if I get medioacre service, I give the server the benefit of the doubt and tip them anyway. If they’re truly bad people then oh well, its just a couple of bucks to me but it’s a lot over the whole night to them (as I know well). No one is asking their tables for personal validation, we’re just looking to see what you want to eat and make sure you enjoy it.
         Despite what you think we actually do want to give you good service. But shit happens sometimes. Food gets overcooked. Drinks spill. People mishear what you say (especially in a bar/cocktail environment). Get over it and don’t be cheap. If you tell me there’s something wrong with your meal I’m going to do something to fix it, but you have to SAY something.
         Going out to eat once a week and tipping 20% is probably 6 bucks to you (30 dollar bill… pretty nice meal) but to a server that’s what they depend on to get by and by going to a restaurant you’re participating in the culture that expects you to pay it.
         4) No matter what you all would like to think, level of service simply doesn’t always have to do with a bad tip, which are the only situations that we as waiters have complaint about. Some people ARE just cheap. Those are the disheartening tables where you have the banter and the smiles and then comes the “verbal tip” where they tell you how great the service was, and then they leave you 10%. I have always stood by my rule that people have a right to tip what they want. It is their money. I will never intentionally give someone bad service if they have tipped me badly in the past (just a hint-- tipping someone badly will usually result in this if you are at one of their tables again. It’s a two way street. Why give good service to someone you know is going to short you?) but at the same time I believe it is not okay to tip below 5%. At that point, where I work, it is equivalent to making someone pay to wait on you which is unacceptable. No excuses. UNACCEPTABLE.

         July 13, 2010 at 10:38 pm |
     • Amy
       

       Actually Leslie, the definition of "TIP" is a GIFT. Your labor wages are paid by your employer. Just like my employer pays me for my labor. You do not pay me extra at my place of business just because they pay me too little. Now if I amaze you and make you feel extremely valued, then you may give me a little something extra (Tip, gift). Yes, we all should tip, IN GENERAL. Because it's the norm. However, my argument is that it's not an ENTITLEMENT. You earn it. That's what a tip is.

       July 14, 2010 at 8:44 am |
110. Springs1
     

     Nick
     "Every time you leave a server no tip, not only does it ruin that person's night, mood, and future interactions with the remaining tables for the evening."

     If you ruin our night, we ruin yours!! What goes around, comes around!! You treat us like GOLD, we will back in the tip 20%-25%, possibly even more depending on the service.

     Sometimes servers deserve nothing if they are terrible and/or rude!!! I think it's only fair *YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE* in the service. If you didn't try your best and did extremely poorly, why should we care about your money when you didn't care about our dining experience? It's only fair!!

     July 13, 2010 at 9:53 pm |
111. Jim
     

     I have never "not tipped"- my mom was a waitress and I know how it hurts the pocket. I would though. For example, a waitress recently disappeared in the middle of our dinner. Thought she went home! 20 minutes, no one backed her up. When she finally came back, about 30 minutes later, she said it was incredibly busy and she apologized. Smelling like she was on a 30 minute smoke break. And the place was empty. She got a weak tip, but I should have given her less.

     July 13, 2010 at 9:44 pm |
112. Leslie
     

     1) Wait staff are not paid minimum wage in America. We are paid below minimum wage.

     2) If you choose to go out to eat and take advantage of the service we provide, not tipping is essentially stealing that service. Your bill covers your food and in no way pays for the service that the waiter, bussers, foodrunners, and bar have provided you.

     3) Insulting us by saying that if we really needed money we should have another job is no excuse for not paying for services that you and the rest of the country enjoy on a day-to-day basis. If you want to go out to eat, you need to have waiters, and you’re going to have to pay them somehow. Many of us are working through college or have degrees and other jobs and merely wait tables to put food on our own tables at home. Don’t be patronizing, we may even be more educated than you.

     4) Leaving a zero tip is unacceptable if you look at the facts. At most restaurants, waiters and waitresses are required to “tip-out” the rest of the front-of-the-house staff by paying a percentage of their cumulative sales to bussers (3%), foodrunners (1%) and bartenders (1%). If you tip us 0% or even 5%, we have to pay to wait on you. It doesn’t matter if we don’t get tipped on a table; we still have to tip-out on their sales even if the runners, bussers, or bar contributed to our lack of tip. There is no situation in which it is acceptable to make someone pay to wait on you hand-and-foot for up to three hours. No matter how bad the service (and trust me, even people who receive good service give bad tips sometimes).

     5) We are also required at some restaurants to pay the service charge on any Credit or Debit charge payment, which is relatively small (less than 1% I believe) but still adds up if you have an all-plastic night. It is extremely noticeable at cash-out if it’s been an all-cash or all-plastic night.

     6) You will be surprised how your service will be better and better the more respectful you are to those who are feeding you. Don’t get me wrong, I go out of my way to give good service to every table I encounter and people still stiff me from time to time despite my good intentions.

     But let me tell you a final story. I had a table a couple of days ago and one of my fellow waiters (for the record, one of the best waiters in our restaurant. He’s extremely personable and always gets good comments) came to me and said “dude, Leslie, warning, don’t even bother with them. They’re rude, needy, and picky, and yesterday I ran my ass off for them and they not only didn’t tip, they scratched out the word ‘tip’ on the credit card slip. Seriously I’m so sorry you got them” …..

     I decided to prove him wrong and tended to their every very needy need for two hours while they watched the world cup final. At the end of the game I asked them if they were ready to see the check and they were. Later when I brought back the slip I noted to them (they were French and spoke little English) that there was a line provided for them to fill in what they felt was an appropriate amount for the service they received. Our restaurant’s check printers also automatically calculate and print on the bottom of the receipt what a 15%, 18%, and 20% tip would be. They clearly read this and left me 18% which is honestly pretty darn good for foreigners. Sometimes people just don’t know.

     So I guess my point is there should be less animosity between wait staff and guests. Don’t assume that because someone stiffs you once, that they’re assholes. Maybe you DID give bad service (still not an excuse for screwing someone over but hey, it’s a reason). Or maybe they don’t understand the system. And you have to understand as guests dining at an establishment that we are people too and not to go into the experience with a bad attitude. I want to see you happy with your dinner, and if you’re disrespectful to me that makes it difficult. Let me do my job. There’s also nothing wrong with helping us out with the little things like being clear and listening to us and the questions we ask you. If you intentionally make it hard on us to wait on you, of course your service will suffer! We’re only human! There are also a variety of reasons for what you may consider to be bad service that do not necessarily reflect the intentions of the server. Sometimes we get tables that “run” us so hard that it makes it physically difficult to tend to our nicer tables that we probably would rather wait on 30 times over than wait once on the needy one. Maybe the bar or kitchen are backed up. Maybe we had to pee at a really bad time. Maybe we’re on our period and are fighting through mad cramps. Were all people who clearly love food, so that’s all it should be about, right? The more easygoing and clear you are about what you want, the smoother your experience will go.

     July 13, 2010 at 9:43 pm |
     • Jim
       

       Leslie- as someone who goes out to eat often and tips very well, I will ask you this.

       If you went to a local bar/ restaurant that closes at 1 am, and by 11 they were closing up- closing the kitchen so even finger foods were not available, then the waitress disappears for 20 minutes, turns off all the TVs in the place as people are watching baseball, stands around with the bartender, then comes over and grumpily says "you want anything else?", while holding the check in her hands, would you think she is providing the service she should? (I should add, I know the owner of the place, who is struggling, an was not there this night. Had he known she turned away food orders she would be canned. He was not there, so that is why she felt fine closing shop early, while there were customers...). She did not want to serve, she did not want to even try to be nice, and wanted everyone out. Was she deserving of a tip? And yes, she was this way with all customers, not just me and my date.

       July 13, 2010 at 9:54 pm |
     • DLH
       

       Hi Leslie. I very much enjoyed reading your comments and your honesty. I am positive that it is in your section that I would have the most ejoyable experience.

       Please understand that it is Not servers such as yourself that I believe some of these folks take issue. There seems to be bad eggs on BOTH sides of the fence here. Bad servers and bad cuctomers. Perhaps cheapskates and lazy bums alike. It should be up to management to weed out the bad apples accordingly.

       We should ALL take responsability and do our part. Communication might just be the key to it all. And somehow, this venue may help in some small way. Please, everyone, don't give up the faith.

       And, thank you Leslie. For ALL that you do for us.

       July 13, 2010 at 10:03 pm |
     • KungFuRocket
       

       Leslie,

       I would like to address your arguments as listed:

       1) Correct – in most states (and where I was a server in the midwest), employers pay less than minimum wage. As a server, you are expected to make up the rest in tips, and of course report all tips with your wages to the IRS. But how hard is it, really, to meet minimum wage? If you have 2-3 tables in an hour, each leaving 3-4 bucks in tip, you're already covered. And if you are *unable* to meet minimum wage, your employer is required to pay the difference.

       2) Unfortunately, Leslie, your argument here is entirely false. I can understand your compassion, being a server myself – unfortunately, you're looking at it from a rather naive view of false entitlement. Customers generally don't go out to eat to "take advantage" of your service, but we certainly expect reasonable service to be provided to us. Of course, if one doesn't leave a tip, there is no theft involved – otherwise, the cops would be called to the restaurant any time it happened (naturally, skipping on the *entire* bill is another story) The bill that we are provided as customers covers everything – the cost of food, your cut from the employer (whatever your hourly cut is), and whatever the restaurant's profit is. It's your job as the server to provide the quality service – if you have, then you will be rewarded with a reasonable or generous tip (depending on the customers), of which servers generally are also expected to donate to the bus pool for the rest of the staff.

       3) I don't believe the intent for saying that you should get another job is to be patronizing – if you'll notice, the arguments where that has come up is for the people who have complained that they can't pay rent without a (singular) tip. If you, as a server, have a bad day and you provide sub-par or downright horrible service, and you get stiffed on the tip 1-2 times... if that is enough for you to not make rent, you need to evaluate your career options and do what you can. Life's tough, especially in this economy, but that doesn't mean you should *expect* a tip as a server, you still need to earn it.

       4) Your statistics here in #4 indicate that you never made any tips all night. I find that highly unlikely. If it really has happened, you may be working either in the wrong profession, or at the wrong restaurant. Keep in mind as well, Leslie, that you are still being paid for the time you are serving the customer, even if they don't leave a tip. You are not paying someone to wait on them. Although it's low, you're still getting an hourly wage – and in the end, again, if you have not met minimum wage, your employer is legally obligated to make up the difference to you. You will never, ever be expected to work for less than minimum wage *over all*. There are bad tippers out there, I do know this – but that's why you don't have just one customer all afternoon or night. You'll generally have several tables to wait on over the course of your shift, which means several opportunites to please customers and receive a reasonable tip.

       5) Credit card surcharge fees are the responsibility of the employer, period. If the employer advertises that they accept a certain brand of card, they are the ones paying the fee for each transaction with said card. If this charge is being passed on to you, you should check out your local laws – it's very likely that this is an illegal business practice you should rectify. Otherwise, let me know what employer is asking that of you, and I'll do the research.

       6) Yes, the customer *should* always be courteous and treat you with respect. I disdain people who do not treat service workers with respect – nobody, I repeat NOBODY, is better than any other human being. However, you're also talking about two different things. You, as the server, should be treated with respect – yes. But you would not receive a tip until the meal is over, which means you should also have been treating the customer with respect. If you have, then more than likely everything will be fine.

       I don't really have any qualms about your closing statement – each situation is unique and should be treated as such. Just keep in mind that a tip is still earned. Yes, sometimes you have a bad day – but even if there are problems with the customers/service, you should be able to save the situation and make the customer feel good. Then that's when you get the reward, because that's what it's there for.

       July 13, 2010 at 10:23 pm |
       • gigi1951
         

         Good God man! Obsessive compulsive or simply too many words on a subject you obviously consider yourself a genius!

         July 13, 2010 at 10:54 pm |
113. The_Mick
     

     Although I'm now financially comfortable, I've always identified with that line in the Cuban poem-turned-song "Guantanamera": "...With the poor people of the earth, I want to cast my lot..." There are a lot of struggling people waiting on tables and, unless the service was horrible, I don't stiff them on the 15% tip.

     I wish we were like France: all the taxes, tips, etc. are included in the listed price of the meal and the menus are usually posted outside the batisseries and other restaurants: the price you see is EXACTLY what you pay.

     July 13, 2010 at 9:42 pm |
114. PAW
     

     We had a horrible experience at a Outback in Missoula, MT. We watched as our waitress AND the manager fawned over a table with a family while we waited in vain for our food to arrive. Not only that but we watched as our waitress came with our ticket, but passed it off to some other waitress. We didn't leave a tip and I didn't feel the least but guilty and, I will never step foot in another one of their restaurants.

     July 13, 2010 at 9:34 pm |
115. louanne
     

     No, but your religious views speak for themselves. As a self proclaimed holy roller, lecturing us, maybe you should reread (your favorite book that you quote underhandedly) that which you are attempting to preach. And while you are at it; live by it as well.

     July 13, 2010 at 9:28 pm |
116. sarah
     

     Everyone who thinks tipping is evil and they shouldn't have to do it are horrible human beings. Chances are that you're Christians to boot. What ever happened to helping your fellow man and making the world a better place? Way to be a hypocrite. Those of you that aren't religious are just plain self-centered jerks. And no I'm not a server.

     July 13, 2010 at 9:22 pm |
     • KungFuRocket
       

       I'm surprised, sarah. Tell me which do you think is better:

       Handing out money for lazy, incompetent, and discourteous service

       Rewarding an employee for friendly, sincere, pleasurable service

       If we give out money for bad service, we're essentially rewarding someone for doing something bad. That's one of the many things wrong with the country today. Why would anyone ever give great service if they can simply skate on by, putting in minimal effort and not caring about customers – and get paid just as much as someone who's working hard and respecting their employer and their customers?

       You referenced "Christian" in there, but I'd like you to show me anywhere in standard religious documentation, that we as human beings should give money as a direct result to being disrespected and walked on. What's the saying, "Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he'll eat for a lifetime"? Something like that? Well why don't we reward PROPER behavior, morals, and work ethic, instead of promoting lazy and incompetent work?

       July 13, 2010 at 9:30 pm |
117. Travis
     

     Let me preface this by saying I have bussed tables, waited tables and my wife used to wait table. In general I start out with a 20% tip for average service I have absolutely no problem tipping more for outstanding service and have even one time left a tip that was equal to the bill. That being said as a customer It is not my responsibility that you need to pay tuition, Car payment, rent etc. I go to a restaurant to eat. I pay the restaurant for the ability to have an enjoyable meal with great service. The service is why two places with the same type of food can charge such different amounts. If you provide me with crappy service, give me an attitude, make me feel like you are just there to pay your tuition, rent, car payment I can assure you I will reduce your tip. and if bad enough not leave you anything. The excuse that you are having a bad day is not my problem, you are being paid to perform a service and I am not your employer. I am paying you employer. If he/ She does not pay you what you need to live off of and you can't provide service up to the standards of the establishment that you work in to make up the difference then you should consider the line of work you are in. A tip is a reward and if I get even average service I will tip you but I will not tip you for being lazy, treating me like crap, or insulting me in any way.

     July 13, 2010 at 9:21 pm |
118. DLH
     

     Here's an idea. All tips come with a "pay card" that is turned in to the manager. Even if the tip is $0. That way ALL tips can be taxed and management can see who gets tipped and who doesn't. Anyone NOT getting tips gets lectured and maybe fired. Comments could also be added to the "pay card".

     Conversely so, these "pay cards", and comments would need to be looked at by a third party before someone should be fired. Also, a carbon copy of the card should be given to the server for his/her records, and benefit as well.

     There, I fixed it. Now what?

     July 13, 2010 at 9:20 pm |
119. SoCal Girl
     

     I have plenty of friends in food service industry and its a constant arguement about the tip. Plain and simple its the job you choose so act right! Some things are out of your control but we can all do without the snide remarks and attitude. I work in the customer service industry so I have had my share of "special" customers but I suck it up to a point. It's my job to be nice if the customer insults me than I refer you to someone that can better assit your needs. I don't expect tips for doing my job it's MY JOB. Go to work to earn your pay and tips and more often then not quit complaining about tips and take it like a grain of salt. You don't report all of your earnings and when some not all people abuse some systems quite f"" frankly I don't care!

     July 13, 2010 at 9:14 pm |
     • louanne
       

       Good point. Too many bitch and moan. But yet have no problem cheating the system when its to their advantage and or they think they will get away with it.

       July 13, 2010 at 9:22 pm |
120. Sarah
     

     I'm not buying the argument that if a server doesn't get tipped by someone, they can't pay their rent. If they are unable to pay their rent due to lack of tips, that probably means they are a REALLY bad server and should consider finding a new line of work. I'm sorry, but if it's obvious that the server is responsible for a poor experience at a restaurant, they get little or no tip from me. I've only had one or two experiences that were this bad, one of which was because our table was basically being ignored by a server who decided he would rather watch TV than do his job. In my opinion, tipping should be in place to ensure that a restaurant is giving good customer service and as a guage for employee performance. If a restaurant has a server on staff who is not receiving sufficient tips, that should be a sign to the management that this person is not a good quality employee.

     July 13, 2010 at 9:02 pm |
121. sp
     

     You must be kidding people! This is so ridiculous, the level of vehemence about bad service on this site, when it's clear in the comments that most people are suggesting that they've ever only had terrible service that prompted a zero tip as few as two times in twenty years! Those must have been tremendously scarring experiences. As someone who waited tables throughout college I can say that I was an excellent and diligent server, but that most people couldn't care less about that. You could serve two tables the exact same way, get one okay tip and get shafted at the other table. People who are making statements that people are expecting some sort of handout when tips are taxed to the server are completely off-base here. Your bill at a restaurant is for the food, not for the service. If you don't feel like tipping, stay home, but don't expect someone to wait on you hand and foot for free.

     July 13, 2010 at 8:56 pm |
     • DLH
       

       sp. Most folks agree here that the bill covers all of the food and at least a portion of the server (that's why there is a $2.35 – $3.50 or so per hr pay from the establishment). The difference is in the performance of the server. And, I agree...the instance of occurance for really lowsy service is, thankfully, rare. Also, leaving out the fact that the, also rare, jerk that never tips should just be shot with a paintball gun... the rest of us should be allowed to tip according to service. Albeit, a mistake or two can be forgiven and the kitchen can at times be at fault as well, the server is our go-to person. Totaly fail us and, well, that's how it goes. Take care of us and we, well at least most of us, will take care of you.

       July 13, 2010 at 9:11 pm |
     • louanne
       

       Gee, another young one with the entitlement syndrome tooting their own horn; a legend in their own mind. Does your mommy wait on you hand and foot when you come over for food; lunch and or dinner. For free.

       July 13, 2010 at 9:18 pm |
     • KungFuRocket
       

       I find it hard to believe that you are consistently getting shafted, sp. If that's really the case, let's look at what is the same in each equation... you. Your clients change daily. I know there are bad customers, I've been there on the receiving end; however, statistically, if you're getting shafted that frequently, either you're doing something wrong or you are in the wrong area. You yourself even admit that the "goose egg" people are only stating that the service is poor once in a blue moon – so why would you expect us to pay a tip even then?

       July 13, 2010 at 9:24 pm |
122. tracy
     

     Also the comments about getting food tampered with or getting bad service for being a bad tipper goes to show how low class some of these people are. maybe the people coming out to eat bring their kids are minimum wage earners too . maybe they just dont believe in tipping. show respect .

     July 13, 2010 at 8:36 pm |
123. louanne
     

     So let me get this straight. I'm supposed to tip generously for lousy service just because she doesn't wear a bra and bents over far enough to show her belly button ring to my date. Whats next? Exercising at the pole?

     July 13, 2010 at 8:31 pm |
124. Beverly
     

     That being said about all this – you have to wonder where this started from anyways! I get bad service at grocery stores, retail clerks, telephone servers....and none of these people nor I have to worry over whether I will be tipping them or not.
     I think the owners should pay the staff normal like the rest of us, and if an employee is not very good – then its bad for business and let them do something else.

     Where this gets good is when the waiters are in high-producing areas like cocktail waitresses, maitre'ds, waiters in high class steak resturants (for example)....they earn a lot, I know I did as a cocktail waitress and food server for a high-end Italian Dinner Resturant. So they may not be willing to give that up. But for fast food like a food chain resturant (Golden Griddle, Kelsey's, sports bars, etc. – maybe they don't fare as well except when really busy?

     I don't know if I even like to have to worry about tipping. Its a lot easier when you are not expected to that's for sure. But I usually contribute to the tip jar anyways!

     July 13, 2010 at 8:29 pm |
125. WhatAreYouWorth?
     

     What do you waitstaff think you are actually worth per hour? Federal law in most states requires that your employer make up the difference between how much you make and the State minimum wage. Do you seriously think you are worth more than that per hour? I've waited tables before, it's not freakin' rocket science, and frankly, it's not worth much more than your States minimum wage....you waitstaff are overvalueing yourself.

     July 13, 2010 at 8:28 pm |
126. tracy
     

     I hate the entitlement waiters are having these days. I have seen them on oprah and other shows complaining about being stiffed and that people dont care about the bills they a Have etc. Not getting tipped is a hazard of the job. If you need more money or a definite set amount of money dont become a waiter. Nobody tips the kids at burger king and they provide a service as well and are all their feet all day. If you only make 2.50 per hour then get a minimum wage job. If it was so terrible and you get shafted on an hourly basis why would anyone be a waiter. I tip but i dont overly tip. When i was in college and wanted to go to sizzler to treat myself I went even if i didnt have a dime for a tip. In the end doesnt it equal itself out in some way ? we should be tipping garbage men and teachers – they provide a valuable service that alot of people are not interested in doing. Waiters are a dime a dozen. Waiters should spend their time seeking new employment for lobbying for higher base wages. The service you provide is more valuable to the restaurant then it is to the customer.

     July 13, 2010 at 8:27 pm |
127. Beverly
     

     I have been on all 3 sides of this: waiter {from counter to cocktail waitress, food server}, manager of upscale resturant, and as a customer of all types of food places.

     And I do not tip if the service clearly is lacking. Not everything is out of a waiter's control – I bitched loudly to get my plates up if they were slow in the kitchen, waiters in higher establishments often work together to make matters better...and I have seen poor performers in the waiting game.

     The real trouble is the management and owners. THEY, need to be told that this sort of experience is not welcome. Otherwise, how often do you see middle of the road establishments hire a ineffectual manager (and I have seen friends being rewarded with these jobs!)...and after the initial honeymoon is over with the public, their service starts to show cracks. And they don't care as long as customers keep on coming in.

     It may be that some franchises claim they are doing everything to win over the consumer...but I have been in a resturant that opened literally across the street from us 2 years ago – and within weeks, the napkins never looked really clean, the servers came with all kinds of experience, so some nights were good for service – and others, not so good. Half the time, the manager couldn't be seen! last time we went, they had a live performer (a man with a mic and a guitar in the corner belting out cover tunes) and simultaneously, the stereo playing on our opposite side – we complained that we weren't sure which side we were supposed to be listening to. But the waitress just laughed it off. The lettuce may arrive wilted, and I could just swear, the food tasted wonderful the first few weeks! Did they bring in a great cook for the opening weeks? Who knows – but things have changed! And we tip accordingly and speak up every time.

     So my advice – Tell the management. Customer service is bad in other areas as well, and it will only get better when the consumer demands it.

     July 13, 2010 at 8:20 pm |
128. BigCountry
     

     I think there should be a standing rule, and every single person that will ever dine out must go through at least 2 weeks of being a server. I don't serve anymore, and didn't for long, but you ignorant, cheap, snobby people disgust me. You have no idea what it takes to serve other people, specifically the guests who think they own the world and deserve gold spoons. Did you ever think that maybe the reason your service is lacking, is becuase you're just a jack***. When you have had enough "bad experiences" maybe it's time to turn and look at yourself. You just may be the reason.

     July 13, 2010 at 8:19 pm |
     • KungFuRocket
       

       BigCountry,

       You may want to actually read some of these posts. Not only are most of the comments regarding pro-goose-egg from people who have been servers themselves (myself included – 2 years), but they are all valid, reasonable, and logical arguments. I have yet to see a single reasonable, well-thought argument regarding customers being forced to pay a tip. After all, if a tip were required, why not just add it into the bill? And if that were the case, then why would a server provide quality service if they get a tip no matter what?

       It's sad that you are calling us ignorant when we've consistently been providing logical, intelligent argument – your argument has basically resorted to name-calling.

       You then call us cheap and snobby – yet I fail to see how expecting friendly, competent service is anything menial. Can you point out ONE person who has stated they have stiffed so many times they can't count? The ones that seem to be complaining the most are the ones who have been stiffed. While understandable (it sucks to not get a tip when you work hard), simply expecting something that is gratuitous is a little unfair. It's much worse, though, if you (as a server) are repeatedly being stiffed. If that's sincerely the case, the true probability is that you may not be a great server.

       July 13, 2010 at 9:40 pm |
129. Ouka
     

     There is a difference between an "off day" where maybe a waiter is a little slow or not as friendly as they could have been, and outright ignoring customers. I'm relativity easy going, I tip generously (50%+) when service is especially good, and tend to leave at least 10% for sub-par service. If the wait staff is obviously busy and I got sub-par service, then I'll still give about 20% because I see that as a management problem that wasn't the wait staff's fault.

     But there is a difference between sub-par and flagrantly poor. I'm not going to give a meaningful tip when the wait staff ignores our table, is sitting and chatting with other staff while plates go cold, or if the wait staff disappears for 20-30 minutes at a time.

     Last time I gave a penny tip was at a restaurant where they had 3 waiters on 5 tables. It took 25 minutes for them to come take the order. another 30 minutes for 3 of the 4 orders to show up (2 of them cold, one of them luke warm). The 4th didn't show up until three of us were well past being finished. We got our own water glasses and refills, the silverware was dirty, I pulled some disposable chopsticks from my purse and shared them instead of waiting for the non-existent staff to show up. After the 4th person was done eating it took another 35 minutes for the check to show up. We only stayed because at this point we just wanted to see how long it was going to take.

     The other 4 tables in the restaurant? 2 left before their orders showed up (and the waiter started cussing loudly when he noticed that they weren't at the table), another ate some of the food and just left without paying. The last table was still waiting for their check by the time we got out of there.

     And when we got out? The 3 waiters were out on the side door drinking from a paper bag and smoking.

     Sure, there was probably something going wrong in the kitchen, I get that. Management was non-existent. I get that. But I don't think I even need to go explain why we left a penny on the table when we left.

     Other than this one time, I've always tell the wait staff why I am not happy with the service, and if that fails a manager. Like I said, I get that there might be an under-staffing issue and things are slow coming out. I understand that a waiter can be having an off day. I won't even complain about that sort of thing and will still tip in the 10-15% range. But when we are being actively ignored – ask for something twice and it doesn't happen, clearly observe the wait staff lounging while tasks go un-fullfilled, etc well expect to hear about it and get a penny tip. Hell, I've even gone to the management and told them I'm leaving a 20% tip because while the service was piss-poor, the food was excellent and I want the tip to go straight to the chefs.

     Seriously, it's not that hard to get a decent tip out of most people. Just show up 2 or 3 times to see if drinks need replacing and once to see if everything is alright with the food. Yeah it might be hard on a busy night, but you can't slack just because the place is half empty.

     And yes, I have waited tables before, over summer break one year. I only got stiffed once. Sure I was a little peeved, because as far as I knew I had treated the table the same as I treated any other. Just figured they were cheapskates. I got complained about a couple of times early on when I was still learning the ropes: mixed orders up a couple of times and one night the manager had sat a table around a corner and I didn't realize they were there. Saw little to no tip each time and I thought it was perfectly fair. I also ended up working a harder than usual to make sure the tables I did have had excellent service and I just about made up what I lost out on from the tables I flubbed up. Once I figured out the ins and outs – smile, make eye contact, touch a shoulder, laugh at the jokes, get the manager approve sending a comp appetizer out if the kitchen is having trouble, etc.. the tips were great!

     July 13, 2010 at 8:19 pm |
130. Terry
     

     I refuse to tip for lousy service. If one waitress serves 4 tables an hour and each table left a tip of say $2., that's $8. plus their hourly wage. I don't even make that much an hour! I've also paid the bill with a credit card only to find out that after I left the resturant (leaving a cash tip on the table) they added a 15% tip to the bill. I call that double dipping!

     July 13, 2010 at 8:06 pm |
     • Eric
       

       Did you dispute the charge? I sure would. And call the better business bureau too.

       July 13, 2010 at 8:30 pm |
131. Gene
     

     China – No tips allowed anywhere! People won't accept tips even if you offer them.

     July 13, 2010 at 7:59 pm |
132. rowdy randi
     

     A pet peeve of mine is having a waitress with a low cut top bending over and showing her breasts to my significant other as she is serving him, in the hopes of getting a bigger tip, I presume. I handle the decretionary money in our household and almost always take care of the check, so the "boobs in the face" trick has the opposite effect on me. No tip! I recently had to speak to the manager at a restaurant because the server's blouse was so low, her breasts nearly fell out and she was over flirtatious with my companion. So ladies, if you're hoping to increase your tip by showing off your boobs, save it for a table full of guys, not couples dining out. Chances are, the woman will control the tip!

     July 13, 2010 at 7:58 pm |
133. Pollyanna
     

     Normally I tip, and think of my self has being generous. The one time I did not tip was when the waitress was rude. She shushed me to answer her cell phone while she was taking my order. She lingered at the bar and fixed her makeup, while our food was sitting on the counter getting cold. She was wearing a tank top and did not believe in shaving. Each time she refilled my ice tea glass she would reach over my plate to get the glass So I got a full view of her arm pits while I was trying to eat. The table was round, so she could have walked around to get my glass. I even moved the glass to the side of the table that she seemed to prefer only to have her approach the table from the other side. I asked to speak to the manager and she said he was not in that day. I paid the bill, wrote a letter to the manager and never visited the restraint again.

     July 13, 2010 at 7:53 pm |
134. Lynn
     

     I have been on both sides of the fence, working in my parent's resturant during my teenage years and now visiting various establishments. Good service is good service and should be rewarded with glowing compliments to the manager and a generous tip when received. Mediocre or bad service should also be reported to the manager wit the accompanying tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 7:52 pm |
135. Jason
     

     I normally tip 15-20% for a meal. I have only walked out without tipping once. After we got our order the server disappeared and never came back to check on us once. After we had finished eating we waited 15 minutes for a bill while the server chatted to the kitchen staff. He looked several times at our table, made eye contact but never bothered to come back over and see if we waned the bill. There were only about 3 other tables eating that night so it was not busy. I finally got sick of waiting and went to get my bill at the cash, he got no tip that night.

     July 13, 2010 at 7:52 pm |
     • tracy
       

       this person obviously didnt want a tip. thats how i look at it. sometimes its so obvious.

       July 13, 2010 at 8:41 pm |
136. EMagic
     

     Tipping 15-20% is common courtesy. No one has to tip, but it's respectable to do so. This is the way restaurants work in American society. The fact of the matter is most restaurants wouldn't be able to afford to pay servers $7.25 per hour and would go out of business if they were forced to do so.

     July 13, 2010 at 7:47 pm |
     • RoqDawg
       

       In California servers earn the same minimum wage as other minimum wage earners and the employer may not use tips as a credit towards the minimum wage. You know what? We have many restaurants in California. The minimum wage in California? $8 an hour.

       July 13, 2010 at 7:56 pm |
       • Nicole
         

         Last I checked, you're state was bankrupt and had one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation.

         July 14, 2010 at 8:16 pm |
137. Jaliska, Mr. Pink, Table for two
     

     When you guys walk into a restaurant, servers of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds are arguing over who gets stuck serving your getto asses

     July 13, 2010 at 7:38 pm |
138. Mr Pink
     

     So's working at McDonald's, but you don't feel the need to tip them, do you? Why not? They're servin ya food. But no, society says don't tip these guys over here, but tip these guys over here. That's bull$#!+.

     July 13, 2010 at 7:34 pm |
     • KungFuRocket
       

       While I am of the mindset that one only tips for good service, your argument here Mr Pink is flawed. Let me pose it this way – when you walk into a McDonalds:

       -are you greeted by someone at the door?
       -are you shown to your seat?
       -does someone come to explain the menu and take your order?
       -does someone come to check up on you during the meal?
       -does someone summarize the meal and provide you with the check, and then take care of payment for you?

       Of course not. This is why we expect good service from a restaurant – this is why a server would get a tip if they perform their duties properly. They take care of the customer, and if they do it right (friendly, competent, etc.) then of course they should get a tip.

       July 13, 2010 at 9:49 pm |
139. Mr Pink
     

     Jesus Christ – I mean these ladies aren't starving to death. They make minimum wage. You know, I used to work minimum wage. And when I did, I wasn't lucky enough to have a job society deemed tip-worthy.

     July 13, 2010 at 7:33 pm |
     • Sy2502
       

       Well said. There are plenty of minimum wage job. Many of them involve long or strange hours. Many of them are unpleasant. I am thinking of the guys who come to collect my garbage every Tuesday morning. They have a crappy job too, who's tipping them? Do they refuse to take your garbage if you don't leave a tip on your garbage can? Really the waiters/waitresses posting here are ridiculous. Do your frigging job and quit whining! Be thankful you HAVE a job. You think you can blackmail the public into giving you money to make up for how much you dislike your job?

       July 13, 2010 at 7:50 pm |
140. engineergary
     

     I deplore tipping! Just because your job pays crap is no reason that I should be held hostage to pay more thant the stated cost for my meal. Where does it sotp? There is a tip jar at the coffee stand where the server simply fills a cup and puts a lid on it! Rediculous! At some resteraunts, they gratuitously include the gratuity. Why? Because they know that they won't get anything from some people because the service is usually the WORST ath these type places! I sincerely wish that all of us would just stop going to resteraunts until this madness can be reigned in.

     July 13, 2010 at 7:29 pm |
     • KungFuRocket
       

       Hi Gary,

       Restaurants are usually allowed to pay less than minimum wage to keep operating costs relatively low. Obviously, that doesn't take care of *everything* but if full minimum wage is required in every state, you'd start seeing the price of eating out increase as those costs are passed along to you, the customer.

       While I *only* condone tipping when it is warranted, I limit this field to service roles that ARE being paid less than state/federal minimum wage (or simply, server roles even in states that do not pay less than minimum wage). I, too, am severely annoyed by "tip jars" at coffee shops, delis, etc. I find it ludicrous that people who were performing the exact same duties 10 years ago for their normal wages, find it acceptable to now place tip jars near the register with cute phrases on them, goading tips out of customers. But this false sense of entitlement is what's wrong with the people here saying they should get a tip no matter what.

       July 13, 2010 at 9:55 pm |
141. Mr Pink
     

     The words "too f–king busy" shouldn't be in a waitress's vocabulary

     July 13, 2010 at 7:27 pm |
142. Mr Pink
     

     Don't give me that. She don't make enough money that she can quit.

     July 13, 2010 at 7:26 pm |
143. Mr Pink
     

     I don't tip because society says I have to. All right, if someone deserves a tip, if they really put forth an effort, I'll give them something a little something extra. But this tipping automatically, it's for the birds. As far as I'm concerned, they're just doing their job.

     July 13, 2010 at 7:23 pm |
144. DLH
     

     Okay, I think I am starting to get it now. I probably should tip at least something even if the service was bad (except for maybe in the most rarest of occassions, then it's zilcho). However, to be able to apply that right I owe it to my server, the manager, and the next customer to at least explain my reasons to the server AND manager. Also, somewhere along the way I might somehow mention something to the server or give him/her some sort of a hint that I am concerned.

     Should I really have to do all that? Well.....maybe. But, if it happened more than a time or two in the same restarant, I think I will just take my tip right on down the street.

     July 13, 2010 at 7:20 pm |
     • myeyedea
       

       No, you don't have to do anything – as many of these posts say other folks do. I just look at it like this – - if you're not going to speak up about the poor service there's not a whole lot you can expect as a patron to have happen as a result of it if your only action is to leave no tip. I mean, take school for example; if you turn in a paper and you get it back with a big F on it but nothing's marked to say what's wrong and your teacher doesn't talk to you (or your parents) about it, how does that help you to know what to fix or just to understand why you got the bad grade? That's all I'm saying – do something to improve upon your experience that actually could make a difference along the way.

       July 13, 2010 at 7:38 pm |
145. Mr Pink
     

     I'm very sorry the government taxes their tips, that's f-d up. That ain't my fault. It would seem to me that waitresses are one of the many groups the government f-s in the @$$ on a regular basis. Look, if you ask me to sign something that says the government shouldn't do that, I'll sign it, put it to a vote, I'll vote for it, but what I won't do is play ball. And as for this non-college bull$#!+ I got two words for that: learn to f-in' type, 'cause if you're expecting me to help out with the rent you're in for a big f-in' surprise.

     July 13, 2010 at 7:19 pm |
146. Basketball Jones
     

     If service is very good... I speak to the manager and compliment the waiter/waitress 7 leave a generous tip. If the service is bad, I speak to the manager about the poor service or poor quality and leave no tip. If it's extremely busy, it's understandable. If it's not, there's no excuse. it's that simple. They don't tip in Europe... too many Americans are too damn spoiled and want everything handed to them

     July 13, 2010 at 7:15 pm |
     • RoqDawg
       

       Good point. If you are willing to complain also be willing to compliment.

       July 13, 2010 at 7:38 pm |
147. myeyedea
     

     Aside from the fact that I don't think tips should be a part of wages as a practice of employment –

     What astounds me on this entire comment section is the number of people who say they don't leave a tip because of poor service (however they judge that to be) and then that's it... That you've made your point, and you sure showed him/her on that one because the person who so incompetantly waited on you for your entire meal will surely be able to figure out why you were so unimpressed with your service...

     I'm not of the opinion that tips should be left no matter how poor the experience, I just don't see the point of not leaving a tip if you're not going to make a verbal or written complaint to the management about your experience. If you don't speak up to someone who's actually the one deciding who gets to keep the job for however long, how effective do you expect leaving no tip is going to be in getting that person out of the position (if that's what needs to happen)? If I were waiting tables and didn't receive a tip, I'm not necessarily going to go tell my manager that and then have him or her speculate with me on why that could be – I'm going to receive no tip, think you suck, and go on about my business. The fact of the matter is, performance issues are addressed by the employer, not by the tips.

     Another reason I say not tipping is really quite worthless without speaking to management is that my aunt told me once that my cousin when he was a little boy had been swiping tips whenever they went out to eat. He thought the tips were "forgotten money" and "finders keepers" so... he was turning into a rich little boy. When my aunt found out, she went back to each of the restaurants (they always went to the same few) and apologized to each manager and had him apologize and, bc she didn't know how much should have been left at each place, she took the money he had collected and divvied it up to each of the restaurants. One of the managers actually said to her that she was recognized as a poor tipper and he wasn't really thrilled with her patronage because of it, so her explanation of what was going on when she found that out really went a long way to repairing her relationship with those restaurants. So, that little bit of story is to say if there's no tip left on your table it might not always be a statement that you had poor service; if you don't pair the "no tip practice" with a "complaining to the management practice" you're not really actively doing anything to improve your or others experiences of service.

     July 13, 2010 at 7:11 pm |
148. Tipper
     

     Does anyone else here get irritated at the tip jars at places (e.g. coffee chains) where it is not a sit-down-and-be-served establishment?

     July 13, 2010 at 7:10 pm |
149. EMagic
     

     The problem with most people who don't tip because of bad service is they don't inform either the server or manager that the service was bad. Like I said earlier good service is based on perception of the customer, as well as bad service. A server may be under the impression that they gave great service only to find a check written for the exact amount with a penny on top and no explanation why.

     July 13, 2010 at 7:05 pm |
150. nofreelunches
     

     The restaurant owner should be the one compensating the servers. I do not think it is fair for the customer to pay twice for a meal by being forced to tip. Why isn't anybody holding the restaurant owners accountable for this?

     July 13, 2010 at 6:59 pm |
151. DLH
     

     Wow! We just crashed the system. Anyone else get a 408 ERROR sayiong the web server was overloaded? CNN stirred up a hornet's nest here, eh?

     July 13, 2010 at 6:48 pm |
152. nofreelunches
     

     Why does the customer have to pay twice for the meal? Leaving a tip is like paying twice for a meal. That is not fair.

     I get hungry. I don't feel like cooking. I go to a restaurant. I pay $3 for a soda and on average $10 for a plate of food. That's $13 plus 9.75% sales tax, in Los Angeles where I live. Keep in mind that uncle Sam has already taxed me on that money too and taken it from my paycheck. So I don't understand why I still need to leave a tip. The restaurant is giving me a plate of warm food in exchange for my money. The price on the menu plus tax is all that I should be paying for that meal. The restaurant owner should be fairly paying the server, since I am fairly paying for the food the price listed on the menu.

     July 13, 2010 at 6:43 pm |
     • Chris
       

       You have to tip because your server is making below minimum wage. And since service is fluctuant, some is great, some, not so much, you control how much the server earns. If you don't like "paying for your meal" twice, go to McDonalds

       July 13, 2010 at 6:47 pm |
       • Sy2502
         

         "You have to tip because your server is making below minimum wage."

         How is that the customer's problem?

         July 13, 2010 at 7:45 pm |
153. Jay Crandall
     

     It's simple: TIPS stands for "To Insure Proper Service". No proper service= No Tips (This is Not rocket science folks...)

     July 13, 2010 at 6:30 pm |
     • Mike
       

       I'm with Jay. Good service gets tips (usually 20%). I walk out on bad service. (Only two or three times in my life). The tip is the least of their problems.

       The minimum wage issue is irrelevant. If you provide me service, I pay appropriately. If you do not provide me service, you do not get paid. Real simple.

       July 13, 2010 at 6:56 pm |
     • Nicole
       

       Actually, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word 'tip' is a slang term that originated in the early 18th century. It's derived from an earlier sense of the word that meant "to give".

       The acronym To Insure Proper Service is incorrect. Specifically, the word 'insure' means "to guarantee against loss or harm". I believe the correct word would be 'ensure' which means "to secure".

       BTW, waiting tables paid for my college degree.

       July 14, 2010 at 8:00 pm |
154. Roberto
     

     It's society in general. Just because little Billy played baseball doesn't mean he deserves a trophy! Just because you work as a waiter/waitress doesn't mean you deserve a 15% tip.

     I did the waiter gig, it's simple if I screwed up I got screwed. Did I whine, no! I changed MY WAYS of doing business I didn't expect the customer to change THEIR WAYS.

     You don't deserve squat! If I get bad service, surprise you get a bad tip. Not too hard to understand but most everyone is a product of the public school system and expects their trophy.

     July 13, 2010 at 6:29 pm |
155. servicepaidinprice
     

     I used to tip 15% 100% of the time. When the service was lousy, I felt even worse when I left knowing that it cost me that much more. Now when I tip, it is for extraordinary service above and beyond. Taking my oder and delivering my food is factored into my cost. However, when I do tip, my tip is extraordinary as well. I typically tip 50 to 100%. So let me ask all the "tip no matter what" people, should I take from those that 'earn' it to just give it to those that don't? After all, If they 'lousy" servers get tipped anyway, what will encourage them to become extraordinary or even leave a profession that they are not successfull in? Performance is the factor.

     July 13, 2010 at 6:27 pm |
156. Mike
     

     I was a waiter for years. You all wanna not get stiffed? Give better service, seriously. Not that hard really. And if you're too busy, you have too many tables and can't handle it.

     July 13, 2010 at 6:25 pm |
157. payperhour
     

     Since the staff is taxed on their sales, this should be easy to figure out – servers how much sales do you genereate per hour at a Friday's type restraunt. Not just good or bad nights over a typical week. Diveide it by 10 and multiple by 2 then add in your 2.35 from your employer. That is the expected hourly wage for you assuming a 20% tip. If that is over 15 an hour then 20%is really too high of tip to expect. I would really like to know answers

     July 13, 2010 at 6:19 pm |
158. K
     

     Two things: To cyberwarrior that comment about "blacks" not tippings is completely ridiculous. Regardless of whether or not your entire waiting experience has shown you that none of the black people who you have served have tipped, it's just an affront in itself that you could be comfortable with making such a glaringly stereotypical comment. Seriously. Problems all around. I get you're saying that not "all" black people don't tip ("brothers & sisters"? really...-__-?), but it seems as if you're saying that the only ones who would consider tipping are those who work in the service industry as well. I'm sure you must know this isn't true, so I'm not going to waste time detailing to you that it's impossible to make such a generalizing statement, becuase, obviously, you have not interacted with all the Black people in this country. Ugh.

     Anywho, the major point that I wanted to make (before happening across the previous post) is that we shouldn't have to tip a certain amount because we feel guilty or we are ashamed about what people will think if we don't tip. That's happened to me a number of times when I've settled on a tip that I've decided is fair and a person I'm dining with will say "Oh, we should give them more." I should be able to discern what I think is a fair tip without other people telling me what I SHOULD do. In addition, I don't understand the idea that we should tip 15-20% (or more) of the BILL. What does the BILL (the physical amount that I paid for my food) have anything to do with what the waiter deserves? They didn't cook the food, so it's no tlike saying a waiter "deserves" more for serving me a lobster dinner vs. serving me a burger or a salad (or an appetizer). I don't think there's anything wrong with tipping (I understand that waiters don't make much and this helps supplement their income) but someone please explain the logic in this arbitray tipping system. I don't think the "value" of the food has ANYTHING to do with the vaule of my service and I'm TIPPING a waiter for the service not for how good/expensive the food was (if that's the case, we should be tipping the chef...). So, when I tip, I don't follow a strict 15-20% reigment. Sometimes, this is to the waiter's advantage because, say if I buy an $8 burger (w/water) I'd feel really awkward just leaivng the person a $1.60 for a tip, I'd probably leave something more along the lines of $3-4 (to make it worth their while, and becuase I don't like leaving change). However, I also don't think I should be forced to leave something like $10-15 just because my food costs more. I think tips should be a function of whatever a person feels inspired to give. Honestly, I assume (I really don't know) that waiters would be grateful for any tip because at the end of the day it's MONEY and the point is that the tips should be adding to their income. So if someone dares snub a tip, then I'll assume they don't really want it anyway. However, I've never left anything like a penny, or a quarter. I leave at least $2 if I go out to eat (I don't generally buy really expensive food), but that seems to not be enough for some people. Poor service is poor service–if I have to do my waiter's job FOR them (i.e.: go find utensils, napkins, a plate for my appetizers, a refill, etc, which I've had to do...) then I'm not quite sure what I'm paying them FOR. However, I have had really great waiters before. And as long as I leave the restaurant feeling neutral (as in, not hating my experience) my waiter will get a good tip.

     At the end of the day, since tipping varies so much across the board, it would be better if there was a mandatory minimum wage for waiters. But, on the other side, I know some people who would adamantly disagree with that since they honestly make a lot MORE than people who have regular jobs BECAUSE tipping is so good. So, with this industry, it seems like it's a risk you'll have to take. You COULD make a lot of money ($200-300 a night, I've heard), but you also have to be willing to accept that you might leave making only $50 in one night. Hopefully it'll all balance out in the long run. Continue to do your jobs well, and more often than not you'll be rewareded for it. :)

     July 13, 2010 at 6:17 pm |
159. Hortense
     

     I have waited tales and thought it to be both the hardest and most enjoyable work I have ever done. Simply hard work but working with the public was great most of the time. I prided myself on excellent service even when the hostess would tell me that a particular party usually did not tip well. Or in one instance an elderly couple just told me up front they did not believe in tipping and they would understand if I did not want to wait on them. I gave them especially great service; they very graciously "thanked" me. I was happy and proud.
     P.S. this was a second job so I could pay my bills. I tip 20% as a rule but it can go up or down from there depending on the service and I never punish the server for something obviously not in their control.

     July 13, 2010 at 6:11 pm |
160. RoqDawg
     

     I've worked at resorts where a low minimum wage is allowed assuming the server will make at least enough to bring the server's wage up to standard minimum wage. The server clocks in at the beginning of their shift and when they clock out at the end of their shift they enter the dollar amount earned in cash tips during the shift. They do not need to pay credit card service charges, that is the resorts overhead. If a server is showing low tips earned over a period of time (credit and cash) it usually means the server is providing poor service or that the server is providing false information on cash tips. Whether the cause of the low tips is resulting from the server performming poorly or providing false information the server would stand a good chance of being terminated. At our main dining room the servers would average $150 to $300 per night in tips. We had one server that would earn his $4 an hour plus average better than $500 a night in tips. One night this server earned a $450 tip on one table. Other servers would be sent on their way or leave on their own because they were not earning enough. At times we would host a large international event and we would let the guests know that a "service charge" of 15% would be added to their bills. Most of the guests understood since in many countries a service charge is added to a guest bill and if the diner felt the service was above par a diner would round the bill up to the next highest dollar.
     If I am dining out and the service is poor – I let the manager know and leave a low to zero tip. If the food is bad I talk to the manager – if the manager comps the item or the meal the server gets a full tip based on the full cost of the meal. If the manager does nothing, I do not dine at the establishment again, but will not penalize the server if he/she makes an attempt to correct the problem.
     To those servers that say they will mess with a diners food on a return visit if they don't tip, grow up and if it happens often to you look into the mirror for the person to blame. And if you are caught on a security camera say goodbye to your job and look forward to possible criminal charges.

     July 13, 2010 at 6:00 pm |
161. eat
     

     I have left small tips, and on the receipt I would write 'Service was horrible, I expect much better as customer' or soemthing like that....

     July 13, 2010 at 5:59 pm |
162. ChairmanMao
     

     My friend is a waiter at Olive Garden and he is black. He even said every time a group of black customers walk in, he would pray they don't sit at his section.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:57 pm |
163. Ed
     

     I work in the business, and I believe that low tips are deserved by poor service, but the penny or the out right stiff are not exceptable. If you are in a regular job making yearly salary, if you make a mistake or you are having an off day, does your daily wage get docked a percentage, or taken away all together? I didn't think so. First determine if the server or the kitchen made the mistake. If a server or bartender makes a mistake, make it known they have made a mistake and let them correct it. If the kitchen made the mistake, you still inform the waitstaff of the error and let them take it from there. If you are not happy with the results, then you ask to see the manager. All these steps should be taken care of before you even ask for the bill. If at that point, you are still unhappy, please think twice before stiffing or shaving the tip. We have mouths to feed and heads to keep roofs over. $2.32/hr plus tip means exactly that, we make $2.32 an hour and rely on our service to you for the rest of our income. Try living on $2.32/hr and tell me how far you get.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:56 pm |
     • RoqDawg
       

       Lets see in a some positions if you have a bad day and perform poorly you may not get docked for that days work, but the next day you could be looking for a new job.

       July 13, 2010 at 6:06 pm |
     • Eric
       

       Well, Ed, obviously some customers are total jerks and will leave a pittance for even the best of service. BUT when you can watch your server dote and fawn all over other tables and ignore you as if you were not even there then the server should fully expect to receive a big fat stiff on the tip. She can tell her kids: Sorry you don't get to eat tonight but mommy was too busy making googly eyes at "Bud Stud" to pay attention to the rest of her tables for 20 minutes.

       July 13, 2010 at 8:28 pm |
164. Tina
     

     I was a waitress for my last two years of High School and I worked very hard for my customers. I treated them with the utmost respect. I received my training from a lady who had been a waitress for over 40 years. She said to always treat them as if they were your own family and I agreed with her. Never give bad service to someone that you wouldn't want as well. Always have a smile and be polite. To me if the service is bad let the waitress; waiter; or Manager know. I had to work one Sunday morning and I sat a family of 12 down and I gave them nothing but great service. I made sure they had everything they needed and kept their drinks full. The bill was way over $250.00. I thought I would at least get $40.00 but all they left me was $5.00. I ran out to them as other people were coming in and I told them that they could keep their $5.00 tip for the $250.00 bill. I also told them to never come back because I would spread it around how lousy they were as tippers and that they would only get the worst service possible.
     I ordered out once and when I brought it home the food was terrible. The lobster was mushy, and the steaks were tough and burnt. I called the restaurant and asked to speak to the Manager and I let him know about it. He asked what I ordered so that he could verify the order and he then apologized to me. I thanked him and told him that I would give them another chance. He then told me that he would send me a gift certificate for the full amount. He kept to his word and sent me a $100.00 gift certificate. I went back and received a wonderful take out dinner and gave the waitress a 25% tip because she was attentive and kind and served me with a gracious smile. Everyone has good and bad days but try to keep your personal business to yourself and do your job. I also realize that not everyone can go to college so that they can get a better job but if it’s all you got try doing your best at whatever you do. Last night I went to this seafood restaurant for take out and I ordered from the bar area, while there another gentleman came in to order out as well. After I put in my order she didn’t ask me if I wanted a drink or ice water but with the gentleman she did. I thought how rude and then I preceded to ask for ice water, 8 minutes later she gave me ice water. Then to top it off she put his order in and forgot mine. He got up to leave and I asked how much longer it would take and she said about 15 minutes. I then told her to just cancel the order and that I would be going to another restaurant and give them my business. She said but you already ordered and I told her but I haven’t paid you either. I then asked her to go get her Manager. She was gone for about 5 minutes and both came back. He asked what the problem was and I informed him of what happened. She stood there staying nothing but rolling her eyes and he apologized for the incident. He then asked how this could be cleared up and I told him to only hire people who really want the job and who could be polite and attentive to their customers. The food I ordered was delivered by another lady so I looked at it and found it to look and smell great so I then decided to pay for it but only had to pay half price per the Manager and I told him that since she didn’t do her job that I wasn’t going to tip her and he agreed. If you receive a great tip it’s because you went out of your way for your customers, if you don’t get one then maybe you need to look at yourself at why you didn’t get tipped. If you don’t complain to the Manager; how are they to know that someone bad is working for them? How can they fix what they don’t know?

     July 13, 2010 at 5:55 pm |
165. wow
     

     Some people serve because its the only job available to them while they are putting themselves through school, and trying to raise a kid on the side. Most serving jobs offer the flexibility needed. It is quite ignorant (Jaliska) to assume that the servers have simply "chosen" that job with lousy pay and should put up with rude and obviously ignorant flakes such as yourself. The hourly rate of pay is ridiculously low.. and yes these servers do need the tips. If you can afford to go out to feed your face you should assume the tip is part of that expense and not find a reason to justify a completely rude gesture like stiffing someone for whatever reason. Until restaurants start paying people an hourly rate that equals the work put in .. there should NEVER be a reason to stiff someone.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:52 pm |
166. EMagic
     

     Sometimes good service is all about perception. Some customers are just so hard to please that it's almost not worth it to go the extra mile. If I need something I will ask for it but I try not to be too demanding and I try to be respectful. If I can tell the server is trying I will give him or her the benefit of the doubt. Unless it is obvious the server isn't trying to do a good job I will tip at least 20%.

     From experience I've found that as a waiter sometimes you get tables that are very demanding and very inconsiderate. I've been in situations were I've had to choose to either neglect them or neglect all of my other tables because I was too busy to please everyone and help wasn't always available.

     I was surprised that the minimum wage for servers did not go up with overall minimum wage. However, if restaurants were forced to pay servers more, many would not be able to stay open because labor costs would be too high for them to stay in business.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:52 pm |
167. Laura
     

     I was with a large group at a place that automatically adds tips for large groups. I guess our server felt that justified him ignoring us all night. We requested separate checks at the beginning of the meal, and he told us fine he would separate them when he brought them later, well later it was "too late" to separate them! Our drinks didn't come until well after our food was served. But the absolute worst was that we sat in an open air area, with a retractable awning. It started to rain, so we asked our server to close the awning, he put his hand out, said "I don't feel anything" and walked away. Another table requested the same of their server who immediately closed the awning. We spoke to the manager who discounted our meal, and needless to say there was no tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:49 pm |
168. Mike
     

     It has to be really catastrophic for me to leave a $0 tip. I would probably have already walked out of the restaurant. If it's pretty bad, I still leave 10%. I tip heavier on cheap meals b/c I don't think 20% is enough on an $8 lunch, where they still need a min of 5 trips to the table. I think 20% way too much on a $100 dinner, but I'm too cheap to go on those very often. I think it is important to vary your tip to send feedback. Someone who does a good job and makes themselves be pleasant when they don't feel like it should do better than someone that doesn't bother. My pet peave is physically attractive waitstaff that seem to know they don't have to work too hard.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:46 pm |
     • GnnColo
       

       Simple. When you go somewhere and there is a person who will 'bring you something'... 'serve you'.... they are paid by the proprietor to do this. The bar/restaurant/cafe/ice cream parlor owner does NOT owe the employee anything more.

       Anything 'more'... or 'less'... that he server 'provides' is reason for a tip or lack thereof. It's SIMPLY a 'value added' service. Guaranteed, the better servers will get better tips....

       When servers 'detract' from the basic, minimum service... they are SUBTRACTING from the consumers experience... and the tip becomes less and less deserved... to the point that INDEED some servers should suffer more than no tip...

       Go to a club... get lousy service, slow service, cold food... inattentive servers... goofing around... waitresses flirting with bartenders... forgotten orders... wrong orders... incorrect bill... THESE PEOPLE WANT A TIP..??!!!

       Grow up you whiners..!!!!!

       July 13, 2010 at 6:10 pm |
169. Melinda
     

     Tipping WILL be a CHOICE, when food service workers ALL get paid AT LEAST MINIMUM WAGE. So Sy2502 you must be quite the SADIST.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:45 pm |
170. Bill
     

     Years ago I had the opportunity to spend a summer working with a young woman from Germany. I asked her what she liked about the United States. She said she loved the service that waiters and waitresses give you in American restaurants. She couldn't believe that the wait staff always asks, "Is everything okay? Can I get you anything else?" She said that in Germany the wait staff essentially throws the food at patrons because the tip is always included in the bill. Consequently, no matter how good the service they provide, the tip will always be the same.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:44 pm |
171. E
     

     If servers were paid at least minimum wage and tipping was not common practice, the prices of menu items would be 15-20 percent higher. I try to keep this in mind when I dine out.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:42 pm |
172. Gary
     

     Being a former line cook i have no sympathy for servers, do you know how many times ive had to yell a servers name becuse the food had been sititng in the window for 10+ minutes. Cooks get blamed for things that sometimes..really are the servers fault. Yes there are good servers and you can see those servers, they try and are very nice no matter how bad their day has been. The customer doesnt care if you ran out of cigarettes, the customer wants to have an enjoyable experience that they are paying for. If a server puts a damper on their night the by all means make the tip commensurant to the service. Yes there are jerks that wont tip even if you went the whole nine yards and gave them an extra refill on a drink that doesnt have free refills. But most of the time if you dont get tipped well, you did something wrong. Bring back comment cards at the table!

     July 13, 2010 at 5:41 pm |
173. robert
     

     doesn't anyone realize that TIPS stands for TO INSURE PROPER SERVICE – Bad service – no tip

     July 13, 2010 at 5:40 pm |
174. justin
     

     Some of the posters were infuriated at people who don't leave a tip. One poster stated that "perhaps the waiter had a bad day, give them the benefit of the doubt."

     I'm an aircraft mechanic. If I have a bad day, a plane could crash. So if you're a waiter, you get a free pass to have a bad day? I don't think so. If you are rude to me, I'm not going to pay you!!!

     July 13, 2010 at 5:38 pm |
     • stanley
       

       are you honestly claiming that you've never had a bad day at work before? because that sounds very unlikely. the fact is nobody is at their best every day. the only difference is you still get your full paycheck everyday, whereas the working class person waiting on you doesnt get the same benefit.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:49 pm |
       • DLH
         

         Now Stanley... Justin is simply saying that if he has a bad day, It is NOT acceptable to perform lowsy work. If he forgets to tighten the bolts on the wing of an aircraft, nobody would EVER forgive him if the excuse was "I just had a bad day." Think about it next time you get on an aircraft. That's why he gets paid his full salary even if he has a bad day. Servers, however, do what they can to make our meals enjoyable or live with getting NO TIP.

         July 13, 2010 at 6:08 pm |
     • stanley
       

       i understand completely what he saying... i just dont believe it. i doubt there is anyone here with a full time job that can claim to have never made an error while on the clock."to err is human", etc. everybody slips up sometimes, and its a lot more likely in a hectic environment with a lot of multitasking involved.

       July 13, 2010 at 6:18 pm |
       • DLH
         

         Agreed, we are not perfect. People do make errors and we should not reduce a tip because of a mistake or two. However, servers who flat out ignore customers or just want to do as little as possible and blame it on a bad day should not be rewarded with a gracious tip. I once heard a girl tell me that she will not bring anything to a table until she is asked for it. After watching her for a while, I noticed she didn't bring silverware, Ketchup (for a burger and fries), fill drinks, etc. I began reducung her tip everytime it happened to me. I shouldn't have to ask for the same things everytime. Also, I was a regular there.

         July 13, 2010 at 6:32 pm |
175. Annette
     

     Only time I ever left without tipping was when I was with my mother who was in her 80's, and wheel chair bound due to a stroke. We are both diabetic from birth. After waiting quite a while for service, our waitress finally came and took our orders and we both ordered unsweetened tea. The tea came back sweet and I politely explained that we had to have unsweetened tea because of our diabetes. The waitress literally rolled her eyes then finally brought back some tea when our meals came and she completely disappeared from that point until very near the end of our meal. I finally had to get her attention to get a refill on tea...which she tried to refill with sweet tea again before I stopped her. Finally Mom had to go to the restroom so I wheeled her in there only to find the handicapped stall occupied but none of the other stalls occupied. I noticed when we walked in that the room smelled like smoke, and I heard several women laughing in the stall. Then several minutes later the stall door opened and three waitresses came out with the cig packs and lighters in hand, including our waitress. Two had the sense to look ashamed to see an old lady in a wheel chair waiting for them to finish up. When we went into the stall there were three fully smoked butts in the toilet and two chairs had been pulled in there that I had to remove to accomodate Mom's wheelchair. When we came back out, our check was laying on our table with charges for 4 sweet teas and our server didn't even come to pick it up, but instead sent someone else. Needless to say the manager and I had a chat.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:36 pm |
176. cyberwarrior
     

     As a former waiter here's my two bits:
     There are customers who will NEVER TIP regardless of the service they receive and are insulted at the idea of tipping.

     Blacks who constantly expect you to resupply them with fresh napkins because they use the ones you've already provided them like toilet paper and calling on you every minute for one item or another at the expense of your other customers who do tip, leave NO TIP. That isn' t to say all brothers and sisters don't tip. Many brothers and sisters are themselves waiters/waitresses and no doubt have been on the receiving end of this black on black injustice.

     Wait staff routinely juggle the demands of seating the customers, getting them their water and menus, cleaning the tables, bussing the tables, getting the customers' orders, placing the orders to the kitchen, and writing the checks. Anything fails in one area, it has a ripple effect on everything else. That's what waiters/waitresses have to put up with
     for the customer's service.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:36 pm |
177. Jesse
     

     The problem is the fact that restaurant are exempt from minimum wage. I would of liked to no tip a couple times but was basically guilted into leaving something because of I know they don't make anything. Normally I would tip around 15-20% but bad service gets below 10%. And thats just because I would feel guilty leaving anything less so my opinion doesn't change any.

     But restaurants do have a nice little scam going, seriously how many other industries have their customers paying their employees. Its genius.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:35 pm |
178. William
     

     One of my major aggreavations is when wait staff takes my cash with the bill and asks, "Do you want change?" In many cases because I don't have smaller bills I will leave two $20 bills ($40) for say a $24 bill, so the change should be almost as much as the size of the bill. So when the wait staff asks this question I tend to translate it as, "I want double what you would ordinarily leave as a tip." So in those cases I say, "Yes, I want the change." I then leave them a 15 percent tip instead of my customary 20 percent. However, if the waiter or waitress says, "I'll be right back with your change," I will give him/her the full 20 percent tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:34 pm |
     • Leslie
       

       William, that’s a pretty contrived reason. Usually, I find it rude to count the money someone has left me in front of their table to see if change will be necessary, so I always ask about change at the table if I see any cash in the bill. It also saves valuable time because if people do not need change, which is very common, I don’t waste time I could be using waiting on other tables making change in the server area or getting change for a large bill at the bar. People also usually have a specific way they want their change/bill handled so I always ask. I think maybe you’re reading into the semantics a little too much.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:05 pm |
179. Susan
     

     I have never waited tables – not something I would be good at, but most of my friends have at one time or another. I know they get paid less than minimum wage and that is with the expectation of a tip – for people to say a tip is not required – you're just lying to yourselves. I always leave a tip – somewhere between 15-20% – sometimes more. I am not a rich person but I know how hard it is to make ends meet. What gets me is restaurants that do not give the wait staff their tips when it is added to the credit card statement – that's stealing - or the crap about "pooling" tips – that's stealing too, a good waiter/ess is penalized because they work with a bunch of lazy people because their good tips are mixed with crappy or no tips and they don't get what they've earned. I'm not sure how to make things square with bus boys/girls and kitchen staff but in my opinion they should be paid a proper, full minimum wage and should not expect to partake of the tips the wait staff gets. The wait staff get's less than 1/2 the minimum wage and the tips are supposed to bring them up to at least (and hopefully more than) minimum wage. People on this comment section certainly seem to be holier than thou regarding tipping – I hope you never have to find out just how hard it is to wait tables.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:32 pm |
180. Tipper
     

     I do leave a tip for extremely poor service:
     a message that says "Here's your tip: Find another line of work."

     July 13, 2010 at 5:31 pm |
181. Kristen
     

     I've been a server for many years and am currently a restaurant manager. I am appalled by some of the comments, "I would leave an INSULTINGLY low tip..." Why would you go out of your way to insult some one just because they aren't the best at their job or were having an off day. That's terrible!!! Bottom line is I understand the frustration of having bad service...but the facts are a server is there to bring you you drinks and food and to be a friendly representation of the restaurant. They are not your personal slave and are not there to wipe your ass for you. Treat them as human beings. Its sad that even has to be said!

     July 13, 2010 at 5:28 pm |
182. Server
     

     Ohhh Jaliska, I think I have waited on you before. Screaming kids, husband that ignores you...ahhh yes you came and made a mess and didn't tip me! Oh well, my night went on and I was tipped accordingly by all the others who "came to feed themselves." I think you should consider sticking to the non tipping restaurants like McDonalds or perhaps Burger King when you really feel like splurging. Your comments are ignorant and you should be ashamed. By the way there is a 80 yr old woman who works at the Denny's in town. She lost her savings thanks to this wonderful economy and decided to go wait tables for fun!!! as we all do. You should go and stiff her, since she pays her bills with spilled soda and dirty plates.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:27 pm |
183. Bill
     

     I'm in public relations and a number of years ago I arranged a meeting for a couple of clients and a reporter who covered their industry. We went to a trendy Italian restaurant. The reporter had laid his winter coat on the seat next to him. When the waiter delivered the meal he wasn't paying attention and spilled a large quantity of sauce on the reporter's coat. I was mortified. The waiter tried to blame it on the reporter for putting the coat on the seat next to him. I paid with a credit card, but specifically left the tip blank. When I got my credit card statement, the cost of the meal was listed as 15 percent more than the slip I had signed. The waiter had written in his own tip. Obviously I called and complained and the restaurant gave me a free meal. Big deal. I was trying to help my client by introducing them to a key reporter, but the only thing the reporter remembered was having his coat doused with Marinara sauce.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:26 pm |
184. Dan
     

     I love how the majority of “always leave a tip” crew are waiters. I tend to tip just over 20% as long as the service was reasonable. With that said I have no idea how that became socially acceptable never mind the norm. If a table of 4 goes out and spends $20 a plate and each get 2 $5 drinks the bill comes to $120. The tip on that is $24. Add in the $2.13 wage that they always bring up as a mortal sin (basically a bonus) and the waiter made $26 on the single table in the hour that we were there. Let’s get super conservative and say they only work three tables at a time. The other two cover the tip out and maybe the extra 10-20 min over an hour a typical table stays. That’s a $50,000 a year unskilled job in air conditioning. Of course they only claim about $25,000 on their taxes which they have no shame doing. So it’s more like $60,000. I’m in sales. If something goes wrong I get nothing. Waiters are in sales, but they will blame everything in the world and still expect not just a tip, but a full one.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:26 pm |
185. Oddjoe
     

     When I waited tables I always got tips-in fact I made more money per hour waiting tables than I did for years in my field, but I worked hard for that money and. I will still tip on below average service but if the waitstaff gives me attitude I will zero out the tip as fast as lightning.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:25 pm |
186. stanley
     

     if you are dining in or ordering home delivery, you should always tip your server. if you cant afford to tip, stay at home and prepare the food yourself. These people are providing you a service, with the expectation of being compensated for their work. Even if you feel the service is subpar, they still gave you some of their time and effort and it was still worth more than nothing. Nobody is perfect, everybody makes mistakes or has off days on the job. If you work in an office and are having a bad day, odds are you still get paid for your time. Why should a server should not be paid for his/her time? Service industry workers rely on customers to tip in order to support their household. Its never ok to not tip, tipping should be considered part of the bill just like the price of food.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:24 pm |
187. diss'd in VT
     

     Here's one for you... We enter a nice eatery in Vermont to only hear a child having an end of day melt-down. When the hostess asks where we'd like to sit, I respond "Some place quite". She then walks us to the table next to the kid. Now, what would you, a paying customer, say at that point?

     July 13, 2010 at 5:24 pm |
     • TxC
       

       Ask right then to be seated elsewhere. I've done that multiple times. I love kids, but I'm not always in the mood to deal with them at a restaurant so if I am in close proximity to a child who's misbehaving I ask to move and explain why. I've never had them tell me no and they always seat me elsewhere.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:32 pm |
188. Jeremiah
     

     Alright, part of eating out is tipping. That is the real source of income for a server. Not tipping is the equivalent of any professional doing the job they are hired to do by their client and then not getting paid. When poor service is given, a tip is not always warranted. However, a 4-5 percent tip is acceptable as the server will most likely be paying that amount to support staff. If your bar drink was great and the food was also good, then why punish those staff members that did their job? Now, if you are the type that doesn't agree with tipping at any time, then eat at home. Where else would you be provided with a service for free? Nowhere.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:21 pm |
     • CK
       

       Jeremiah, you said "part of eating out is tipping. That is the real source of income for a server."

       Perhaps you should complain to the owner who hired you at $2.00 an hour – that SHOULD be the real source of income. Don't expect customers to support you. The owners are banking by not paying you a decent wage! Don't cut the throats of the customer, go after your boss.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:57 pm |
189. Just a Thought
     

     Has it occured to anyone that waiters/waitresses make less money, because it's not exactly the most challenging job in the world? It seems like most of the pro tip points rely on the argument that the job is hard or the waiters need the money..... Maybe they should have worked harder to avoid relying on the will of the average customer to be generous. Tipping should be outlawed, restaurants should pay more, and restaurants should raise the price of food to cover it. If you disagree with this, than you can't argue that waiters should get a tip, even if they provide bad service.... THAT'S THE POINT! Low base + good tips = more money for good waiters.... IT CREATES MOTIVIATION!

     July 13, 2010 at 5:20 pm |
     • Just wondering
       

       My boss would love it if the customers paid me separately so that he would only have to pay me a pittance. Where else do you have to pay twice. I say raise the prices, and pay the staff a proper salary. In fact, I bet most waiters have limited or no benefits. If so many people are accustomed to pay a tip, then they shouldn't have any problem paying the higher prices that will result from paying a living wage.

       July 13, 2010 at 7:57 pm |
190. sassy
     

     I don't expect to be entertained, sung to, or to see special tricks. What I DO expect is good service. I expect silverware BEFORE I get my food, my drink refilled a time or two, to be asked if I need anything, and to not be ignored. I expect them to do their job. I, then, have NO problem, and am honored to compensate for my service. I don't give handouts though. If I get an a$$hole with a bad attitude, am ignored, served cold food, well, the tip is next to ZERO. The lowest I've left is a penny. I beleive you get what you put out. Of you give crappy service, you get pennies.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:20 pm |
191. Theresa
     

     Let me start by saying that my grandmother was a waitress for over 25 years, so I know how difficult the job can be.

     It is your job to make the dining experience pleasant for the customer. If my experience is subpar due to your service (or lack there of) then your tip will be subpar as well. There have been times when I've gone back to a restaurant and requested a different waiter due to the poor service I received before. On a few rare occassions I haven't left ANY tip, but I took the time to explain why to both the waiter and the manager.

     If you do your job well and enhance my dining experience, you will be rewarded for it. One time my husband and I were so pleased with the service we received that we left a 50% tip.

     Not everyone is cheap, we just expect you to do your job and actually earn the tip that is a part of your wages. That is how the job force works.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:18 pm |
192. TJ
     

     If you don't tip because you had bad service you are ignorant. Servers live off their tips if you had bad service tell the waiter/waitress and they will fix the problem it's not going to hurt there feelings if your drink is empty or your food is cold. They would rather know so your experience is better at the restaurant. Not saying a word till the end of the meal then stiffing them is Bu77S**t. You should stay home and be a cheap bast**d then go out.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:18 pm |
193. Jim
     

     I'm usually a very good tipper (20% is my norm, higher if I'm really impressed by the food/service). But there has been 1 time that not only didn't I tip, I didn't pay for my food or drinks.

     We were sat on a moderately busy night. It was hopping, but there were also open tables. The gentleman who sat us took our drink order and said that "such and such will be over shortly with your drinks and to take your order". 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes passed. I flagged down a different waiter and explained that we had been seated but hadn't seen our waiter. The waiter was nice enough to run back and bring us some drinks and let us know that our waiter would be over shortly. He was so sorry, etc...

     5, 10, 15 minutes pass, and still no service. Our drinks are long past drained. I hail the other waiter again and ask to have the manager come to our table. I explain to the manager what's going on, that we had been there almost 45 minutes, still haven't seen our waiter, and have had 1 drink each. He apologizes and goes over to a main who has been standing at the bar chatting with the bartender since we walked in. Apparently he was our waiter. He comes over, takes our order and disappears again (still no refills, despite me politely asking for one). 20 minutes later some one comes from the kitchen (not our waiter) carrying a couple of plates of food plus an appetizer. He asks "who ordered X". Neither of us had ordered that. "Well who ordered Y". ummm, I did, but the sides are wrong, and it's clearly weell done and not medium rare. He apologies, sets the appetizer on the table (which we didn't order either) and goes back to the kitchen. We eat the appetizer while we wait for our waiter to return... nothing. I flag down another waiter, again ask for the manager, and inform him that I will be leaving immediately, will not be paying for anything I ordered, and will not be returning. He apologized, asked what he can do to make it right, and offered free desserts (???). No thanks.

     That's the only time it's been bad enough for me not to tip. I've gone as low as 10% for "bad" service, but it's never been close to as bad as that occassion was.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:18 pm |
194. kaeelle
     

     I generally tip very well. I've never worked food service, but I have worked customer service for many years. I know what it's like to have a bad day, and a bad string of customers. I have only never left a tip one time. The waitress visited our table twice during our entire meal. Never refilled our drinks. Took our order, brought our check. She didn't bring the food. She didn't bring our drinks. She didn't ask if things were fine. There were two larger party tables she was waiting on right behind us. I'm sure she got a good tip there. But it ruined my meal and our night our by her not paying attention. I caught the attention of another waitress, and SHE waited on us the entire night. She got our tip. Our waitress could have cared less about us, even when we complained to the manager about her rude behavior and lack of service. I understand bad nights. I also understand that you have to perform your job to the best of your ability. I pay for service when I tip. If the service was great, the server can expect a great tip. At least 18% even at a lower end restaurant. However, when you completely disregard me because I'm not going to be leaving a $20 tip like the table beside me, I have to draw the line somewhere.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:17 pm |
195. Ouka
     

     I don't ever leave no tip, that means there may be some question on whether or not I was making a point or just forgot.

     If service is really bad I'll leave the smallest coin I have on me as the tip. This takes some doing though, the wait staff have to be actively ignoring their duties. I won't penalize wait staff for kitchen errors (though I will complain to management), but if the wait staff can't be arsed to bring clean eating utensils (or any for that matter), leaves an order on the sill until it goes stone-cold, can't bring a check within 15 minutes of the end of a meal where it's obvious that we're done, and completely fails to follow up on drinks, well then why would I want to reward that sort of behavior?

     Stuff happens, sure. Come and tell us about it then. Don't hide in the kitchen and refuse to make eye contact on the rare foray out of the back. If the dishwasher blew up and you are doing things by hand, tell us. Come ask if it'll be ok to bring out some of the food if the chef is having trouble with one of the table's orders (big bonus if some small side is comped for the goofed order).

     July 13, 2010 at 5:16 pm |
196. R
     

     Solution? Pay your workers enough so that they don't need a tip to survive. This means a tip is a just reward for going above and beyond and not a formality. Restaurants don't charge any less in non tipping countries on their menus so effectively it costs more to eat out in ones that expect a tip. Where is this money going? Into the pockets of the owner.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:15 pm |
197. Jennifer
     

     I have to admit, I am known for being very generous when the service is great. I have left $30 on a $50 tab, multiple times. My favorite bartender always gets atleast 50%. A decent waiter / waitress can expect anywhere from 20% – 25% from me. An excellent waiter / waitress can expect anywhere from 30% – 50%. But the tips are earned, not a right. My expectations are not ridiculous. Water and soda's refilled. Food brought out in a timely manner (I do account for busy nights at the restaurant). Mistakes corrected without hassle (if i asked for a medium rare burger and you bring me a piece of burnt beef, i expect that to be taken care of, if my salad is wilted and brown and gross, don't expect me to pay for it). If i'm in the middle of a conversation, wait for a semi-lull to interrupt, even if it is to ask how everything is. If you are genuinely busy, then I am more than happy to take that in to account. But if my table is the only table in your section and it takes me an hour to get a 2nd glass of water, you can expect no tip. A tip is earned, not a right. Yes, i understand that your minimum wage is ridiculously low, but if you're going to treat your customers like crap because of your minimum wage amount, get out of the service industry. BUT my biggest pet peeve, of all times, is when a waiter or waitress checks that tip amount at the table while I'm still sitting there. If you have no trust in your service, than most likely you don't deserve a tip. If you say you've been stiffed on checks before and that's why you don't trust your customers, get out of the service industry. I have been in the service industry for over 15 years. Respect your customers. Don't let one POS who stiffed you make you distrust every customer that sits in your section. Treat them the way you'd want to be treated. and maybe, just maybe, they'll tip like you would want to be tipped.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:15 pm |
198. Richard
     

     What do you consider is the proper way to tip?
     Say, the bill is 20.00 dollars, tax is 2.00 total bill 22.00. I usually double the tax leaving 26.00 dollars; however some of my friends leave x% of the bill with out the tax figured in. Say, 20% of 20 dollars, equaling 24.00 dollars total.
     Thoughts?

     July 13, 2010 at 5:14 pm |
     • Susan
       

       Richard – if you then add the $2.00 for tax your final bill again comes to 26.00 – I don't understand your problem.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:43 pm |
       • Richard
         

         Susan, basically I'm asking do you calculate tip on total bill or before tax.

         July 14, 2010 at 5:31 pm |
     • Tipper
       

       It depends on the tax rate in the state (or even municipality) you're in. For a state with 6% tax you would triple the tax.
       Another problem is where food can be taxed but alcoholic beverages aren't.
       To avoid these complications, I would usually take the amount before tax, divide by 10 and double this result, then add to the bill.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:49 pm |
       • Richard
         

         Tipper, so you are saying on a 100 bill you would leave a 30 dollar tip?

         July 14, 2010 at 5:34 pm |
199. Chris Hansen
     

     Are you kidding me? Unless you’re "dining" at a fast food restaurant, service is more important than the food. Dining out is a form of entertainment for my wife and I. In fact, we dine out on the average of four nights a week. I enjoy the occasional hole in the wall and have experienced some of the best restaurants in the world. Bottom line, whether you’re out at Jean Georges or the local Italian restaurant, service defines the experience. If the service is poor, the tip should follow. That said, if the service is outstanding... I have no problem leaving 30 or 40% at times. No excuses, service defines the experience. Poor food and great service, I may give it another try. Great food with pathetic service, I'll dine with a competitor. If you don’t get it, find another industry.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:12 pm |
200. Hart
     

     My assumption is that all the servers on this board who are arguing to leave tips....are AWESOME at what they do. I am a former waitress and I KNOW I did a great job. I think any of the servers out there who are the rude, lazy do nothing type would never comment on this article. Bad day, slammed busy, whatever...it's all in how you treat the guest. But...regardless of that....I still had times where people would run up a HUGE bill and tip 10% or less.

     THAT is what I don't get. If you have the money to drop $150 on dinner, don't you have the money to tip 20% for good service??

     I also don't appreciate the person at the top of the article who said that servers need to stop complaining and "get a better job". I'd love for someone to give me an idea for a better job that is pretty flexible, in the evening (so you can attend college classes during the day) and offers the opportunity to make a good bit of money in one night if you're slammed busy???

     July 13, 2010 at 5:11 pm |
     • TxC
       

       "I'd love for someone to give me an idea for a better job that is pretty flexible, in the evening (so you can attend college classes during the day) and offers the opportunity to make a good bit of money in one night if you're slammed busy???"

       babysitter :)

       I probably make a hell of a lot more than you a night and I get to decide when and who I babysit for. I pay for my rent, car, insurance (health, car, renters) as well as all my other bills babysitting and attend college.

       I'm not dogging what you do, I can't be a waitress, but there are other jobs out there.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:21 pm |
201. Zach
     

     I waited tables for many years in college so I understand both sides of the issue. People who have not worked for tips before need to understand that 18- 20 percent is an average tip these days. Average service deserves average tips. Poor service does deserve less and in some circumstances it is allowable to leave no tip. I have left no tip once in my life, but I also left my phone number and a note to the server saying if he was mad he could call me and let me know how he felt. And for the love of God stop going into restraunts 30 minutes before and expecting good service.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:11 pm |
     • Sheena
       

       Thank you! Do not go into a restaraunt 30-15 mins before closing and expect everything to be perfect. Closing time is hectic people rushing to get things done just to go home to see their families. I have stayed at work for over an hour waiting on ONE TABLE to leave. we closed at 9:00pm all the the other servers left at 9:45pm when their stations were done and me and the Kitchen and the dish room and the manager all had to wait around for ONE table to leave! They left at 10:30pm they entered the restaraunt at 8:15pm!!! I have had them complain to me because I was vacuuming the floor 10 tables away (With a quiet battery operated vacumm) and I had to stop so they didnt feel offended. Now I understand during normal hours but come on it was 10:00 at night and i was just trying to go home. Ohh then they had the nerve to tell me that I did a great job and even WRote it on a comment card and then STIFFED me so it just goes to show how cheap some people can really be.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:38 pm |
202. Dan
     

     Someone earlier said that anyone who was ever a waiter wouldn't not leave a tip. I disagree. I was a waiter in the summers while in college. There's a reason that waiters work for tips in this country. It's because tit gives them an incentive to provide superior service. This isn't the case in Europe, where tips are not routinely given. Service in the United States is much better in my opinion, and I have European friends who agree. A direct quote from a Finnish friend..."in Finland, if you go out to eat and are not abused by the server, that's good service!") But, let's get this straight, I won't give you a tip if you don't do your job. If you're a house contractor, and you build me a house with a cracked foundation, should I pay you because you were having a bad day? If you're my dentist, and you pull the wrong tooth? And, honestly, if you don't like it, then you should find another job, because I'm sure that there's another, more conscientious person that would gladly take your job.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:10 pm |
203. Robert
     

     Look there is no State, Federal or International Law requiring a person should pay extra for service in the form of a Tip period. If the service is bad you will expect zip. If you bring to work issues don't expect people to be gratuitous in the tipping. With the economy taking a hammering, more people can't afford tips.

     I had a Pizza guy who had the guts to tell me that I need to pay a tip before I was going to pay him so I paid him the Pizza then gave him a tip "don't expect me to order pizza again from you, cause I don't tip rude jerks." I also called and turned him in for solicitation of a tip. I pay tips when I can but never tell me I owe you one or try to force me to pay one!

     July 13, 2010 at 5:09 pm |
204. David
     

     As a current attorney with money to spend who has waited many a table and tended many a bar in my life, I can tell you that I am the first person to tip poorly when service is truly bad, and the first person to tip between 25% and 40% when service is good - 20% is a standard tip for average service. I've left zero before when the waiter/waitress was not only incompetent, but also rude or plain lazy. Let them be rude, dumb and/or lazy at McDonald's if they want, but not at an expensive reastaurant.

     David

     July 13, 2010 at 5:08 pm |
205. Tsukino
     

     All I can add is that I tip 20% on average, but if the establishment adds the gratiuity into the check due to party size or just by policy than I make sure not to add any more.

     While it is true wait staff make their living off tips .. it's not a guarantee and if I am being forced to pay regardless of how good or bad the service is than that required amount is all they get.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:06 pm |
206. Sheena
     

     I work at GOlden corral as a server and most people have the belief that just because I do not deliver the food I do not deserve a tip. Just the other morning I was one of only 2 servers on the floor and had a party of 20, a party of 40, and about 10 other tables come in to my section all at once. Now I was slammed and still made sure everyone had clean tables, clean dishes, and full drinks to the best of my ability. I was at times running through the restaruant to make sure everyone was fine. All 40 people (paid seperate) walked out and did not tip me!! So what did I do wrong? I have heard people tell each other that "I dont tip the people here, they dont do anything". WRONG! I have worked at a full service restaraunt where the server is the "bank" and now here and this job is harder. I handle 10 times as many dishes and glasses and have larger stations, on average I tend to serve at least 12 tables at a time and have to do silver throughout service as people dont want to use the same fork more than once during their meal. "Ill just get a new one!" I was even stiffed cause a guy wanted free soda. He told me that I obviously dont work for tips because I wont give him a free drink. Sorry but I am not going to get fired for a stupid SODA!!! I am tired of people thinking they can get stuff for free. I have served tables perfectly, full drinks, no trash (napkins ect), no dirty plates and no dirty cups on the table and was still stiffed. Why do you tip you hairdresser who gets paid WAY more than I do? Why your newspaper carrier? Why the repairmen who come to your home. You pay way more for these services than you do for your 30-40 meal and yet still tip these people but not your server who makes $4.24 now! I understand that for bad service YES dont leave a tip, I never expect a tip when I mess up. But I can be stiffed as much as 10 times a night and not have messed up, even had pleasant chats with these folks and still NO TIP!! WAKE UP AND REALIZE THAT SERVERS ARE HUMANS AND MAY MESS UP BUT IF THEY TRULY TRY TO MAKE THINGS OK AND ARE PLEASANT THEN LEAVE THEM SOMETHING! There are times that I am not feeling good and may not be at my best but I try. Also if you suck your drink done as soon as I give it to you then of course you may have to wait a few to get another one because I do have other tables and duties. I have to keep all the bars clean, floors clean, plate stations stocked, tables clean, people sat, lemons, bread, dishes, full drinks, do the silverware, restock napkins, sugars,ect! Ohh yeah and servers dont really get breaks. We are allowed to take them but if we do then someone ELSE has to watch our stations so dont think we are being lazy if someone else comes to give you stuff. On average I take maybe 2 breaks a week and it usually results in me being stiffed because the table didnt see me before they left. Where I work we dont close stations and we dont have a hostess you pick where you sit, so its virtually impossible to have an empty station. So just open your eyes and look around at what your server is doing, If he or she is running around trying then please be patient we are only human. But if your server is standing around goofing off then by all means STIFF AWAY! and COMPLAIN to not only the mananger but the server as well.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:05 pm |
207. Patricia
     

     I always leave a tip of 15-20% no matter what. If the food or service was bad I simply don't return to that restaurant.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:04 pm |
208. Irritated
     

     At a restaurant, the waitress proceeded to sit and chit chat with her friends at a table a few feet away, while our drink glasses were empty and she had forgotten to bring a few items. I did leave a tip... it was written on the bottom of the credit card receipt, and said "the waitress should be fired."

     July 13, 2010 at 5:04 pm |
209. dave
     

     I refused to leave a tip because there were only 5 pieces of ravioli!!! Later on, I checked my credit card statement. The restaurant had put on a $10 tip (on a $70 bill, 3 persons). Now, that is FRAUD!!! I called the credit card company, and had the $10 tip taken off!!!

     July 13, 2010 at 5:04 pm |
     • Sheena
       

       How does FIVE raviolis make the server bad??? How about telling him/her that there was only five! Not all mistakes are directly related to the server. I understand if you told her that it was like that and she ignored you, but in most cases they do try and fix it.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:25 pm |
210. Ty
     

     WOW. i worked in the food biz for many years before i started my own business and finished college. My mother is the type that won't leave good tips EVER. Me and my wife on the other hand leave 10 percent for bad service and up to 25 per cent for great service. To those who do think it is a "gratuity", be grateful that the standard hasn't been bumped up to 30 per cent. I'm not sure what the sadism is for, but throwing down an extra ten bucks can't be that bad if the service was even ok. For those who don't tip at all..... you run the risk of "special sauce" next time around. You don't play rough with the people who are feeding you. i suppose if you had a bad day at work and made some mistakes you should only get 5 per cent of your standard pay.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:03 pm |
     • CK
       

       TY – you said we're "supposed to grateful the standard hasn't risen to 30%." The industry is already struggling with 20%, and raising that would really be a burden to both sides, don't you think? It would make people think twice about going out at all. Then where would tips come from?

       Besides, people such as myself, don't return to restaurants that give bad service. Why would I go back? For MORE bad service? Don't think so, and I would also tell family, friends and co-workers the service was terrible and I wouldn't recommend it.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:41 pm |
211. Jewels
     

     I consider myself one who tips, and the amount they get depends on the service they give. I have tipped less than 20% and more than 20%. I make it a point to go where I know the employees and therefore get good service and they look forward to seeing me because they know I am going to take care of them. Years ago, I was in a restaurant that was crowded, service was really bad. When time to leave, waitress was no where in sight. After waiting way too long, went to bar area to try to pay, again was totally ignored. I don't have to tell you what happened next, and I would do it again under the same circumstances. We tried numerous times to settle the check. Oh well!!

     July 13, 2010 at 5:02 pm |
212. Nick Nolte
     

     i like how the "server supporters" are saying "cmon leqave a damn tip anywya " as if it is charity...I could have 100k in the bank but because you do not do your job properly im supposed fork out....Tipping is expecting –yes..So is a competent, polite curteous server.....in the end i say bad service ...not tip....You dont make enough money...Starve people because i didn;t get to eat my runny eggs at breakfast.

     July 13, 2010 at 5:01 pm |
213. ********
     

     T.I.P.S ==> To Insure Proper Service. I get proper service.....You get a Tip. It as simple at that.
     By proper i mean- Curtious, atentive and kind. If the cause if my issue is not the servers fault - why punish the server by not leaving a tip.
     Why blame the server if the kitchen screws up. Thats what managers and "How was your visit" cards are for :)

     July 13, 2010 at 5:00 pm |
214. Liz
     

     I went to a steakhouse one afternoon and I had a pretty decent waitress. That is, until she was supposed to go get my change and never came back to our table. She came out a few times to check on others and ignored me when I made eye contact with her to let her know I wanted her to come over. She had assumed my change was hers. I had planned to tip her a dollar or 2 over that, but she never came back. I let the manager know, I got my change back, and walked right out.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:59 pm |
215. GSL
     

     I find that most people who are hard-asses about tipping have never worked a day in their life in a restaurant. There are times where things are definitely the server's fault, but a lot of the time folks are just punishing the server for the sins of kitchen, back waiters, etc. Just be aware of the situation & make sure you are punishing the right person.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:57 pm |
216. Bryan
     

     The best consistent service (at multiple places) I've ever gotten was in Australia. We ate at a wide variety of restaurants (from casual to relatively upscale, local places and chains) in a variety of cities and towns and with one exception the service was very friendly a very good to excellent. They don't expect tips there and the restaurants pay their staff a decent wage. For extremely good service a 10% is more than enough and most of the time just leaving a dollar or two will make the server's day. Sure the menu prices are a little bit higher than here, but that's not a problem since the servers aren't expecting to be handed a 15% tip no matter what they do like they are here in the U.S.

     I'd be more than happy to pay higher prices at restaurants so that servers can get paid a real wage and not feel an obligation to give a tip to someone who doesn't deserve it.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:56 pm |
217. joe
     

     never tip, these fools won't tell you that they're actually making $20 an hour. look at these posts and see what type of sick ppl they really are.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:56 pm |
218. Abacobeachbum
     

     "This young lady did not even acknowledge me, and instead directed all of her attention (and flirtation) at my two male companions."

     I don't even need to read anymore after this. I had a bitch of a girlfriend who had the same thought process as you do. Insecure much???

     July 13, 2010 at 4:56 pm |
     • Tipper
       

       Actually the question is, how long have you been a misogynist?

       July 13, 2010 at 5:59 pm |
     • Abacobeachbum
       

       Sorry if the harsh truth seems misogynistic to you. Apparently I must have said something about this girl that you can relate to.

       July 13, 2010 at 7:31 pm |
219. Joe
     

     I've left $100 tips, and I've left $0 tips... but typically 15%-20%. It all depends on the server and how they act. Doesn't bother me in the least to leave $0 if it doesn't bother them in the least to provide crappy wait service.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:56 pm |
220. David
     

     @glenlake doesn't hurt to tip for take-outs as well. It has never occurred to me that people don't tip. @Gary, surely you give teachers a christmas present or a present at the end of the year don't you? How about hair specialists? taxis? Are people so tight with their money they can't afford (or don't choose) to lay out a couple dollars when a service is provided for them? Try not tipping your mailman. Bet you don't get all your mail. I just don't get the no tipping thing at all.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:55 pm |
221. CK
     

     In this culture, tipping has become an entitlement, even if the service is bad! Low wages paid by the company/restaurant is the one you should complain to. Don't expect the general public to support you; complain to your boss about the low wages! Go to Italy or China, you don't tip there. Believe it or not, the people in those countries make less than you do here, and they aren't complaining. If you don't do your job, why the hell should you get paid? If the service is good, we'll pay a VOLUNTARY tip for such, but if it's bad, then don't expect one. A tip is earned, it's not a right.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:55 pm |
222. Jake
     

     Thing is, waiters say if you don't tip, don't go to the restaurant, then complain they're hours are cut back or they don't have a job because no one's eating at the restaurant. I'd never not tip at a fancy, nice restaurant, but if the service at Applebees stinks- you bet. Better yet- I'll skip Applebees, BJs, and the rest of the so-so average restaurants and go to an upper scale fast food place like Corner Bakery or Sharkeys, with the same quality food and save 20% on the tip.

     Waiters act like people have to eat out. They don't. Especially not when there are so many other options for quick take out food.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:54 pm |
223. Chris
     

     Tips are an expected cost of dining out. But it is a variable cost of the quality of service.

     It's the nightmare stories of poor services that make people not tip for the most part. Just as much as a waiter/ess has an expectation of the tip, so does the customer expect a level of service.

     My worse case scenario was a dinner withfriends at a decent big chain restaurant. It was packed, we were aware. It took them 30 minutes to take a drink order and another for food. Okay, no big deal really since we got a chance to talk. The food arrived first before the drinks. One of the orders could NOT be completed and we were informed when the other food arrived. The order came in not to specification (friend had allergies). I did not tip the server for one reason, poor effort to communicate.

     I would not fault a person for factors out of their control like how food are cooked and prepared. I only require to be kept in the loop with some semblance of interest in my patronage. It doesn't matter what kind of day the server has and how much they need the money, they have to try and put out the effort. If a server has a bad day and it shows in their service, I say accept the loss in income and try better next time. At other types of job, poor attitude with a customer or not producing a report on time gets you FIRED. I not only have bosses to please and customers to please, but I have so much federal regulation watching over what I do. If I do not take my time or put in the effort, it'd be the last mistake I'd make professionally. I'd be happy if HABITUALLY bad service was fired, so that I both enjoy the food and the atmosphere.

     In high school, I was one of the few 18 year olds working at a very popular chain of fast food burger joint. There were plenty of time where we expected a drop in activity so it would be myself and one other employee manning the whole store. Then suddenly we'd have a steady stream of cars from 9 pm till 1 am. That's two people cooking the burgers, fries, preparing said foods, taking orders, taking drinks, cleaning up enough to have space to work, making transactions, and ensuring the orders come out right. All of that in an hourly rate. It was fun, but definitely challenging. I appreciate waiters/esses for having similar experiences.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:54 pm |
224. BS
     

     I am currently an attorney who spent 14 years in the restaurant industry while in school and during my job search for an attorney position.

     I do not care how horrible the service – leave a tip!

     You have no idea what it's like to have your salary be dependent on other people's whims. You also have no idea how many times someone "forgets" or just doesn't (because they're foreign) tip a great server! As a server, even if you do an excellent job, if someone is in a pissy mood – you're screwed. If they're foreign – you're double screwed.

     The server can't go into your place of business where you're an attorney, doctor, postal worker (whatever) and say, "you know what, I waited in line longer than I wanted – I'm not going to pay you the full amount that you think I should." Have you ever said to your lawyer "you know, your attitude sucked today – I'm only paying you $80/hour as opposed to $250?" no. You haven't. Stop doing the same crap with servers. Good, bad... whatever. The proper response to bad service is to ask to speak with the manager once the problem appears. The manager will properly punish the server. It is NOT your place to punish the server. Pay your bill – tip at least 10% and move on with your day.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:54 pm |
     • Bryan
       

       BS...appropriate name for you. So long as the service is adequate then yes a tip absolutely should be left since the low server wages are reflected in the menu prices. If the service stinks then there is no reason why that dissatisfaction should not show up in one place a server will be guaranteed to care about...the tip along...with letting the manager know. On the extremely rare occasions where I've left no tip because of bad service (i.e. rudeness, never checking on us, etc...things within the server's control) I've also left a note for the server and told the manager. Usually I've also ended up hunting down another server/food runner/bus boy who did get us refills or help us out because our server didn't do the job.

       If you aren't going to do the work then you don't deserve to get paid. I work too hard for my money (and in some cases put myself in physical danger for people who frequently don't like me simply because I wear a uniform and a badge and will sue me in a heartbeat given the opportunity) to just give it away. I worked as a server and delivery driver to put myself through college so I know exactly what it's like to be dependent on tips to pay your bills and put food on the table. If your income is dependent on tips then you should probably at least try to fake a good attitude and do your job.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:10 pm |
     • CK
       

       BS – you are delusional. I don't know what world you live in, but if the service is bad, I'm not leaving a tip. I don't care about your financial woes, that's really your business. Why would you burden the general public with your financial problems??? Most people on this blog agree that if the service is bad, you're not getting tipped, period, not even 10%.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:22 pm |
       • TJ
         

         Nobody likes you because you don't leave tips. You probably take money from your grandmas money jar

         July 13, 2010 at 5:33 pm |
225. MNtim
     

     After reading much of these comments and wasting my time doing so I came to the realization that most "servers" think they are entitled to this money no matter how bad their service is. I am sorry but a tip is earned and not entitled.

     My best response to a poor server is to leave a small note saying the following. "your service sucked and that is just my 2 cents, so here is your 2 cent tip."

     July 13, 2010 at 4:52 pm |
226. MarsBars
     

     I tip 20-25%....cheaper places around 35%. I also, clear all the plates to one plate stack them and wipe the table down after my family eats. I do it at home, so why not when I'm out. I have even refilled my own drink. I don't think a waiter should do everything for me...I actually prefer if they didn't bother me while I'm eating.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:51 pm |
227. Vanessa L
     

     My husband and I always tip 15% for ok service, 30% for incredible service and 0 for horrible service. I do understand when the kitchen makes an error. That is not the server's fault and I would never "punish" that. What goes zero tipped by us is; lack of attention, water glasses empty for 10-15 minutes. Apathy, the server no more cares to be there than the man in the moon and their attitude reflects it absolutely. Making excuses for bad service, if you have too many tables to render good service to your customers, it is YOUR responsibility to report that to your manager, not mine to accept that, "you're just overworked, sorry."

     I am, quite frankly, shocked at all the entitlement noted here by servers, with comments like, "If you cannot tip (no matter what), then don't go out to eat." How about stepping up to the plate, taking responsibility for recognizing YOU work in the SERVICE industry with insane competition and people WILL speak with their pocketbooks if you cannot do the job well. If you cannot do the job well, find a job that allows you to be completely out of the public eye. If you work in the service industry you are expected to render SERVICE. It shocks me the servers posting here who seem to feel that they can just act whatever way they choose and should get a tip because "it is part of my salary and I have to pay the bills." Sorry. Not happening. If you are an exceptional server, you will be handsomely rewarded by us. If you are even an ok server, you will get the standard 15% from us. If you act like you are doing us a favor by waiting on us, are painfully slow in the service you do give, and generally just do not want to be in your job, you can expect zero. By the way, we always leave a note on the bill as to why we left zero so no one thinks we just "forgot". On some instances, with the worst of the worst, we have spoken to the manager. My gut tells me though, if you have one of those crappy attitudes, you know exactly why you got nothing–but of course, that is not your fault, right?

     July 13, 2010 at 4:50 pm |
228. Rick
     

     If my food comes, and they do not return in a few minutes to make sure it's correct/cooked properly, that is a deduction. Twice this week, we got our food, and never saw the wait staff until we were finished, I had to go the bar to get refills myself one time, my wife wanted butter, but no one came back. It's imperitive a wait staff person, comes after the food is served and been tasted/tried, returns for drink refills. I was at a local comedy club, and I didn't hear the waiter come by and ask if I wanted a refill; I complained "you saw the empty glass, it's just water, you should have just filled it anyway". No tip there. I paid $2.00 for water, an 8oz glass!

     July 13, 2010 at 4:50 pm |
229. LaWanda
     

     I can understand not tipping the "average" of 15%, I really can. But being a server for years, we find it very insulting when we don't get that amount. In Texas, we make $2.13 an hour. We do our best to take care of our guests and put up with a lot. It's frustrating when we know darn good and well that we gave you good service and you give us a 10% (or even less) tip! We do remember people when they don't tip... and you will get crap service next time!

     So much more I could say, but bottom line is... if you can't afford to go out to eat, DON'T. If you feel the need to though, hit the drive thru somewhere PLEASE.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:50 pm |
230. Ange
     

     Let's talk about the real jerks who order apps and drinks then tip 10% no matter how good the service is.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:49 pm |
231. glenlake
     

     I always have take-out food to avoid tips. Simple! Do we have to give tips to massage therapists?

     July 13, 2010 at 4:49 pm |
     • Nadezhda
       

       well, actually, yes

       July 13, 2010 at 10:14 pm |
232. Richard
     

     The comment "anyone who has ever been a server would never NOT leave a tip" is a completely RIDICULOUS statement. My parents owned a restaraunt through my entire childhood and into my college years. Guess what I did for them.......I was a waiter. And yes there is MANY times when I leave NO tip and then talk with the manager about the '0' tip.
     For a server to expect a tip is obnoxious and selfish. Its called a TIP for a reason. It is not required unless you recieve good service. People go to a restaraunt to eat, they don't go so someone can make it through college.
     It was not the patrons fault that I was a waiter, it was my choice. I could have joined the workforce and recieved a better paying job but that would have required very early mornings and stiff schedules. SO IT WAS MY FAULT that I was living off of $2.65 an hour + tips.

     Guess what folks, I now have a college education and a good paying job. I didn't HAVE to wait tables. No one ever HAS to wait tables, its a choice they make..period!

     July 13, 2010 at 4:48 pm |
233. Gary N
     

     I personally think tipping should go away. This is an antiquated system and serves no purpose. It is the server's job to serve the people eating and to do the best job they can. We don't tip our military who risk their lives nor do we tip our teachers who teach our future generations. Yet we tip those whose job it is to carry food and drinks to us, remember a menu, and try to keep that fake smile on their face as long as possible. I am sick of it, I don't feel I should pay more than I pay for the food to ensure the food arrives at my table and my drinks are refilled. If the servers are underpaid then lets go after the businesses and push them to pay like everyone else.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:47 pm |
234. Joe citizen abroad
     

     Correction: meant to say TIP = "To Insure Promptness"...brain fart.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:45 pm |
235. Mad Scientist
     

     I have a great deal of sympathy for servers. The public is selfish, demanding, and often times...obnoxious. The salary for having to deal with that is ridiculously low. (I decided I couldn't be a medical doctor after my great epiphany working in a restaurant that dealing with the public is both complicated and unpleasant.) So, as a general rule, as long as the server wasn't malevolent and can get us the food, the server gets 15%. If the server does above average, the tip reflects that. The only time I haven't left a tip was that the food was so horrible (rotting food??) we had to leave without eating. I was mortified/embarrassed to have to do it and called the poor server (who was the owner) over to quietly and without a scene explain why we were leaving. They offered to comp the meal and we left about $40 of our own accord (for our wine plus what we guessed the out of pocket for the food). It wasn't a tip- I just wanted them to understand we weren't trying to get anything for free and hoped that they listened. (Chef Ramsey would have had a bird at this place.) This not-so-fine dining spot has since closed.

     Anyway, having been in a servers shoes before...I think folks should cut them a little slack.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:45 pm |
236. K E L T
     

     Rarely have I received bad service where it was because the waiter/waitress;
     It's unfortunate that customers direct their angst on who they see – the wait staff.

     What if I'm dis-satisfied because the food was cold, sub-par ?
     What if they're short staffed and I watch my server running
     around like craZy trying to help out with more than they should ?

     Quite often the wait staff gets penaliZed for something over
     which they have little control and yet petty petty people dump on them !!!

     July 13, 2010 at 4:45 pm |
237. Doug
     

     I'm a server myself and am completely aware that there are some servers that are very incompetent and don't deserved to be tipped at all. For those of you that think we should all just get another job because we only get paid 2.13 an hour please think carefully. When you are trying to put yourself through college and restataunts are the only place that are hiring then you really don't have that much of a choice. They are more flexible with your schedules so you can still go to your classes and work.

     As for tipping, if your service is good and you have nothing to complain about, I would suggest leaving 10-15%. Obviously the server wants more but tip according to the service. I have given excellent services to tables and have been stiffed without any explanation and that gets frustrating. The most common thing people aren't aware of is that usually customers get mad because of their own mistakes. Don't take it out on your server because you misread the menu. A lot of restaurants do random table checks so servers won't give you a free salad just because you thought it came with the meal. I've seen people get fired over bringing out a croissant because the customer thought it came with the meal and wouldn't stop complaining even when they were shown the menu again. The customer is not always right so don't assume that just because you complain about something means your right and will get discounted/free food.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:45 pm |
238. David
     

     @Dave: When you go back to an eating establishment, I recommend you have your food checked by the Health Department for spit. It happens. You're waiter is paying taxes on money you did not pay because of your attitude. The IRS expects a certain amount of unreported tip to be declared.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:44 pm |
239. Cabanaboy
     

     Let's see...$2.65 an hour plus tips. any decent waitor can handle 4 tables an hour, right? So, depending on how fancy the restaurant is, a tip could average $10 -20.00 ( per couple ). Even at the lower end of the spectrum he's making $42.65 an hour,. And you're bitching if you do a bad job and one table doesn't tip?! Try finding any other job where you will make that kind of money!

     July 13, 2010 at 4:43 pm |
     • Anon
       

       1.) You are implying that no table takes over an hour to eat. 2.) Servers very rarely maintain a full section for more than 3 hours in most restaurants. 3.)With the exception of closers, most servers work 4-5 hours a night. 4.) The tables that do tip $10-$20 typically are seated for more than an hour.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:56 pm |
240. TxC
     

     How do you handle a friend who doesn't feel like they should tip?

     The first few times I have left the tip for both of us (we always ask to have the check split) and after awhile paying for both hers and my tip gets old. I've tried talking to her about it and her attitude is she doesn't think she should tip, so I've gotten to the point where I simply don't go out with her. Any other ideas? Would a waiter get upset with me if I just paid for my tip and not hers as well?

     July 13, 2010 at 4:43 pm |
241. carlos
     

     I was a waiter for several years, to then become FOH manager. All the restaurants I have worked at have been high end, (200 usd plus) and have heard and seen it all. I have had waiters drop a tray full of water into costumers, I have seen oil spilled into a customer's thousand dollar wig. Yet, what costumers have to understand, is that waitering, and the restaurant business is not easy. Its consuming, tiring, and aging. Always keep in mind, that these people are handling your food. Speak out, tell them whats bugging you. Be firm, but always be nice...if you scream, or get belligerent, chances are..well you don't want to know..

     July 13, 2010 at 4:42 pm |
242. mdanger
     

     What I hate the most about tipping are the (usually bad to begin with) waiters/waitresses who hang around the table after they give you your check and make themselves VERY uncomfortably visible. It's like I haven't seen you all night and all of a sudden you're hoovering around expecting a big tip? Get lost.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:42 pm |
243. Joe citizen abroad
     

     I've heard that "TIP" is actually an acronym for "To Improve Service." I'm told it's British, and that it was literally deposited noisily into a tin can at the front of a store in lieu of a bell.

     These days, service workers toil in the expectation of a tip that may or may not be forthcoming. So here's an idea: next time you're out, put $20 on the table and tell the server it's theirs at the end of the evening if all goes well. I bet you get the best service you've ever had.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:41 pm |
     • Joe citizen abroad
       

       Correction: meant to say "To Insure Promptness"...sorry...brain fart.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:46 pm |
244. KawiMan
     

     If the service is reasonably good, I leave a 20% tip. I have restaurants that I regularly patronize. The servers there know me and give me excellent service everytime.
     However, I think servers who have a sense of entitlement to those tips – deserved or not, should think again. If I get lousy service, I will tip accordingly – like a job performance review.
     If servers do not like that aspect of their profession, they should seriously consider a career change.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:41 pm |
245. jake the bum
     

     I go to a restuarant to buy food (as seldom as possible ) from the restuarant NOT to give someone a paycheck for working for that owner
     I buy food from Jewel without paying directly for their employees

     July 13, 2010 at 4:41 pm |
246. Anon
     

     The reason I will not leave a zero tip is because I know that most restaurants require the servers to pool tips for bus boys, hosts, etc. The restaurant I worked at required you to tip out based on your sales, so even if you didn't get tipped you still had to contribute to the pool. That meant that if I got no tip I would end up paying money to serve that table.
     And to everyone saying that they can get a better job, how is a full time college student supposed to find a better paying job when they go to school all day and only have sporadic nights free? Most of the servers I have worked with are also full time students. I'll admit that my parents told me that every part of my tuition was taken care of, but I kept a job so I could at least help them out monetarily. I have more respect for people that worked their a$$ off during school than the people that did nothing but go to class. It shows a hell of a lot more time management to graduate after working full time the whole time you were in college.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:40 pm |
     • formeroutbacker
       

       When I was a server (only about two years ago – so not too long) we were told we had to tip out the service people as well. We were told the amount of money we made reflected on the service we gave. If we got a bad tip, it was most likely our own fault. So what, you have to pay the busboy out of your check – you should give better service – think of it as a punishment or fine for doing a BAD job. That's what the owner of the large chain restaurant I worked in said when I got hired. When I first started working, I wasn't great at it and the tips showed. When I got better, the tips showed. The occasional person who always tips low didn't hurt my bottom line very much, so why all the whining on here from servers?

       July 13, 2010 at 5:03 pm |
       • Anon
         

         True....The restaurant I worked in wasn't exactly a high class restaurant. Usually I could make up for the bad tips, I tended to be one of the top 2 or 3 servers as far as tip percentage goes. It just depends on the restaurant.

         July 13, 2010 at 5:16 pm |
247. David
     

     I typically tip 20%. If the service is bad, I might round down slightly. If the service goes beyond call of duty I might round up. Once in a great while, I might leave a low tip, but never less than 15%. I have tipped much higher than 20% for great service. Just a reminder, that tips are taxable income. The best way to call attention to a service issue is to chat with the manager. To me, waiting a little while longer is NOT a service issue. I really cannot think of an example of a service issue – maybe being hateful? I've never had that problem and if people would just chill when they go out and eat, they'll find how easy it is to get good service.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:39 pm |
248. Dave
     

     Never left a tip, never will. For those of you who do, thanks for subsidizing my meal.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:39 pm |
     • DLH
       

       POW!!! I just shot Dave with my paintball gun.

       Here is a perfect example of my idea. Dave, and others, go back and read my post. It's back a ways, but it's there.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:02 pm |
     • Peggy
       

       Dave, I would be ashamed to eat with you.....I hope you like suprises in your food! We all talk............

       July 13, 2010 at 5:12 pm |
     • Dan
       

       If you don't tip (like Dave above or Jake the Bum) don't go to a sit-down full service restaurant–PERIOD. I wait part time, my service is impeccable and my guests frequently say so and yet, I've been stiffed on the odd occasion (likely by someone of Dave or Jake's ilk.) I tell the kids I work with that perhaps the stiffers will die in a catastrophic car fire on the way home along with all their children. And I read the griping by the posters here that say, "tipping isn't mandatory-a waiter shouldn't expect a tip". If this is you, then, don't go to a restaurant and expect to have your food and drinks delivered to you. Stay home. Go to the drive through. Go to the buffet. For those who say (like Richard) "You chose to be a waiter..." Well, YOU CHOSE to go to a full service restaurant. Why? So you can "get over" on the waiter by stiffing him or her?

       July 13, 2010 at 5:16 pm |
249. Sy2502
     

     @Michael James Eza

     You say: "Without tips there would be now sit-down restaurants, period."
     Let me remind you that there are countries in which there is no tipping. They have sit down restaurants. How do they manage, I wonder?

     You complain that waiting is a job with strange hours, a demanding and tiring job, etc etc. Would you like me to give you a complete list of all the jobs that are demanding, tiring, unpleasant, uncomfortable, inconvenient? Boohooo! Suck it up.

     You say: "Second that not tip is a personal shame, and an insult as bad as bleep you from a random stranger."
     That's because of your misplaced sense of entitlement. You are not entitled to a tip. You receive it out of the customer's good will. If you start seeing the tip in a more realistic perspective, you'll stop feeling insulted about not getting it.

     You say customers who don't tip will be treated poorly. No problem, they'll go somewhere else. Oh and they'll tell all their friends how bad your place is. And they'll probably give it poor reviews in Internet too. So while the customer will simply have a 1 time bad experience, your business will lose customers and money. How clever do you feel now?

     You say: "Oh and by the way if you leave a zero tip and think you won't get stopped at the door, think again. Servers and hosts do it all the time. No one will force you to pay, but we will mention if loudly and politely ask you if you wanted your three cents back or if you forgot to do math correctly, but if you just don't sign it we will put your tip through anyway with a description of you on the back of the check."
     Any such behaviour would result in subtracting from the reputation of your establishment. Don't underestimate the power of Internet reviews. Potential clients use them a lot, and if they start seeing bad comments about the service and the treatment, they will steer clear of your restaurant. So at the end of the day, the only one hurting will be you.

     You say: "Ever hear the phrase don't bite the hand that feeds you. "
     I say WE the customers are the hands feeding YOU, buddy. Again, we can go eat anywhere else and be just as happy, or not go out to eat at all. YOU on the other hand, DEPEND on us not only eating out, but eating at YOUR place. So be careful, be very careful, with those who pay your bills.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:37 pm |
     • Anon
       

       Go work somewhere for 2.13 an hour, do everything the customer says, be run to the ground by some customers (who are trying to make you mess up so they get a free meal), and tell me that tips aren't expected.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:46 pm |
       • Sy2502
         

         Once again, do you think your job is the only unpleasant job on the planet? Do you think everybody has a cushy job, except you? Plenty of people have crappy job, plenty of people are underpaid. We don't come to you expecting you to give us money because our job sucks. You took that job, it was your decision, now don't take it on me. If your job is unpleasant or you feel you are underpaid, either find another job or come to terms with it. It is not my problem.

         July 13, 2010 at 5:03 pm |
       • Anon
         

         I took the job because it has the most flexible hours out of just about any job around. I am a full time engineering student and I worked full time in a restaurant to help my parents pay for college expenses. How am I supposed to pay for books and housing when people come in and don't leave a tip because A.) they are cheap or B.) they are spiteful. I know that job wasn't the only underpaid job on the planet, and I've had more than one underpaying job. But I worked my ass off at that job to make sure my tables were taken care of, went home at 10 on an early night, studied till 3 or 4 in the morning and woke up at 8 to get to class on time. Tell me that doing all of that wouldn't make you get irritated when people leave no tip and think that you can get by just fine on 2.13 an hour.

         July 13, 2010 at 5:25 pm |
     • Abacobeachbum
       

       "You say: "Without tips there would be now sit-down restaurants, period."
       Let me remind you that there are countries in which there is no tipping. They have sit down restaurants. How do they manage, I wonder?"

       Obviously you've never been to any of these countries, because if you did, you'd know that food at those restaurants is more expensive in order for them to pay their servers a decent wage. You cannot seriously be this ignorant.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:53 pm |
       • Sy2502
         

         Then it's obvious that YOU have never been there.

         July 13, 2010 at 5:04 pm |
     • Michael James Eza
       

       Yes Sy2502 tipping is illegal (but people still do it hmmm) in China, a communist country. In America where it is a capitalist country, it is needed and deserved for those who have to raise a family by serving while making often less than 20,000 a year. If you want to judge the U.S.A. by the merits of a third world country, then yes you may be disappointed in our practices, but if you want to run the numbers and figure out what it takes to run a restaurant without an under paid child labor force then yes you need tipping.
       Your poor reviews don't affect a servers views on bad tipping and yes we will remember you at the new restaurant you chose to go to and yes we will tell them your a bad tipper. And yes we will tell you you forgot your change even if its only 3 cents because servers are not supposed to assume a tip and managers can't fire someone for following the rules.
       Hey buddy, internet reviews are great when your online, but when your driving or not at home and people are hungry do you think everyone is gonna be all "oh wait lets not eat till we see who got the best review." No they go to the places that aren't packed, which according to your logic will be the ones with the worst service.

       "I will drink it and always be full" Hootie and The Blowfish

       July 13, 2010 at 4:59 pm |
       • Sy2502
         

         So you are unaware that it is not just 3rd world countries who don't have tips, but also European countries, and Australia.
         If you want to tell me I forgot my 3 cents change, fine with me, if you don't want the money it must mean you don't need it that bad after all. Do you think it's going to bother me in any way, shape or form? I see waiters come and go, I barely remember their faces, do you think I am going to care about how they feel? I didn't come to the restaurant to cheer you up!
         And remember, disgruntled customers are by far more likely to take the time to write a crappy review of your restaurant than a happy customer. So if that's what you want, by all means keep up the attitude with the customers. Again, I do have the choice to eat at your restaurant or not. You on the other hand, don't have a choice whether to pay your bills or not.

         July 13, 2010 at 5:18 pm |
       • KungFuRocket
         

         Tipping is not required. Show me the law that says it is. In fact, the employer is legally obligated to ensure the employee makes at least minimum wage, so even if tips are bad, minimum wage will be met. Therefore, your argument that it is "needed" is incorrect. Yes it's tough making ends meet on minimum wage, but lots of people do it.

         China is also not a 3rd world country – more like a 2nd world country, but that's meaningless in that the titles are really just relics of the cold war.

         If a customer's poor reviews don't affect either you or management, neither of you have any business being in the restaurant business. After all, without customers, how does a restaurant stay in business, and how does a server keep his or her job?

         Yelp is (now) a common way for people to find nearby restaurants with good reviews, and of course there are other options as well for finding a place to eat, not to mention fast food chains readily available. If you hope that your restaurant, with bad service and a bad reputation, will stay afloat with people "desperate" for a quick meal, you may want to re-think your business plan.

         July 14, 2010 at 1:13 pm |
     • Dan
       

       I, for one, can live without this person's patronage. And, btw, tell your friends. –We don't want them around either.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:27 pm |
250. Dannerkins
     

     If your lifestyle depends on the tips you make, than you better work like it does. Everyone has a bad day and sometimes, you just have an off night. But I've worked in the service industry and just because you are a waiter doesn't mean you DESERVE a tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:37 pm |
251. Susan
     

     Both of my daughters work in the restaurant business. They feel if they do a great job and are very attentive to their customers they should receive the 20%. However, if I feel the service is sub par I will leave one dollar per person at the table for the server and not go back to that restaurant. To make my tipping easier I take the amount of tax, which in my state is 8.25 and double it. Example: the tax comes to $4.25, I will leave $8.50 makeing their tip 16.50%. So when my daughters and I go out to eat they are the ones that leave the tip!!

     July 13, 2010 at 4:36 pm |
252. Jillian
     

     I have been a server for 3 years and it has been the best paying job I have ever had! In those years I have only had maybe 4 or 5 tables not leave me a tip...that is out of thousands of tables. I work very hard, am polite and give every single customer the same service. We tip out 2.5% of our total sales to the bar, bus and food runner....so if I sell $500 I have to give $12 of my tips to other employees. People that consider not tipping should think about that....even if you don't tip me I sill have to tip out on your bill.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:35 pm |
253. Drew
     

     I have waited tables off and on for 6 years. I take pride in being a good server and I truely care about not only providing excellent service, but an overall excellent experience. Servers do only make 2.00 to 3.00 dollars an hour, so tips our what we live on.

     The thing is when you leave a server a bad tip you are only harming yourself. There are so many different reasons a person may not tip whether it be to prove a point, ingnorance, stupidity, or just being plain cheap. If you do not notify the server or management about the negative experience and just not leave a tip the server is naturally going to blame you for being cheap or too stupid to know any better.

     It is only human nature to consider all other posibilities before a person put blame on themselves. I have never heard a server behind the wall say, wow I gave that table bad service and they stiffed me for it. Most of the time I hear those jerks stiffed me or those people were cheap a**es. Where it hurts you is, as I just point out, you now have a reputation of being one of the negatives about, which when you return might encourage the same server or a coworker they have told to intentionally provide you with bad service.

     So for your own sake next time you think about stiffing a server consider the environment they are working in, their effort, and their attitude. Allot goes into making your experience a good one and the environment in a restaurant changes constantly. The general rule for tipping in todays society is 10% for bad service, 15% for average and 20% or above for excellent service. If you do have a bad experience a good server and restaurant would want to know about it, so we can at least try to correct our deficiencies. I would recommend tipping on the scale above and letting a manager or at least the server know of your displeasure, even a little note on the check can go a long way. I can't guarantee your next visit(if there is one) will be any better, but at least you have a chance.

     That being said, I believe that a real server should always possess two qualities, effort and courtesy. If you do have a flat out rude server who doesn't at least attempt to make you happy they probably won't be servers very long and deserve to be stiffed, but once again you have to let them and the restaurant know because they probably won't take the hint.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:34 pm |
254. Raven
     

     When you ruin a night out for a person or persons, you should expect to recieve a low tip or nothing. Put yourself in the customers shoes, treat them as you expect to be treated. Waiters/Waitresses that hold personal grudges on customers and then return bad service on that returning customer should be replaced or fired. Its a privilege that you at least have a job in this country. I would love to replace some of these horrible waiters/waitresses with people who work on low wages. At least they would value the job. Remove the whole concept of waiters/waitress and have the cook come out. Great service = a returning customer and more and hey guess what? a better tip than before.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:33 pm |
255. mynabyrd
     

     The time I remember leaving no tip, we left a message on a beverage napkin, advising that our "tip" is that you should not judge a customer by their appearance. I was dining with a tattoo artist, and the waiter literally tripped over a chair at a vacant table trying to get away from our table as fast as he could. We couldn't get anyone, let alone our waiter to serve us when we needed anything. They all acted like they were terrified when forced to approach or even walk past our table. My tattooed friend was a very generous man, and mindful of those who work hard for the money they make. He never left less than a 30% tip in my presence and would tip up to 50% for excellent service, except on this one occasion. We could have left and went somewhere else, but we stayed for the entire meal, to make our point, that we would not abide their prejudices. The waiter missed out on an opportunity to broaden his mind, and his wallet.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:33 pm |
     • Jon
       

       Sorry that happened to you all. It's super common for servers to do that; I use to hear all the time people complaining, and saying "man, I just got a ghetto-superstar table". I would hop on those and take their table. I don't know how many times I got more than 20%. After hearing staff complain about one of these tables, I chose to wait on a couple (the guy looked like warren sapp). His bill was about $60, and I got a $40 tip....Which I bragged to the other servers, never treat a table like crap.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:44 pm |
256. cheesehead
     

     I am generally a very generous tipper and rarely tip anything less than 20% even when service is mediocre. However, one afternoon, at a well known restaurant in Washington DC, my daughters and I had the absolute most pathetic service we had ever encountered. When the bill arrived, we debated what to do about the tip. I had never not tipped before (I know that's a double negative) but this was truly awful. There wasn't even a pretense of attempting to do her job. After much discussion on what tip to leave, I finally decided to write in the space for the tip, "Here's a tip: Find a new job."

     I can only hope she followed my advice.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:33 pm |
257. Chelsea
     

     As a member of the service industry, and of corporate America, I would like to point out to the comment posted by Jaliska that NO, some people CANNOT just find ANOTHER job that pays better, and NO, it's NOT minimum wage, it's $1.45 – $2.65 an hour in any median state in the country. So basically, YES, a tip is expected if you expect the individual to even begin to SERVE you. In this recession, finding even a decent job in the service industry can be tough, not to mention it's not something MOST people want to do, clean up after you and wait on you and your close-minded, irrational and indecisive friends. . . "Tips shouldn't even be expected unless a server demonstrates impeccable service and does extra things they aren't paid to do. This show of entitlement is a little obnoxious, to be honest."

     HONESTLY: I am not going to do kart-wheels to your table for an extra 50 cents! That fact that I am going to basically babysit you while you eat your lunch period is enough to entitle some sort of recognition. I can understand not giving a tip if your service was outright HORRIBLE, I have been there, done it, even been that waitress on an off-day before, BUT I am NOT going to go "above and beyond" as you put it. I am already delivering your food to your table and cleaning up your mess. (This profession is often refereed to the last form of legal slavery as a joke) If you don't want to tip and you are annoyed that it's "expected" , go to Panera Bread (where the staff makes $7.75 / hour), Wait in a line, Find your own damn table, Pick up your own mess , throw away your own damn garbage, OH and don't forget to scrape your own plate too. THAT is why every single member of the service industry implies you tip. If you don't agree with it, I suggest you get off your high stool and try it for a day, you would be surprised. In my years of serving, bartending and managing, it's usually the person that has NO experience serving others that likes to point fingers. . . as a member of the HR / Staffing industry now, I can honestly say it's one of the first things we look for on a resume. It shows a sense of teamwork, hard work, and personal character, something you clearly LACK.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:33 pm |
258. SenZenYinYang
     

     Right, it seems like many people are arguing but aren't proving anything whatsoever. Yes, servers do rely on tips to make pay, but, while the kitchen's actions aren't their responsability, they are the ones who are essentially acting as that resteraunt's face, so, whenever an event occurs, even if it's not their fault, it is their responability to do their best at resolving each issue that may come up, not pit the blame on others, which most servers do.

     I've been in the food industry and serving industry for many years, and, I understand that it is not a waiter's choice or fault when the kitchen scREWS UP. BUT, it is their responsability as to how they act during that moment that will earn them their tips. So, in the end, while a waiter relies on tips, they have to truly earn it by maintaining a positive and problem solving behavior and demeanor under all circumstances. Only then do they really earn a tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:33 pm |
259. Lana
     

     I am 20 years old and have been serving tables since the age of 14. I would like to comment on Jaliska's horribly incompetent remark about how servers aren't forced to live off of that money that they do (or do not) make. most, if not all, servers are forced to work a minimum wage job in order to pay their way through college to further their education, so THEN they can get a good-paying job elsewhere. qualifications for high-paying jobs require certain education outside of high school, and degrees. Excuse me, but you come off as completely ignorant, stating that "if they really wanted to, they could get a good-paying job somewhere else." they are trying to!!!! but because of idiotic people such as yourself, they are unable to. and a last note: We work at restaurants to fend for ourselves, not because we want to be of service to such horrible people such as yourself.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:31 pm |
260. mary
     

     After 4 decades & mucho dining , I can say about 95% of the time was adequate for the 15% or better .
     ( yesterday I left 25% )
     One occasion that sticks in my mind tho , was having the waitress deliver a piece of pie that clearly had mold on it and leaving . After getting her back and pointing it out , she said "so now you don't want the pie ?" .
     The very dumb ( like that ) warrant about 10% & I explain things to the supervisor / manager .
     Only the ' I'm only working here because I'm forced to & don't give a fkkk get the 2 pennies .

     July 13, 2010 at 4:29 pm |
261. TxC
     

     If the service is great, which it is most times, I leave a 20% tip. If the service is adequate you get a 10%. Adequate to me is if I only have to ask a couple of times for a refill on my drink. I actually leave a 100% tip at my favorite restaurant, we get the same waiter every single time, he knows the order and converses with me about various things like our phones or his kid.

     There was one time where I didn't leave a tip at all. We went to red lobster and the service was LOUSY. We were there at 11ish on a week day and the place was dead. I think there might have been 5 tables all together. The waitress we had also had one other table.....a table of about 5 men who ordered drinks and were in suits. Of course she loved that table, she knew she was getting a really nice tip. We saw her 3 times. When she took our order, when she dropped the food off and when she handed us the check. She didn't even come back for the check, I had to take it up to the front and have them run my card. I decided she didn't deserve a tip and I didn't leave one but I did leave her a note telling her exactly why she wasnt going to get a tip. I told her she never refilled our drinks, never asked if we were ok, never took my check, and never got us silverware, and was never available for me to ask for drinks, silverware etc

     The only other time I get upset is when I pay with cash and never get my change back. I do not like the waiter to assume I'm giving them a tip (I always do but still) If my bill is 18.25 I expect to get ALL of my change back. Don't just give me a dollar back and dont just give me change back. I want it ALL back. I never give change as a tip, I save that for vacations. I always give bills so I want my change back. I've had that happen twice when my waiter wont give me my change back because they either A assume I will stiff them or B assume they will get a tip from me. When that happens I always act clueless and ask for my money back. One asshole told me he took it as his tip (the change was a quarter) I told him that I actually tip 20% but since he wanted a quarter I'd be glad to keep my money and I didn't give him a tip

     July 13, 2010 at 4:29 pm |
262. Erik
     

     It's called a TIP for a reason. Go to Europe and tipping isn't expected at all.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:28 pm |
     • Jerry
       

       Erik,
       In Europe servers are paid far more than minimum wage. Could you live off of $2.13 an hour? Once again someone compares Apples to Oranges. I was an excellent server and bartender and would regularly walk with more money after a given evening than my coworkers. The restauranteurs are happy to pay me a minimum due to the expectation that I will live off of my tips. In europe I would expect to be paid $15-$20/hr to work in a restaurant. This is not the case here in the states. If you have a problem tipping, DO NOT GO OUT TO EAT. Think of how much money you will save as well as how much happier the restaurant world would be if you just eat at home. I can assure you that if you stiff a server, they will remember and you will probably not want to eat the food the next server brings you.

       All of this being said, their is nothing wrong with only tipping %15. I have been broke and could only tip %15 for excellent service. I will leave that and make sure to tell the manager how excellent the food and service was. If I receive poor service I will leave the 15% and then talk with the server about their what I disliked about the service. I assure you this will modify behavior far faster than stiffing them.

       My 2cents

       July 13, 2010 at 6:33 pm |
263. Tippsy
     

     This topic will NEVER get old, or go away. Part of the FALLACY behin d the whole situation, is that SOMEWHERE the whole viewpoint that since this person is getting EXTRA money from the customers, that we should not have to pay a full scale wage. Given that, good, bad or indifferent, ANYONE entering the waitstaff world KNOWS that is the rule. Waitperson function has been classified into the SERVICE industry, so therefore, you are getting paid for SERVICES rendered. A higher level of service will get you a high reward, and a lower level of service will get you a lower level of reward. Here's a real big clue for you from the customer's perspective: BE AWARE. Be aware that I need a refill.... WALK the floor and make eye contact with the patrons at your tables... If I need something and I catch your eye, I will signal you... you don't have to make it a point to ask me directly..... if you know my order is delayed, TELL ME, I'm OK with waiting IF I KNOW... don't hang out in the back, or disappear the entire meal..... I don't need you to kiss my arse, you are not my servant...... this is not a fast-food joint where I can get more napkins, or a new fork if mine drops, or refills on drinks.... those are in areas where I'm not allowed to go, so i will need you to get them for me. It is a partnership, I need you to be my advocate in the kitchen when something does not taste correct, is under-cooked or over-cooked, or incorrect on my order. Those are the services I'm paying for above the cost of the meal.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:27 pm |
264. uhoh
     

     I feel sorry for those who feel that leaving a penny, nickel, dime, or quarter is acceptable. Just like the server, you as a guest in their establishment cannot even comprehend the many worries that person may have. You think the majority of servers want to be one and get diss-respected on a daily basis? To those of you that said, "They can get a better job somewhere else." How arrogant are you? If they could get a better job they would! Some people are not as fortunate and it really irritates me to read some of the comments that have been posted. Stay in your condo and quit thinking you are superior to servers and feel you have the right to belittle them. Everyone is a person and has feelings. For those that never leave anything, I will pray for you, you are just a horrible person, and it is sad because you have to live with yourself.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:27 pm |
265. Jeff
     

     I nearly always leave 15-20% as a tip depending on the level of service; however, I do have a problem with tips being seen as wages. Businesses should price their menu to pay their staff a living wage. Tips should be seen as a "gratuity" that is a reward to the wait staff for paying attention and being friendly and helpful (but not smothering) to their customers. If my service is really lousy I don't feel obligated to leave a tip...sorry.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:27 pm |
266. Jerry
     

     I was a server/bartender for over 10 years and I will never leave a tip less than 15%. It is silly to me how these supposed "Ex Servers" can even contemplate, let alone condone, this sort of behavior. The people who claim they will only stiff the server if the service is poor will go out of their way to find a reason to leave a poor tip instead of finding a reason to tip over 15%. The truth is that most of the people that are proud of stiffing some poor chap just trying to make ends meet can not afford to eat out in the first place. Everyone that has had to work lunch shift on a Sunday afternoon knows how HORRIBLE the tips are right after church. Horrible humans leave horrible tips.

     Jerry

     July 13, 2010 at 4:25 pm |
     • MEEEE
       

       Shows how much Jerry knows...I have stiffed the server of a tip ONE TIME AND ONE TIME ONLY!!! I used to be a server too! I never ever go out of my way to find poor service despite what he thinks. Even if I have minimal (not really good) service I still tip well.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:36 pm |
     • Mary
       

       Jerry~

       Right on. I couldn't have said it better regarding the "church crowd".

       July 13, 2010 at 4:40 pm |
     • RoqDawg
       

       You are so wrong Jerry, I usually tip above twenty percent, but if I get poor service and no satisfaction from management I will not hesitate to leave zero. And it takes more than I had to wait 30 seconds for my drink to be filled. I had a server wait on me at one establishment, she first apologized that she did not know the new menu that just came out that day since she had just returned from vacation. She later brought me the wrong item, she apologized. The manager came over and apologized to me (I did not even ask for him). A few others things went wrong. The server offered me a free dessert, I declined. After all was done she brought me the bill, I paid it and gave her a tip of over twenty percent. Errors were made, but they were taken care of, I was satisfied.

       July 13, 2010 at 7:11 pm |
267. darla
     

     i waited table for years in different types of establishments, but mostly casual or upscale casual (no chains). i can tell you that every time i got a no tip/terrible "message tip" i knew exactly why and what i did wrong. most people are generous, but if you're screwing a table over by not being there, or being rude or something along those lines, there's no reason to get a good tip. or any tip, for that matter. if things go wrong because of the kitchen, or the hostess has it out for you and quadruple sat you while you're already in the weeds, then you can usually save the tip by being good at your job.

     and i wholeheartedly agree that if you don't like to tip, or are looking to save money by not tipping as much, stay home. the argument that tips shouldn't be compulsory at restaurants and owners should pay their staff better is bullshit. how would you like to pay $22 for your chicken instead of $14 so the owner can make the difference on how much he pays the staff? there's always something that people can complain about.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:25 pm |
268. Derrick
     

     Every working person should at one time have to serve. It would really open all of your eyes. I understand if you have bad service, that's fine. But teach them a lesson by talking to a manager, not by leaving them no tip. A minimum of 10% no matter how bad the service. I'm serving my way through college and it is horrible not getting a tip, especially when it is completely unwarranted. If you don't have money to tip, you don't have money to go out to eat. A lot of you are lucky you don't work a job where 80% of your income is based on tips. I take pride in doing my job well and JUST LIKE YOU, I sometimes (rarely) make a mistake, and it sucks not being tipped as a result. And yes, people do remember when you don't tip/tip well. My advice is don't risk going back to an establishment where you've burned a member of the wait staff...

     July 13, 2010 at 4:24 pm |
269. DA
     

     If you don't tip you better not come back. Your food will definately get a second look. Jaliska if you don't think tips should be automatic for good service you should not think your food should not be fooled with.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:23 pm |
270. TED
     

     To Mike at the top of the list of Anti-goose egg
     When your main source of income comes from tips, then you better perform well enough to be compensated for it. If you don't then you lose. That is the business that you are in, and if you don't like it then find something else.
     Sure everyone has a bad day, or it may not even be the waiter/waitresses fault for what is going on in say the kitchen/bar. They can't control that, so hopefully most people would understand when something like that happens. However you can't compare an hourly/salary job to a job that the person relies on tips for a living. If that were the case then most people would either be fired, demoted, or warned of their poor performance.
     So if I were to work in a place that I relied on tips as my main source of income, then you can be sure I would not be having an off day in front of the customers. If it was the kitchen/bar that was off then I would explain that this is not how we normally operate, and sorry for any inconvenience that is has caused them.....
     I do not and don't ever plan of leaving without tipping and never have, but the service does warrant the amount left behind. I will leave 20% or more unless the service stinks. Talking to the manager to let them know what is up is also a good way to maybe turn wait staff around to do a better job. We all work hard for our money, so no one really wants to lose out on the deal.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:22 pm |
271. Texas41
     

     To Mark in the above articel regarding having an "off day": If your doctor or nurse in a hospital was having an off day and brought you the wrong medicine, how understanding would people be about that?

     July 13, 2010 at 4:21 pm |
     • Barry
       

       You really can't compare giving someone the wrong medicine with giving someone the wrong food. Except iin the case of food allergies I guess.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:47 pm |
     • Been there
       

       I would suggest that a doctor having an off day is also not trying to keep 20 people happy all at the same time, racing place to place and having everything dictated to them. A doctor having an off day is able to take an extra few minutes to make sure the right medication is prescribed. Back to comparing apples and oranges, I guess.

       July 16, 2010 at 11:12 am |
272. mainer
     

     @Suz: its your hard earned money, but the waiter is working to make their money too. if you want to go out and not pay for a tip, go out somewhere that there isn't someone serving you food. waiters at restaurants let eachother know who stiffed them and who is a good tipper, next time you come in, they'll fight over which one gets to ignore you for the night

     July 13, 2010 at 4:21 pm |
273. Mellanie
     

     Example (This has actually happened to me and I felt terrible!):
     You only brought enough for your half of the bill and tip and then friends failed to bring enough. Of course you pool enough money together to just BARELY make the bill, but are left with nothing for the waiter.

     There's so many scenarios that could lead to getting no tip. Sure "If you don't have the money, don't eat out", but if you're a college student and all your friends are there eating at the table- shiet.

     I don't think I've never left without leaving a tip on purpose though. I'd feel too bad. If I'm strapped for cash, I will leave you what I can. I also always leave a note on my receipt for my waiter/waitress. Smiley faces or Snakes that say "SSSsssuper Service". LOL!

     July 13, 2010 at 4:16 pm |
     • Jon
       

       I've had tables not have enough to tip...They were awesome enough to tell me and then come back with an envelope with a tip.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:23 pm |
274. mainer
     

     if all restaurants added 20% automatically on, whether it was through the price of the meals, or as a tip at the end, no one would complain about anything on this post.

     and if i ever went to a restaurant and had someone leave me no tip, and then come back and expect any kind of service, they better be dreaming. If you go to a restaurant that has waiters and waitresses... tipping should be required.

     As a bartender, if someone gets a drink that costs 4.75 and leaves me a 5.. you better believe that drink is getting weaker everytime. you leave me a buck a drink, i'll make 'em good

     July 13, 2010 at 4:14 pm |
275. Ted
     

     I waited tables all through college and even some after until I found what my girl friend called “a man job”. We only made 2.13 an hour, like a lot of other states. I was, and still am a stickler when I go out to dinner, lunch, happy hour. I don’t complain too much, or make outrageous demands, but I know how a restaurant is supposed to work. I don’t doubt that in my tenure as a server that I gave someone bad service. We all have an off day from time to time. Leaving no tip is unacceptable! Leaving less than 15% we will get the idea. You have to understand that just because your steak came out well done, when your ordered medium rare, does not mean we did something wrong. There are a number reason why you received the wrong steak…maybe there was another order almost exactly like yours, and the chef put it on the wrong plate, maybe the food runner grabbed the wrong ticket, maybe your other servers were running the food and made a mistake. Anyone with a pair of eyes can tell if you are busy or not. If you came in and there was a wait…be considerate. In a proper establishment the manager should visit the tables and be visible on the floor. If something is bothering you about your food tell him or her, let them correct it, or tell your waiter, let us correct it. Don’t take it out on a poor tip, get what you are paying for. 9 times out of 10, you are going to get a free dessert out of the deal, unless of course you have been branded as “that” patron that always complains and expects to get something free. It happens! We have all seen it! @Jaliska, correct, we did choose to work for this wage. Its not as easy as you would think to go out and get a normal job with normal wages. The words you speak, “Tips shouldn't even be expected unless a server demonstrates impeccable service and does extra things they aren't paid to do.” Are you kidding me? If we made, let us say, 6.50 an hour, the chicken fried steak or cobb salad you love so dearly would cost you double, maybe triple the cost it is now. So would you rather pay 8 dollars for your dinner and tip us 20 to 25 percent, or pay 16 to 24 dollars? I do believe the cheaper route would be to tip. Yes, we are forced to live off that money, some of us already work 40 hours a week, some of us go to school full time and are single parents, some of us are taking care of our parents and need the extra money for medicine. “You eat out to feed yourselves, not to worry about someone else.” That is probably the most inconsiderate thing I have ever read from something of this nature. You should stick to drive-throughs and grocery stores!

     July 13, 2010 at 4:14 pm |
     • Why?
       

       Why do all the waiters/pro-tippers here keep saying our meals would go up so high? "If we made, let us say, 6.50 an hour, the chicken fried steak or cobb salad you love so dearly would cost you double, maybe triple the cost it is now." Can someone explain why to me, other than it would be a chance for restaurant owners to gouge customers? I understand my particular server isn't the only employee in the business, but I'm a little dubious that $4/hr per staff member == double/triple menu prices. (Again, unless it's seen as a chance to really slap overhead.)

       Most people tip with the final total, after tax and drinks are entered. Taxes are passed straight through to the state, and drinks are nearly all profit, so that boosts the server's tip as it is. I think I'd take my chances on living wages being paid to staff, and thus the price on the menu being my final costs, thanks very much.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:46 pm |
276. Sam
     

     I can't imagine never leaving a tip. I mean maybe if you had an absolutely horrendous experience but I've never had service that poor. Quite frankly some of the descriptions of "poor" service people describe here, I have to wonder if they're just too demanding. It just seems rude and selfish to not leave a tip. It's part of eating out and expected, it's not a perk. My philosophy is I leave a tip and if the person is great then I leave extra tip but I've yet to meet the server who's so bad as to not deserve a tip. While there might be a few I worry that many rude and demanding people are simply living out a self-fulfilling prophecy.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:13 pm |
277. Suz
     

     Waiters who expect a tip regardless of the quality of service they provide can cry all they want. I'm the customer. It's my evening out, my hard-earned dollar and my decision whether I leave a tip. Don't expect what you haven't earned.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:13 pm |
278. DLH
     

     I just want to know one thing here. Where do all the waiters and waitresses who have posted here saying "we should tip regardless of how bad the service is" work? I want to know exactly at which restaurants and who the server is I should be avoiding. I wouldn't want to waist your time.

     I am sorry you may have a bad day once in a while (hopefully that isn't too often). Just think! Maybe I have had a bad day and wish to just have a relaxing meal and to be treated fairly for the first time today. Perhaps my wife had a bad day waiting on customers at her job and instead of having her wait on our family, I hire a babysitter and take her out to be waited on for a change.

     Let me put it this way. Do a good job and leave the whining out of it and you will be rewarded handsomely. If not, oh well. Don't expect anything out of me for lowsy service.

     Now with all of that said (and boy do I feel better now), anyone who is just too cheap to tip should be shot with a paintball of lifetime gauranteed paint. Also, we who tip accordingly should be able to get a license to us the paintball gun. I don't want them EVER being classified with me!!!

     July 13, 2010 at 4:12 pm |
279. East of Austin
     

     I usually have tipped well. I was talk 40 years ago that 15% was appropriate. I'm really getting ticked by the recent trend to suggest 20% or more. And before you talk about inflation, remember that the inflation is covered by the cost of the meal. I can remember dinner and a movie for $10 bucks, including the 15% tip. Now that same meal and show will run 60 or so. The tip in the bad ole days may have been a buck, and today it may be six bucks. In both cases, it's about one hour of minimum wage. If I was the only customer, I might feel bad for the wait but when I'm one of five tables, they are making more than me.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:11 pm |
280. Nic
     

     I've been waiting tables and bartending since college and I truly truly enjoy the food service industry. If i feel i'm given poor service, I'll leave a 10% tip and talk to the manager.

     One night I was out to eat with my boyfriend a male friend of his. Our server was a female about 19-22 I'd say. Now as a waitress myself I know the number one rule of waiting a table as a female with a female customer is to win her over from the start. This young lady did not even acknowledge me, and instead directed all of her attention (and flirtation) at my two male companions. She took their drink orders and walked off, my boyfriend had to flag her down to take mine. About ten minutes after our first drinks, she returned with two drinks for the men, and walked off. My glass was about empty, theirs were not. She was once again flagged down and asked why I wasnt offered another drink. Her response was "i figured she'd ask for one if she wanted it." Hmm. The night was downhill from there, ending with my eating my ice cream dessert and her walking over to the table saying "I cant believe you're eating all of that." I was stunned. I talked to a manager who seemed completely indifferent. I tipped her 10%. I have to say, the look on her face was priceless when she handed us the check and I whipped out my credit card. Wait staff should treat men AND women with the same respect and courtesy. This is 2010, you never know who's picking up the tab.

     Conversely, as a waitress I will grossly over tip for great service, as it can be very hard to come by. Last night we ate out and our young (new) waitress was astounding. Despite a very full section, she interacted with everyone, had a great attitude, played with the kids and our drinks NEVER were below 3/4 full. I was blown away. She was tipped $20 on a $50 tab, was complimented by me in person. I also called after we left to talk to a manager to rave about her. He told me he'd had 3 compliments on her that day. Hard working students with awesome attitudes like that should be rewarded.

     All that said, waiting tables can be some of the easiest money out there if wait staff will just take pride in their jobs and making a guests' visit there enjoyable.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:10 pm |
     • Abacobeachbum
       

       "This young lady did not even acknowledge me, and instead directed all of her attention (and flirtation) at my two male companions."

       I don't even need to read anymore after this. I had a bitch of a girlfriend who had the same thought process as you do. Insecure much???

       July 13, 2010 at 4:57 pm |
281. jim
     

     Wow, I went to school so I would not have to wait tables. If you think that a tip is right then maybe you should go to school too so you don't have to put up with folks who decide to rate their service by tip percentage. If you are too cool for school then I suggest you keep my water glass full. ;)

     July 13, 2010 at 4:10 pm |
     • Nic
       

       Jim, its unfair to assume everyone waiting tables is a lazy, degree-less hack. Almost all of my co-workers are near completion in their college educations, some even have degrees and are having trouble getting a job. I myself finished college with a double major and a minor with a 3.8. Sometimes its hard to find a job fresh out of school and you have to go back to waiting tables to support yourself until the right doors open.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:15 pm |
       • jim
         

         Nic, you are absolutely correct. I did not mean to imply that all wait staff are lazy but rather that if you expect a tip the service needs to warrant it. It just seems reviewing some of these posts that many of these folks have choosen not to school yet they feel entitled to a tip regardless of service and I just don't agree with that.

         I didn't mean to lump all server and wait staff into one bucket. :)

         July 13, 2010 at 4:27 pm |
282. Gerald Cleveland
     

     Wow I cannot believe how many waiters who seem to think they are entitled to a great tip when they are providing poor service and are crabby to the customers. The deal is, you provide good service and are pleasant, you WILL usually get a great tip. If you are crabby and are slow, BAD tip.... get it??? it's not that difficult. If you are the desperate to pay rent or pay bills, get a different job because obviously being a waiter isn't cutting it for you.

     Comprende????

     July 13, 2010 at 4:09 pm |
283. Jay
     

     The tip should be proportionate to the server's attitude and attentiveness. If I have a rude waitress who's ignoring my table and screwing up my order, I'm going to leave little to no tip. Adversely, if the server is friendly and takes my order in a timely manner, I will give them a 30% tip or more.

     Rudeness is the main factor in leaving a small tip; if the server were really friendly and screwing things up, I would still give at least 15%.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:09 pm |
284. Sy2502
     

     When I go to a restaurant, I (rightfully) assume the people working there receive a salary from the establishment to do a job. That job is to prepare the food in the case of the cook, to wash the dishes in the case of cleaning people, to prepare beverages in the case of the bartender, and to serve at the tables in the case of the waiters. Why in the world should I tip you for doing precisely the job you were hired for is beyond me. If I cause you more work (like I spill my drink and you have to clean up and bring me another, or if I have special dietary issues and start asking this on the side, and without that, etc) then I am glad to pay you for that extra work, in the form of a tip. I don't care how much the establishment pays you to do your job, IT IS NOT MY PROBLEM. Maybe I don't get paid as much as I'd like by my employer, does it mean I should come to you to get some extras?

     July 13, 2010 at 4:08 pm |
     • Abacobeachbum
       

       Ok, I've been railing on some of these entitled servers, but you are a certifiable uneducated idiot. What do you not understand about service based businesses? Those people take jobs for a minimum wage of around 2-3 dollars on the expectation that if they serve their customers well they will be rewarded. Bartenders too. It's been going on for a long time. Would you rather pay more for your food like they do in overpriced Europe? I suppose you probably couldn't eat out then. What a selfish reflection of humanity you are. You should be ashamed of yourself.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:47 pm |
285. Carrie
     

     I was a server for a number of years, and I've been stiffed by a table that I did a good job with, it was very upsetting. So I almost always leave between 15 and 20%... more if they were extra great. I think you should definitely leave a tip unless you got absolutely sub-par service. For the most part, tips are expected. I don't know why you wouldn't tip someone who did a good job! They are essentially working for you for your stay at the restaurant. You are paying for the food and the drink, and the tip is to pay for the serice. If you don't want to pay a server to give you your food and drink and make your experience more enjoyable, then you should go somewhere that doesn't have servers, like Burger King or McDonalds, or order in.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:07 pm |
286. Dana
     

     My mother has been a waitress before as is my wife. When a server does even an decent job, I tip and am willing to tip fairly well for really good service. If the service is really poor, I leave nothing.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:07 pm |
287. Mega
     

     I normally tip based on service. I once was at a resturant whith a large group of friends the celebrate one of their birhdays. We normally have large group dinners there because they normally have great service. On this one occaison, it was pretty dead, and so the wait staff were just standing around. I was a little late due to traffic, so by the time I was there everyone already had drinks and had ordered their appatizers. I had to wait 15 mins to get a menue, then I had to flag another waitress to order. Then it too us 45 mins from us asking for our checks to the time we actually got them. By the time we asked for our checks, there were only 3 other tables there and 3 waitresses! I normally tip very well, but this waitress only got $1.00 off of a $30 check from me. When I went to ask for the manager, I found out that he went home sick and another one was on her way in (who happens to be a friend one of the guests in my party). Needless to say, the waitress was just abusing not having management there, and she was fired the next day because my table wasn't the only one to complain, and her coworkers complained alongside us.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:07 pm |
288. mainer
     

     its easy as a server to be having a bad day, and everything to go wrong, to be as fake as can be in the front of the house, and grumpy as heck in the back. but when someone is plesant, smiles, serves you drinks and food, and cleans up after you.. 20%. i don't even know why this is an arguement. i'll leave a bad tip if someone does a bad job, but they shouldn't have to get on their knees to get more than 15%. everyone that says that they shoudlnt' have to pay extra for servers to do their jobs.. then don't pay extra, and see how your night out is next time you show up. the 20% will make your repeat visits more enjoyable

     July 13, 2010 at 4:06 pm |
289. CK
     

     Tips are earned, period! If a waiter expects to come to "work" but is obviously lazy, why should I leave a tip? He/she didn't earn it. I was in a restaurant once, where our waitress ignored our table for 40 minutes! We finally had to get up and get someone's attention, only for it to happen again. We each had a soda, and our table shared an appetizer. That's all the service we got for the night. We didn't end up eating any dinner! We were fed up and finally left. We didn't leave a tip. I told everyone I knew what happened, and told them to NEVER go to that restaurant, or to recommend it to anyone. Sickens me that waiters automatically expect to be tipped. Trust me, if someone does a great job, they're tipped. If not, then no tip.

     For those who commented that we should always leave a tip no matter what, I disagree. If I came to work and didn't do a damn thing, do you think my company would keep me?

     July 13, 2010 at 4:06 pm |
290. Tony
     

     A tip is given to someone for a good job. If someone hasn't done a good job for you then why do they deserve a tip? I've read all the comments about "Walk in the waiters shoes" and so on and I think its a load of rubbish. I worked retail for 10 years and dealt with more walks of life than I can even remember. I can tell you one thing for sure. It is almost always within your power to have a happy or angry customer on your hands.

     These are some things that have caused me not to leave a tip:

     1. The abandoner: Non-attentive servers in a virtually empty restaurant. Its understandable if your server isn't right there to fill that glass after your last swallow when you can look around and see the place packed and them balancing multiple tables. Its another thing to realize there are three waiters serving two tables and your waiter is no where to be seen for 15 minutes.

     2. The expediter: This is the waiter who has forgone all pleasantries and etiquette in exchange for slipping you the check before you can even get the first fork full of food in your mouth. Nothing ticks me off more. I understand that on a busy night seats are a precious commodity but on the same token that isn't my or my dates problem. Slipping me a bill for something I haven't even tasted yet is a sure fire way of not getting a tip even if the meal was sublime.

     3. The arrogant snob: Snooty and contrite waiters at expensive restaurants are always the most interesting. To put it simply, if I'm spending this kind of money I certainly won't tolerate McDonald's drive through attitudes. You get short and impatient with me, or act as though my money isn't green enough for your restaurant then I will quietly remind you of what you do for a living and leave you a fat goose egg.

     I think its important to remember that we all have jobs. We all have roofs to keep over our heads. With that in mind we all come to work and perform a job that may not be the easiest, or if we are honest absolutely hate. At the end of the day we must perform these jobs well or someone else will take them over. Waiting tables is no exception to the rule. If you don't take care of the customer (which is your job), then don't expect the customer to take care of you.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:04 pm |
     • EDDANTES
       

       Right on Tony, I get stuck with the number 3 character all the time, the "prima donna" waiter who thinks he is a movie star, gime a break, you are right you get these type of waiters specially and unfortunately in the fine restaurants.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:13 pm |
     • Jon
       

       Some place require the server to drop off the check early. This is done especially during lunch, to ensure that customers can get back to work on time. We use to call it the "2min. check back, check down". Meaning, we'd check back to see how the food was, and drop the check off, face down. Of course, you'd say something like, "take your time, I can add anything to the bill at any time. I'm not rushing you, it's for your convenience ".

       July 13, 2010 at 4:28 pm |
     • Nadezhda
       

       um, "contrite" means "regretful." Did you mean "condescending"?

       July 13, 2010 at 9:57 pm |
291. Dave R. - Columbus, Ohio
     

     I've been a server – a long time ago and not very good. I've been stiffed (and understandably so). My brother, who was a server longer than I was said the most offensive tip you can leave a server is $1.01. It tells them, "Yes, I know I'm supposed to tip, but you were a horrible server." I've left a tip of $1.01 twice – to the same server (not sure how we got him a second time). Otherwise I tip a minimum of $5 (for ANYTHING under $20), and make sure it's always between 20-25%.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:03 pm |
292. allen
     

     Tips are for good service. If the service is no good neither is my tip. I work on commission, if my work is sub-par so is my pay. Same as a server.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:03 pm |
293. Roadhammer
     

     I've worked in service industries where my wages depended on tips, so I get the perspective of both sides. That said, I've only once left without leaving any tip. In lieu of a tip we left a coin that my wife got from a friend that was made of wood and said something to the effect of "The value of this coin is equal to the value of the service you provided". It took an awful lot to get me that angry with a waitress. In most cases, poor service usually results in a small tip from me (as low as 2-3% in some cases). However give me good service and I'm a big tipper (I've tipped as much as 35% on a $100 dinner bill).

     July 13, 2010 at 4:02 pm |
294. mtnmedic
     

     Why should I be obligated to leave a tip for someone who does what they're supposed to do in their job?? Tips are a GRATUITY- given FREELY by those who think they received exceptional service and that the server earned it. I rarely ever tip and usually it's not much. I don't make much money, either. Does that make me a bad person?

     I'm a private ambulance company Paramedic. I have the same training, experience and responsibilities as my counterparts in the fire departments but I earn 1/3 to 1/2 of what they make for the same kind of ambulance work (I make $12 an hour and that's after having been in the industry for 20 years-I'm significantly hearing impaired; the fire services will not accept me because of that physical limitation, which is why I'm stuck in the private sector). I put in a lot of time rescuing people, being exposed to violence (people who scream, hit and spit at me) and diseases, dealing with death and having to tell people there's nothing more we can do to save their loved ones, enduring back breaking work, putting up with stress and weird hours (24 and 48 hour shifts), working in inclement weather and hazardous situations, getting someone's puke, piss and feces on me, doing repetitive meticulous equipment and supply inventory and cleaning, lifting and carrying heavy people up and down stairs, exhaustion, driving hundreds of miles every day (often long distance transports and driving with lights and siren in busy traffic or rain and snow at night), spending a lot of time and my own money doing required continuing medical education and testing for re-licensure every two years just to keep my job, every thing I do is scrutinized and reviewed for even the smallest mistakes that could be construed as lawsuit material, plus having to work with a variety of personalities, living with them for 24-48 hours straight at a time as well as adhering to paramilitary standards of work performance. There are times I go home and cry at night, getting no sleep, because I couldn't help save the life of someone's kid. Yeah, there are days I wonder if it's all really worth it.

     There are times I go out of my way above and beyond what is expected of me because I know it's the right thing to do or that it makes me feel good that I can do a little bit more to help someone. I struggle to survive, financially, have few benefits (many EMTs and Medics I know of don't even have that) but it's solid, good work and I love helping people. I don't get tips. I don't think anyone else I work with gets tips. That doesn't mean tips haven't been offered to us. We usually refuse tips because we're here to serve and assist people in their time of need. If the customer insists, we tell them to make a donation to a charitable organization in our name or call our office to compliment them on the service they received from us instead. If my boss thinks I am doing an exceptional job, he will reward me.

     YOU PEOPLE WHO WHINE AND BITCH ABOUT NOT GETTING TIPS SHOULD SHUT UP! Don't expect tips. If someone feels like you deserve extra, then you will be rewarded because they believe they can afford it and they will do it freely. Nobody should be obligated to give tips or be ostracized for not leaving a tip.

     Try doing my job without tips for a change. I'll gladly take your job, waiting on or bussing tables or washing dishes for 12 hours a day without tips for the same kind of pay. At least I know I'm not going to catch someone's deadly disease, get beat up, break my back lifting someone who weighs 450 pounds, crawling under a wrecked car in the mud and rain at 2am, running 24 hours with only 1-3 hours' worth of sleep or breaks (before anyone gets any ideas about how any of this may be illegal-ambulance services are exempt from a lot of typical labor laws), being taken to court and sued or put in jail for doing something that someone thinks is dangerous to a person's health, no matter how innocuous it may seem, and so on.

     Go ahead. Take my job and see how far you get without tips.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:01 pm |
     • Kay
       

       you fail to realize, that we dont make as much as you do, especially after we tip everyone ELSE out and after YOU dont tip us.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:07 pm |
       • mtnmedic
         

         Workers should NEVER feel they're entitled to a tip. A tip is a GRATUITY. It is given out of free will and that's based purely on one's own opinion of your service. If you're expecting a tip, then maybe your boss should raise the prices a tiny bit to include the amount of a tip instead of browbeating or shaming a customer into leaving a tip. That's low. If someone is really pleased with your service and they leave a tip, be thankful for the extra money. If they don't leave a tip, for whatever reason, be thankful you have a steady J-O-B. If you think you don't make enough money, go to school and learn a new trade or go find a better paying job. That goes for everyone, including me.

         July 13, 2010 at 5:09 pm |
       • RoqDawg
         

         Kay – When you tip out the others in your establishment it is a percentage of what you made in tips. If those that you tip out notice that you are not giving them a decent amout they will think 1) you are cheating them or 2) that you are not performing well and that you should leave and most likely they will not provide you with the support you need. Which ever the case if you are not tipping them out nicely they will probably talk with management about the issue and good management will compare your charge tips to cash tips (and compare those tips to your peers) and see if there is problem.

         July 13, 2010 at 6:52 pm |
     • Barry
       

       It sounds like you're grossly undercompensated for what you do but even still, $12 an hour still beats $2 an hour.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:13 pm |
       • mtnmedic
         

         How many servers make $2 an hour? Really? Maybe in Mexico or China. Keep in mind that EMTs often make minimum wage or slightly more for similar work (although they're not held to the same training and certification standards as well as the same exact responsibilities as Paramedics).

         July 13, 2010 at 4:57 pm |
295. Scott (Florida)
     

     Since all the servers are claiming its paying for books, schooling etc....you should be able to understand this....its from the California State Dept of Industrial Relations. In regards to tips...

     What is a tip? A tip is money a customer leaves for an employee over the amount due for the goods sold or services rendered. Tips belong to the employee, not to the employer.

     Are the tips I receive considered part of my "regular rate of pay" for overtime calculations? No. Since tips are voluntarily left for you by the customer of the business and are not being provided by the employer, they are not considered as part of your regular rate of pay when calculating overtime.

     Is a mandatory service charge considered to be the same as a tip or gratuity? No, a tip is a voluntary amount left by a patron for an employee. A mandatory service charge is an amount that a patron is required to pay based on a contractual agreement or a specified required service amount listed on the menu of an establishment. An example of a mandatory service charge that is a contractual agreement would be a 10 or 15 percent charge added to the cost of a banquet. Such charges are considered as amounts owed by the patron to the establishment and are not gratuities voluntarily left for the employees. Therefore, when an employer distributes all or part of a service charge to its employees, the distribution may be at the discretion of the employer and the service charge, which would be in the nature of a bonus, would be included in the regular rate of pay when calculating overtime payments.

     My employer pays me less than the minimum wage because he includes my tips in my hourly pay. Is this legal? No. Unlike under federal regulations, in California an employer cannot use an employee’s tips as a credit towards its obligation to pay the minimum wage. California law requires that employees receive the minimum wage plus any tips left for them by patrons of the employer’s business. Labor Code Section 351

     I must have missed the part around it is required for the patron to pay this. Or the part where if the tip isnt to the servers liking, then I am obligated to get poor service next time they recognize me, as if they owned the restaurant.

     Tips are also called gratuties. Let's look of the definition of this "obviously" mandatory practice.

     gratuity: a small sum of money given as a reward for good service; a tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 4:00 pm |
296. George
     

     TO INSURE PROMPT SERVICE – "Tip" – Just like much of US society many servers have a sense of entitlement. You even see tip jars at take out pizza places! I have probably not left a tip four or five times in my life and have under-tipped many more times (10% or less) when servers have been outwardly rude – if you decide to sit down at another table and talk to friends and neglect us so I have to walk around and find a picther of water to refill my glass with then I assume you aren't trying to earn a tip or at least not a large one. If you give us attitude when we have to ask another server where our food is or if we can get another drink then assume the same. I have in very rare occassions tlaked to managers, but like most people I dont want to cause a scene and screw up my night even more so I will sometimes fill out comment card or just not leave much of a tip – I figure the person knows why they were undertipped. For those servers that think tipping is an entitlement I would suggest moving to certain countries in Europe where it is always included (10%), otherwise do a great job and reap the rewards of 15-20% tips most will repay good service with.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:59 pm |
297. Zander
     

     If you want more money then get a better job. why should i have to pay more because you don't have anything to qualify yourself for a better job. you all suck

     July 13, 2010 at 3:59 pm |
298. Tim
     

     Are you people serious? Do you want your waiter to suck your cock? People who don't tip on account of "poor service" need their heads examined. I pity them. They are the epitome of selfishness.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:58 pm |
     • KungFuRocket
       

       Sorry Tim, I think *you* need your head examined. Selfishness would be expecting a tip for providing little or no service (or lots of poor service). Can you explain to me in a logical and reasonable argument, why I, or anyone else, should pay extra for nothing?

       July 13, 2010 at 4:09 pm |
     • Abacobeachbum
       

       Tim, are you an idiot, or do you just talk like one? Do you know that tips is an acronym? To insure proper service. Do you know what my boss would say if I told one of my clients essentially what you just said? It's no wonder we have such an entitlement society coming up through the ranks with comments like this. And our government reflects it everyday.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:27 pm |
299. Scott
     

     I'm an engineer that used to serve. Everything I do is by a formula, including tipping. Formula as follows:

     Start at 20%
     Each appetizer: + $1
     Each alcoholic drink: + $1
     Beverage never gets empty: + $1
     Beverage never gets half way down: + $2
     Each extra: + $1
     >5 min between arrival and getting drink order: – $2
     >10 min between arrival and getting drink order: – $5-$15 depending on duration
     Order incorrect and it's obviously server's fault: – $2
     Server does not check on table after food arrives: – $3
     Server does not notice when the table is done and/or ready for check: – $1 to $5 depending on duration we have to wait
     Server is rude: – $4 to all depending on severity

     If you can't afford to tip, then you can't afford to eat out.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:58 pm |
300. pangwin1007
     

     In response to Jaliska: I can't believe you would think that some of us who serve actually CHOSE that profession over a full time job. I had to pick up waitressing as a second job to my full time job when my husband was effected by the economy and laid off. I tried to even find a RETAIL job to make ends meet. Bottom line is I REALLY needed the money I was making. I always treated EVERY patron with respect and good service, and I enjoyed the social part of the waitressing environment – the people. I agree with a lot of you who feel that if you can't tip don't go out to eat!

     July 13, 2010 at 3:58 pm |
     • CK
       

       For those who keep repeating the b.s. of "if you can't tip, then don't go out to eat" need to remember that people who go out to eat can afford to do so, and the fact that they tip is based on good service, period! I'm telling you, if you don't treat your customers well, then why should the customer treat their waiter well, especially when their service sucked?

       July 13, 2010 at 4:34 pm |
301. Dave
     

     Some patrons don't give good tips just like some servers don't give good service. Bottom line, you should always leave something that reflects the quality of service you were provided with.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:58 pm |
302. maxnewbold
     

     I have worked in the service industry for 13 years. And I will remember someone who stiffs me just as easily as someone who tips graciously. And when that person comes back they will get the worst service i can provide as courteous as i can dish it out. The restaurant doesnt pay my bills, tips do. The turnover rate in the industry is so high I have no obligation or loyalty to a restaurant. And i could really care less about wether people like that come back or not. there is a reason why Mcdonnalds has a dollar menu. If I have five tables at once im going to focus on the table that is the most courteous to me and appears to be the best shot for the biggest tip. From there prioritizing downward. Cause thats the way for me to make the most money.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:57 pm |
     • Jon
       

       That's the worst logic in the world. You're the reason why some tables leave bad tips to all servers. Approaching a table like they wont tip you, is a sure way of not getting tipped. You were the kind of server that I enjoyed working with, because I would steal all of your customers. I'm sure you're the same type of server that cuts out on his side/closing work.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:04 pm |
     • KungFuRocket
       

       Congratulations, you are stating one reason why someone should *not* leave you a tip, and then going further by saying you would *intentionally* be rude to that person you were already rude to in the future. Way to go.

       This argument isn't about the people that are cheap – this article is about people leaving zero tip because their service was THAT bad. I'm certainly glad you don't have loyalty and don't care what the CUSTOMER thinks, because I wouldn't hesitate to involve management if I came across the likes of you.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:06 pm |
303. Zander
     

     If you want more money then get a better job. why should i have to pay more because you don't have anything to qualify yourself for a better job.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:57 pm |
304. Tips are not required...
     

     I can't believe all the idiots who leave tips even when the service is terrible. That just causes the jerkoff who's not doing his job to stay there longer. If that other guy isn't pulling his weight, it affected the rest of the staff. Better he/she be run off sooner than later...they might be replaced by somebody who can do a better job, which is better for everyone in the long run. Some people aren't cut out for waiting tables.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:57 pm |
305. Krush
     

     The last waitress I had was gorgeous and flirty, but I'm kind of taken, so I gave her just the tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:56 pm |
306. A Banker in WI
     

     I have left no tip many times. I know how hard it was to be a server, because I was one for many years, BUT if the service is not there, from the server standpoint they do not deserve a tip.... And really I dont care if the server thinks i forgot or not, they did not deserve any of my money. They are in customer service, and they need to be friendly, and nice to the person who is paying their bills.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:55 pm |
307. Dave in DC
     

     Listen Up People...

     Restaurants exist for patrons who would like to be waited on, cooked for, served, cleaned up after, and basically treated better than they usually deserve.

     If you don't feel your service was adequate for whatever reason, let the manager know, but leave 10%.
     If you feel your service was above average, leave a good tip (15-20%)
     If you feel your service was outstanding, leave an outstanding tip (25-30%)

     If you don't agree with this, stay home, nobody wants you.

     And remeber, never piss off anyone who is serving you food, that is just commopn sense.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:55 pm |
     • KungFuRocket
       

       I find it laughable that you expect people to leave a tip even if service was horrible. You say that if someone wants to leave nothing, they should stay home, nobody wants them. It's not that people go out to eat, intending to leave nothing. They go out to eat, receive poor service, and pay for the FOOD that they ate, but leave nothing for the poor or non-existent service.

       Let's say I take someone out to a nice restaurant – after the appetizer, drinks, and the meal, the tab is maybe $150, for 90 minutes of being in the restaurant. You would expect me to pay you 10%, or $10 per hour, if you provided little or no service to me? You're dreaming.

       With your job comes a certain level of expected competence and courtesy. IF you can provide that, then yes, I'll tip at least 10%. If you provide the minimum along with sincerity and a smile, you'll be getting 20%. If you go above and beyond, and help to create a great dining experience, out comes the 30-40% tip. Don't you ever, EVER, expect to get a minimum of 10% for shoddy service, and then look down on people if they don't provide it. You have your end of the bargain to keep up. It's your job, we expect you to do it.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:03 pm |
     • Abacobeachbum
       

       You sound like a union member and a five year old all at the same time. "Stay home. Nobody wants you?" Can you even make the connection between your job and how it is that you get paid? Keep this up and I see living under a bridge in your future Mr. Entitlement.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:42 pm |
308. mainer
     

     some people are good tippers, some are bad, regardless of service. and when you have repeat customers that are bad tippers, they'll probably get treated as such.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:55 pm |
309. Kay
     

     I was a server for 5 years, throughout high school and college. I agree, if you dont get good service you shouldnt have to tip.... as much as you would normally. and by that i mean you still don't have the right ot leave a penny. We still do work for $3.00 an hour. HOWEVER, i have worked with some rude, terrible, lazy servers so i know that as servers–we come in all shapes and sizes.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:53 pm |
310. Jon
     

     Worked at as a server for three years; I worked my tail off to ensure people had a great time who were seated in my section. I always treated them like I would want my parents to be treated. Sometimes you get stiffed, other times you get more than you should. Bottom line, attitude goes along way. You'll always run into jerks, but that's at any job.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:53 pm |
311. mainer
     

     if your service is poor, you should reflect that in a tip. if your server is rude, or the food comes out wrong and they make no effort to fix it, then reflect it in their tip. if they do everything to make your experience enjoyable, a tip should be required. you shouldn't expect them to rub your feet or cut your food in order to make 20% off your meal.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:52 pm |
312. Mike
     

     I have refused to give a tip ONE time in all my years of dining out. My waitress finished her shift MID-MEAL and left without passing us on to another server, so she got exactly what she deserved, nothing, and was lucky i didn't get a manager over to complain about the absolute lack of service i had gotten.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:51 pm |
313. Jareth
     

     In the tip box I wrote an arrow.
     On the reverse side, I wrote
     Full party arrived 7pm, first waiter contact 7:15, first drinks arriced 7:25 and we were ready to place our order.
     Order taken 7:35. Second round ordered at 7:35 and after watching the bartender pour the drinks within minutes I went to get them myself at 7:45. Third round ordered at around 7:55, poured 7:57, picked up by myself at 8:05. Food arrived at 8:15. Done by 8:25. Final checkout time 8:45.
     Do you really think that kind of service deserves a tip? Maybe some of it is the kitchen, but most of it was the server. If you honestly think that I should have tipped in that situation then you need to be committed. We normally tip quite well, rounding off to the highest $5, but in no way will I tip for going to get my own beer.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:49 pm |
314. KungFuRocket
     

     I find it laughable that the most adamant people (listed as examples) about leaving a tip no matter what, were servers. I was a server myself, after working up from being a busboy, and I would not hesitate to leave without tipping if the service warranted it. As mentioned by the pro-goose eggs, it's imperative though that you DO notify management. Not only will the manager understand why you are upset, they may also be able to alleviate the situation. It is NOT because someone is "cheap" to give a tip *cough* NIck *cough*. If you provide horrible service and don't even try to make an effort, you're not going to get a tip from me.

     Yes, it's true – people have bad days... in ANY line of work. Most people can tell when you're having one, and in any case, your job as a server is to be of service to the customer. Yes, cooking mistakes are not your fault (unless you placed the order incorrectly). Yes, people have bad days and can't be 100% cheery 100% of the time. But make an EFFORT. Apologize, be sincere, show that you are trying. Accountability is important – if you make a mistake, own up to it and try to make amends – don't just say someone is cheap and ignore them and blab to your coworkers these falsehoods.

     Tips for good service are a privilege. Period. It should *not* be "expected" unless you perform well. Mind you, this false sense of entitlement is really blaring in America – check out Europe sometime. Meals are serious events, and servers take their job seriously. You are not expected to tip. In fact, you are only supposed to tip if your service was hands down outstanding. Or check out China – most restaurants, tips are NOT ALLOWED, and a worker could be fired for accepting them. There are countless professions where the employee is expected to do their job well, without fail, day in and day out, and receive no tips. Some jobs (such as government posts) are unable to accept tips or even gifts around the holidays.

     Bottom line? It's your choice to be a server, good or bad. However, you'll only be rewarded if you do your job well. Expecting tips for sub-par performance is greedy, and exactly what is wrong with much of America and this false sense of entitlement.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:49 pm |
315. ralph
     

     Any other restaurant industry workers out there find it incredibly easy to predict tips based on social stereotypes that we see on a daily basis? Let's be honest here. Sometimes no matter what you do, or how good service you provide to some people they will not tip. As a server in a very touristy location I see people from every background imaginable. With great accuracy I can predict how good my tip will be by the time I take a drink order (as I am sure most servers can, again let's be honest here). Two tables at the same time, get the same service, same food, same bill, one is from the north and the other from the south. I am willing to be that the southern table's tip will be SIGNIFICANTLY lower than the table from the north. I am not hating, I am just saying I see this time and time again on a daily basis. Some people just don't tip well no matter what.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:49 pm |
     • KungFuRocket
       

       I can see where you are coming from, Ralph, but keep in mind – if you are referring to foreign tourists that are visiting the States, tipping is not an international sensation. Across the many cultures of the world, tipping is only utilized in a select few, and in the States it is apparently "expected". There are also different lifestyles within the States – I was a server in an area with many farmers. Hard workers, very nice people, but anyone would be lucky to get a 10% tip to the penny, let alone 15%. That's life, and unfortunately you either need to deal with it and get a new job, or deal with it and handle each and every customer with the SAME respect and courtesy that you would want to receive yourself. After all, what if by some ironic twist of fate, you are the ONLY experience of our culture that foreign families are met with. If act like you don't care because you know you won't get a good tip, that just makes the whole country (to the tourist) look inadequate.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:56 pm |
     • Maggie
       

       I am from the South and I tip 15% for average service and 20%+ for exceptional service. I am also a single 24 year old female college student. Stereotype that .. I wonder what type of stereotypes I could try and pass off on most of the waiters I've encountered??? At any rate, they would probably be just as ignorant and off the mark as yours .. so I won't bother. Ever seen the movie "Crash" .. it's a wonderful case study into the world of stereotypes that you so readily adhere to. Quit complaining/passing judgment and educate yourself. Acting like you know how the world operates and truly knowing are two very different realities.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:32 pm |
316. I know
     

     If a waiter or waitress has an attitude and/or is incompetent they should get no tip or a very low tip. Should I leave a tip to a jerk just because he/she makes below minimum wage or because he/she is having a bad day? NO WAY! leave the attitude at home and treat the customer with some respect and do your job! If you don't want to worry that your attitude may cost you your tip than go work somewhere else. Lets put it this way, if you do a great job at waiting you can make a killing off tips but if you are not doing your job there should be consequences, this is not a charity!

     July 13, 2010 at 3:49 pm |
317. Cranston
     

     Although I've never waited table, I have worked in restaurants and I know how hard the job can be. When my wife and I go out, we try to be very courteous and respectful to the wait staff and try to make it clear that we do not want to make their life harder. We view the whole dining experience as an interactive one and the wait staff are an important part of the process. We are careful to notice when the restaurant is really busy and consciously try to adapt our expectations of the experience to the circumstances. When making a request in those circumstance, we make sure that the waiter knows that we recognize how much pressue he is under and couch our requests in a way that tells him that we are not trying to add to the problem. It generally results in outstanding service. As a patron, you actually have a great deal of control over the situation.

     At the end of the meal, we tip and we tip well. At least 20 percent, unless everything was really awful. Even then, we won't reduce the tip unless it is clear that the problem is solely with the waiter. But that has very seldom happened. In some cases, when the experience depends on a particularly careful preparation of the meal - like the doneness of a beef or tuna steak - we will take care of the waiter and then send a separate tip back to the cook who prepared the meal if it was perfect. Try that a couple of times and see why kind of service you get in the future. Believe me, it makes a huge difference.

     My wife and I are gourmet cooks, so we do not eat out often, but when we do, we are looking for something we cannot get at home. Considering what we make at home, that really narrows the field. Wnen we go out, we are looking for a total experience and we recognize our role in making it happen. We don't have to go to a place many times before they recognize us and roll out the red carpet. If we cannot establish that kind of raport, we don't go back.

     I believe that someone who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person. We try not to be rude to the waiter and tip appropriately. As a result, we almost always get good service and good experience. If we don't, we do not go back and do not recommend the restaurant to others.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:48 pm |
318. Michael
     

     There is an unwritten social etiquette that if you (the server) provide me (the customer) with good service, including making sure the order is correct and paced properly, and make my dining experience a good one, then 15% tip is minimum, 20% tip and above, yes above, for exceptional service. This is all done on the honor system. At the end of the dining experience, if the server has kept up their end of this unwritten social contract, then it's your turn to hold up you end. For people who regularly don't tip or tip poorly regardless of quality service, that little act of anti-social behavior speaks volumes about you, and those of us in the know judge you for it.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:48 pm |
319. Barry
     

     I'm a very rare breed of customer, I honetly don't care if the waitstaff smiles at me or kisses my butt, all I want is the food and drinks I ordered in a reasonable time. I don't have an overinflated ego that makes me think I deserve to be treated like royalty just because I decided to grace them with my presence. There are only two reasons I wouldn't tip – if the server was blatantly and openly rude/hostile toward me (which has never happened) and if the server was someone I recognized as a rude customer from the place where I had been working at the time (it only happened once but it was justified. I was quite surprised that such a bad customer actually worked in customer service themselves, but it was nice to get back at them and let them know exactly why they were receiving the treatment I was giving them). Otherwise, I ALWAYS tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:47 pm |
     • Barry
       

       I just wanted to add, although I don't care if I receive service with a smile, I do like appreciate it and will return the kindness. But if the waiter or waitress doesn't want to have that kind of interaction with me and would prefer to just be an automaton that brings me my food and drinks then that's fine with me too. I go to a restaurant to eat, not interact with people.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:01 pm |
320. clint
     

     That Nick in the story is the kind of guy who really makes you NOT want to tip for bad service. Arrogant ... and assumes the problem could never be one that he caused. Try living on less than $3 an hour and tips? Try dishing out for crappy service! I won't forget you, either.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:47 pm |
321. curt
     

     I think the real problem is the restaurants paying people 1.45 /hr base pay... Except the citizens to pay for everything yet don't give the citizens very much money...

     July 13, 2010 at 3:47 pm |
322. Al Camacho
     

     My experience with waiters/waitresses has been good for the most part. Occasionally we run into someone who seems does not want to be there, seems to hate everything, and has a bad attitude. You find this type in most places where service personnel are required to take care of the public's needs. At the restaurant we are very tolerant, to a point, but when the service is so bad that leaving no-tip seems warranted, we leave 7% along with a very visible note on the merchant's check saying: "BAD SERVICE RECEIVED FROM THIS EMPLOYEE, AND THE TIP REFLECTS HOW WE FELT ABOUT THE SERVICE RECEIVED." The manager will see that note. Then we go back there a few days later, and if the same happens again, we do not patronize that business ever again.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:45 pm |
323. Marc Coloma
     

     Seriously though, why the hell do people think they are entitled to tips? Isn't tips and expression of how great your service was really worth? If you aren't getting tips, it's probably a reality check!

     Quit whining, and either deliver better service or get another job!

     Stop acting like your are self righteous. Nobody gives a damn to those of you that suck at your job!

     Enough Said!

     July 13, 2010 at 3:44 pm |
324. JJ
     

     I get to eat out on occasion, I don't make much money, so, especially if it is a nice restaurant, I will leave a tip, but, only if they refilled my drink at least once and especially if you ask me how things are, that will get you a tip every time. I have been to the "hole in the wall" restaurants where I have seen people stealing my tip or others' tips. I try to reward my wait-person personally if at all possible. But, as was mentioned previously, if you suck, yer not gettin a tip!!!! If you suck AND you're expecting* a tip, well, you're sure not to get one then. Wait-persons, get off your high horses and do your job and do it well, and most of the time you will get a tip, but, if you slack off, you will not get one from me. there have been too many times when i was led to my table and was never waited on again. i understand busy restaurants, but, just because it's busy doesn't mean that you should treat me any different than anyone else. I have a choice as to which restaurant I patronize. You give me poor service, then, I won't come back. You give me decent service, I will come back and I will tip. To me, a T.I.P. is NOT an obligation, good service or not!!! However, you bringing me clean, decent food IS AND OBLIGATION!!!! I PAID FOR IT!!!! And, YOU have a JOB!!!! Keep all this fussin about tips up and I will eat at home more often!!!!!

     July 13, 2010 at 3:42 pm |
325. Michael
     

     About 5 or so times in my life service has been sooooooo awful ... no drink refills, no plate removals, cold food served, spilled drinks with no apology, chatting with co-workers or yakking on a cell phone while my water glass sits empty ... I have left a $20 bill, torn in half, such that just less than half the bill is there, folded so it looks like a nice tip. In this way, the waiter thinks they are getting a surprisingly huge tip, only to find out they got completely stiffed. Trust me, these 4 or 5 times I have done that, they absolutely deserved to get a kick in the pants, but I refrained. And I don't want to hear about service sector jobs and not leaving a tip ... I work in service and have for 15 years and I do not earn tips. You need to go above and beyond to EARN a GRATUITY. Look up the words in the dictionary folks! It is not a guarantee!! There is a reason Iced Tea costs $3 ... and it is not because of the price of tea or water ... it is because they have factored in basic service cost into the menu prices. Wisen up and be smart!

     July 13, 2010 at 3:41 pm |
326. deb
     

     We are only having this conversation because the resturant industry has duped the customer and staff into believing we the customer OWE a tip on top of already paying top dollar for a cooked meal and drinks.
     I do not owe you a tip at all.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:41 pm |
327. d sanislo
     

     It's not about $1 or $2. When you spend around $50 – $100 or more on a nice meal, you are paying for food, service, ambiance, etc. A wait person that never greet you, never smiles, and are absolutely not attentive to your needs, should NOT be rewarded for $10 to $20. Tip, by definition, is reward for service, compliments to the restaurant/chef/manager as well. If the wait person ruined it, don't leave a tip, AND tell the manager if you plan on going back to that restaurant. I am in a service industry, if I'm rude to my customers, I'm out of business, why should it be different for the wait person?

     July 13, 2010 at 3:41 pm |
     • EDDANTES
       

       Exactly, you spend over a $120 dollars on a meal for 2, you don't get to sit where ever you want, you get a nasty "primma donna" waiter with an attitude and on top you expect a tip, gime a break!

       July 13, 2010 at 3:51 pm |
328. Dave
     

     I love these threats..."IF YOU DON'T TIP, DON'T GO OUT TO EAT!" or "JUST REMEMBER WHO IS BRINGING YOU YOUR FOOD" and my favorite "WE DON'T FORGET!"...hilarious. I guess now we know why tipping comes after service and not before.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:40 pm |
329. Larry Ikon
     

     Tipping is one of the few remaining ways we can show human decency! Servers are paid very little, and the Bible says "So as you done unto the least of them...!" I would tip a little even for bad service, then write a letter to the CEO, owner, or manager.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:39 pm |
330. Chris
     

     The tip is based on service and nothing else. Poor service gets a poor tip. I completely understand that there are things that are out of a waiter/waitresses' hands and that needs to be taken into consideration (ie: if my food comes out over/undercooked, I'll send it back and if it comes out correct, no harm, no foul) but when the service being provided by the waiter is sub-standard for the establishment (5 star restaurant = 5 star service, but wouldn't expect the same at a bar/pub), the tip should be a reflection of that. The waiters who chimed in with their opinions need to realize that they are being paid a salary and earning a tip. If you're in sales do you still get a commission if you do a sub-standard presentation and lose a lucrative contract? Same applies if you provide sub-standard service; you still get your salary but not the additional "bonus". Additionally, if the service is bad enough that I'm planning to leave less than 10%, or nothing, (I always tip 20-25% for good to excellent service, by the way) I'll always let the manager know so he/she can speak to the waiter/waitress privately and let them know the feedback. That way it solves the issue of me being seen as just being cheap and the waiter/waitress gets the feedback on what went wrong to hopefully remedy it in the future.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:38 pm |
331. 2cents
     

     Just another instance of people wanting something for nothing. Some who don't tip (not all people fall into this category) want impeccable service because they feel it's owed to them for walking their butt into the restaurant to spend their money. Now, don't get me wrong, ANYONE who walks into a place of business with the intention of spending their hard earned money should expect some degree of good service, but the waiters and waitresses are not there to clean up the mess that some slobs make and put up with rude and nasty comments and groping.

     On the other hand, Just because you wait tables, does not give you the right to my money beyond what my bill states I owe for my meal and drinks. Tips are at MY discression and not based on some "rule of thumb" percentage system. If you have your hand in my pocket when I walk in the door, you had better be worthy of it. Just because your name or employee number is on my check doesn't mean I have to tip you if I didn't see you all night.

     Another note, If the restaurant you work at is poorly staffed and preventing you from providing quality service to it's patrons, you might want to discuss your wages with the manager. This is not my problem, however, if I see you're making the effort to satisfy all of your tables equally, I will most certainly throw some extra "percentages" your way. Just don't expect me to come back unless the food was phenominal.

     Yet another comment to those of you who feel tipping is above you, I once watch a girl run her hind end off for a table of about 8 people at a club one night, their bill came to over $100 and they left her only a little more than a dollar. I saw her service and it was outstanding. These people simply didn't tip because they were cheap. I ended up tipping $70 on a $165 bill, the service was that good.

     Also, current and past servers, correct me if I'm wrong... are single female smokers the worst tippers?

     July 13, 2010 at 3:37 pm |
332. Kate
     

     Normally, Mty husband and i are good tippers- we understand that servers survive off of thier tips.
     that being said- there was only one time that we did not leave a tip- I think we did, but jsut to round our bill up to the next whole dollar...

     this waiter was absolutley the worst waiter we have ever had!!! I don't think it was jsut a bad day for him (I can understand and sympathize when people are jsut having a bad and grumpy day- i usually try to tip those servers decently) but this waiter was just awful!! he took forever to even come over and say hello and ask for our drinks, he was very impatient when we were trying to figure out what we wanted to order, had a very bad attitude all night. then to top it off- it took him so long to bring us the check, we were waiting there for about 45 minutes when the manager came up to us and asked us if there was anything else we needed (we saw the waiter complaining to the manager a few minutes earlier) when we proclaimed to the manager, "Well a check might be nice so we could leave" then the manager must have realized what happened and got us the check in just a few minutes.... I look back and wished we would have just said to the manager "I guess we don't need anything else" and just got up and left without paying....
     I am sorry but circumstances like this- the waiter does not deserve a tip as he was not doing his job of taking care of us.

     And just as a side note- we are very happy customers and are easy to please- it takes a lot to piss us off to the point we start "docking" money from the tip...

     July 13, 2010 at 3:37 pm |
333. Reg
     

     Having lived off tips for many years, I have vowed to never live nothing so 10-15% is a minimum even for bad service. However, when returning to the restaurant I will make sure to not have a bad server wait on us again. Also, be extra nice on holidays and sundays, July 4th, Xmas, etc .. tip extra.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:37 pm |
334. B-dog
     

     A) I was a waiter
     B) I have left no tip 3 times - all 3 were for bad service.
     C) If the food is bad, or the wrong order, I don't take it out against the waiter.... but I will also NEVER send something back because I don't like body fluids in my food.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:37 pm |
335. Sussan
     

     TIP is an acronym for To Insure Performance. I noticed that the anti-zero tip people are pretty much servers. You have chosen to SERVE people. Y'all need to keep that in mind next time you whine about not being tipped. It is NOT an entitlement, it is EARNED.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:37 pm |
     • Ian
       

       Yeah, that's just not true. From the etymology section on Wikipedia's entry for tipping, which itself cites to the Oxford English Dictionary:

       There are common inaccurate claims that "tip" (or "tips") is an acronym for a phrase such as "To Insure Prompt Service", "To Insure Proper Service", "To Improve Performance", or "To Insure Promptness." These false backronyms contradict the verifiable etymology, as follows.

       According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word tip originated as a slang term, and its etymology is unclear. The term in the sense of "to give a gratuity" first appeared in the 18th century. It derived from an earlier sense of tip, meaning "to give; to hand, pass", which originated in the rogues' cant in the 17th century. This sense may have derived from the 16th-century tip meaning "to strike or hit smartly but lightly" (which may have derived from the Low German tippen, "to tap"), but this derivation is "very uncertain".

       July 13, 2010 at 3:57 pm |
336. Darrell
     

     Great service = great tip.
     Average service = average tip.
     Poop service = poop tip.
     You will get out of it what you put into it.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:35 pm |
337. Jaliska
     

     Jaliska
     Why do people assume that everyone is obligated to give tips?
     Tips shouldn't even be expected unless a server demonstrates impeccable service and does extra things they aren't paid to do. This show of entitlement is a little obnoxious, to be honest.

     They chose to work at that restaurant w/ minimum wage. They're not forced to live off that money. If they really wanted to, they could get a good-paying job somewhere else. It's not the customer's problem that the server doesn't earn enough money to fend for himself. We eat out to feed ourselves, not to worry about someone else.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:33 pm |
     • Ian
       

       Jaliska, while I wouldn't say tips are required in every circumstance, the fact that you are requiring some "impeccable" level of service that is "above and beyond" for any tip shows that you are either (a) ignorant of the informal deal that exists between restaurant management, staff and patrons, or (b) don't care and are happy to take advantage of that circumstance.

       As has been said many times here, servers make below the minimum wage in every state. The price of every item of food you purchase is based upon the idea that only a small percentage (somewhere between 25% and less than 1%, depending on the type of restaurant and location of the restaurant) of a server's pay comes in the form of salary. The rest comes in the form of gratuity. If gratuity was only for exceptional circumstances and server's received their salary through the restaurant directly, the cost of every single item on the menu would be raised 15 percent.

       I'm not saying that not tipping is never reasonable. But average service deserves a tip in this country, because of the informal deal mentioned above. It doesn't deserve a great tip, but it deserves something that it is not just a meager token.

       Beyond that, what is "above and beyond" in the restaurant business? To me being a server had just two clear priorities when I was one: (1) be polite and (2) provide people with efficient and effective service. When I served (and I'll admit I was only an above average server), I knew when I did those two things well. I also knew when something went wrong, and knew if it was my fault, the kitchen's fault or the bar's fault. If I fulfilled those goals and got less than 15%, I wasn't going to be very happy the next time I saw you. If you think you need to be given something for free or I need to sit with you to hear all about your day to get a tip, I was a server, not a giver of handouts and not a friend.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:13 pm |
     • Deb
       

       Quite honestly Jaliska, I was particuarly riled by your comments because they sound like they are coming from the mouth of a spoiled, entitled brat who has never had to work to put food on the table, nor has to worry about having enough money to eat out whenever you want – but who also does not care about the person serving them. Get your facts straight – they are not working for minimum wage, which is over $7 per hour, they are working for $2 per hour and hoping people will like their service enough to give them a little more. And are you not reading the newspaper or watching the news – people with college degrees are working as servers because there are no jobs out there!!! Wake up – many of these people do not have choices – if you are privledged – and it sounds like it – cut them a break – they are having a harder life than yours!!!!

       July 13, 2010 at 4:54 pm |
     • stanley
       

       sound like you are the one with the "entitlement" complex. apparently you expect to have people bring you food and drink and clean up after you, and yet you shouldnt have to pay them anything.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:35 pm |
338. Andrew
     

     My wife and I used to eat out at least 1-2x per week. With the economy as it is we have reduced to 1-2x every 2-3 weeks. We have left no tip once and a penny tip once. The rest of the times usually 10% for okay service and usually 15-20% for good to excellent service. The no tip was before we heard about the penny tip idea. We left no tip because the server tried to overcharge us for our drinks. It was at Olive Garden and we ordered Grape Juice. The only reason I ordered it was because the menu said, free refills on all juice, soft drinks...etc. When I brought this to her attention she said something akin to, "well our manager says that we charge for each juice." I retorted with, "that's great but your menu says free refills." She said she wouldn't refund me. I asked to speak to the manager. The manager said that there were no free refills on juices. I grabbed a menu and said that he needs to change the menu my wife and I look at every 2 weeks (we love Olive Garden). I asked to speak to his manager, and he said he was THE manager. I asked for his boss' phone number. I contacted the boss (I think a district manager of some sort) and he sent me a $25 Gift card for the inconvenience. You're darn right I didn't leave a tip. I understand if I made a mistake and have no proof of what I saw then I am totally in the wrong and I'll grin and bear it but when I provide proof in black and white (or tan and gray in the case of the menu) then I expect a person to fix it. A managers job is to help calm the situation, not make it more difficult.

     My penny tip was when I went to Denny's and my wife asked for mayonnaise with her fries (she's German). The server makes a rude comment about the fact that Mayonnaise with fries is disgusting, tells her coworkers about how gross it is and points at my wife like she did something wrong. After I calmly explained my wife is German the server responds, "So am I." I got tired of arguing with this imbecile and after we got our check we put a penny on the receipt of our credit card charge and the manager asked how everything was. She could obviously tell we were ticked off. I explained the situation and the server was gone by a week later.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:32 pm |
339. Yichao
     

     Julez you're an idiot. Just like lots of waiters out there... who try to pull the "it's not our fault the food comes out wrong". Yes, I agree there are times where you get blamed for something that wasn't your fault, but it seems you wait staff are always looking to point the finger at someone else. Well let me ask you this then, is it our fault too that you didn't get a better job? Let's hear your excuses on that subject.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:31 pm |
     • Matt
       

       I love the rash of comments that anyone in the service industry is there strictly because they can't find a "good" job. I don't recall anywhere in the article this being a debate about the merits of serving. On the subject, bad service deserves a poor or no tip. That said, I wonder if any of the complainers have ever left an above-average tip for exceptional service. Then again, from just a few of the comments it seems that most of these people don't believe that servers are capable of such a thing. Pretty sad.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:41 pm |
340. Chris
     

     I have an issue with those that are saying if you don't want to leave a tip stay home & cook their own dinner...my grandparents were a very sweet old couple living on a very limited income. Once a month they would put on nice clothes & went out for a meal – usually to a place like Denny's, but once in a while they really splurged & went to Applebee's or Chili's. My point is that they tipped what they could which sometimes was 10 or 15% and sometimes less. One time they invited my husband & I out for dinner. They insisted that it was their treat. When we were finished, I headed to the Ladies room while they went outside. Knowing that they didn't tip as well as I might, I planned on sneaking back to our table and adding several dollars to the tip. On my way back to the table I overheard our server complaining to a co-worker about the "measly 10% tip from the old farts in the corner table" in full earshot of other customers! Needless to say she didn't get the extra $10 I was going to put on the table. Shame on the servers who are judgemental about their customers. You don't know what someone's situation is – you should be happy that they come out & spend any money that keeps you in a job. If the customers start staying home, you are out of work.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:30 pm |
341. walt
     

     Think about it. If the waiter/waitress has only 5 tables and turns them in about an hour. This is longer than average. If they only get $2.00 a table that equates to $10 plus the minimum the restaurant has to pay. About 12.50 an hour. Hmm? The waiter/waitress is expected to EARN the difference. Next time the guy/girl comes to mow your grass and only makes one swipe across the front yard and then sticks out their hand. Make sure you fill it up with money because they deserve it even though they did a terrible job. What a no-brainer. If you have to think about this you probably make less than a waitress. I have had friends that love to work as a waiter/waitress because they know that great service means great rewards, not to mention a major portion of the tips never get claimed on taxes. Snow for the snowman!

     July 13, 2010 at 3:30 pm |
342. John
     

     You say you work hard to do a good job servicing your tables. That may be in your eyes, but not in the customer's eyes. If there are other issues that may be leading to a bad perception with the customer, then you can talk to your manager about that and say that is why you are getting bad tips. Having an off day, ok then you don't get good tips. The root cause is you and you suffer the consequences. Plenty of off days, find another job because you can't hack it. The world doesn't owe you a living, read the grasshopper and the ant. And to Mike in the Anti Goose Egg part who said, "How would you like to be "punished" at work by a complete stranger if you were having an off day? Most likely this was the cause behind your poor service." Well welcome to the real world pal. Its what everyone else gets, why are you so special? People who have the most direct contact with the customer are the ones who get the most immediate feedback. How you do your job directly impacts your rewards or punishment. In other words you reap what you sow. ie bad service means no or low tips. Also, remember you can't please everyone. Also, if you please 17 out of 20 customers, you should do fine and just forget about the other 3. It isn't worth it. If you stiff one waiter and they tell the others how bad you are, yet you tip them well because they do good. Then that reflects badly on you for complaining. Think about it.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:30 pm |
343. prd
     

     A waiter(tress) isn't entitled to a decent tip when the service was far below what it should be.If everyone left a tip no matter the service and it was always the same then they have no reason to go out of their way to make ur dinner a enjoyable experience.I have never been a waiter but i have cooked for a crowd and been responsible for getting it done in a timely manner and i know what good service should be like.So waiters and waiteress listen up you want our money we are not not flea ridden animals shape up or ship out.If u don't like being a waiter or waiteress then get the heck out of the bussiness.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:30 pm |
344. myeyedea
     

     A lot of people who go out to eat are rude themselves and receive treatment from the waitstaff that is in response to that; unfortunately, those people will never understand that about themselves. Also, quite a lot of people have unrealistic expectations about what actually qualifies for good service – some people go out to eat thinking that no matter where they go, they should be treated like royalty, and a server who is working 15 tables at once should memorize their 4 person order and bring it out within a self-appointed "acceptable" amount of time and the server is further responsible for the condition of those orders, or no tip. ??? Get real – that type of service comes with eating at places 96% of Americans can't afford to look at let alone enter. Just because one thing was off does not mean the service was terrible. Yes, there are people out there waiting tables with rotten attitudes and/or obliviously inappropriate service skills, and if that is what you're experiencing unprovoked (I put "unprovoked" in there for the poorly mannered people I mentioned above) then you should respond in kind by not tipping, but talk to the manager as well so s/he can address the performance issue with that person in particular. If you feel so inclined to not leave a tip or an insultingly low tip, you should be able to speak with the people/person responsible for acting on the situation further and justify why you're not paying for that unsatisfactory service. If it was that bad, do the next customer(s) a favor and point it out to the managment so they won't have to suffer through the same ordeal you did. But just not tipping the staff, or leaving some ridiculously low amount, without an explanation to anyone proves no point but that you are passive aggressive and can't speak up for yourself when you feel mistreated. Likewise, you could be doing yourself a favor when you start explaining what's gone wrong with your service and hear yourself say that your order was incorrect even though you modified it 3 times before it came out to you...

     July 13, 2010 at 3:30 pm |
345. no soup for you
     

     JALISKA! you've got to be kidding me, everyone knows that waiting jobs are mainly paid for by tips, no one takes a waiting job to be paid 1.75 an hour . I make a substantial amount of money waiting tables giving great service everytime , if your too cheap to tip , then dont go out. We're not entitled to a tip? you find that obnoxious? well how about you get up and get your own food and drinks , or better yet just pull up to mcdonalds and get the same quality meal . yea . i think not. you've obviously never waited tables.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:30 pm |
346. Jack
     

     I take isuue with the "bad day" theory. Poor performance at work, often results in lower pay. I was a server in college & made terrific money because I worked my butt off. I currently make a very nice living in sales & if I have a "bad day" it most certainly costs me.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:29 pm |
347. Jeremiah
     

     I love authentic Mexican restaurants...not just because of the food but because of the great service! Service is lacking in the restaurant industry. It is very sad!

     July 13, 2010 at 3:28 pm |
348. Dave
     

     I once had a waitress at IHOP literally walk out while I was eating. After taking our order she completely disappeared. Another brought out our food and a while after finishing we had to go to the cash register to get our check since no one seemed to be waiting on us anymore. On our way out we saw her waking back towards the restaurant from a car that had just dropped her off.
     Yes, waiters have off days, but sometimes they just don't deserve a tip, much less employment as a waiter.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:28 pm |
349. Yichao
     

     If I eat very efficiently and order politely at a restaurant, that doesn't obligate the restaurant to give me a discount, so therefore I don't feel obligated to tip when a waiter simply does their job. If they go above and beyond and change my mind, sure I don't mind tipping. But to just flat-out expect 15%+ tips is ludacris. In fact, the more my tip feels taken for granted, the less I'm inclined to tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:26 pm |
     • Julez
       

       Dont go out to eat then. You pay us by us doing our job just like you going to work and someone pays you. Grow up

       July 13, 2010 at 3:30 pm |
       • Yichao
         

         You obviously don't understand the difference between giving PAYMENT for a service rendered and TIPPING for a pleasant experience.

         Probably just one of the reasons you're a waitress? Just a guess.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:38 pm |
     • drjimmy
       

       Actually, I heard that Ludacris is a good tipper. To think otherwise would be ludicrous.

       July 14, 2010 at 12:43 pm |
350. Carolina Secret Garden
     

     I waited tables for years to support myself through college. I know the difference between someone having an off day and someone who is out back having a smoke-break or trying to knock out their end of shift work so they can leave as soon as their last tables leave. The latter, when we are left with dry glasses and wondering if we will ever get a check so we can leave, get little to nothing depending on the severity of neglect. I have no regrets.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:25 pm |
351. Eric
     

     I've been in two situations where there was no tip given. 1) Waiter is ignoring the table of guys in work clothes and fawning over the table with two co-ed's in low cut tops. 2) Waitress sits down for 20 minutes with "Biff The Body-Builder" while ignoring the rest of the tables. Both of these were VERY CLEARLY the choice of the server RESULTING in NO TIP. Whine if you want that I should have left something but when you write "0" in the tip line of the credit card receipt it is quite obvious you didn't forget. On the other side of the coin I have had several meals where I have left between 30% and 100+% tips. When my drink is NEVER empty (and I don't have to remind them what I'm having), when the server is friendly to EVERYBODY and not just a couple of select patrons. These, and others, are the times I leave a really good tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:25 pm |
352. yeahright
     

     For those you who think tipping is required, I suggest you talk to the wizard to see if he can get you a brain. I really don't care how bad your day is or what's going on in your life, your job is to SERVE ME if your employer as as such. If you don't like it, get another job. If you treat me well, you'll earn at least a 20% tip. If It's really busy and something gets messed up or the service is somewhat slow, I can understand that as most people do. If the place is empty and the service is slow and the attitude is poor, sorry Charlie. Your going to pay for ruining my experience. I worked hard for my money.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:24 pm |
     • Julez
       

       I love waiting on people like you, don't ever get a lemon with your drink if I were to wait on you!! Or a drink for that matter.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:28 pm |
       • Derek
         

         Why Julez? because the guy wants decent service and will not pay if you have a shitty attitude? Can you point out what issue you had with what he said?

         July 13, 2010 at 3:34 pm |
       • yeahright
         

         Julez, I love having people like you serve me. My meal is always 20% less and I enjoy speaking with Restaurant Mgmt as I am part of the industry. Trust me, they love to know who their slakers are and who's losing business for the. More than likely with an attitude like that, you'll be a flop no matter what career you choose.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:38 pm |
       • Eric
         

         Yep, and you treat me like that and I'll be sure to tell the manager in no uncertain terms just why I feel obligated to leave you ZERO tip. Treat me well no matter how bad your day has been and I'll be glad to tell the manager why I just left you a $50 for a $35 meal (That's over 40%). YOUR tip is up to YOU. I don't care if the cook is new on the job, make sure I'm taken care of and informed and you will more than earn your money. Treat me like you pridefully talk about on here and I'll figure out how to buy the restaurant just to fire you.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:41 pm |
     • Anthony
       

       Exactly!!! These people saying tipping is required act like we don't have to work for our money. If I am lousy at work more then once or twice I would get fired! Suck it up and appreciate that you only lost $8 and learn from your mistakes.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:29 pm |
     • yeahright
       

       you people break my heart. To think that I owe you money when I walk in the door is pathetic. Why don't you just stand on the street corner and beg for it.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:31 pm |
353. Julez
     

     If you want to be cheap and not tip then DO US SERVERS A FAVOR DON'T BOTHER GOING OUT TO DINNER. This is our job and it is not always are fault if your food comes out wrong. If we enter in correctly and the kitchen messes up, don't take it out on us. This is how we make a living off or "YOUR TIPS" so think about that the next time you go out to dinner. And remember who is bringing you your drinks and food, so don't piss us off !!!
     Black people are the worst tippers and they run you to death. They always are complaining I have found and they ALWAYS want something for FREE. So take NOTE learn to TIP !! Tipping is 20% or higher people this is not the 80's anymore where 10% is good although it is better than being stiffed.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:24 pm |
     • Jared
       

       Julez,

       There are a couple things you need to know. First, tampering with someone's food can lead to more than just losing your job. Second, every patron that walks in the resturant is supporting your job even if they aren't your customer or they don't tip well. No customers means no resturant which means no job.

       I appreciate a good waitress and can tell even when the kitchen messed up who is and who isn't. A good waitress will still have taken care of the table and will then make sure the problem is resolved. I don't expect to be waited on hand and foot, although a foot massage would be nice about now, but I do expect a couple simple things. Keep the drinks from going empty, and get my food to me while it is hot. If you are having a bad day, tell me and I might make a couple jokes to see if I can get you to smile.

       I realize there are plenty of jerks out there who would love to yell about something being wrong, we all get to deal with those same jerks regardless of what industry we work in. I saw a man chew out a good waitress over something that may or may not have been her fault. She might not have gotten a tip from him, but she got a better one from me. Customers know when other customers are being idiots, but we can also tell when you simply don't care about your job and the very fact that you would tamper with someone's food means that your attitude is probably the source of any bad tips you get.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:45 pm |
354. Love Food
     

     There was one time I almost had to walk out and not even pay for the meal. I went to lunch with a couple of coworkers, we let the waitress know that we only had an hour, there were only 2 other people in the place, so figured it wouldn't be a problem. She took our order, then it we waited for nearly 20 minutes for our food to come out. We found someone to let us know what was going on and they said our waitress was done for the day. Our food finally came another 10 minutes later. After we were finished we sat there for another 20 minutes, no one came to our table. At this point we were the only ones in the restaurant!! We went up to the front desk to see if anyone wanted us to pay for our meals and everyone just walked by, not paying any attention to the 3 people staring at them at the front desk. FINALLY we stopped one of the people and asked if they would like us to pay for our meal. They then asked what we had so they can calculate it. Needless to say, there was NO TIP GIVEN!

     July 13, 2010 at 3:23 pm |
355. Justin
     

     Tips, even if lower than normal, should certainly be left. Most often people will not tip even if the problems they experience are not the waitstaff's fault. If the drinks are not being filled or the bill is not brought in a timely fashion, certainly a low tip is warranted but not no tip. As many once waiters/waitresses said, the pay is very low and they may not have another option of employment, more so now in the current economic environment than ever. The insults of loose change are certainly not necessary and are petty. If the service is bad, tip low, 5% or something, and speak with the manager, but no need to be a jerk. You are no better than the poor server then. As a side note from a very good tipper and graduate student, to all the waitstaff out there, do not assume that students are not going to tip well and therefore not give good service. This is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:21 pm |
356. Robin
     

     Waiting tables is not an easy job at all. Adding an extra $1 or $2 over the standard % is not going to break anyone but it sure makes the day of the waitstaff. I'm a partner at a restaurant and frequently wait tables. I can assure everyone that the service is impeccable and not lacking in any way yet some people choose not to tip or will tip small amounts. One family with 4 wild children left a HUGE mess and $1.63. We had one lady in over the weekend that was demanding and panicked over "the black spots on the table." When I went to see about the black spots on the table I knew I had wiped off 2 times with sanitizer, I was surprised to see the source: 4 specks of black pepper. This lady was rude and horrible the entire night. She did tip but only because her husband, a mild mannered gentleman, insisted. One lady shorted one of our wait staff because there was no tablecloth on a table on our patio. Thing is, we don't have table cloths on any outside tables and this woman chose the table that she sat at. She came again and had another excuse for not tipping. One thing to remember: don't punish the waiter by tipping short for things they have no control over. Any issues, you should always speak with the manager.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:21 pm |
357. messickc
     

     I also refuse to leave a tip in those jars by the cash registers where you walk up to order at those smaller restaurants. I have to stand there at the counter to wait for my food, or come from my table to pick it up if I am eating in.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:20 pm |
358. Dancerrr93
     

     You people are ridiculous. I currently work a a restaurant where the servers only make $2.53 a hour. That is made up to minimum wage via tips. I may only be a hostess and get my hourly pay but these people are busting their butts off trying to get tips. You have to be ABSOLUTELY certain that your server was ignoring you or giving you horrible service to leave a tip less than 15%. It's social norm to leave a fine tip and you are just being the cheap Americans that the rest of the world thinks we are. If you don't like the server then leave a bad tip. Nick was right, if you plan on coming back don't expect good service. We remember you, and the servers WILL not be happy getting your table. This people are working just as hard to earn money as you people working in the corporate offices they just do a different job and they ear their money differently, your tips. So if you plan on leaving a 1 cent tip, don't come back. We've got other costumers, and waiting on you for a 1 cent tip, is not worth our time.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:19 pm |
     • Anthony
       

       Judging by your name you should be used to $1 tips.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:24 pm |
     • Eric
       

       @Dancerrr93: Show me by YOUR bad attitude and service that YOU are the problem and then I will leave you absolutely no tip and WILL talk to the manager about why I am exercising my right to not tip. Show me by your attitude and service that you want make my experience a good one and then I'll tip you handsomely. Tips are EARNED not a right. Treat people right and they will treat you right. Treat me poorly and hopefully you keep your job but you won't get a tip out of me.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:32 pm |
     • Scott (Florida)
       

       And you are exactly whats wrong with servers who expect a tip regardless. You just called anyone who doesnt 15% regardless of your effort cheap, and if you dare come back to the restaurant you WORK at, you will be geting bad service as punishment. So do you think the strip club, err restaurant you work at wants to hear that? YOU didnt get what YOU wanted so the customer who came and paid for the meal (at the listed menu price) doesnt deserve good service. Why is it about YOU and not the employer and his business that you are working for, or the customer who is paying for that food. Why are YOU more important than both those other components? Another selfish, over entitled whiny kid who thinks the world owes them everything after earning none of it. Live in this world a little longer and get a better view of it before passing judgement. In this world your compensation is tied to the amount of effort you are willing to put in, whether its school, work or life.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:42 pm |
359. ChiefOBoB
     

     If the service is that bad, ask the manager for a new waiter. Let them know exactly why. I guarantee, telling the manager you want a new server will do more than stiffing the server.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:19 pm |
     • Robin
       

       Yes, absolutely ask for the m"anager. There is nothing worse than asking a person how everything was and they say "great" but later you find out they complained to friends about this or that. As a partenr at a restaurant, I want people to tell us the truth. If there is a problem, let us know right then so that we can fix it. If wait staff is not up to par, let us know. We don't want people working for us that don't make our customers happy.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:26 pm |
     • Derek
       

       I would never complain if I still intended to eat food at the place. I will leave if it is bad or complain to the manager as I leave and state I will not be back..

       July 13, 2010 at 3:30 pm |
360. Anthony
     

     WHen service is terrible I tip $1. When service is mediocre I do 15%. When service is stellar I do 25%. This seems to be a good rule of thumb because if you treat me right, I'll treat you right, etc...

     July 13, 2010 at 3:17 pm |
361. Dave
     

     Too many people here think tipping is a part of the bill...it isn't (unless it's a place that includes the tip in the bill, which I think is insulting to both the servers and the diners)...that's why it's called tipping.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:17 pm |
362. BDL
     

     I've twice left no tip at all, but only because the service reached the point of being an insult. The first, my wife, who looks young but showed her ID, ordered a Strawberry Dacqueri, and they brought her what I'm sure was a V8 in a glass. On the second time, on top of bad service, the woman misquoted the price of the drink when I asked, and also charged us for an appetizer we didn't receive – okay, but when she corrected the bill, suddenly the bill was higher, and it was listed with 2 soups instead of 1. That was just unethical.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:17 pm |
363. Richard
     

     There should be no tip, waiters should be paid a decent amount by the restaurant. Like in Europe if the service is exceptional then you can leave a small tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:17 pm |
364. Deep Pink
     

     I ordered something and specifically said "no peanuts -I'm allergic". The waiter brings bac the dish with peanuts. I point out the mistake and he says, "I'm gonna kill you". Helloooo?!?!?! And because of this pity-the-waiter culture I left him a dollar. I felt like a putz, I wouldn't do that again, I'd call the manager and leave him nothing. Also, I prefer to pay with cash because I have had "someone" write in a larger tip on the credit slip – this has happened to me more than once.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:15 pm |
365. dave
     

     As a former waiter I agree that some people are just cheap and no matter how good your service is, its not good enough but also I have been in restaraunts where the waitress was absent and rude. certain places like pantry and east side marios has a "kids eat free' promotion from time to time and their staff is uninformed about it...many times I had to argue with the waitress that today is a kids eat free , or at discount day, everytime after speaking with their manager they come back "youre right about the promotion. " . after arguing with her and bad service I really dont want to leave a tip. if you want to argue with a customer then dont be a server, be a credit collector.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:14 pm |
366. mainer
     

     I've waited tables and bartended part time for 5 years, and getting stiffed is the worst. sometimes you accept it if you were really busy or you messed something up, but when you put in 100%, and they leave 5%.. you have every right to be mad about it. If you can't afford to leave a tip, then get take out or stay home, it is part of going out to eat. And if you can't handle a big tip, then dont' get expensive food or lots of drinks. If restaurants paid waiters $10+ an hour, your cheeseburger would be $15 instead of $10.. so factor that into your math, it still works out in the customers favor to leave a tip and not to want waiters to make more money per hour. If you stiff me, and then come back for another meal, you'll get your drinks, your food, and thats about it. and if i can, i'll stick the 18% automatic gratuity onto your check. my $3 an hour doesn't help pay any bills. waiters might not claim 100% of their tips, but do you really think that anyone getting paid with cash declares all of their earnings come tax time? if so, you need a reality check.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:14 pm |
367. Andreas
     

     Interesting, about every other country in the world is paying their waiters better or includes a service fee which is basically the tip. Why do I have to give a waiter 15% – 20% of my bill as a tip? Give me a good reason. I tip 10% for ok service and 20% for great service. At the same time, why should we have to pay a waiters salary?

     July 13, 2010 at 3:13 pm |
368. Sarah
     

     Its a gross generalization to say that every server knows the kind of tip they are going to get from a table from the second people sit down, but after 6 years of serving, I've got a pretty good idea. Then, there are those that come completely from left field and throughout the meal you've had awesome interactions and have been able to have a pretty reasonable conversation. You've recommended items from the menu which they enjoyed and even managed to get them a free dessert, then you get the bill at the end of the experience and there sits a 10% tip. It's not only insulting, but when I feel great about the service I've given you, all a 10% tip does is reflect how ungrateful you were for my hard work. If you're that table that sits down, requires little work besides the usual refills and small talk, and still manage to leave a 20% tip, you're a servers best friend. If the service is horrible, absolutely leave less than usual, but if it IS great service make sure that your tip is reflective of that, because THAT is how we make our living.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:13 pm |
369. messickc
     

     Since when has standard tip gone from 15 percent to 20 percent??? When I go to a restaurant, the waiter/waitress, can expect 15 percent from me at the door. It will go up or down from there based upon service/attitude.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:13 pm |
370. Its called customer service for a reason
     

     If you don't like waiting on people, get out of the kitchen! I understand good/bad days, but it is your responsibility to provide the restaurants atmosphere. If you can't get my order straight, keep my glass filled, and check to see if I want anything more before you demand my money, then maybe you need to find another job. Ditch-digging doesn't require public contact!

     July 13, 2010 at 3:13 pm |
371. Eric
     

     I usually tip 20% and on small bills often tip more. I don't forgo giving a tip lightly.

     But a tip is a gratuity - evidence that I am grateful for good service. It is not a surcharge. We, like many countries in Europe, have allowed ourselves to be put in a position where people EXPECT to be paid even if they do not do their job. For many, as evidenced by comments above, a gratuity is a RIGHT. I disagree.

     Don't talk to me about minimum wage; a good waiter can earn good money in tips, especially at an upscale place. A good waiter works hard for that money and is entitled to it. But a waiter that is surly or disregards me as a customer isn't entitled to anything from me other than that I pay for the food at the price posted.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:12 pm |
372. Iamawaitress
     

     If black people stick to KFC and McDonald's, tipping at restaurants will no longer be an issue.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:12 pm |
373. c1112477
     

     Tipping is not a requirement but like everything else today the younger generation feels entitled. So here's your tip...do your job in a way that will earn you a tip. If you don't like making $2 hr go get a different job or do your job in a way that will ensure you get the tips you deserve. I don't get a bonus for crappy work at my job, why should I give you one?

     Also though it was funny that the only people in the story that spoke out against not leaving a tip were waiters or use to be.....

     July 13, 2010 at 3:12 pm |
     • LEB
       

       Spoken like someone who has never worked as a waiter. I've never waited tables, but I'm smart enough to see how hard it is for people in customer service.

       Likening a tip to a "bonus" is inaccurate. What would be accurate would be someone telling you, "Your salary is $50,000 a year, but we're only going to pay you $25,000. You have to earn the rest in sales commission. Oh, and yes, we can do this legally."

       July 13, 2010 at 3:15 pm |
374. Bea
     

     Tips are not an obligation in most establishments, but rather a measure of the customer's satisfaction with the service and the food. If either is lacking, I think it is entirely appropriate to reflect it on the tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:09 pm |
     • LEB
       

       But the article just said that the establishments *expect* customers to make up the difference between what waiters are paid and what they should be paid. How can that NOT make the customer obligated to tip?

       July 13, 2010 at 3:13 pm |
       • Eric
         

         Re-Read the article. The GOVERNMENT expects the difference between the paid wage and minimum wage to be made up for by tips and IF IT ISN'T then the the establishment is on the hook for the difference.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:49 pm |
375. Renee
     

     Leaving a tip is, at some level a social norm; however, so is acceptable service. With that said, most people are able to use common sense to differentiate between situational factors which led to less than normal or acceptable service and flat-out poor service. Most people will be understanding and may perhaps lessen the tip slightly, but will still tip. I know I do. When the service is bad, obviously and flat-out poor (which seems to be happening more lately), then I speak my mind to management or to corporate (via email and phone) and let them know as well as through my tip.

     Then there are people that just do not tip, or love to have a reason to short change or not tip at all.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:09 pm |
376. Once a Waiter
     

     To all of the waiters complaining about being stiffed. To those who say how dare you we only make 2.65. To all those who say it is not our fault. Let me tell you, I was a server for a number of years. I used it for school and a car. I made 2.65 an hour. I would someitme get very low tips and I would always know who would give the low tips. I still went out with a smile on my face and did the best job possible. If there was a problem in the kitchen I would alert my customers. Their drinks were always filled. If there was goign to be an issue with slow service I was proactive in getting a manager to make it better before they felt a need to complain. I did not take smoke breaks or screw off behind the counter with all the other wait staff (they are busy too). I never had a table walk out without leaving a tip. Wonder why? Because i gave them the service I wanted when I go out. At the end of the week I was bringing home more money than the managers and three times as much as the other servers who would grouse about their job, smoke or gossip rather than check on their customers, or basically take my bad day out on the person(s) who were supplimenting my income. When I go out to eat my minimum tip is 5 dollars (not bad for an 8 dollar meal), but I subtract a dollar everytime my glass sits empty for too long, other custimers have come and went since I arrived, food that is cold for sitting in a window too long, or my order being completely wrong. These are no the fault of other kitchen staff. You took the order you own the order. Make sure it is right, right on time, and right to the customer.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:08 pm |
377. LEB
     

     I usually tip generously (20% standard, more if the ticket amount is low), because I just feel so bad for waiters and waitresses. Most of them, if they could work somewhere else, would. They're waiting tables either because it's a job on the side, or they're in school, or it's really the best that they can get. With the exception of perhaps some high-end waitstaff, NO ONE aspires to wait tables.

     I don't approve of restaurants paying minimum wage - much less BELOW minimum wage - and putting it on the customers to support their staff like it's some kind of charity. And the tip IS a donation if you think about it. With every other good and service, the production costs and costs of running the business are built into the product. With good service, it's only partially built in. The restaurant relies on customers to donate enough to the establishment tip pool to so that staff can continue to afford to work there. It's a really screwed up system.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:08 pm |
378. VelveteenLady
     

     @Jaliksa, from the bottom of my heart: Είστε η βασίλισσα και η πιο αλαζονική και μεγαλύτερο κομμάτι του shit μεταξύ όλων των άλλων αλαζονική κομμάτια από σκατά στον κόσμο. In this karmic universe, the adage rings true "What goes around comes around." So, look out girl, it's a comin'. I only wish that I could be there to see it.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:08 pm |
379. Midieval Times Server
     

     I am a Server at Medieval Times, and have been for about 3 months now and trust me I've seen all of the highs and lows of serving. I'm pretty sure we're not supposed to disclose how much exactly we make an hour serving but must of us make sure that we tell the guest we live off your tips, which by all means we do. Me personally, I always treat the guest the way I want to be treated but even then, there are just some people....who simply don't leave a good tip. FOR EXAMPLE: 5 dollars for two people.....SUCKS!!!!! Excuse me language but I've been running up and down stairs for two hours, sweating, pouring drinks in virtual darkness, yelling at the top of my lungs....and all you give me is 5 dollars!!!! very frustrating, but hey, that's life I guess. Even when/if I get stiffed, I always tell my guest, I know its hard in the economy right now but the least you can do is write me a note telling me how god of a job I did. TIP YOU MIDIEVAL TIMES SERVERS WELLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE DESERVE IT!!

     July 13, 2010 at 3:08 pm |
     • LEB
       

       Every time I've been to Medieval Times it's always been a treat, and I've had a couple of servers who really got into character! You guys and gals have so much to deal with and do it with a smile, and next time I go I will bring extra to tip my server. =)

       July 13, 2010 at 3:11 pm |
380. civiloutside
     

     I like to tip. Just the fact that someone is there taking care of drinks and plates for me and is bringing my food is already an improvement on my evening because it means I don't have to – that alone justifies my 15%. When the waiter is actively adding to my evening, or is clearly trying to provide decent service in spite of being overwhelmingly busy, then I am happy to give them more. I will give a low (or even no) tip if the service is really bad, but in my experience this is truly rare. I'd rather look for reasons to increase a tip than look for reasons to decrease it – I leave feeling better when I have an opportunity to be generous, and I like being able to directly reward the server for their efforts. I truly don't understand people who resent tipping, and especially not those who make claims like "I shouldn't have to subsidize the waiter – it's the restaurant's job to pay them." Where do they think the restaurant's operating budget comes from? From noplace else but the money they charge the customers for the meals. So increasing waiters' salaries to eliminate tips just means that the price of the meal has to go up to cover the difference. You the customer won't save any money by eliminating tips, but you will deprive yourself of the opportunity to make the compensation meaningful to yourself and your server.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:07 pm |
381. 3dogrescue
     

     Yes, I would leave nothing...but ONLY if service was truly wretched/not the wait-staff's fault. Have done so 2x total, after which also said why to the manager. My husband and I usually tip at least 20%. It never hurts to be generous.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:07 pm |
382. FAB
     

     My daughter is a server and works very hard for her money. Every once in awhile someone will leave her a very low tip. It stinks and is unfair to her but she also understands that it comes with the territory. There have been many times where we have gone to eat and the service was terrible, the server never came back, the order was wrong etc. but we still left a few dollars even though we didn't get so much as an apology. To all the servers out there I say, it's like any other job; You're there to do a job. If you do a good job you can expect good rewards but if you don't you probably won't make very much money. I'm not a server but I know that if I don't give my customers good service they will no longer do business with me and I will make less money. So quit the whining, and do your best. If you give exceptional service you will probably get good tips most of the time!

     July 13, 2010 at 3:04 pm |
     • Ben
       

       This simply is not true. If you've ever served then you know there will be tables that no matter what you do they will tip next to nothing; especially considering the state of our economy. However, to that I say, if you're that tight on cash then what are you doing going out to eat anyways ?

       July 13, 2010 at 3:09 pm |
       • FAB
         

         You're right, there are those people that will not leave a very good tip no matter how good the service is. If they arent prepared to pay at least a 15% tip then they shouldn't go out to eat at a restaurant. I do think however, if the server goes above and beyond they will make an average higher tip and make more money per shift regardless if they get stiffed a couple of times by some cheapo. Just my opinion.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:23 pm |
383. Brian
     

     Used to be a waiter starting pay was $6.45/hr plus tips. I used to think that was bad until I read what everyone else is making. If the service is horrible I usually will say something and throw a $1 down no matter the size of the tab.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:04 pm |
384. Mike
     

     I go in expecting to leave a 15% minimum tip. That being said, I have no problem stiffing. If the food is terrible, I let the waiter/waitress know, and do not stiff them. If the service is bad, then no tip. I don't care if you only get paid $2 an hour. You chose to work their for those wages. Individuals who say you HAVE to tip because it's expected, or because they had that type of job them selves neeed to get over it. Tipping is NOT required. The worst service I've ever had, has always been at restraunts with automatic gratuity. The servers slack off and don't care, because they know that they're already getting a tip. When servers start expecting tips no matter what, they stop working for them. Complacency kills virtually any job. And when your job is customer service, it REALLY kills it. I had a job as a server and I worked my butt off for every tip. The fact is, not every server does. I can't justify tipping a terrible server JUST because they don't make that much without tips. If they need tips to increase their income, then maybe they should be a little more driven to earn them. I was, and I never got stiffed. Give me poor service, and I give you no tip as well as a talk with you manager so there is no question as to the lack of money on the table.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:04 pm |
385. Rene
     

     Rene
     To Charlie, the one who thinks non-tippers have never waited tables.... Oh how wrong you are Charlie. I have left without tipping TWICE in the past 21 years. The first server, took our drink order, never saw her again, had her bus boy do everything else. She returned at tip time. I tipped the bus boy $20 and told her if she wanted a tip she should have been there. The second time was recently. I had to get up and refill my drink, and my family's drinks. I had to go to the kitchen window to request undelivered food. I found my waitress sitting, having dinner with other waitresses. NO TIP.
     Having been a waiter, for years may I add, I know the value of great service. I understand subpar service and it will be dealt with according to the situation. Extremely busy restaurant? Am I being too picky? Did the kitchen mess up? Guess what, you still get 20%. Ignore me, and your tip begins to dwindle faster than Obama's popularity.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:04 pm |
     • Sandra
       

       I knew Obama had his hands in this!!

       July 14, 2010 at 1:50 am |
386. me_
     

     I never leave no tip. If the service is terrible I leave a penny and a nickle to send a message.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:03 pm |
387. Ben
     

     A lot of self-entitled pricks in this thread. I was a server for several years and I can safely say most of the people above who don't tip because the server was 'bad' is most likely due to the customer being a rude and obnoxious prick from the very beginning. Regardless of how much effort you put into that table, they won't be happy and will blame you for 'sub par' service.

     I've never been stiffed, but, I've worked with people who have and they were not incompetent servers. It amazes me how some people feel justified in not tipping the college kid making 2.14 an hour. A lot of these people also don't realize that the server may have 4-5 tables all at once. However, the customers don't care and are usually supremely selfish and want their night to matter more than anyone else.

     I ALWAYS tip at least 30 %, but then again my servers are always top notch. Gee, I wonder why that is. Hmm, probably because my girlfriend and I are extremely gracious and friendly to our server and it is reciprocated. If you treat your server right from the start then more than likely he/she will go the extra mile to ensure you have a fantastic night.

     Having said all of that, I'm sure there has been some situations where the server was outright rude, but those will be few and far between. Quite simply, Americans feel entitled to great service and don't feel the need to treat their server with dignity or respect. They want it all handed to them and when they don't get it some poor college kid has to suffer.

     To those of you who don't 'believe' in tipping, this only further proves my point. The way the system works is that waiters tips are ASSUMED to make up for their paltry 2.13 an hour they are making. Don't make the servers pay for your ignorance. Your job is paying you at least minimum wage or more, that's why you don't get tipped. The idiocy of some people is astounding.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:02 pm |
     • Derek
       

       "A lot of self-entitled pricks in this thread."

       You have not spent much time reading the comments then. There are 2 main camps in this thread. Those who say tip regardless of service and those who tip based on quality of service. There are not that many outside of those 2 groups.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:16 pm |
     • Ann
       

       I always leave an excellent tip even if the server was the worst on the planet. That being said, rude terrible servers aren't as far and few in between as you suggest. For awhile I liked to eat out lunch during workdays by myself so I could read my book and have peace and quiet. I wouldn't stay very long just long enough to eat.

       More times then you would expect I have been completely and utterly ignored and left to eat my meal with no drink for the entirety of the meal or had no one even come by to take my order for 30 minutes or longer. Or on other occasions just sitting there with the menu while they take care of people who came in after me. I tried to get their attention but no luck as if I didn't exist. Probably because I was dining alone maybe and they didn't feel my tip would be worth their time I dunno.

       I don't expect much at all. I'm quiet and always polite. If it is a place I frequent regularly and they figure out how well I tip the waiters fight over my table even though there is just one of me. But if I have to go find the pitcher to get myself tea and go to the owner to get my ticket so I can leave or sit for 30 minutes while others are getting served even though they came in well after me, I kinda feel like somebody dropped the ball.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:20 pm |
     • Smitty
       

       Right on brother, it used to be tips were above and beyond but when the government expect you to make the difference then the tip is assumed. If you don't want to tip even a minimal tip then go to McDonalds or places where evreyone makes at least minimum wage.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:21 pm |
     • Erik
       

       So how much is enough? With 4 or 5 tables at 15% tips and the minimum $2 we're talking at least $10 or $15 an hour. Is that too much or too little? Do you deserve $20 an hour? $30? The problem with all of this arguing is that the unskilled workers want a skilled wage. Yes, i would like too see everyone make enough money to be comfortable. But, the truth is that some jobs and some workers don't deserve don't seserve the money they want. Take out the student loans, get a degree, and you can get a profession instead of a job.

       July 13, 2010 at 6:18 pm |
388. the devil
     

     waiters and waitresses need to realize that tips are tips..not pay. dont like it, get a job that takes skill. don't like that who cares.

     servers that think gratuity is a given is an idiot.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:02 pm |
     • Ben
       

       Ignorance at its finest. To say that servingdoes not take skill is asinine. Jjuggling several tables while remembering everyone's order on top of special requests takes a lot of micro managing; you obviously have zero serving experience and I'm sure you could not do it.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:06 pm |
389. Chris
     

     As someone who tips 20% for standard service (I appreciate your position, wait staff, and the fact that you have to share that hard earned money with your bus staff, in many instances) I will give no tip for extremely bad service.

     But, for those of you who leave no tip- please make sure the wait staff understands *why* so the behaviour can be corrected. Leave a note, fill out the comment card, or talk to the manager.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:02 pm |
390. NoTip4PoorService
     

     I have left a ZERO in the tip spot on one occasion, as did the two people enjoying the night with me. Our server was not only a poor server, but gave my mother a dirty look when she asked for more bread! We talked to the manager, the manager took care of us the remainder of the evening and the waitress never came back to apologize – heck, didn't even glance at our table. I'm sorry, but in situations where the service is bad and you say something to the manager, then we should be compensated – remove a drink, an appetizer, do something for us and then we'll throw you a bone mr. waiter/waitress! If you're taking a job in an industry such as that, then you need to remember that your customer doesn't know that you've had a bad day ... your customer doesn't know that the person before us was rude and disgusting to you ... treat each customer as your first and only, then you'll not only get a tip but a nice one too!

     July 13, 2010 at 3:02 pm |
391. Marxman
     

     I think the whole idea of tipping is stupid. Why should I pay someone to do the job their employer hired them to do. The restaurant should pay their salery. And it's not just waitstaff, what about hairdressers and parking attendants, etc. I am an IT worker and I am not given a tip to perform the job I was hired to do.

     July 13, 2010 at 3:01 pm |
     • Waiter
       

       It might be because you went to some sort of higher education that was paid for by mommy and daddy???? And you wouldn know the deffinition of a hard days work even if it was on your little computer screen un MARXist man! The ones who usual complain and not tip are fat obnoxious bastards who would prolly suffer from a heart disease anyway. good luck with your negative heart I hoope it helps you in the afterlife.. Dick.. aND Btw drinking five diet cokes with your meal w wont help you lose weight. oh yea P.S. Genius if the resturants did pay their waiters higher pay then you wouldn get your free refills and your meal price will be expected to jump 400%. Thought were you educated Mr IT professional. and please tip next time because us waiters hate smelling fat dudes who smell like they havent showered in weeks.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:10 pm |
     • Mary
       

       Marxman –

       This is ignorant. I have worked in the IT industry for years but am also forced to work a second job serving tables. My husband has been laid off from his IT job for almost a year now I am am supporting our family. It's the simple nature of the service industry to tip. If it wasn't, your meal would be much more expensive in order to compensate the increase in staff wages. For many people, it is not their choice to work in restaurants. Many Americans have to because there are simply no better jobs out there. As members of the IT community, we are typically paid very well and work for companies with great benefits. Members of the restaurant industry rarely are offered the same perks as us. I urge you to understand this, and if you still believe tipping is stupid, do not go out to eat.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:13 pm |
       • RoqDawg
         

         Mary, I hope this means that you tip the front desk clerk and maidstaff at the hotel/motels where you stay. I hope you tip your mail carrier, UPS and FedEx delivery person. I hope you are tipping the cashier and bagger at the stores you chose to shop. And I hope you are tipping all the other workers in the service industry.

         July 13, 2010 at 6:33 pm |
       • Mary
         

         RoqDawg~

         Yes, actually I do tip the maid staff at the hotels I stay at. I also tip hairdressers, bellboys, pizza delivery guys, and cab drivers. The difference in these professions and mail men, for example is the minimum wages employees are paid. Servers are generally paid $2.15/hour. Dumbass.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:31 pm |
392. Michael James Eza
     

     Tipping is a non-choice.

     Without tips there would be now sit-down restaurants, period. Tipping is a standard and it is factored into every decision a tip loving restaurant makes. Tipping exists; that makes it a standard, like a social contract and fifteen percent is the minimum. Forget about minimum wage or pay because the government takes that right back in taxes. Only cash tips can be undeclared in recent days. That means every credit tip gets taxed, and it gets taxed a lot more than your wages, since the pay is gratuitous that's the kind of tax it gets.
     Furthermore, the people who work as servers are doing it at weird times, when people normally eat, yet people still want to see them at their most chipper and intelligent even while carrying five burning plates of food, at least 4 bills to be dropped or cashed and maybe a drink or two in their hands, Oh and before they put any of it down lets make sure to tell them how there is no napkin next to their food or that they sat down at a dirty table. Oh and you people who go into restaurants and sit at dirty tables go to Burger World or McDuffy's and be done with it. Don't come into a fine class-dining establishment, wait until there is no one at the door, then sneak in and sit down at dirty table when there are clearly clean ones around. Furthermore if you do for some logical reason do that and realize you did, please do not suddenly look up and get angry because a) no one noticed you, b) the table is dirty, c) Its to noisy, d) its to cold or hot or e) all of the above. Also if you sit at a dirty table, put up a fuss about it and then don't leave a tip you should be banned from everything restaurant, but fast food for the rest of your life, in fact I would like to see a real law to that effect.
     No one serves because they want to. If they could get another job they would. If they just needed some extra cash, they wouldn't be hired in a restaurant as anything but a host. Restaurant workers work full-time, without adequate benefits, pays, and job security or sick time at all and very little vacation time. Some servers do so pregnant, until the day they give birth and are often back at work less than a week later. These people eat when they can and are required to be on their feet 99% of the time they are working. Servers are usually prettier than strong so this is not an easy task for those performing it and many end up with back-pain, ankle and wrist problems and permanent scarring from burns. Many of these people with not be able to achieve higher education and will be best suited for restaurant work their entire lives. Finally if a server has to work on a holiday there will be some customer their minutes before close till at least thirty minutes, but most of the time an hour after close. Yes even on Christmas and yes restaurant workers have family too. And lets not forget why restaurant workers do all this nonsense (mind, serving is one of the most popular, yet most often un-unionized with no federal state or local representation, jobs in the country), to serve you. And here 'you' represents those people who can afford to go out and eat, which most often servers can't.

     Finally to those of you who think it is okay not to tip, here's a tip for you, to you not tipping is an amount of money saved that will pool over into some other account eventually and cause you to that much more of a personal asset value. To the server who you are not tipping that money represents first their food, a college textbook they need, a present for a loved one they now can't afford, or maybe some gas to make it from work back home. Second that not tip is a personal shame, and an insult as bad as bleep you from a random stranger. Third its a personal failure of a perceived inability to do ones job, even though that is never the case. Fourth it is a motivation to anger for the entire restaurant, yes the entire restaurant, yes even if you complained to the manager, yes even if you wrote and email, actually more so. Restaurant owners also hate non-tippers because they poorly affect the overall operation and atmosphere of the business. Fifth a no tip is actually negative money to a server because every bill a server takes makes them pay out of their tips at least the bartender and at most the bar, the kitchen, the bus boys, and the hosts. If you don't tip a server they actually have to pay these people for you because these people get a percentage of the overall gross for that night its usually 1-10% leaving as little as 5% for the server with an average 15% tip which by the way is no longer average. The average is now somewhere around 18% with many people tipping 20% like it is the new average. And finally for the no-tippers everything you saw in Fight Club is true; I have seen people do all of that, (except the fighting and craziness yes everything related to the food service industry is true.) Also everything in Waiting and Waiting 2 is true, not joking. If you don't tip this is what you get, not a threat a warning. Also you non-tippers think you can both get people fired and go to other restaurants to prevent bad service, hmmm I smell a logical err. As you see if you get a person fired for bad service and then go to another restaurant because of the bad service, just where in your town do you thing the fired restaurant employee is going to get another job, at another restaurant I suppose, perhaps the one you plan on taking your business to, yeah about that. Furthermore, no a manager is not going to fire an employee because you say so, actually that manager will probably help give you worse service next time, I quote from a manager "Sometimes messing with the checks food seems like too much work because its just one more step for no reason, but that's not going to stop me from doing it." And by the way non-tippers who think servers are uneducated, servers are actually former veterans of war, college students or graduates and managers, yes when their aren't enough servers managers put on the uniform and you non-tippers would never know, actually I know a few people who tried to complain about a manager server and get him fired, no it didn't work. You people who complain to managers, learn. Managers unlock the restaurant, lock it, fire people for stealing or lying and hire people, they don't care about your petty complaints. There are some people who care, but without an email to corporate or the owner nothing will happen and if the server has a good reputation, still nothing will happen. Servers mostly quit and rarely get fired. What kind of world do you live in Sy2502? Oh and by the way if you leave a zero tip and think you won't get stopped at the door, think again. Servers and hosts do it all the time. No one will force you to pay, but we will mention if loudly and politely ask you if you wanted your three cents back or if you forgot to do math correctly, but if you just don't sign it we will put your tip through anyway with a description of you on the back of the check. Finally think you might be a non-tipper, think again, we know who you are and often will add gratuity on to your checks just to spite you. Don't worry you won't catch it because those of you who we do it to are usually past the legal limit, because it only takes two even though we can usually serve you five or more sometimes. Finally did you not tip, did you forget your wallet, then did you walk back in thinking someone would have found it, no you didn't because you know they wouldn't say that they had. So if you are a non–tipper and you think that is okay, don't worry the restaurants know you, by how you look, act, talk, dress and dine and they know what you owe and how you will pay it, there's way more servers than their are non-tippers non-tippers are fed by servers. Ever hear the phrase don't bite the hand that feeds you.

     "And I know no matter what the waitress brews I should drink it and always be full" Hootie and The Blowfish.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:59 pm |
     • Derek
       

       There is always a choice and many of the things you mention are part of the service that you pay for to eat there in the first place. I never waited tables or stocked shelves, I worked at an airport where I would put in 12-18 hours of physically demanding work. I worked when families were eating, I worked at 2am in the morning.. it was a choice. If I did a bad job, I would not be asked to come back.. if a waiter does a bad job, don't expect extra. It is that simple.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:13 pm |
       • Waiter
         

         try waiting tables , running other srvers' food, doin a quick bathroom check and restocking whats needed, Getting ice, getting clean cups, dishes, and appitizer plates from the dishwashing area washing hands every fifteen mintues. being on your feet for 10-12 hours at a time. being neglected from the federal labor laws refering to breaks and meal times. Then think about not having a social live because all your weekend goes into working at the resturant cause thats when its busiest. and forget your fav. sports team cause your gonna miss all those games too.

         July 13, 2010 at 4:00 pm |
     • JJ
       

       You're absolutely right; "DON'T BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU!!!"

       When you can quote the law that states I have to tip, let me know.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:56 pm |
     • MEEEE
       

       Michael James Eza – you are so arrogant and go on and on about nothing!!! Even if you had a valid point, you lost all of us with your rambling nonsense.

       Tipping IS a choice...it is something earned. I don't pay someone if they don't work – simple as that. I should point out however, that I do believe you should tip if you receive service. Non-tipping should ONLY occur with horrible or no service.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:14 pm |
       • Michael James Eza
         

         Ohh an insult from a no-tipper. Soo scary.

         July 13, 2010 at 5:00 pm |
     • Chris
       

       Quite a rant from an angry little man.
       Like it or not, I have a choice to tip or not. I always tip appopriately for good – or bad – service. I seriously doubt if the public's decision not to tip would cause the entire restaurant industry to fold. They would simply have to start paying a living wage to their employees. And yes, prices would go up & then people would have to make a choice to eat out or not. Just like they do now.

       As far as a servers attitude – I don't care if it's 5am or 5pm or noon or midnight, that is their job. It is a choice they made at some point in their life. I realize that not everyone can be at their best every minute of every day, but I expect a server to treat me with courtesy & to have a smile on their face when they greeet me at the very least. And guess what – I don't care if you're busy. I understand that there may be delays in seating or getting the drinks or meals out – reasonable delays are acceptable – but DO NOT be irritable with me because your manager planned the schedule poorly. As a matter of fact, if you are TRULY swamped & give me passable service with a smile on your face, I will probably tip you even better because you made an effort to be prompt & pleasant.

       If I complain about your poor service, I am under no misguided impression that you will get fired – I know you probably won't...BUT if enough people complain, action may be taken to correct the problem. And if I get bad service more than once at the same establishment, I will contact the corporate offices or the owner (if it's independent) & make a complaint. I am very well acquainted with many people in all levels of the industry & know it will get their attention regardless of what you have to say. GOOD managers do care about their customers.

       And do not threaten to change or add a tip to the credit card slip that I signed. I keep track of those & compare it to my statement. If it is different I WILL report it as a fraud to my bank & you WILL be prosecuted!! Because, guess what, more often than not, you're name is on the slip!

       July 13, 2010 at 4:49 pm |
     • RoqDawg
       

       If I speak to your manager and do not get satisfaction about your lousy service that you seem to approve and you stop me at the door for not giving you an undeserved tip I will give you a strong verbal lashing that you will never forget. A tip is optional a service charge is not, so go whine to your manager and tell him you want a service charge added to your checks and while he is laughing don't forget your final check. You are in the service industry if you are not able to provide service find another job.

       July 13, 2010 at 6:21 pm |
393. CincyMom
     

     I tend to be very understanding of crowds and under-staffing, and as long as my server is putting in effort, even if service is extremely slow, they'll still get at least 20% from me. I've only not tipped once that I can think of.. the server came over and literally sat down next to me in the booth and before even asking about my drink order started complaining about how much her boss hates her for making her come into work when she tried to call in sick (I'm not making this up).. First, don't tell the customer you're sitting a foot away from that you tried to call in sick, that's gross and it made me want to wash my hands. Second, I'm your customer not your shrink. If you have problems with your boss, I don't need to know about it – well, unless its funny... then I'll laugh about it with you.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:59 pm |
394. tsand
     

     For every server that thinks they deserve the big tip, think again.

     Here are my thoughts on this topic, restaurants should pay their servers a decent wage, say 10 bucks an hour, and then we Americans wont have to tip, unless service is superb, this would be more similar to European culture. This would give the money the servers need and no bickering about service. The only thing that would need to be done then is the managers keep on top of their staff to ensure they actually have compatent servers.

     Lastly, some quick food for thought. Does everyone on here really think that the wait staff really claims all of their tips for taxes. I have known many individuals who just take the money and run, and only claim their salary at the end of the year. That being said (theoretically of course), that 10 bucks an hour (cash) that servers are taking home (salary plus tips) is much more like 13-14 bucks an hour, which is what a lot of us make, prior to the check coming to us. Anyone who has an argurment about that needing to pay for health care, dental, etc, etc, with a server income, you all knew going into that job that those benefits are not included (or very rarely included), so if you need them, being a waitor/waitress is not the career course you are looking for.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:58 pm |
     • Waiter
       

       Think again sand. With the market the way it is and many older applicants applying for the same jobs as us college age workrs are. We cannon get the desired shifts to work around out school schedules so we have to take waiting jobs. There are many people who will sit aqt your table in your section for hours at a time and run up a $100+ tab and will only tip a dollar or two for your service and your five obnoxious children who do not know what they want and are constantly running arounjd the resturant and running into people. Many people simply dont tip you no matter how superb the service you give them. (JEWS and BLACKS) also those who get angry we wont serve alchohol too without an id or expired one. Im not going to jail, lose my job, be fined and not able to serve for 6months for your lousy tip anyway!! These are the ppl who make the servers act the way they do. If your going to take her on a date and order alot of the expensive stuff you should leave a tip and not complain how your food was cold because you were talking about jay z and president obama for 30 mintues before you even touched your food and not tip your waiter for your own doing.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:42 pm |
395. TM
     

     To the people who say it is wrong to not tip a waiter or waitress who has performed poor service I have the following to say. Simply because I happened to be seated in your section of the restaurant, you are not entitled to my money. I certainly understand that there are issues out of the control of the server, and I would not hold that against them unfairly, but why should I have to pay someone more of my hard earned money for the priviledge of putting up with negative attitude or neglectful service? I don't see it very often, but when I do have a server who obviously hates their job and takes it out on me, don't tell me I am obligated to tipp them.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:58 pm |
396. Frustrated American
     

     Try having 60 oz. of beer poured into the face of your new iPhone4 and your Blackberry, and then watching(and feeling) it cascade into the lap of your dress slacks. Only to be left sitting there wondering where the manager was and who was going to pay for the 1K plus in damages that was just racked up. When people refuse to take the time to execute the details of their job effectively they should in no wise be rewarded.
     One of the great things about our Nation is the fact that you can be as successful as you want to be if you TRY. Why feed the already prevalent welfare mentality of the service industry any more? If you want an excellent tip from me...DO YOUR JOB and DO IT WELL. Otherwise expect a mediocre tip for mediocre service. If you make my table of guests feel welcome, at home and tended to....I tip well. Treat us like we are in a line at the local fast food joint and you can starve for all I care. I earned the money I tip with. If you want some of that cash you will have to earn it too!

     July 13, 2010 at 2:57 pm |
397. Sandra
     

     When I go out to eat is because I want to be SERVED and CATER to not because I want to help the waiter pay their bills....that is not my train if thought when I don't feel like cooking or cleaning dishes. If tisp are to be expected, I expect the most of my dinner expierence, from the hostess to the manager. I had been a waitress too and I compared it to being a clown, you have to smile and be in caracther even though you are broken with problems, that is just the reality of the industry that you chosen at the time to work in. Tips should be included on the bill with the option to object... that way the "I forgot" client can be eliminated and bad service will be able to be corrected if mentioned.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:56 pm |
398. tiffany
     

     The worst service I ever received was at an Applebee's. Everything was wrong, late, cold, and forgotten. The drinks were empty and had to be refilled by another server. The dessert never showed up and we had to hunt down the manager to get the item removed.

     So before we left, I tore a corner off of a $5 dollar bill and tacked it to a note. Then I put the plate over the bill, with the corner sticking out, so it appeared that a tip had been left. The note said: "You'll get the rest of your tip, when I get the rest of my service. :) "

     Poor service should not be rewarded. Period.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:56 pm |
399. craig cotsmire
     

     You need to get you facts correct for a story, WV pays $5.80 hrly for waiters they allow $1.45 fro the 20% recovery for the employer. It took me all of 30 seconds using google to find the correct minimum wage lawfor wv. DO your job that you are paid for in the future please

     July 13, 2010 at 2:55 pm |
400. Ann
     

     Here's a thought. Say your job is to babysit. You kick back and talk on the phone and forget all about the kids for large parts of the day and they run around and color on the walls and spill koolaid on the carpet and basically run amok. The parents come home to this disaster. Should you get paid? I mean you were physically here and she made sure they didn't die and occasionally watched them and you need the money. Doesn't that count?

     Yes, not every time can a waiter please everyone and sometimes they are spread thin or the customer is difficult or the cooks or someone else was at fault for the poor experience. But if a waiter is doing a truly poor job and runs off a customer and maybe even more customers because of word of mouth of this bad experience?

     What is a customers recourse if they have to give a good tip even if the service was truly and utterly atrocious? What if they are too scared to confront the waiter or to tattle to the manager while the waiter gives them the evil eye? How can you let the waiter know they did a poor job? Leave a note? Are they going to take it very seriously if they still got a generous tip? I mean really, wouldn't they just say "Beeotch" and pocket the tip and do the same thing to the next person? What motivation do they have to do better next table?

     July 13, 2010 at 2:55 pm |
401. SS
     

     In a sociological study, it was found that many wait-people view tips not as a reflection of their services, but as the customer's level of generosity or economic standing. So a low tip may come off as 'cheap' or 'stingy.' Therefore, a lot of waiters and waitresses never get the clue. Instead of leaving a measly tip and looking cheap, its suggested that you eat more slowly or take your time during meals, thus reducing the times a wait-person can "turn" the table for new customers and taking away from other potential tips.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:55 pm |
402. Charlotte
     

     As a server & bartender for many years, a tip needs to be EARNED and not a give-me. On that note, please keep in mind that your server is paid based on a hourly rate ($2.35 average, plus tips), and must be TAXED on what they claim, usually a percentage of their sales...whatever the restaurant deems appropriate. For a large chain that I worked at, I had to claim 12% of my net sales, and then I had to TIP OUT 15% of this number to my host & bartender. So if you do not tip, we are still required to tip out and thus, you are costing us money to serve you.

     Yes, if we are terrible we don't deserve a tip...but please look at the big picture (are we understaffed? Did the kitchen screw up? Did you have 18 separate checks at your table?) If we are lazy and sitting around smoking/laughing/reading the paper and your service is poor because of that, we deserve no tip.

     And finally, if you can't afford to tip for good service, do not eat out–or get fast food and save your money. A "Thanks you were great, God Bless" on the back of a napkin will not pay my electric bill.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:54 pm |
403. Sheila
     

     I've been a bartender for many years and I do agree with leaving at least a minimum tip for service, however if service is bad I would speak to manager and explain what POOR service was received. And based on that conversation I may or may not leave a tip.
     I go out to enjoy myself and the ambiance if a server is rude or moody they should change jobs and work in the kitchen.
     I have left with no tip and I would do it again.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:54 pm |
404. AK
     

     I have done this several times. I have a severe food allergy. I always ask if dishes have the food I am allergic to. I make sure I order only food that does not have it. So when the waiter brings food full to the brim with something I cannot eat, yeah! he is not getting any tips. TIPS stands for "To Insure Prompt Service". That means my Tips are based on your quality of service. This IS NOT an entitlement. If you do not smile, mess up, spill food in my lap, brign me food that can kill me & you will get NOTHING. If you want great tips make sure the service is great. There is a direct relationship betweeen the two. I am sure there are cheapskates who do not pay tips for great service, but I let me tips talk about how I felt about the service. For Waitiers & Servers who say if you do not want to Tips , do not eat out, my reaction is, if you do not want to serve with a smile & pay attention to the customer, do not show up for work. Or at least be prepared for NO Tips.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:53 pm |
405. Smitty
     

     People, Try and give the waiter/watress the benifit of the doubt. If the service is bad, talk to a manager and if it doesn't improve, leave a minimal tip and complain again. If the manager makes an effort to make it better or comp something then give them another chance. If things are bad again then send the ultimate message, DON'T COME BACK when the sales of restaraunt go down you better believe they will fix it or they will go out of buissnes.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:52 pm |
406. frostfire
     

     I tip according to the service rendered. If the service is good I'll leave as much a 30%. If the service is terrible I have left a penny in the middle of the table. BUT that is only after the waiter had argued with me about the order. I know they are working for tips, but they should understand that my tip isn’t a given they need to earn it.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:51 pm |
407. OG1254
     

     This is exactly why I dread you and your people coming into my restaurant. Hope McDonalds treats you right.
     Jaliska
     Why do people assume that everyone is obligated to give tips?
     Tips shouldn't even be expected unless a server demonstrates impeccable service and does extra things they aren't paid to do. This show of entitlement is a little obnoxious, to be honest.

     They chose to work at that restaurant w/ minimum wage. They're not forced to live off that money. If they really wanted to, they could get a good-paying job somewhere else. It's not the customer's problem that the server doesn't earn enough money to fend for himself. We eat out to feed ourselves, not to worry about someone else

     July 13, 2010 at 2:51 pm |
408. Amanda
     

     My husband and I tip a standard of 20%. If service is bad, we'll round down rather than up. If service is REALLY bad, we'll tip 10%. There have only been 2 times where we left nothing. I believe if you are going to go out to dinner, you should budget in a tip. It's part of the expense of dining. However, a server should not expect that tip no matter what kind of service is given. That's kind of the point of the whole system – you treat me well, I reward you with money. If one leg of that system breaks down, the other leg will as well.

     For those who regularly don't tip – shame on you.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:50 pm |
409. Greg
     

     It is very justified to leave no tip or a penny to tell a truly horrible server they did a terrible job. If I feel so strongly that left a penny or no tip I will tell the manager why. This includes complete and total negligence, belligerence or repeated and inexcusable mistakes.

     If the server is having an off day and doesn't give their best performance or if I am uncertain if the reason for the poor service is because someone is having a bad day, I will still leave an average tip.

     In most cases though it is obvious if the server should not be a server and deserves nothing or the FU of a single penny and it is justified to give them what they deserve.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:50 pm |
410. mike
     

     for the wait staff that says that i should stay home if i'm not going to tip-ask the owner of the restaurant if he would prefer I stay home, or would he rather you bitch and complain that you got a bad tip. better yet, why dont you get a job where you dont have to worry about tips. I work in sales and if my pitch doesnt work-I get judged by no bonus or commision, it doesnt matter how good I was. its the tipper's right to decide not the wait staffs entitlement, by the way-tips started as derogatory-to keep the peasants away from the rich

     July 13, 2010 at 2:50 pm |
411. Jim
     

     The archaic practice of tipping needs to cease. Restaurants should pay their workers a fair wage and build the cost into the prices of menu items. Diners should complain to management if they're dissatisfied with the service.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:49 pm |
412. Erik
     

     It is stupid to use the argument that servers get paid too little and work really hard so they deserve a tip. First, waiting tables is not working hard, it just working. You have to work at your job, we all do it, deal with it. Second, if bad tips are affecting you financially, GET A BETTER JOB! Serving tables is not a skilled position, anybody can do it. Pursue a vocation that an out of work high school dropout isn't qualified for and you will probably be paid better.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:49 pm |
413. Beenthere
     

     When you go to a restaurant, the price of the food is supposed to cover the restaurants costs, including the server's wage. Tips are supposed to be for the service you receive as a guest from when you enter the restaurant to when you leave. As someone who has served for a few years, I think I know how to qualify good service and if the service isn't up to where I think it should be, then I will appropriately tip the server. I have tipped zero before, but never have left a penny. I usually write a little blurb on why I didn't tip because I think the server should know why I thought the service didn't merit a tip and hopefully they want to make the change that I suggest so that they can get more tips. I think that people who just tip the normal 15-20% are not properly reinforcing the service. When I was a server and I got a zero tip, I knew why and I just accepted it – rarely was I surprised to get a bad tip. Tipping shouldn't be expected – it should reward those who deserve it.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:48 pm |
414. larry
     

     If the service is really bad then I leave a 1% tip (I always use a credit card) and then I write a caption on the back of the receipt detailing why I felt the need to leave this level of a tip so that whoever reviews the receipts is notified of the poor service. Otherwise, I always tip 15% and 20% if the service is great!

     July 13, 2010 at 2:48 pm |
415. Sasosa
     

     Clearly employment laws should be amended to protect wait staff from people like me who will not reward for bad service.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:46 pm |
416. A.Gore
     

     I'm sure somewhere, sometime, there was a black person who tipped at some point. So you can't generalize. geesh!

     Come on people! Wake up! Black people shouldn't have to be accountable for tipping – especially from a white waiter. They are oppressed! 400 years!!!! NAACP told me so!

     July 13, 2010 at 2:46 pm |
417. Scott (Florida)
     

     Sorry, but get used to not getting tipped well if you cannot do your job. I understand people have bad days. However I do not go to a restaurant to be affected by your bad days. I am paying for the luxury of eating out, not to beg for service. Get lazy on your time, not mine. If you are a professional, do not let me see your bad days, and simply do your job. I am expected to at my job, regardless of the day I am having. I am not going to tip you to sulk over my table and ruin my night/lunch out. And to say a tip is expected is crap. Its that entitlement that has led to a generally declining level of (customer) service. If the person expects to be tipped, they often get lazy as there is nothing to work for...and simply mail the absolute minimum effort in. They feel they dont have to set themselves apart in how they do their jobs, because the reward for doing it is just expected and you are just re-enforcing it. Typical of this generation of kids that are being raised, entitled to the hilt by their parents who have told them their entire lives they are special. Probably have a shelf full of "participation" trophies too. If I have to waive an empty glass constantly for 10 minutes to get your attention for a refill, or it takes 20 min to get a check at the end of a meal, or you come back only once during an hours meal, or my favorite, I seem to get the wrong meal 6 out of 10 times, then sorry, youre tip will certainly be affected. Check the order, you took it. Take some pride and check it, instead of just taking what the kitchen hands you. And yes, I worked for tips for years when I was just out of college. I didnt expect them though, I earned them.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:46 pm |
418. LiteraryLuvChild
     

     Here's a tip, If you are getting crappy service, use your cellphoen to call the restaraunt while you are sitting a the table. Ask for a manager, explain the problem and be sure to tell him/her that you want another server NOW and do not want to be confronted by your currently crappy server. If the manager is worth his salt, he will not only fix your problem but the waiter's as well. If he isnt worth his salt, you would probably be better off not going back to that restaraunt. My personal measure of a server's worth is that if you run out of something to drink, you don't have silverware before you start the meal, and you can't find your server or 20 minutes pass without them, then you are getting crappy service. I am all about tipping someone if they do well but I don't run a charity service for those waiters who expect freebies. I am also a big believer in finding the manager when you get EXCELLENT service to brag about your server...in my mind those folks need a leg up to be promoted to management and then they know from the ground floor up how a server is supposed to behave.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:44 pm |
419. Kristy
     

     To the waiters that think it's horrible to leave a $0 tip: you have probably never deserved such a thing. Honestly, the lowest that I tip when I receive poor service is still 10%. However, there is a difference between poor service and dismal service. Twice in my life have I been in this boat, and that's out of probably 2000 trips into a restaurant.

     One experience there was a group of around 8 of us, all college students, that were eating out of town on an expense account. The waiter literally came by twice throughout the entire experience. We got glasses of water at the beginning when he took our food order, and he came by with the check. He did not deliver the food, and when we needed more water we had to go looking for someone. Only 2 other tables in the restaurant were occupied. I can buy the "having an off night" argument, but not for this. As I said, we were on an expense account, so we left a $3 tip on a $90 bill, but handed another $5 to the busboy for his efforts. They both received what they earned.

     The only other experience was in high school at an ice cream shop. We were a small (4) and well behaved group of national honor society students, but the server looked at us with disdain, was blatantly rude, and did everything she could to make it clear she did not want us there. She got a penny. Of course she put in more work than that, but if you don't like dealing with people, don't get a job as a server.

     My point is this: there's a difference between not leaving or leaving an insultingly low tip when they are having an off day and it being clear that they are in the wrong profession.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:44 pm |
420. BandWagonJumper
     

     I don't believe in tipping even though I do. Why should I tip someone for doing their job? I don't get tipped, and I work a whole lot harder than most waiters/waitresses I have seen. The food is already expensive, and honestly the customer service usually stinks. If they don't like the pay, the job duties, and hours worked, they need to get a different job. It's not that complicated. No sympathy. And yes, I have left a low tip, no tip, and have – rarely – talked to the manager.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:42 pm |
421. Hate tips
     

     "Furthermore, that person will remember you forever, and if you do go into that restaurant again, rest assured that person will tell all of their co-workers just exactly how cheap you are"

     Extortion?

     Tipping is a voluntary action. What about if I only have money to pay for the actual food... Then I can not eat?
     The best solution will be to include every thing in the price and paid a better salary. I hate this tipping business.
     Same with doorman, hair stylish and so on.... Every one providing a service is expecting a tip, hard to swallow for some of us working so hard to earn some money.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:42 pm |
     • sarah
       

       then do things for yourself.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:45 pm |
422. aubrie
     

     I've been to a restaurant where the bus boy was more attentive than my waiter. My son has been a bus boy and I know from him that waiters tend to be arrogant and stingy when it comes to sharing tips with a bus boy. More often than not, they get nothing. On this particular evening, I asked for the bus boy as I was leaving. He came to the table and was terrified. Poor kid. I handed him a $10 and told him how much I appreciated his assistance and that the tip was for HIM. NOT to be shared. The grin and light in his eyes was worth the $10. Tips should be earned not expected or demanded.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:40 pm |
     • BandWagonJumper
       

       Amen sister

       July 13, 2010 at 2:48 pm |
423. Jason
     

     I llike to put what I think is going to be 20% on the table and explain to the waiter when he/she walks up that for every mistake that he/she makes $1 of that will go back into my pocket. It has never and I mean never failed, GREAT service all the time.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:40 pm |
     • Maggie
       

       That is an old Saturday Night Live skit.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:51 pm |
424. Wilber Arron
     

     I would not stiff the waiter completely. There are enough cheapskates in the world where they might just write it off as bad manners. No I leave $0.02 under the plate. That tells them you know to tip but the service or food was so bad that is all you deserve. I also speak to the manager and tell him what you think. This will not make you popular at the restaurant and I would never make plans on coming back. In fact one time I had the chef follow me outside with a steak knife in his hand. Fortunately for me my two friends Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson and I got him to realize the error of his ways.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:40 pm |
425. Mike
     

     I've worked as a waiter before and can't condone bad service. Most people know when something isn't the waitperson's fault. However, a lot of times it is. A tip is like a bonus. In most jobs if you don't perform you don't get a bonus. Saying you need that money doesn't change the fact that a tip has to be earned. And that's the problem with this country as whole: everyone is entitled and has expectations of what they are owed. This world doesn't owe you crap. Work for it.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:40 pm |
426. tiffany
     

     I waited tables and trained servers for 5 years on and off. As a server, you know that your bills are being paid through the kindness of strangers. And that is the mindset you have to have. I didn't take it personal when customers where nasty, b/c that person and I did not have a personal relationship – STRICTLY BUSINESS. And you had no way of knowing what kind of day that person has had.

     I was an excellent server and now that I am on the other side, I expect the same. If you're busy then let the table know that you did not forget them. People are very understanding when they know what's going on. Don't talk about your personal lives when you're on the floor. CUSTOMERS DONT NEED TO KNOW. Don't stand and wait to see what your tip will be – it can turn your $5 to a $1 very quickly. DONT COMPLAIN ABOUT CUSTOMERS SO LOUDLY WHERE OTHER PATRONS CAN HEAR YOU.

     I HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO PAY FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN MY MEAL. i HAVE NO PROBLEM LEAVING NOTHING. MAYBE A NOTE ABOUT WHAT YOU DID WRONG, CONTACTING THE MANAGER, OR CONTACTING THE RESTAURANTS WEBSITE.

     Finally, take responsibility for your tables' experience. Don't focus on fault b/c cooks get paid regardless; so own the table. If the cooks are making a mess, get the manager out there. Get something for the kids to snack on or play with. A small salad or dessert can go a long way to showing how much you care. Remember, being rude to the customer doesn't hurt them (THEY ALREADY GOT PAID) – it hurts you.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:39 pm |
427. MNF
     

     I have never left w/o leaving a tip but have left low tips and have even had wait staff follow me out of the restaurant to tell me I left too little. On one occasion I was in a restaurant and the waitress was very diligent about asking if I'd like a refill on my soft drink. Not another drink mind you, a refill. When the bill came I found out that each refill was charged as a new drink. I first asked the waitress to point out to me where on the menu it indicated that there were no free refills. She was unable to find this notation as it did not appear on the menu. I then asked to see the manager who also refused to do anything about the additional charges on the bill. So I left a couple of dollars on the table and the waitress had the nerve to meet me at the door on my way out to tell me I hadn't left the customary amount for a tip. I told her to ask her manager to make up for it out of the profit they made off of the soft drinks she so diligently refilled.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:39 pm |
428. Timmer
     

     It amazes me how many people go out and are looking for reasons not to tip their server. I have better things to do like enjoy my food and company when I am out than analyze the service I am receiving. 20% tip is our cultural norm for fair service. I will occassionally tip 25-30% for outstanding service. Poor service will generally result in a straight 15%. End of story. Anyone who looks into any further is a cheapskate who needs to stay home .

     July 13, 2010 at 2:38 pm |
429. WinterClover
     

     I think that most people fail to relalize that the wait staff isn't always to blame. If the kitchen is slow, you can't change that from the other side of the line. Before leaving a bad tip for your wait staff seriously consider if they gave you bad service or the restaurant gave you bad service. And BTW most waiters only make about $2 an hour and live on their tips.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:37 pm |
430. ckoffend
     

     Having been a waiter in my younger years, from age 16 – 23 (through college), I have had the displeasure of getting stiffed on several occassions. While I am sure that there were a very limited number of times that the patrons thought it was warranted. It was/is the people that are just down right cheap that are offensive. I do not begrudge anybody for not leaving a tip for bad service – whatever the reason/cause if the patron feels it is warranted. I loved waiting tables and for my age, made a lot of money doing it. Average $10-15/hr back in the 80s. I grew up dining out with my family a lot and do so now with my own family. My rules for tipping is simple: mediocre service: 10-12%, decent service: 15%, exceptional service 17-20% and yes, horrible service with no apology (rare) warrants no tip!

     July 13, 2010 at 2:36 pm |
431. Kara
     

     I don't feel right not tipping at all. Some things are beyond the waiter's control, and it's a tough, chaotic job. But sometimes I can't believe the insensitivity and oversights in restaurants. Last month we waited almost an hour for our check at On The Border. – It became a bit of a joke waiting to see if the waiter was going to rediscover us by accident. Then the manager approached our table asking how our evening was going. We asked after our waitress, Kaitee, and explained the situation. He responded, "Oh, I sent her to the bar for the evening." No communication there at all.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:36 pm |
432. Tara
     

     Getting paid no tip is just rude and uncalled for – how would you like to be paid $0 when you're having a bad day at work? "Sorry, you didn't get that report done on time, you won't be getting paid today"
     ________________________________________________________________________

     You don't lose a day of pay, just the tip for that table. And people in most salaried positions are penalized for not getting work in on time. They might have to stay late without getting paid for that extra time. I have to agree, the entitlement that some servers seem to possess is infuriating. With that said, I cannot seem to bring myself to stiff a member of the service industry, although I wish I could!

     July 13, 2010 at 2:36 pm |
433. Sarah
     

     I come from a family of servers, caterers, and chefs. That being said I am a huge tipper. If i get average service I tip 20%. If I get great service i give upto 40% and mention the great service to their manager. How ever when I get poor service, not food, but service I will let the waiter\waitress know and if they do not fix the problem their tip goes down and down. When I go out to eat it is a luxury and and I expect my server to treat my table and company like we are important. If I am treated like my table and order isnt important then obviously that server doesnt really care about the money. Great service is rewarded with greater money and poor service is not rewarded at all.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:36 pm |
     • Tara
       

       I would imagine that most people engage in the same practices, although I can only speak for myself. I do the exact same thing.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:38 pm |
434. Emily
     

     My husband and I walked out with out leaving a tip because the waitress came over once and got us drinks and then never returned. Someone else brought our food and when my husbands drink was empty no one came by to fill it so he got up to get his own and the waitress was on the phone in the back and never came back to the table. So he wrote on the check that tips are earned not given. We did tell a manager when we walked out and he said that he would talk to her, since we have returned to this restraunt she seems not to work there anymore.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:35 pm |
435. Bronzo
     

     As a Delivery Driver I can tell you this, my living is depended on my service. I routinely give outstanding service only to be rewarded with next to nothing, (6% average tip). Even on days I am delivering in pooring ran I watch as customer after customer rewards me with a nickle on the dollar. The older and whiter the customer, the less and less I recieve. My ideal customer is a gay man between 20 and 27 years old, so far, they've tipped the best. Those are actual demographics for people taking count. I remember every house I deliver to and take note of every tip I've recieved. And to those arrogant people that have posted that we as servers are happy to work at 2.65 per hour, beat it. I use to manage multi million dollar businesses and have been driven into working as a delivery driver because there is no other work available. Obviously your comfy life allows you to spit on others but it makes me sick.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:34 pm |
436. nonesuch
     

     I've never failed to tip, but we once ate in a hotel restaurant in VA Beach that had a "dinner included" plan. Our waiter pushed at us to order more than we wanted because, "after all, it's included in your stay, and you want to get your money's worth," he said. Of course, we were expected to tip him based on the price of the dinner regardless of the fact that we weren't paying for it. Apparently, the waiter wasn't pleased with the size of our tip and CALLED OUR ROOM TO COMPLAIN ABOUT IT! Needless to say, we've never been back, and we never, ever, stay in a Hilton Hotel.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:33 pm |
437. tmaas
     

     I put myself through college by waiting tables. Classes all day, work all evening, study and reports late at night... then doing it all over again. Exhausting. I was a damn good waitress, but we all have our days.

     I read a few of the comments about leaving a quarter, dime or penny tip and to that gesture I always took GREAT offense. Much more so than if they just stiff'd me. I had it happen to me once or twice when I was working at a diner. Corporate business suits come in for lunch and apparently got a thrill by humiliating the over worked, tired student waiting on them... Did they feel better about themselves? I still find it pathetic. On more than one occasion I actually took that dime, walked out to their car, knocked on the window and gave it back to them. I might have been a poor over worked college student, but they probably needed it more than me... and you better believe I told them that too.

     Now im the one taking clients out for lunch on a corporate expense accounts. Never, ever would I do something so cheap and rude as leave a tip in change. Seriously, if it was that bad just stiff them; you don't have to be a jerk about it too.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:33 pm |
     • tiffany
       

       APPARENTLY, YOU DIDN'T GO TO THE RIGHT PERSON'S CAR. OR YOU WOULD HAVE PLAYED THAT CARD ONLY ONCE.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:44 pm |
       • tmaas
         

         "Excuse me sir, It appears to left your change on the table."

         I'm sure If I pulled that at some of the high class restaurants i've worked at I would have been canned immediately, but then again, people tend to have a bit more refinement in those establishments. I did mention this was at a diner, right?!?

         Seriously, leaving a penny tip shows little class.

         July 13, 2010 at 4:46 pm |
438. Eddie
     

     As a former waiter who now works a 9-5 office job, I can personally say, waiting on people sucks. Most people who are waiters are only doing it part time to get through school, etc. No one wants to wait tables for a career. So many people who eat in restaurants don'd understand that alot of the common restaurant issues are out of the wiaters control. Just becasue your food ior drinks s taking a long time to be served, does not mean that the waiter messed up. What if the kitchen or bar is backed up? Does anyone ever take into consideration the fact that the restaurant probably has other guests eating in it as well? Most restaurants require their waiters to share tips with bussers, food runners, and bartenders, so when you leave a bad tip you are hurting everyone, not just the waiter. If you are the type of person who goes to restaurants with a mind set of leaving without a tip if the service is bad, STAY AT HOME! THE RESTAURANT CAN DO BETTER OFF WITHOUT YOUR PATRONAGE! Waiters make around $2.50 an hour, so think twice about screwing a waiter over beacuse you were upset with the sevice. TIP NO MATTER WHAT! If the service was that bad, talk to a manager, most places will do anything to avoid negative complaints by giving out gift cards, free meals, etc. TIP OR STAY HOME!

     July 13, 2010 at 2:33 pm |
     • Tara
       

       A lot of people have said something like this, but I'm just going to respond to your posting if that's okay. I think that most people recognize that many problems in restaurants are not under the server's control. In such situations, the server should check with the table frequently and explain the situation. I think many times, the server is scared to go to the table because the food's not ready. By and large, most people understand and appreciate the server's explaining the situation and at least filling their glasses when the kitchen's backed up.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:45 pm |
     • ranger
       

       Dude, its a restaurant, that is what they do.. they provide food for people.. It should not be a suprise when a lot of people come in to and order.. hopefully that is what they want.. if they cannot handle the amount of patrons.. they need to rethink their strategy, or find another line of work.. the restaurants lack of management is not my problem, it is the owners.. that is why most restaurants fail in the first 2 years.. lack of proper management

       July 13, 2010 at 3:29 pm |
439. Colonel Johnnie
     

     We travel lots. We tip most all, bellhops, valet, servers. However, when service is bad and you have to ask for it, you should consider not leaving a tip. I do know servers and well as everyone else have bad days. But, when you notice your server cutting up with other customers and employee's NOT paying attention to you, that is the time to NOT reward your server, managers are just as bad, call one over and they are normally one of the ones who are cutting up with the server. TIPS SHOULD BE EARNED * NOT EXPECTED. Also some companies require servers to pool the tips so that everyone is treated fairly? Good service given should be rewarded to that server.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:32 pm |
440. Ellen
     

     "Nick" doesn't know how to write complete sentances "Every time you leave a server no tip, not only does it ruin that person's night, mood, and future interactions with the remaining tables for the evening."

     Honestly, the last thing I worry about is the emotional state of the person who serves me dinner.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:32 pm |
441. sanity_now
     

     The tipping situation is out of control. Everybody believes that they know how the social construct of tipping works, but there are dozens of different ideas floating around out there. I don't like to hurt people's feelings and I don't like to pay 120% for my food. So I specifically look for eating establishments in the area that do not require tips. Or if I'm forced by friends to go out to eat at a restaurant that requires tips, I automatically get something about 20% cheaper than I want to spend then tip on that. When you look at it that way, most restaurants that require tips are way overpriced. If the tip should be given regardless of the level of service rendered, then why in the world don't you just put that price by the entree? It feels sneaky. I hate going out to eat. The only place that has shadier pricing is the car dealership.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:32 pm |
442. Holly
     

     I have only NEVER left a tip 3 times in my life, and they earned every penny of it. Having worked in food service during college I don't like to 'stiff' them, but I am not going to complain to them either, they know what kind of service they offered. I had an exasperated waitress tell me to "just eat it, I am not bringing you the dish you ordered, chef did not make it" AND SHE STILL CHARGED me for the meal she didn't bring me, even though I didn't eat the awful meal she wanted me to take. Another time, at another place, I was never given a meal! So I watched everyone else in my party eat. When my husband refused to pay for mine because it never came the waitress accused me of hiding it in my purse. {I didn't have a purse with me!?} The manager corrected it, but the tip I left was on a piece of paper "if you make a mistake own it". Another time I had "used" lemons in my shrimp. When I told him my dinner was half eaten and I would like a fresh one that was all mine he accused me of trying to get a free dinner, and when I complained to the manager he said "what is your problem the lemons have been through the dish washer so they are clean." I left an expired coupon for a tip. I'll very nicely for service, but I am not going to pay someone extra to treat me badly.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:31 pm |
443. Thomas
     

     Tips are earned and rewarded by service and effort !

     Terrible or bad food is answered by never returning to eat !

     I would be willing to bet that any professional or just good waiters-waitresses would rarely have any regrets with TIP's.

     To discuss wage structure and taxes to determine when to TIP and how much, is wrong
     .
     To say that the bus boys, back sink, or anyone else shares in the TIP's to justify tipping or not is very creative.

     All I can say is my tip or not is based upon effort and service by my waiter-waitress not the back of the house.

     I would like to believe that poor service impacts tipping in the majority of cases when a token or no tip is collected. I know people can be jerks and some are really cheap, but I have to believe these are few enough when compared in total.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:30 pm |
444. Seth
     

     There were plenty of times where my wife and I ordered something and it comes out wrong or we order a diet coke with no ice and the person brings a sode with ice, whose fault is this? I say something to the waiter or waitress and the response I get is "well this is how it was made I'll take it back" or "sorry let me get another one for you. My response is "you took the order, your suppose to make sure it is correct".

     Talking about leaving no tip, anytime you say something stupid like that, surely I will not leave a tip.

     My wife, thankfully agrees with me.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:29 pm |
445. Gary
     

     I actually don't think the opinions here are that different. Most of the people who are insulted by not leaving a tip at all (or a really low one) seem to be servers or know servers. They seem to take pride in their work and I will assume that when they write that they always give superior or at minor relatively decent service that they do. That being true, I don't think that anyone writing about leaving to little or no tip would have left them no tip. People that leave no/little tip, generally are saying they do this when the service is horrendous. Ignoring comments about allergies, orders which are wrong, waiting obscene amounts of time for their food with little to no interaction/explanation from the waiter, rude or onoxious comments. These types of things do warrant a reaction. Leaving a tip, rewards bad servers and elaves management unawares of any issues. It has a negative impact on the restraurant as a whole as people will not likely revisit or refer other people.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:29 pm |
446. bluszkr
     

     I have worked in and around restaurants for much of my working adult life. My first legal job was as a dish person at a fast food restaurant. I had worked other types of jobs before the age of 16 including other service and retail jobs, but most of the time after I turned 16, I was working the kitchen in some fashion. I have also worked in delivery jobs such as with Dominos and the last couple of restaurant jobs that I have had in the last 13 years have been server jobs. Every server out there has nights that just don't pay out. It could be the seating section you are assigned to or the table size or even the number of other servers on that time period, that make or break a servers stride. It could be outside influences such as things from home or other jobs that affect a servers abilities. The funny thing is that we all go through these times and have experienced tough times in our jobs and daily lives that affect how we work and function. I am currently serving in a decent restaurant in a nice upper middle class area that has great people and is close to a college town. I also have a full time job as many servers do to try and make ends meet or to try and save up and pay things off faster. Just last night, I was serving and had the last three tables of the night for me leave me with just about 10% each for tip. I hate to be upset over this, but it had nothing to do with the service or the food. Drinks were filled and the food was hot and on time and good. Why is it that many of those that receive even good service if not excellent still refuse to leave a decent tip. Folks need to learn some decent math skills and learn that 5 on 50 is not a good tip nor 20 on 140 comped from 170 due to issues unrelated to the server. This is where the folks that had good service get worse service the next time they return.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:28 pm |
447. Anne
     

     Here are my thoughts: If you had a bad experience with a server, fine. Tip them less. What I can't stand is people who don't think they shouldn't be obligated to tip, yet they're too lazy to go home and make a meal for themselves.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:27 pm |
448. VB
     

     Restaurant servers should not expect tips unless service is outstanding. It is not commonplace to tip in fast food restaurants and waiters/waitresses do the same thing as fast food servers except they have to walk around rather than pass food over a counter. I'm not sure where this attitude of entitlement has come from – do you tip a salesperson who assists in a clothing store? I didn't think so.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:27 pm |
449. Gwen
     

     I always leave a tip. If the service was poor speak with the manger. Put yourselves in these people places. As far as
     getting a better paying job TODAY ; where are they living? Most of these people are there because of NEED MORE not by
     choice. Have a heart, situations change it could be you, or a loved one tomorrow.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:26 pm |
450. Matt
     

     The public and the wait staff need to remember one thing: THE WAIT STAFF IS THE CUSTOMER'S LINK TO HTE KITCHEN.

     The waiter knows what you ordered and should NOT deliver anything that is not correct. The excuse of "The kitchen made a mistake" is not acceptable. If I order a meal a certain way, the waiter should not bring me anything except what I ordered.

     If they don't ............... then they shouldn't get a tip. Period!

     July 13, 2010 at 2:26 pm |
451. Adam James Lenk
     

     Tipping no longer exists. It is a percentage of labor charge. Could I chose to pay my plumber or my lawyer, doctor or mechanic only for parts or matériel because I did not entirely like their personality or they had a setback while performing their service. I think it is we patrons who feel entitled as we can simply order someone around for awhile while we eat. What other job compares to a person who has to deal with the rudeness and impatience of hungry people while feeling that they must gravel to even be paid. 15 % is the minimum unless the situation is truly negative at which point settle it with a manager. I see diners, some of whom are my friends feel that they can take out there frustration on a server and act out a perceived sense of importance. Whatever the profession, we're all just trying to make a living people.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:26 pm |
452. vince
     

     I live in Canada, little different than in the US. I went to the Texas Road House once when on vacation in Maine. The waitress was the best I ever had for service, she welcomed us since we were out of town, explained all the more popular choices on the menu and was happy and smiling the whole time. We left her 25% tip, it was definately worth it.
     I won't tip if I get poor service, or I'll leave a small tip. I put myself through school and I support my family, nobody ever tipped me in 12 years of my working min wage jobs. I completed my education and have a really good paying job now. If you don't like the pay at your job, then leave, if you can't get another, i'm sorry thats not my fault. When I didn't like one job, I gave 2 weeks notice and moved on to another. Life isn't easy and you shouldn't expect free hand outs. One thing I do agree with is that the resteraunt should pay min wage.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:26 pm |
453. Mel
     

     To all you waiters/waitresses who claim low pay is what warrants a tip, I have news for you. A TIP (To Insure Prompt service) is something that is earned. Prompt, attentive service should get you a nice tip. Lousy service, whether it's because you're having a bad day or whatever, ruins My dining expericence and hence the tip will be low or non existant. But I agree, you and the manager should be told why that is the case. I've never given a "no tip" but I can understand why some people might do that if the service warrants it. I won't condone doing it for being cheap.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:25 pm |
     • toxictown
       

       Ensure people, ensure.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:36 pm |
454. tracy
     

     As a person with both a full time low paying government job (with good bennies) I also work a part time job as a waitress. Obviously, things are not so great, moneywise, or one would not "need" the additional income. Based off of that principal, needless to say, life is not overjoyous at the moment. However, when you have the opportunity to serve others, you must check all bad aspects of your life at the door when you walk in. Smile on, shoulders back ready to take on what the night brings. It's never all wine and roses. Things do and will happen. When you "give" of yourself in a positive, honest and hardworking way to others, you "hope" they will "give" back. It's a crapshoot. You can do your best and receive very little, which is the nature of this particular beast. I only wish that someone will "share" their thoughts of what I may have done incorrectly, or sometimes wonder if they believe they have really given you something "special". Interested in feedback on this one.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:25 pm |
455. Gracie
     

     A few nights ago, a table left without tipping me.
     When I began as a waitress, I will admit to my horrible service, but it was only because I was just learning the ways of serving. However the table I waited on Sunday gave me no tip because I had messed up on an order. When you point to something on a menu, I will take it that that is EXACTLY what you want. If you do not want a special ingredient, you let me know other wise I will assume that is how you want your order.

     Well this table gave me attitude because the order had tortillas and they didn't want them. Honestly, it's not that hard to take the tortillas out, but whatever. Then they started telling me that everytime they come to the restaurant, they order the same meal and it doesn't come with tortillas. I am not a mind-reader so you have to let me know.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:22 pm |
456. Sndp
     

     Someone above has put it very well – if the tip you had intended to pay was $8 – just think – would giving up $8 cause a dent in your finances? Rest assured – getting $8 will definitely help the waiter. So, the math is indeed very simple. One reason why I might not tip is if I am insulted or discriminated against, by the waiter.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:21 pm |
     • John
       

       This argument doesn't hold much water for me. Of course it will help the waiter. But it will also help me. There are, of course, waiters and other servestaff who don't make much money, but there are those kinds of people in all industries. I know too many waiters and waitresses at nice restaurants who make well more than me (I make a decent living), so just the fact that a person is a waiter/waitress doesn't mean they deserve it more than me.

       Wait staff should think of themselves as a commission-based job. There are plenty of other commission-based people out there, and if they don't do their job, they don't get paid either. There's nothing special about the system. The better you are, the better you get paid.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:43 pm |
457. Al
     

     As a waiter, the one truth about working in this industry is the people sitting at those tables are your money. Plain and simple. To give bad service means no money and every waiter I know wants that money. I do my job to make the customer want to come back. Once a customer likes a place, nine times out of ten they will leave a fantastic tip. They have a great night and you can go home and pay your rent.

     If you as a customer want to be cheap and vindictive and leave a dime or a penny, good for you. Next time you pull that coin out remember one thing, these people are handling your food and drink. A little less money in their pockets is worth watching you eat something that has been tampered with. Trust me, it happens much more than you think.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:21 pm |
458. Jessie Smith
     

     The only time I have left a $0 tip is when the server left in the middle of service at an NYC restaurant. She literally walked off the premises and no one could find her.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:19 pm |
459. Belinda
     

     I don't think that most people fully understand what a tip should be. In most countries, barring North American countries, a tip is something you give the server at the beginning of the meal to ensure fast and caring service. It is more like a bribe than a gift for good service. Here in America, because tipping is considered a necessary result of eating out, people feel more obligated (or in some cases forced) to pay a gratuity even if the service is bad...Next time, try giving a small tip to your server at the beginning of the meal and see how his/her service improves and then if the service is excellent you can give an additional "tip" for that service.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:18 pm |
460. Buddy
     

     If a waiter is kind enough to apologize or otherwise make amends for a problem, I invariably tip as normal (I usually over-tip anyway in the 25%+ range). But if they act like nothing is wrong even when it CLEARLY is, it usually results in a chat with the manager and they might get 10% if I'm feeling decent that day. They are employees like any other. If I do a lousy job, I don't demand rewards...neither should servers.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:17 pm |
461. Megan
     

     In California, servers make tips ON TOP of minimum wage. Yes, they get taxed on it, but so do the rest of us on what we make!! If the server is bad, and I know they're already getting paid, why would I give them more money?? I've worked in non-tipped service jobs (at a hotel), so I don't exactly feel bad not tipping others in the service industry when I think their actions warrant it. If you do a great job, then I am HAPPY to tip 20%. It's that simple.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:17 pm |
462. Justin
     

     I have worked for tips and I refuse to leave nothing. I will leave a single coin, I know it is not much of a difference but it lets the server know that they are doing something wrong.

     I feel the other side of this discussion isn't being touched on. If you will leave nothing for bad service do you leave lots more for great service? I have left 30% or more on a meal with three people because the service was so good, or the server was so personable and actually cared about us as a customer. If you are willing to leave a goose egg you should also be willing to fork it over if you are really taken care of.

     And as for all of this "we don't choose to work for tips" or "how would you like to not get paid at your job," when you fill out the application you are saying you want to work for tips. If you don't want to you can work construction, secretary, call center, there are plenty of ways to make ends meet, there are retail stores everywhere. Don't boo-hoo because you aren't willing to work hard at your job, you had a choice and you made it.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:16 pm |
463. Craig Shearer
     

     Tipping is nothing more than an outdated cultural thing, that only still exists because it benefits the restaurant owners. It should end. Why should I pick up the lion's share of the restaurants payroll expense? Why is tipping only for waitresses, etc. What about the cook, bus boys, greeters ,etc. For the person who said that if I am going to leave nothing for bad service, that i should just just stay home, I will counter that by saying that I am out to feed my family, not you. The money that I am going to spend to feed my family of five is much desired by the restaurant owner. HE or SHE wants my business, especially in these lean economic times. It is not wise to recommend that people simply stay home because your service sucks. I tip 15 to 20% WHEN the service warrants it. If I have to fetch other waitresses or wait for refills, or get an attitude, etc., I am not leaving a tip. I recently left over 30% because the waitress absolutely made my day. I am not cheap. But, if you suck, don't expect anything. Period.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:16 pm |
464. jthomas666
     

     You start off with 15%. As long as the service is in the vicinity of average, you'll get at least that. If the service is REALLY bad, then yeah, I'll reduce the tip. On one occasion, we had to go to a waitstation to get our silverware, half the orders were wrong, and to top it off, even after I warned the server that I had a severe nut allergy and to please use a clean knife when cutting my dessert, he used the same knife that he had just used to cut a peanut butter pie and I had a bad reaction. We left a penny.

     On the other hand, if we have out kids with us, you'll probably get *at least* 20%.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:13 pm |
465. david
     

     I'm actually much more likely to leave a bad tip in CA. I know California waiters make the regular minimum wage not $2.13. If they can't doa good job, I don't feel bad about leaving a penny.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:13 pm |
466. Maggie
     

     I have left without tipping for service before. More importantly I am much more inclined to tip the customary 15% for service and 20%+ for service that goes above and beyond.

     To those (no doubt servers themselves) who say, "If you don't want to tip then stay home." It is rather daft, presumptuous, and non-reflective to assume that not tipping equates with not wanting to tip. I eat out frequently and that experience should include a clean restaurant, an attentive/competent/efficient server, and good food. As a patron of a restaurant I don't feel that is too much to ask for.

     At my job pulling the "That isn't in my job description" or "it was "x" departments responsibility" card would never fly. These are the standards I have for myself and my peers .. and servers should most definitely expect to be evaluated by equal standards. While I do understand that not everything is in a servers hands, many issues in a restaurant can be regulated and controlled via good communication and hard work by .. you guessed it .. a SERVER!

     There is a reason why tipping is OPTIONAL .. and there is also a reason why that is hard to swallow for some servers .. because the truth sometimes hurts and especially if it may apply to yourself. On occasion some service simply does not merit further compensation.

     Trust me patrons don't enjoy that reality any more than servers!!

     July 13, 2010 at 2:12 pm |
467. AJ
     

     General Question to all the "you have tip" people – At a fine dining establishment where the bill can easily exceed $125/person, what tip should I have given the server who dropped a glass of wine on my wife's head, laughed it off and then didn't even apologize. The wine soaked the back of her head, her blouse, her pants and underwear and the glass shattered all around her. On the way out I had to ask to speak to the floor manager who had not been made appraised of the situation. Just wondering what tip should have been left on this $280 bill for my wife's outift and evening being ruined (we had to cancel the after dinner plans so she could go put on dry clothes)? Believe me, I understand it was an accident, but no apology was offered, no dry cleaning was offered by the waiter, nor was her drink even comp'ed. He just smirked and laughed "oops it has to happen once every three years or so, let me get you a napkin"

     July 13, 2010 at 2:12 pm |
     • jen
       

       I think that there is a difference between shattering a glass on someone's head/not apologizing and a server messing up your order. I would expect that whole meal to be comped by the manager thus relieving you of the "to tip or not to tip" quandary.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:26 pm |
468. Kev Kenko
     

     I saw a waitress drink from the water jug and minutes later, she came with the same jug to our table and filled our water glasses. I am sure she saw me looking at her when she was drinking from it, but there she was, serving it to us. I left her a penny. And I never tip less than 15% even for bad service topping it off at 20%.I nNever tip more than 20% either.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:12 pm |
469. toxictown
     

     I have never had to leave a bad/no tip. Maybe I've been lucky or I have a high pain threshold however, I think it (no/low tipping) is a right that the customer can reserve for truly atrocious service. That being said, I know I have forgotten (drunk) or lowballed (suck at math) by mistake and feel horrible to this day. Sorry waitstaff! :-/

     July 13, 2010 at 2:11 pm |
470. Matt
     

     Some cheapskates will never EVER admit it, but they secretly enjoy (and exaggerate) when they are the "victim" of bad customer service...because in the back of their minds, they know that they're going to get to save a few bucks by leaving a smaller tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:11 pm |
471. ron
     

     Bottom line (I believe):
     Tipping is voluntary for the customer unless the law is changed (like in France).
     Till that happens, some customers tip lower, some higher than normal (15%)
     If above average service deserves more than 15%, then below average service
     deserves less than 15%. Does that not make sense (no emotions involved).
     If a waiter wants to complain about lower than normal tip, then lets see if he/she
     would be willing to refuse any tip amount over 15%. They overlook that, dont they.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:11 pm |
472. Nine Deep
     

     You are paying for a service, and if you don't get said service why should you have to pay.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:11 pm |
473. Nuh-uh
     

     It IS a choice to be a waiter or waitress, and tipping should be in parallel to the quality of service received. This isn't about scrutinizing the waitstaff; it's about the exceptionally bad service that warrants no tip. I have to perform at my job to get paid. I don't think it is so unfair to expect the same from anyone else in any other job. In regards to the "bad" or "off" day, I have them too, but I have to keep myself in check to deal with my customers, and waitstaff should, too. It is not on the guest to figure out if someone is having an off day. How about keeping oneself in check to say, "Maybe I shouldn't take it out on these customers whose tip I need to help make up my income." And waitstaffers...you are all customers, too.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:10 pm |
474. Suzie Teasdale
     

     We always leave a 20% tip. Even if the service is sub par. However, recently we left a restaurant and left nothing. The service was very very bad and when we became frustrated with it, our server AND another one were very rude to us. Poor service (often times not related to the efforts of the server) are excusable, but under no circumstances should a patron be treated with rudeness. It was very off-putting to say the least. We won't have to worry about the server recognizing us should we happen to go back there, we wouldn't dream of going back there.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:09 pm |
475. Alexis
     

     I am a server and let me tell you how the tipping situation breaks down. Generally, a server has to pay tip out and service charges for credit cards. The tip out is calculated based on the total sales number and not the tip amount. Usually that adds up to accounting for 10% of your sales. So for example, if you go to a restaurant as a customer and your bill is $50, then the server has to essentially spend $5 for serving you. Therefore, if you do not tip, then not only are you not paying for your service, but your server is–literally. So if your service was absolutely horrible, then you should tell a manager, but at least tip 10% so your paying for your half (i.e. the kitchen cooking your food, the hostess showing you your table). Please do not, leave $0.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:08 pm |
     • John
       

       Wow, Alexis. Unless the place you work is basically acting illegally (see the case against Starbucks a few years ago) with respect to how tips are paid out, you have your math completely wrong.

       Of course you're going to provide some of the tips you earn as waitstaff to the cooks and bussers, but it is a percentage of your total tips. Thus, if you receive a $0 tip, you are expected to pay $0 to the cook/bus for said table. You don't go negative for receiving a $0 tip.

       If that's not the case, I'd see a lawyer.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:32 pm |
476. EDDANTES
     

     I have never been a waiter but let me tell you what I expect from a waiter/waittress:

     Just show up with a smile, be pleasent; I am there with my companion to have a meal, I don't care about your life, do not engage me in a conversation, I am not there for you, I don't care about your life, I don't know you, if I ask you for a recomendation please give me your honest opinion, if I like my clams with cheese don't question my choice, after all I am the one eating the food.

     Once you bring me my food and liquor, come by every once in a while to see if we need something else, that's it! you don't need to do anything else, no need to kiss ass, just do your job, the way I see it is simple.

     You do that you get a good tip from me.

     There it is, how to be the perfect the waiter in a paragraph or 2.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:08 pm |
477. Julie in Austin
     

     I've not read a response from anyone who worked as a cook about what goes on out on the floor, etc., but that might just be because there are SO many responses.

     I was a cook in a mid-range steakhouse many years ago, and we received =some= tips, but there wasn't any kind of official pooling. We were only tipped when the customer told the server to send something from the tip back to us. For restaurants that pool with the rest of the staff, I dunno - I'd hope the restaurant pays more than the minimum the state allows.

     In my entire life I've only tipped below the norm on perhaps three occasions. In some cases, I've tipped over the objections of the person receiving the tip. To me, the minimum - 15% - is for "reasonably expected service". You go to a restaurant on a busy night, you will get slow service. Sorry, that's life. But go when the place is mostly empty and I'm being ignored? No, you should get much better service than during a slow time.

     That said, tips are earned for services rendered. They aren't earned just for showing up to work. If you provide exemplary service, you will be tipped well. The down side of people tipping well for excellent service is being tipped poorly for bad service. You can't have it both ways - a guaranteed minimum and no upper limit.

     Having a bad day? Ask a co-worker to help a little. Like others, I've been left at a table with no silverware for entirely too long because my server was busy dealing with "... and I'd like that ON THE SIDE .. and could you ..." customers. I won't hold that against you, because some people shouldn't be allowed to dine out. But if I don't see you on the floor, and I'm missing silverware for 10 minutes, I'm not going to be a happy customer. If you need to take a restroom break, tell a co-worker to walk past your tables and see if anything is needed. Then ask what they did, and if they provided the missing silverware or drink refill, give them a dollar or two from the tip. They'll repay the kindness and net it'll be a wash, the customers will be happy, and they'll come back to tip another day.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:05 pm |
478. Jake Rockwel
     

     Im am a great tipper, sometimes too much but if you are cool and take care of me and my table you get taken care of. In my life I dont believe I have ever stiffed the wait staff... And I have seen some bad ones.
     Do I think you should stiff a bad waiter/waitress... Yes you should however they should know why but that requires more frustration after an allready dreadful dinner.
     If you are in service your income should reflect the quality of service. For those who feel entitleld. You took the job, do a good job and you will get paid.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:04 pm |
479. Marcus
     

     I just don't get the discussion about Tip or No Tip. The Tip should be an instrument to reward your server for good, better or best Service. If a server is providing bad Service he/she should expect to get a deduction!
     But could somebody explain why we have the "norm" to give 15-20%?
     I remember that like 15 years ago it used to be 10%, later the norm became 12%.
     Why is the Tip based on the "value" of the meal? Why is the server who is bringing you a 30$-Steak deserving more than the guy who brought you the 9.99$, but both did the same job? Shouldn't be the Tip based on your evaluation of Service and not the "Standard Rates"?
     Despite, I don't get tipped for doing my Job. And if you think you don't get paid enough and you need the tips; well, get a better job. It is not the your customer's responsibility to make sure you can run your lifestyle.
     In other countries such "high" tips aren't the norm at all. I.e. in Europe it is custom to round up to the next full Euro if you were satisfied and if you loved the service you give an extra Euro. 15% tips are the exception over there.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:04 pm |
480. Franklin Cleary
     

     Jaliska's was the only post that makes any damn sense. Most else seem to be whiny entitlement babies. "My job isn't great, so I'm entitled to your money, because you're by default rich if you make more than me". Get outta here.

     If my waiter does well, they get a good tip. If they do poorly, then I'm glad to leave them nothing, or the classic 1cent. Conversely, a good waiter gets a good tip. This isn't rocket science people, do you job well if you want a tip. Get over yourselves, seriously.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:04 pm |
481. SYMPATHETIC NOT STUPID
     

     Although I have been angry enough with my waiter/waitress service more than a couple of times, I never left without giving a tip, just because I know they make next to nothing. (I don't agree with the fact they are allowed to be paid next to nothing, relying on tips) but that's another topic all together. I have left without ordering because the service was bad. I the type of person who will leave unsatisfied having paid my tip, and to never return to that establishement. You have to earn my loyality I don't care how bad of a day you've had, it's your freaking job. :-)

     July 13, 2010 at 2:04 pm |
482. Mike Nimro
     

     Too much conflict and anger here.
     We need a laugh break.
     Check Youtube for "Third Rock from the Sun Tip", have your giggle and come back in a better mood. :)
     youtube V1ZZWhSvOMI

     Hey, it's on-topic.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:03 pm |
483. Shannon
     

     Pizza hut, in Maryland, pays about $3 dollars an hour. We went there once the waitress completely ignored us for over an hour, she didn't get a dime. There was no one else in the restaurant. Lazy P.O.S.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:03 pm |
484. Misscellany
     

     I'm from Norway and we don't tip there. Once I moved to the U.S. and started dating my now ex-husband he would never leave tip so I thought it was optional. After I had lived here a bit I found out it was really rude and always had to scrap my pockets for tip when we went out since he refused to tip, because he didn't have to.

     Waiters can be quite rude when it comes to tip, too. I once went to a restaurant/bar where I paid for my dinner and tipped 12%, then went to the bar area for drinks because some friends were there also. The waiter came up to us and asked what was wrong since I only gave a little bit of tip and said it wasn't right. Pissed me off that he would do that in front of my friends like that so I never went back. I always tip 22% now though.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:03 pm |
485. Henry Miller
     

     In my care-free pre-marriage days, I ate out literally all the time–making coffee is about the limit of my culinary expertise–and I tended to extremes in tipping. Good waiters/bartenders could easily get a 100% tip from me, or more; bad ones, nothing. The "nothing" didn't happen often, but it did happen. (On the other end, my favourite bartender could count on about a total of $1500/year (this was back in the 80s–that was a noticeable fraction of her entire income) from me in tips, and, one year, I "loaned" her the price of a car so so she could keep working and go on being my favourite bartender. Lady bartenders, be nice to young, unmarried, guy customers: it can pay off. :-) )

     July 13, 2010 at 2:03 pm |
486. momthecoach
     

     I generally base tip 20%, and deduct off of that based on service. The only time I've ever not tipped due to poor service was at the specific request of the manager of the establishment. The waitress was heavily pregnant and obviously miserable, and it was New Year's Day and she clearly didn't want to be ther. Service was spotty – drinks not refilled, no silverware after multiple requests – that sort of thing, and then it got worse. I had cheese added to my 2 year old's burger, when she brought the food there was no cheese. I asked her to please take the burger back and add cheese to it. She returned with the burger and a cold slice of cheese. I asked her to please take the burger AND the cheese back and have the cooks melt the cheese onto the now cold burger. She brought the burger back on a hot plate and set it in front of my son who promptly burned his hand. I pulled it away and asked her to bring another plate and also a knife to cut the burger. She returned put the empty plate on the table and laid a serrated steak knife on my son's high chair tray. Even then I was still intending to leave her a modest tip, but as we were walking out the manager pleasantly asked how our meal was. So I told him. He asked if I had left a tip, I said yes. but only X number of dollars given the service – he called her over and had her give me back the tip money.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:02 pm |
487. Nick
     

     I work in software sales currently and put myself through school with a part-time waiting role.

     Being a waiter isn't about serving food with a smile – it's about creating an experience for your clientèle. To create a positive experience you need to sell items on the menu that are going to leave your customers satisfied and increase the check size. The more satisfied a client is, the larger the tip they're going to leave. There is obviously the odd anomaly and exception, but a waiter shouldn't expect a hand out of 15% just because of their profession. Now that I work in software sales, I get punished for not being sharp in a business meeting by losing a sale to my competition. I don't expect handouts and I certainly don't respect order takers with a sense of entitlement.

     If you're not prompt, courteous and knowledgeable you shouldn't get paid. This is the real world.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:02 pm |
488. Katie
     

     I feel like a lot of people keep saying they're disappointed in servers that aren't attentive enough or don't visit the table often enough. However, keep in mind that we're not mind readers. Some people have gotten VERY nasty towards me for coming to the table too often (even though I thought it was just enough), because they just don't want to be bothered. Sometimes it's obvious when a table needs something, like when a cup or plate is empty. Sometimes people want things mid meal, but sometimes they just want to be left alone to enjoy their meal. Communicate with your server. Total ignorance of a table is unacceptable, but do keep in mind we're not telepathic.

     July 13, 2010 at 2:00 pm |
489. rose
     

     T.I.P.S = To Insure Proper Service

     July 13, 2010 at 2:00 pm |
     • Amy
       

       Rose, you can't just make up an acronym and expect it to be a definition. "Tip" is a word; not initials. Besides "Insure" in this sentence would be "ensure". So anyway, on that note, not sure what you were getting at anyway, but tips are a "Gift" according to the dictionary. Minimum wages NEED to be raised for waitstaff or this argument will go on forever.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:03 pm |
490. RkASD
     

     Hmm....I don't mind tipping at all. And infact I generally tip well, couple dollars over 20%. But if my service is bad, I do feel it appropriate to leave a small tip or none at all. I make sure to express my distaste to the manager on duty. It is now thier issue to resolve the problem with the bad service. The Service industry does suck, and we've all worked jobs tha are terrible to make ends meet, but I don't think that we should reward poor attitudes and poor quality of work in any feild. (Retail – Fastfood – Serving – ETC) If I were performing subpar my supervisor would ensure I didnt get bonus' and ensure I didn't get a raise, or any benefits of pay. So Same should apply to anyone.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:59 pm |
491. Jill
     

     I have never not tipped, but have left low tips for poor service. II completely understand when it is the kitchen's fault vs. the waitstaff's fault. If the waiter/waitress is backup up with too many tables, all they have to do is say so. I'd rather them be honest and say I'm a little back up on tables or a big table just came in, then for them to completely ignore me. There have been many times that I cannot find my waiter and ask another waiter. Twice in my eating out experience has the waitress quit in the middle of her shift. No wonder she couldn't be found. Both meals were on the house.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:59 pm |
492. Jessica
     

     This response is intended for Jaliska. I am not sure where you came from, but the silver spoon stuck in your mouth must come out. I would like you to understnd a few things about those who work in the service industry. I, like many others, have a good standing reputable job and am climbing my way up the corporate ladder. At night, and on weekends I serve and bartend. I do this for several reasons: I am in school as well and need the extra money for classes. This side job also serves as an income buffer while I am working my way up to better paying positions.

     I also want you to know Jaliska, if a person is good at their job, in larger cities like chicago and NY, serving and bartending full time can warrant as much as 100K a year.

     You are the type of person that needs to learn how to treat people. Serving and bartending could teach you the skills you clearly lack... Its called customer service.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:58 pm |
493. If we're honest
     

     dwight is part of said racial group.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:58 pm |
494. Michael
     

     I'll have what Jaliska's having

     July 13, 2010 at 1:57 pm |
495. mraissam
     

     black people are the subject to the very poor service because they naturally don't tip no matter what u do for them, sorry it's just the inconvenient truth.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:57 pm |
     • afromamba
       

       I tip, as do my family and friends, who are all black, and we all tip well. That being said, if you are in the service industry, I would love to make an exception and bring my inconveniently truthful self to your place of business. Did it ever occur to you that your obviously bigoted viewpoint translates into your service and THAT'S why you don't receive tips?

       July 13, 2010 at 2:09 pm |
     • Julie in Austin
       

       In my experience dining out with black friends, it's mostly a self-fulfilling prophecy.

       I've been to the exact same restaurant in an all-white crowd, and a mixed-race crowd, and the service I've received (I'm white) is sometimes worse when I'm with blacks than not. And guess what! When that happens, even =I= don't leave a good tip.

       If you want to spout racist tripe, just say "I'm a racist" and be done with it.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:15 pm |
496. dwight
     

     i never tip someone for doing something i can do myself

     July 13, 2010 at 1:56 pm |
     • Franklin Cleary
       

       At least you tip your proctologist.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:00 pm |
497. Fritz
     

     I do not believe any server is entitled to a tip. I am happy to provide great tips to outstanding servers, standard tips for average service, and little to no tip to horrible service from the server. I understand about having a bad day at work, but if I were to be rude to my coworkers, as some servers have been to me, I would be reprimanded. If I were to not multitask and complete my projects in time, I may not receive an annual raise during my performance review. I work on salary and must provide good service everyday otherwise I could lost out on my "tip" at the end of the year. I also understand that a little over $2 an hour is not a wage to live on but I believe that anyone who chooses this type of job understands the money comes from providing good service. It is like any commission based job (real estate broker, sales, etc) where only hard work pays off. In many of these professions, no pay is provided whatsoever unless they do a good job and work hard. I assume that anyone who becomes a server believes that they have what it takes to provide good service and receive tips. Otherwise, there are plenty of jobs that will pay more per hour regardless of service (fast food, Wal-Mart, etc.).

     July 13, 2010 at 1:56 pm |
498. Derek
     

     "Remember you are our guest, we are not your servants"

     Err, no, we are not YOUR guest. We are paying for food, drink and service from the restaurant owner. You are providing the 'service' part.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:56 pm |
499. Amy
     

     Tipping has gotten out of control. Yes – waiters often make only 2.14 an hour – but they make a killing in tips because of the resent social norm of 15-20%. That's crazy! They litterally bring me a plate of food and a drink and are making an extra 8-20 dollars an hour PER TABLE! What really kills me is that the waiter working at some lower-end family restraunt makes significantly less than the waiter working at some high-class joint just because the price of the meals are three/four times more expensive (even though they often do the same job with the same amount of service). Finally, tips are taxable!?! Yeah – right. No waiter declares their actual tip nor pays taxes on their actual income. Look – bottom line – the definition of tip: a voluntary additional payment made for services rendered. So – you're darn right I'll leave a low or no tip if service is bad.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:56 pm |
     • goober mcgill
       

       Amy, first off – I agree with you in that if you receive truly poor service then a lower tip is acceptable. However, as a former waitstaff member in a couple of Chicago restaurants I can tell you that restaurants often take the total ring of the server (meaning all of their "checks"), and tax their wages based on 17% of that ring. At the time I was making $2.10/hr, so what that meant was that I never received an actual paycheck – the only income I made was through my tips. Also, in addition to that, they would take 5% of my "ring" and that was what I owed to the pool of busboys and barbacks. There were, unfortunately, many times when I would walk out of the restaurant with $15 in my pocket after a 4.5 hr shift, because a large party left little or no tip. I also had a couple who were regulars. They loved me, and requested my section every time. And each time, they would leave $1 on the table for their $40 check. So not only did they not leave me a tip – their request for my section would cost me a dollar, which I had to pay to the busboy pool, regardless. So – be aware that whatever tip you do leave, the server is unlikely to receive that full amount.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:16 pm |
       • Amy
         

         I'll agree that it's unfortunate that tips are taxed, etc. However, that doesn't leave it up to me to leave a waiter more. I'm not there to pay their wage. I'm there to eat. The restaurant charges a certain price for each dish – that's what I've agreed to pay. If someone goes above and beyond in making me feel welcome and whatnot, then they get a nice tip. If you do the bare minimum of taking my order and bringing my drink, then you'll get a minimum tip mainly so I don't feel bad. Restaurants need to pay their staff more, the gov't needs to change their taxing practices on waitstaff, but I am not your employer. You don't work for me. You don't come into my place of business and give me more money simply because you know I don't make much.

         July 14, 2010 at 8:29 am |
500. LulU
     

     This is brain surgery...either you do your job and receive a tip for your efforts, or you suck and you won't get a dime. Why do the waiters feel entitled to a tip if they haven't earned it by simply being courteous?

     July 13, 2010 at 1:55 pm |
501. not a cheapskate
     

     Someone just hit the nail on the head! All these angry non-tippers are probably getting such bad service cause everyone in their area knows how cheap and rude they are. Ha... all this indignation and it's probably your fault servers aren't good to you.
     P.S. I'm not talking about the people that didn't tip once in their life. I'm talking about all you cheapskates out there that think a night out to a crappy chain restaurant requires 5 star level service or you rich jerks that can't part with a few measly dollars cause you need to repaint the yacht. Take a good long look in the mirror cause the problem might actually be you.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:55 pm |
502. V-tine
     

     People need to look at the big picture and not just the server. You're treating that one server as the figure head for the restaurant. There are so many more factors that go in to servicing your table.

     Things that are out of your servers control:
     - Kitchen/Bar is backed up with other orders that you may or may not realize due to being in other locations or limitations.
     - Server got a rush of guest sat in their section and one or two of them are holding the server at the table asking multiple questions.
     - Computer problems and the server has to go find a manager or co-worker to help solve the problem.

     Any combination of these items can easily add on 2 minutes, and that can feel like a life time when you’re hungry and already angry (either from a bad day or difficult kids)

     One quick way out of the these issues is to always inform the table of what is transpiring. Say if you there is an issue back in the kitchen then this information needs to be passed along to the table either by the server or manager. That way the table knows that the server is not being negligent and avoiding the table.

     To comment on “that it’s a servers fault” that they are working for the $2.63/hr. and not the full wage of their European counterpart then, please look again at the big picture. NO restaurant pays the European counterpart unless you’re dealing with private clubs or unique restaurants. So if you want them to make a larger wage, so you don’t have to pay a tip then don’t be shocked when the food and drink prices drastically increase. Because people don’t work for the convenience of others but for money. Just like a sales job, the more you work the more you make.

     Now if you server is dereliction of their duties and you witness this standing around and horse play then a lower tip should be given, but this is only extreme conditions. Understand that more tables get upset that a server will not leave them alone and then a server ignoring them because they are busy doing “their job.”

     July 13, 2010 at 1:55 pm |
503. JMG
     

     I should clarify that I crossed out the tip when presenting the check to the guest. And said that we did not earn the right to be tipped. I have never stiffed a server.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:55 pm |
504. Lauren
     

     Seriously... I've waited tables, and I have no problem stiffing a bad server. I believe if you "can't afford" to leave a tip, you shouldn't be eating out in the first place. For average service, I'll leave 20%. But if you suck, I'll let you know about it.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:55 pm |
505. Ian
     

     When we ordered a cheeseburger and a hamburger, my sister being allergic to dairy, and recieved 2 cheeseburgers. We asked for one to be remade and were told we could scrape it off if we didn't like the cheese. My sister, a server for 12 years, gave me the okay to not leave a tip, and we spoke with the manager.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:54 pm |
506. SusanF
     

     My tips start at 15%. If the service is less than mediocre I go down to 10%. If it is stellar, it goes up to 20% or higher. On two occasions (in 30 years), though, it was so bad that action was necessary. One was a Mexican restaurant where I was a regular. The waiter took our order and left the check. Someone else even delivered the food and the waiter never checked to see if our order was ok. The boy doing the water, tea, and chips did a stellar job doing his part. We left the tip with the owner to give to the boy, not the waiter, and told him why. The other was an Italian restaurant where I was there with a group of 10-12 people. We were the only people in that section. We were getting up to get the water and tea pitchers to refill our glasses and going to the bar to get the pitchers refilled. We had to hunt down the waiter when we wanted our check, which came with a built-in gratuity due to the size of our group. I went to the manager and he removed the gratuity from our check. He'd been working the bar and had refilled our pitchers for us, so he knew exactly why we were displeased with the service. Again, it takes seriously bad service before I would consider dropping even below 10%, but these were radical cases. Part of the job is to provide customer service. If no service is provided, no payment for services is rendered.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:53 pm |
507. Cheryl
     

     I live near a small lake resort area/town in WNY. Fpurth of July week-end the whole town was a zoo, especially restaurants. It was a hot, miserable week-end so maybe some people were a little more cranky and impatient than usual. My son is server at a hotel and that week-end served a table of 11. He got their fruit and juice and after that the orders were backed up/ stacked in the kitchen. My son kept going back to the table and was apologizing and the customers did ask my son if they could at least get their four-year old's pancakes and they would wait for theirs. He did that and a little while later the person who was to pay the bill asked for the manager, which my son did. The manager gave them all (remember, 11 people) free meals at about 11-12 dollars a piece and they still left NO tip. My son is working to help pay for school. He is always on top of things and made sure he kept going back to the table to check on them. The {"lack: of service that day was the nature of the week-end and you know what, if I wanted to truly treat my family to spend time with them I certainly wouldn't want to rush out.It almost looks like he was trying to get the meals free from the start! My son did not deserve to not receive a tip. he is a hard worker and always has a smile on his face. He did his best, as well as those behind the scenes (cooks, dishwashers-my other 15 year old son works there too so you can tell a work ethic is instilled in them.........., bus boys) and not only in this one restaurant, but all of them in the village that week-end. There! I feel better now that I had a place to sound off!

     July 13, 2010 at 1:52 pm |
508. Tim
     

     Being a waiter/waitress is simply a commission based job. Like so many other jobs out there, the amount of money you take home at night is a direct result of the effort put in. Also, like any job in sales, a strong effort does not always lead to good compensation.

     Keeping that in mind, restaurants survive on repeat business, this structure exists as motivation to do your job well. Without customers giving this hint of dissatisfaction, restaurants could lose their livelihood before realizing that something needs to be changed. Tip well for a job well done, but make it known when something needs to be changed. In the long run, a low tip is much better than never going back.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:52 pm |
509. Phil
     

     I'm dumb-founded by the sort of comment attributed to "Jaliska" in the article. Do you REALLY think people would be waiting tables if they could waltz right out and pick up a better paying job any old day? Do you REALLY think they choose to put up with your attitude? Do you REALLY think they choose to work for $2.14 an hour? C'mon! They expect that those wages will be made up with tips. Furhtermore, so do their employers AND the federal government. Go look at the way their wages are taxed. It is assumed by the IRS that tips will more than make up the deficit between what their cheap employers pay them and the minimum wage.
     If that's the way you feel about it, then we need to stop the exemption that restaurants get from the minimum wage. Make the employers pay a decent working income. Of course, the cost of your meal will increase significantly and you'll have no leverage but, for people like Jaliska, maybe that's a good thing.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:52 pm |
510. Toodle
     

     From the postings here, I get the impression that people are intelligent enough to know the difference between truly bad service by the wait staff and something beyond their control. I certainly do and will not hesitate to not leave a tip if the waiter was bad.

     Some people post that they need the money to survive, great, then make sure you do a good job. On the other side of things, I will tip EXTRA if the person has given excellent service. The ones who smile, who know what the specials are and can give an opinion, I especially like the women who flirt a little.. who are playful etc.

     I have never been a server, but if I was, I would use everything in my bag to provide the best service so as to get the biggest tips.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:52 pm |
511. JMG
     

     I am truly Sorry for anyone who receives bad service. Traditional professional servers are a dying breed and a lost art. We work to hard all week to not have a good experience when we go out to Dine. Leave a minimum tip but Complain to the management. But ask yourself if you deserve your full paycheck everyday or should your boss deduct cash from your check when you have a lapse in your performance. I have never been stiffed in 30 years as a professional waiter, I have crossed out the TIP on occasions when I felt that the food and service were not to my standards and the entire staff did not deserve it. You tip the entire staff when you tip. I have also given the tip back to a few rude guests. The best one was giving the $20 tip I received from the guest to the Valet when he pulled his car up. The guy abused the entire staff. Best $20 I ever spent. Remember you are our guest, we are not your servants. I have had better service at a some burger joints than at a wanna be "Fine Dinning" Restaurant. I can't tolerate inattentive and lack of attention to simple details in service if the server is not swamped. More and more restaurants are processing people through rather than "serving the guest". I know of several fine restaurants who have a 80 min rule. Request a server who meets your needs next time you go out. Offer them a taste of your wine and the chef. Keep the glass on the table. Your experience will change 10 fold.
     Cheers.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:51 pm |
     • Julie in Austin
       

       Uh, no - we're the guests and you are the service personnel. You're not my slave and you're not there for me to abuse, but you are there to provide service.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:21 pm |
512. Franklin Cleary
     

     I just don't understand the ignorance represented by so many of the former and current waitstaff on here. Do a good job, get a good tip. Do a poor job, get a poor tip. How hard is this? I don't go out to eat to contemplate your life and its hardships, any more than you go to work to contemplate mine. You don't deserve ANYTHING except the wage you signed up for. By choosing to serve, you knew your tips are generated by how well you do your job. Quit whining and grow up. Freaking disgusting.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:51 pm |
513. goober mcgill
     

     I've waited tables – a lot. I've never left NO tip, but I have left 5% when service is especially poor. However – that's because I live in Oregon, where servers are making $7.35 an hour + tip. I'm glad the hard-working folks who do a great job are making good money – but when I get someone who drops off food, never comes back, never checks in, is too busy smoking outside or chatting up another table to ever refill my coffee or water or bring the ketchup – well the tip goes down from 20% to 15, 10, and then 5% if they really really suck. There's a difference between having a rough day (crazy slam in room, or short a server, or just a shitty day) and arrogantly determining that you're too cool to be a waiter.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:51 pm |
514. If we're honest
     

     Have you ever noticed there is a racial group that rarely tips? All the waitstaff here know who they are.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:50 pm |
     • Marie
       

       I have to agree. I too am a server. I give my all to every customer every time. When they stiff me it reallly hurts. I had a couple come in to eat, had everything they wanted plus more, (because people are cheap and want everything for nothing), after they got the bill, they left me a tip of $1.25. I was just so insulted and had enough with people doing this, I gave it back to them and said they forgot their change. They said that it was for me, I said no thanks, and walked away.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:32 pm |
     • Nadezdha
       

       I have also heard that Christians are notoriously bad tippers. Doesn't surprise me.

       July 13, 2010 at 8:23 pm |
515. Shelby
     

     I have been a waitress for about a year now. I am only 19 and I'm in school and this is how I make a living for right now. Some of you that write stuff like "they choose to be a waiter so they shouldn't complain about their tips." I chose to be a waitress because when you don't have a college degree other occupations only pay you about 12-14 dollars an hour? I bust my butt for people like you running around constantly breaking a sweat and I actually make sometimes 22-25 dollars an hour after i include my 3.33 an hour wage plus my tips. Please think before you speak and say stuff like that. Another thing, if you come and sit in my table with a nasty attitude already to begin i'll throw it right back not even worrying about my tip at this point. And i'll tell everyone I work with about how much of a jerk you're being so they all make fun of you. Have you ever seen the movie Waiting?....Think before you are mean or nasty to YOUR wait staff.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:50 pm |
     • Mary
       

       As a customer I am allowed to come into a restaurant in a bad mood (perhaps I am looking for a way to unwind so I decide to go out) you however as a service representative of the restaurant you work for are NOT entitled to "throw it back to me". That is a guaranteed way to at minimum receive NO tip, get yourself fired and for the company you work for to loose business. If a company has no customers and therefore no business you have no job! Not a good idea at any time but definately NOT something to do in this economy. Do you really think your manager will defend your childish behavior if a customer complains? Unless the restaurant you work for is the only place in town for for people to dine allow me to give you this BIG tip. CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE fast.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:50 pm |
516. Jim
     

     to Jaliska,

     Your ignorance of the current state of the economy is appauling. If you think that all waiters/waitresses have So many jobs to choose from that they choose to make paltry minimum wage, shows just how out of touch you are. "They're not forced to live off that money" What kind of a statement is that? Do you think they're at the restaurant for the fresh air?

     July 13, 2010 at 1:50 pm |
517. Brian
     

     15% is guaranteed, and should be by law like it is in Europe...Anything above that is earned...

     For all the people complaining about tipping, work for $2.13 an hour unless you go above and beyond and wow 100% of the time...

     July 13, 2010 at 1:50 pm |
518. Matti
     

     Here's a REAL TIP for all you smug-ass, defiant "servers" who think they are above the "paying customer" saying stupid stuff like "we will remember you next time you come in" etc., et al. :

     1) If you are pulling in the fantastic salary of $2.20 per hour, REALIZE that yo must put on your "game face" and be nice, smile, accommodating and act like you Give a F#!$ and you WILL be handsomely rewarded! WE "diners" have also happened to have a "bad day" and need some cheer. You're Part of the Restaurant TEAM. Be a TEAM PLAYER and step up your game.

     2) If you think "oh we will remember you next time for stiffing us..." just know this, IN MY WORLD, there are NO 'NEXT TIMES' idiot. One Strike in a massive screw-up, BYE-BYE. There are FAR TOO MANY restaurants that I am waiting to discover than to ever be treated like hell a second time in this oh-so-very-short time on earth.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:49 pm |
519. Ryan
     

     When I "don't turn in a report on time" I run the risk of being fired. It's that simple.

     I always leave a tip. Once or twice the waiter was blatantly not trying to do his/her job. One time they were even eating lunch and chatting with other customers while they were "waiting" on me. The customer is always right. You work in the service industry... if you don't provide service then don't expect anything in return.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:49 pm |
520. eriesteve
     

     I understand tipping. I have kids who have waited tables. I understand the concept and accept it.
     So, I look at it like this. If you do your job adequately you will get 15%. If you treat me and my family with respect while you do it, you'll get 20%.
     If you are the determined cause of a significant problem for us, you'll get 5 or 10% depending on the severity, and if you are rude you get 0%, I don't care how bad your day is, don't take it out on me.
     As for the waiters who answered above, if you can't live with that, you need to find a different line of work.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:47 pm |
521. In the Business
     

     Jaliska you are ignorant.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:47 pm |
522. Justin in SF
     

     I'm in sales. If I'm imcompetent and can't do my job properly, I don't expect customers to buy from me simply because commissions are 50% of my compensation. Commissions are very similar to tips. I work hard, do my job, and people will most of the time purchase from me. I don't expect people to purchase from me, and waitstaff shouldn't expect to be tipped if they don't do their job.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:47 pm |
523. Michael
     

     I go to a restaurant and pay to have my meal-eating accommodated. I have my own life and things to worry about so I want to eat and move along. I don't want to know a server is even there.

     If I go through the meal and realize at the end in retrospect that I didn't even notice the server, that I got everything I asked for, that my water was always full, and the food came in a reasonable amount of time I will tip high. If the server fails at any of that or forces talks about their personal life I tip low. If the server is intrusive and asks questions about my personal life or the lives of the people I'm eating with I leave no tip and might complain to the manager. If the server treats me like I am on their turf or they assume they are in their right to start flirting with anyone that walks in the restaurant, they should lose their job.

     I have no tolerance for servers that treat the experience like a social encounter. The server and I are not both guests at a party. They are part of an establishment I'm paying to do work. It's no different than hiring contractors to build your house or paying a doctor to fix a health problem. Work is for work, not personal. I don't tip at restaurants with servers that are difficult to work with.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:47 pm |
524. Sy2502
     

     "Tips are part of the dining experience'
     No they are not. They are extra and they are completely discretionary. You know what that word means? That it is entirely up to me, the customer, if I want to leave it or not, and how much. If I leave $0 nobody is going to stop me at the door and refuse to let me leave until I pay the tip. If you give me bad service because I left a small tip the last time, I am going to go to another restaurant the next time. Waiters, sorry to break the tough news to you, but you are NOT entitled to the tip. We the customers leave it to you out of our good heart, if we so choose, and there is nothing you can do about it. So learn to deal with it and take your entitlement somewhere else. If you give me bad service because the last time I didn't leave you enough tip, I will talk to your manager and get you fired, and believe me, it's no sweat off his back to find another uneducated kid who can do your job as well, or better than, you, being that waiting tables is not, let's face it, rocket science.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:44 pm |
525. Scott
     

     Best advice I've read so far:

     Ian

     I'm a former server, and worked in the industry for close to a decade. In all my time serving I have seen the good the bad and the UGLY. I was really good at what I did, and if there was a mistake I was sure to correct it in a friendly manner.
     1. leaving a zero tip is one thing, but leaving a few coins is such a piss in the face. If the service is soooo bad, get the manager and let him/her know. Doing this will work to your advantage as they will usually (especially in a corporate store) comp your meal or discount it at the very least.

     1.2 Note if you get your meal comped and you still leave no tip, then you probably eat babies and should stay in and make your own damn food.

     2. Working in the industry is one of the most thankless jobs ever. think about it...most people are grouchy when their hungry, and that's all you deal with is hungry grouchy people, it's tough when most time you have to apologize for a problem you had nothing to do with. BE NICE TO YOUR SERVER FROM THE START AND THEY WILL TREAT YOU LIKE GOLD, TRUST ME.

     3. This is just a side note...When you ask a waiter for something and he/she asks if anyone at the table needs anything, let them know! There is nothing more annoying than dropping off a side of ranch that someone asked for then hearing "oh yeah i need some more cheese on this" then only to return with that and have another request thrown at you. It will make your server angry and take away time the server could use to help other guests...and that guest could be you one day. Because when i've been asked where have you been I need to get some more (insert food luxury) for my stupid kid" I'm not allowed to say, "sorry (insert name rhyming with itch) i was taking care of my (insert obscenity) tables that can't make up their minds (show middle finger)"

     4. Golden rule of dinning out....Unless the server is a complete Jerk and effed up everything...leave a freakin' tip you cheap (insert choice word). Cause we're smarter than we smell and you will be remembered!

     Good Day.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:44 pm |
     • rachael
       

       If the service was bad enough to have to get a manager and get the meal comped then that absolutely deserves NO TIP!! Also, consumers are smart too and servers will be remembered. If your life sucks so much that you cannot refill my drink at least once and smile and be courteous then maybe you should get some prozac or a razor blade.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:53 pm |
526. Riptide80
     

     Ex-Waitress said it perfectly: "the debate is never going to be resolved." However, rest assured, if you are a "No-tipper" or "crappy-tipper" you probably receive awful service more often then your peers as staff remember and communicate this to others. Tipping is not a right, however, it is a social norm in the United States. Just like taxi-cabs, etc. For a positive experience I often leave more than 20% and am often met with better service, free drinks, and other perks upon my next return. Most people who don't tip don't even have proper restaurant etiquette in the first place. They are often the ones coming in right at closing time, pitching a tent, and camping out for hourse without purchasing anything.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:44 pm |
     • JJ
       

       Until the law requires it, TIPPING IS A RIGHT, NOT A COMMANDMENT!! Your opinion of social norms do not dictate my spending..

       July 13, 2010 at 1:48 pm |
527. Liz
     

     I'm not sure why the servers commenting have said they shouldn't be punished for having a bad day at work. I worked at Arby's for 4 years and was NEVER rude to a customer, even if they were being absolutely ridiculous. No matter how bad my day was, if a customer came in, I was as nice as I would have been on any good day. Working in a hospital, I have plenty of bad days, and my patients would never have any idea if I'm having a bad day. People go out to eat to have a pleasant experience, not to have their server's bad day taken out on them. If I have to smile and do my job and be polite to everybody who upsets me, then I expect somebody is WORKING for their tips to give me good service. If you need that tip so bad, then you better earn it or go find a job where you can make the same amount of money regardless of your attitude. I have walked out on a tip twice. Once the service was completely horrible and after I stopped my waiter for a refill (after he had walked by my table at least 10-15 times), he slammed my cup down on the table without saying a word. Another time, I was in the corner and the server didn't come back once and I went my entire meal without a refill, while the server was outside playing with a baby for at least 10 minutes.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:44 pm |
528. Mary
     

     1st - I have worked as a server (both restaurant and banquet). Tips have been my primary and secondary income for many years. 2nd - I have left minimal and even no tip, I have no qualms about doing so and I will continue if the situation warrants it. I have expectations when I go into a restaurant (diner to fine dining) and they vary accordingly. If you exceed those expectations you will be tipped WELL! I understand a busy restaurant (I have eyes and ears) a simple acknowledgement (a nod, a wave, eye contact, etc) goes a very very long way to establishing a dining relationship, a great tip, and repeat business. I have left a 50%+ tip for a server at a busy restaurant because they were fabulous in all of the chaos. On the flip side if your restaurant is not busy and I have to “hunt down” you down to re-fill my drink glass you are not meeting the minimum expectation so you will get a minimal tip. If you are having a bad day resolve it before you get to my table, I couldn’t care less about the rest of your day. You were hired to do a job and that job is to provide SERVICE (not to transport food and/or drinks). I will not assume the reason you are providing poor service is because of a bad day but I will assume you don’t know how to do your job. If I go to your manager your day will not get better it will likely get worse. Do not under any circumstances assume because I am a single woman and dining alone I will not tip well, that would be a bad choice on your part. Do not assume because I do not order alcohol I will not tip, I will adjust the tip because I know where the margins are. If you are a female server realize I don’t care about your boobs, your hair or how cute you think you are! If you pay more attention to the male customers in the establishment I will notice and will adjust. Don’t assume because someone is wearing jeans and a t-shirt they will not tip well. Where I am from, some greasy, “oil under the finger nails car guys” have more money than doctors and attorneys and they are willing to “share the wealth”. My momma (and service business mentors) taught me to treat people the way that I wish to be treated. As a server you will be rewarded (in larger tips) more often than not.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:44 pm |
529. GOURMET GRINGO
     

     I do not carry a calculator and fixate over the exact percentage...Most often, I take 10% of the total (including tax) then double it and then round it up to the next dollar. A $39.45 check equates to an $8.00 tip.

     However, there was one specific time when the waitress was so *%^$&#@ horrible, I had to think about it. Now, if I leave nothing, there will be the thought that I possibly just forgot. So, I purposely and with a bit of fanfare made sure I personally handed the tip to the waitress, saying..."and this is for you". The amount was ONE THIN DIME

     July 13, 2010 at 1:44 pm |
530. Anthony
     

     "Are you guys serious? Throw a couple bones (literally $1 or $2 more) and call it a day. Why so bitter about a couple bucks? Will that change your lifestyle? Suddenly you can't go get yourself a Ferrari? Or, does it make you feel like you didn't get "taken" by a WAITER/WAITRESS? Does it make you feel like you stood up for yourself? Grow up, and just leave a couple extra."

     Earn it. The Anti-Goose egg arguments basically boil down to: don't hold me responsible if I'M having a bad day. I'm sorry to hear you're having a bad day. How about you suck it up and deal with it so you don't make everyone else's day worse off as well? And if you don't like making $2.65 an hour... perhaps you should be looking for a different job.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:43 pm |
531. Franklin Cleary
     

     For the people with the entitlement arguments "Duh, just pay me no matter how badly I do", it's pretty obvious why they're relegated to that job. Take that attitude somewhere else and see what it gets you.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:43 pm |
532. Scott
     

     Having worked as a waiter for many years, I can say that there were times where I wasn't able to give the best service, and it was out of my control. Sometimes it's the kitchen, but most of the time it's because the restaurant is understaffed (people called in sick, or the restaurant got slammed). Some guests are perceptive enough to see what's going on, while others just think it's bad service. My advice for someone that is really upset with the service is to speak with the manager.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:42 pm |
533. hhm
     

     I have tipped as high as a $100 for a server who just made our night perfect. I have left a penny for a knuckle-head who just didn't follow through. And to 'oh my' in the article above: there is something seriously wrong with your attitude dude. You should be on a watch list somewhere.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:42 pm |
534. Ian
     

     I'm a former server, and worked in the industry for close to a decade. In all my time serving I have seen the good the bad and the UGLY. I was really good at what I did, and if there was a mistake I was sure to correct it in a friendly manner.
     1. leaving a zero tip is one thing, but leaving a few coins is such a piss in the face. If the service is soooo bad, get the manager and let him/her know. Doing this will work to your advantage as they will usually (especially in a corporate store) comp your meal or discount it at the very least.

     1.2 Note if you get your meal comped and you still leave no tip, then you probably eat babies and should stay in and make your own damn food.

     2. Working in the industry is one of the most thankless jobs ever. think about it...most people are grouchy when their hungry, and that's all you deal with is hungry grouchy people, it's tough when most time you have to apologize for a problem you had nothing to do with. BE NICE TO YOUR SERVER FROM THE START AND THEY WILL TREAT YOU LIKE GOLD, TRUST ME.

     3. This is just a side note...When you ask a waiter for something and he/she asks if anyone at the table needs anything, let them know! There is nothing more annoying than dropping off a side of ranch that someone asked for then hearing "oh yeah i need some more cheese on this" then only to return with that and have another request thrown at you. It will make your server angry and take away time the server could use to help other guests...and that guest could be you one day. Because when i've been asked where have you been I need to get some more (insert food luxury) for my stupid kid" I'm not allowed to say, "sorry (insert name rhyming with itch) i was taking care of my (insert obscenity) tables that can't make up their minds (show middle finger)"

     4. Golden rule of dinning out....Unless the server is a complete Jerk and effed up everything...leave a freakin' tip you cheap (insert choice word). Cause we're smarter than we smell and you will be remembered!

     Good Day.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:42 pm |
535. Megamike36
     

     Wait service is a true meritocracy. The good ones will make better than aveage money. The others, well, they make what they deserve. If you cannot figure out how to be pleasant, efficient, and accurate enough to make decent tips (on your own merit, nt because I feel "obligaated") then you need to do something that will mak money.

     Bottom line, if you suck, you will not be tipped, and your manager will be notified. If you are adequate, you will receive an adequate tip. if you are excellent, you will be well rewarded, and your manager notified.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:41 pm |
536. CH
     

     I previously worked as a server. I considered it my duty to be on top of my game and serve my customers. I cannot recall a single time that I received a low tip. If something went wrong with food I was right there apologizing and correcting. I considered it my job to make sure that the customer enjoyed their evening and had proper service. Yes, I encountered rude people. But I greeted them with a smile and had them smiling before they left. I am no longer in the industry and still have that same mind frame. If I go out to eat for the evening there is a reason. I do not want to do it for myself. I expect the waiter/waitress to get my order correct and be timely about it. They are the ones representing their company for me. If they do a poor job you can bet they will not get a tip. On top of that, the manager will get a piece of my mind. And more than likely, if the service was THAT bad, I will not be returning to the establishment. There are those that are not cut out for that type of job. As for those that take a no tip personally, odds are you should take it personally. No tip does not necessarily mean the person is cheap. Yes, sometimes it does. But usually it means they did not like the service they were given. Tips are optional, not required.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:41 pm |
537. sick of entitlement
     

     I am so sick of entitlement. I don't get tipped if I do my job well but you bet your bottom I get sued if I screw up. YES, I am in one of the jobs that people expect service, rarely pay, stiff us, complain, and don't do what they are told and then blame us: I am in health care. I don't know a single person in health care that gets tipped for doing their job. Maybe these wait people just need to live on what they make or get new jobs. Sign me Tired of paying for everyone elses failures.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:40 pm |
     • AAllen
       

       You're kidding right? I have been trying for 18 months to "get another job". I have two degrees, mind you, and most of the things I interview for I am not chosen for because I am overqualified, not underqualified. I am not a failure. If I was a failure, I would be sitting at home not doing anything. But I go into my restaurant every day and wait on you and people like you and I smile and treat you very kindly in the hopes that you will recognize my service, which is MY JOB and put a couple dollars in your check presenter. BTW, I worked this evening and it came out to $13/hr. I don't think that is an unreasonable wage.

       July 14, 2010 at 12:11 am |
538. AAllen
     

     This comment is SPECIFICALLY for Jaliska. I am a college educated young woman who has had no luck in this very tough job market. I have been looking for a "good-paying job somewhere else" for 18 months now. I don't choose to be a server. I HAVE to be a server if I would like to provide for my family and keep my home. I make around $15 an hour being a server, and wouldn't get paid that to answer phones at a temp position. I close at least 4 nights a week, not getting home until almost midnight. That being said, I am a ridiculously good server. I am kind, prompt and genuinely do my absolute best to ensure that you and your guests are being treated well. "It's not the customer's problem that the server doesn't earn enough money to fend for himself. We eat out to feed ourselves, not to worry about someone else." That is quite possibly the most ignorant comment I have ever heard. You don't eat out to feed yourselves. You could sit at home and feed yourself. And make your own food. And get our own drinks. And clean up after you and your friends and family. You expect the employees of a restaurant to do that for you when you go out. And that's what we do. Your tip ensures that we make at least minimum wage so that we can do things like enjoy a meal out. Quite frankly this entire discussion is alarming. I didn't realize there were so many people who literally had no clue and thought themselves so high and mighty that they wouldn't leave a few dollars to "teach a lesson." Almost all of the co-workers at my restaurant have college degrees. The ones who do not are in school to do so. We are not on drugs. We are not crazy partiers. We have homes and families of our own. We wait tables because it's flexible. We can take our kids to school and doctor's appointments. Often times, it's the only constant in a very tough economy such as it is right now. Please think before you walk out of a restaurant without leaving a tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:40 pm |
539. Karen
     

     I find it fascinating how freaking self-righteous the public is about how much tip to leave or whether to leave no tip...how many of you out there have gone to work AND BEEN ON TOP OF YOUR GAME EVERY SINGLE DAMN DAY and because you work in an office you are still paid your wages whether you have had a good day or a bad day....NO ONE knows what is going on in the life of a waitstaff employee...GIVE IT A BREAK!

     July 13, 2010 at 1:39 pm |
540. Donna
     

     Let me first say that I tip very well when service is very good. I tip poorly if the service is poor. I think most people understand that if my steak comes out rare when I asked for medium, the poor waiter doesn't know... he sees a cooked steak. What I am talking about is rude or unconcerned staff. The only thing that changed my mind here is the whole penny tip. When I don't leave a tip, it's because the waiter was completely underserving of it.

     The biggest problem I have is going out to an establishment and spending $30 for a meal and then I have to pay someone to bring it to me. Again... I do tip, but I don't like it. I feel the restaraunt should pay their staff and not me. Now, you go to a chinese buffet and the waiter wants a tip for bringing me water?! Everyone wants tips these days. Go to Starbucks and there is a tip jar. For what? Am I getting an extra $2 of a latte? However, I agree... a tip is earned. Some guy made a comment about punishing wait staff for having an off night. I don't care if the guy is having an off night. Now I have to have one and pay him for it? If I were a waitress, my whole world could be falling apart, but no one would ever know it because I would want tips.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:39 pm |
541. Amy
     

     Quit making excuses. Server's fault, kitchen's fault, I don't care. I'll tip you if you're cordial, but NO you are not ENTITLED to 15 or 20%. Sorry. You EARN a tip. That's the freaking definition of a tip. From merriam webster: "A GIFT tendered for a service performed". It's a gift, not a wage. If you want higher wages that are guaranteed and entitled, you're going to have to find a different line of work. Our social norm is to tip, yes, but based on a variety of things. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed visiting Ireland and Scotland where you did NOT tip bartenders. You tipped waitstaff IF you wanted, truly. That's the way it should be in the US, but I realize we are the land of entitlements.

     Long story short – yes, I tip. Typically 12-15%. If you're amazing and cheery (not fake), and seem to give a crap about my experience then you may get 20%. If you barely do you job, you'll get 12%. If you're completely rude and could give a crap that you're supposed to be HELPING me, then you get nada.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:38 pm |
542. Todd
     

     There is such a pervasive attitude of entitlement amongst resaurant services. And you can hear it in the comments left by some of your readers who state that they are. I have 3 daughters that are waitresses and have taught them that tips are optional and that that they need to earn their tips by going above and beyond. Shame on those servers that believe otherwise.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:38 pm |
543. star
     

     SICK AND TIRED of servers with entitlement issues!! Even if the food is late/cold/wrong, a server who is attentive and has a good attitude gets my full tip. Even if the food is fast/excellent/exact, a server who is inattentive and snarky/snotty/rude/ignoring/insulting gets ZIPPO and a complaint to the manager. Hey, servers, if you dont like working for minimum wage plus tips, get a different job. At the least, if you choose food service, act like you give a crap about your job and your customers. I am not eating there to do you a favor. Im paying for your service.
     For the record, good service and good food gets waaaayyyy more than 15-20%. Yeah, you might get a few losers who stiff you for no reason. But if you are good, trust me, that is RARE.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:37 pm |
544. Audra
     

     My husband and I dine out at locally-owned restaurants and we try to tip in the 40-60% range as a rule. If we ever receive poor service from the waitstaff, we make a point of speaking with the owner directly when we notice a problem – before our evening is ruined. This has not happened often, fortunately.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:37 pm |
545. Jeff
     

     Tipping is not a standard, tipping should only be given to those who go above and beyond expectations like an office worker would receive a raise or bonus. The rest of the world doesn't run on tips, in Japan I've been chased out of the door so the worker could return to me what I had left for tip. You get paid for good service like I'm paid to put out good work at the office. It's like Chris Rock says, they (service staff) want credit for something they're supposed to do, next time I'll leave you a cookie.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:37 pm |
546. giftshopping
     

     Most important is friendliness. Poor food / service can be overlooked with a friendly attitude. Regardless, leave a tip. Would you carry a stranger's drinks and food for free?

     July 13, 2010 at 1:37 pm |
547. Erin
     

     Clearly, 71% of the population who has read / voted on this article has never worked in the service industry before. Servers live off a wages. No tip means you're that much further from paying your bills. Thanks, every one who has stiffed your server, for taking external factors into consideration: they are having problems at home. Their dog died. Their car got repossessed. Maybe they're tired. Maybe they're so busy they are busting their buns to attend to you, but you can't wait 30 extra seconds to get your extra lemon for your water. Americans are too busy. Slow down, enjoy your company and your food and be thankful that someone other than YOU are bringing out food for your pleasure.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:37 pm |
     • CK
       

       Erin, do you understand the industry you're in? You sound really confused. Thankful that someone else is bringing ME food....duh, that's the point! I think it's time you switched careers.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:07 pm |
548. Shannon
     

     To Jaliska: your comment is one of the most ignorant I have ever read in all my life. Why do people assume that everyone is obligated to give tips? Because this is America, and that's how our system works. If you do not agree with it, don't go out to eat. In the state I live in, servers are paid 3.75/hr. + tips. Keep in mind, they usually have to tip the bar and busser out as well. So you're punishing those people as well, over a few dollars? I have received terrible service that I don't think warranted a good tip, but 10-12% is the worst tip someone will get from me. Waiting tables myself, I have had nights where everything snowballed, and even though I consider myself a strong server, I had off nights. Also, there are other factors to consider: maybe they are new, maybe another server tipped them off that you are notorious for leaving bad tips...it could be any number of things. So think twice before you use thin-threaded, piss poor justifications for just being cheap. People look for ANY excuse to leave a bad tip and it enrages me.
     "Tips shouldn't even be expected unless a server demonstrates impeccable service and does extra things they aren't paid to do" –This statement is just ridiculous. Everything your server does they aren't paid to do, really. Yes, I receive 3.75/hr but that is eaten up by taxes on my tips as well as my health insurance. My paycheck is almost always void.

     Some servers are lazy and I feel as though that type of service may not warrant 20%, but you must take all factors into consideration. I have had situations where I was not allowed to leave work (at a corporate restaurant) even though I could barely talk (I was diagnosed with strept the next day). So think twice before you think you're so clever leaving a dime or a penny as a tip, because chances are, the entire waitstaff will find out pretty quickly how ignorant and cheap you are.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:36 pm |
     • CK
       

       Shannon, your coment is just as ridiculous and ignorant. Read Jeff's comment about the train moving, and not the station. He's got it right!

       July 13, 2010 at 5:05 pm |
549. momof3
     

     Silly Silly YES I chose to have kids and that is first and foremost number one priority!!! You say the fact I had kids is why I had to choose to wait tables. SO WHAT, I couldve stayed in a 9to5 job and put them in day care, They have always had a parent home with them raising them, so what if I have managed to do that by choosing to wait tables I enjoy my job more than any
     i have done most customers are great people. Point was people not most but some act like they are better people than their severs, they are not, dont just leave no tip because you think we should have a different job with a better hourly pay.. And no my children are not home smoking pot while I work, they are home with my husband, IDIOT.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:36 pm |
550. jennygirl
     

     i was a waitress for 17 years, and i worked very hard for my tips, expending myself even while i was on a break, to ensure that my people were being served. i had bad days sometimes, and i've dealt with cheap people who just don't understand the system ('you're getting paid to serve me, why should i tip you?') i know the difference between "bad" service in which the server is swamped, and bad service in which the server feels entitled to a tip without expending extra effort. i was a server, i know. it takes really bad service or downright neglect for me to not leave a tip, but when that happens, sorry, no tip from me.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:36 pm |
551. Lagunatic
     

     Any bill I get that is under $25 gets a $5 tip especially when I'm out w/ my kids because kids add a lot of work for the waitstaff.. I leave at least 20% for anything over $25. For bad service, I give 10% and only because I don't want to stiff the bussing people just because the wait staff sucked. Once, while in SoBe, I left a low tip because the service was bad and the waitress chased me down the street! She said, "I don't know if you realize, but it's customary to leave a tip in the US." I said, "Yes, I'm American. But it's only customary if the tip is warranted."

     July 13, 2010 at 1:36 pm |
552. Franklin Cleary
     

     I had a waittress once bring her freakin' kid to the table at tip~time. Her kid!

     I have zero problem leaving a .01 cent tip for poor/non-existence service, and no problem leaving large tip for good service. Its no suprise that the opinions of "always leave a tip no matter how poorly the waiter does" comes from waiters...who probably are bad. If you want a good tip, do your job well! How hard is that? IF you want hand-outs, go bed on the street or something. If you're working for your money, do a good job.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:35 pm |
553. Abacobeachbum
     

     It's funny. All I hear from some of these waiters is entitlement, entitlement, entitlement. "Don't penalize us for having a bad day." Well how about you make it a good one before you serve my table? Welcome to the real world. We all have bad days. I am in sales. Do you think the perspective customer is going to give a rat's derriere whether or not I've had a bad day? You get one chance to make a good impression. Don't do the job if you can't fulfill what the acronym stands for...T.I.P...to insure proper service. How about some accountability here?!

     July 13, 2010 at 1:34 pm |
     • Nadezdha
       

       In my line of work (teaching), no one cared if I'm sick, tired, or waiting to hear that my father has just died. I'm expected to do my job. Period. So why should I care about my server's issues?

       FWIW, many of my students who waited tables earned more than me.

       July 13, 2010 at 8:15 pm |
554. Mr. Pink
     

     I'm very sorry the government taxes their tips, that's fucked up. That ain't my fault. It would seem to me that waitresses are one of the many groups the government fucks in the ass on a regular basis. Look, if you ask me to sign something that says the government shouldn't do that, I'll sign it, put it to a vote, I'll vote for it, but what I won't do is play ball. And as for this non-college bullshit I got two words for that: learn to fuckin' type, 'cause if you're expecting me to help out with the rent you're in for a big fuckin' surprise.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:34 pm |
555. CJEH
     

     I'll say it again. The laws need changed. Waitstaff income should not be dependent on tips, and tips should be for ABOVE and BEYOND service, not just doing your job.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:34 pm |
556. Fred Is God
     

     Fred I back you 100%. Tipping is retarded and restaurants charge enough for their food that yes they should be paying their staff, not me. Now with that said if my server goes out of the way to make the expierence that much better they sure I would be willing to tip for that. For normal, expected service no tip should be expected.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:33 pm |
557. Happy to Serve
     

     As a waiter, I can say the best thing to do is leave bare minimum ( I would call that 10%) and tell the server yourself you were not pleased, then ask the server to get the manager so you can let them know. Trust me, the embarrassment is more than enough of a punishment.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:33 pm |
558. EDDANTES
     

     I usually go out to dinner at least once a week with my wife; we live in New York city, more exactly Queens New York, there are plenty of good restaurants in Queens, hundreds, so we have choices, we get bad service in a bad restaurant, no problem, we go to the next one, an so on.
     My wife is excellent tipper, she used to be a witress and I understand the reason why she leaves much more than is required on a tip, sometimes she goes overboard with the tips; However if the service is lousy the tip is low or no tip at all; how hard can it be to be nice to people? how difficult can it be to be a waiter? come on! all I ask is someone pleasent, after all if I am going to dinner to spent over a $150 dollars on a meal I expect not only the food to be good but the service to be up to part with it; if I want bad service or no service at all I would go to McDonalds and save myself over a $100 bucks.
     People go out to dinner for the experience of it all, not just the food, IF I GET BAD SERVICE I LEAVE NO TIP, period, you don't deserve it, you are not doing your job correctly, go home and come back to work when you feel like doing your job.
     Next time I just leave a penny, good advice.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:33 pm |
559. Ex-Waitress
     

     I feel like this debate over tipping is never going to be resolved. For every former server who stresses how important tipping is and how difficult it is to be a waiter/waitress, there is always going to be some jerk who doesn't understand what it's like and who will continue to stiff servers until his dying day. Some people just won't change, and if you've never waited tables, you'll never truly understand.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:32 pm |
560. Brian W
     

     I've waited tables, worked in a sandwich shop as well as delivered pizza. Because of these experiences when I tip I tend to over tip. Once when a group of friends and I stopped at a certain favorite restaurant and the kitchen stayed open a little later for us I double our bill as the tip.

     That being said I also have a base expectation from my server. If the wait for food items or drinks is bad and my server communications and apologizes along the way – no problem, I won't hold it against them. It's when my table is ignored or deliberately by-passed that I hold the server responsible. And on occasion you just get someone who can't hack it that day regardless of the reason.

     Either way, here is what my server can expect out of me as a customer. When I ask for something, I'll try to say please. When you bring me something, I'll say thank you and mean it. I'll try to be pleasant and as unobstrusive to my fellow customers as possible. I'll try not to leave too much of a mess (not always easy with a 2yr old) but will try.

     One thing I do like to do is when I order my drink, usually just a coke, I always ask for a glass of water as a backup. If my drink is always filled and I don't have to go to my water I will usually tip about 25%. If I take a sip or two then it'll be around 20%. The amount of tip goes down as does the water in my water glass.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:32 pm |
561. Thegoodman
     

     I was a waiter in high school and probably the worst waiter ever. That being said, I made $2.35 an hour. If the service is bad, I leave 10%. If its good, I leave 20%.

     Here is a tip for anyone who sucks at math. When the bill comes, move the decimal place to the left 1 place. Round down to the nearest dollar. Then double it. This will always put you in the 15-20% range for a tip and you don't have to think about it. All restaurants are different, but where I worked, the servers just took their tip amount out of the drawer in cash if the tip was written on the credit card statement. This means that when smart ass people left EXACTLY a 15% tip of $4.56 I had to dig pennies and crap out of the drawer, then I Had to carry it around all night. Do the server a favor and leave whole bill tips (quarter/halfs are acceptable, but not ideal).

     Example:
     If your bill is $45.60 -> 4.56 -> 4 -> 8, you leave an 8 dollar tip (17.5%).

     July 13, 2010 at 1:32 pm |
     • 15-20%
       

       You gotta be kidding! You don't want loose change so we should round it up?!! It's thinking like yours that makes so many of us resentful of some servers' sense of entitlement.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:45 pm |
     • Nadezdha
       

       I was taught to round up, not down.

       You must be making plenty of money if you can afford to complain about the form in which you receive it. Must be nice.

       July 13, 2010 at 8:09 pm |
562. Stevie J
     

     If the service is horrible, I will speak to the manager and will leave a very low tip. But as a general rule of thumb we typically take the tax amount on the bill, double it & that is the tip we leave. If the service above expectations we will leave more. But that doesn't happen all that much these days.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:32 pm |
563. Miltalk
     

     I have left no tip at times. Once after evening of horrible service, waiter lost our credit card. Couldn't even pay our bill. Was found in dishwasher.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:31 pm |
564. Mara
     

     since 'tips' is an acronym for 'to insure prompt service' it would only follow that poor service would mean no T.I.P.S. The assumption is that ALL servers will be adequate, so the tip is a bonus for superior (or 'prompt') service. That the government has chosen to count this ‘bonus’ as part of regular wages is unfortunate. Maybe that’s where servers should be focusing instead of whining about all the deadbeats who don’t tip them just for showing up at the table…

     July 13, 2010 at 1:27 pm |
565. Atlanta1212
     

     People that use the excuse that the server "chose to work for tips" need to be reminded that they also made a choice; to eat at a restaurant where tipping is VERY MUCH a part of the entire dining experience. If the service is so horrible that you would eventually feel the need to leave nothing, you definitely should have spoken to a manager earlier and had the situation resolved. If it still did not meet your approval, by all means you are not required or expected to patronize that particular establishment again. But, if you take it upon yourself to decide the best course of action is just to stiff your server, the only thing you will have accomplished is to very successfully make yourself look like a cheap jerk. I was a server for almost 6 years, but I have been a customer for a lot longer and I do understand both sides of a complaint. What I will never begin to fathom however is the complete lack of understanding and patience some people exhibit when going out in public. A little known fact to people who have never waited tables is that not only does the server rely on your tip but so do everyone that is involved in the preparation. A server will literally lose money on a table that had several bar drinks and didn't tip, because they are still required to "tip out" the bartender for their services. It's as simple as this: tipping IS indeed a part of dining out. If you do not agree with this requirement, please feel free to pull around to the first window.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:26 pm |
566. Paddy
     

     I have left 25% or more to zero based on service. I was a server as well and I know how I would like to be served and subsequently I tip accordingly. Bad nights to not account for lack of service and attitude. I deal with the public everyday, I am a public servant and I have bad days. I never ever project my "bad" day on others. I suck it up put on a fake smile and deal with it. Not that hard to do. Part of the dining experience is the service. If a server acknowledges the fact that not all is going well, that person will still receive the appropriate tip. I am observant and notice whether or not my server is trying their best or just being a lousy server. Bottom line, no (or lousy) service, no tip. Tell the mgr.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:26 pm |
567. ron
     

     I have never been a waiter but that is irrelevant here.
     I feel that tipping is taken for granted. Tips have to be
     earned by normal or better-than-normal service.
     If a food service system relies on 15% or more tips to operate
     normally then the system is flawed, not the customer.
     I always tip normally (approx 15%) for normal or better than normal service.
     If below normal I will judge and tip accordingly lower (down to 0)
     If excuse is that too many customers and not enough waiters that changes
     nothing. As a customer in a restaraunt I will always look at it from my point of view.
     If too many customers caused less tips from each customer due to bad service, that is still OK since
     more customers means more $ and it balances out.
     Anyone who complains of not getting enuf (tips) should first evaluate themselves b4 blaming the customers.
     Remember the golden rules:
     1. The customer is ALWAYS right
     2. If you think the customer is wrong, refer to rule #1 above

     July 13, 2010 at 1:26 pm |
568. Harry
     

     I worked as a Pizza delivery guy for 9 years when i was younger and understand issues that may cause delays. BUT there is no excuse for bad service.

     Stopping by the table to make sure drinks are full and apologizing that the kitchen is backed up, is not bad service. Ignoring my table while you fawn over other tables sure is; or disappearing and only surfacing when you have to deal with the table is poor service. You do what is your job, bare minimum, I gladly give 20%+ otherwise you are looking at next to nothing, or as I wrote in a tip line once: "Not a Dime".

     Also I will never understand how a pizza guy risks his life, punishes his car, comes to deliver in the rain to your home because you are too lazy to get in your car and do the same, and you give him a buck and change, if anything. But someone grabs a sandwich and walks it ten feet and they expect 20%. Doesn't make sense to me.

     Do your job or expect no tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:26 pm |
569. Rebecca
     

     I have to follow a gluten free diet. It's a medical issue. If the waitress can't help me, it has consequences for me. I was in a chain restaurant not so long ago where the cute little girl couldn't tell me what was gluten free & what wasn't. She finally recommended the chicken pecan salad. Sounded good & I was hungry. When it came, the chicken was breaded. I asked for another salad, sans chicken. She took it back to the kitchen and picked the chicken bits off, and brought it back to the table. I was munching it down, found a chicken bit that she missed. My dining companions felt they would be embarrassed if I complained. So we gladly stiffed her, leaving her the salad. I've been in chains where management doesn't care about celiacs and won't provide a gluten free menu. This was one of them. & I wasn't the one who wanted to go there, it was another woman's birthday.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:26 pm |
570. Dennis, NY
     

     I have always believed that "TIPS" stands for "to insure proper service." If it isn't, I don't. Pure and simple. It is my belief that no matter what the job, you do it to the best of your ability. If a person feels the job is below them, they should find another. I have known far to many actors and dancers who rely on the waiter/waitress jobs while they are breaking into their chosen profession and, for the most part, they work as hard at food service as they do at their professions. That is as it should be.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:26 pm |
571. Cyan
     

     I find the opinion of "Jaliska" in the article to be extremely offensive, and urge people of this opinion to not eat out at a restaurant. Ever.
     A waiter is not paid much to do anything ($2.17/hr minimum here in Georgia) and to say that expecting a tip for providing a service of preparing and serving a meal is a "show of entitlement" is nothing less than absolutely offensive.
     As someone who has worked in the restaurant business for a few years now, I can tell you that most of us don't have the "choice" to work elsewhere, Jaliska. It is your responsibility as a decent human being to ensure that you take these things into account. It may not be your "problem" that I can't personally pay my bills because you and many others can't spare a dollar for my service, but knowing good and well that we are paid such low wages and not leaving anything just because you feel like we must enjoy poverty as we CLEARLY aren't trying is unacceptable. I don't understand people like you, and I suggest you stay home next time you think of eating out. Your business isn't wanted.
     We all have bad days, the only difference is that my wages are directly affected by this and yours are not. But since I really must not want to get a "good-paying job somewhere else" I guess it's okay for you to walk away satisfied with making this assertion. Never mind that many of us struggle to feed our families, take care of medical concerns, and barely drag our ways through school (ironic considering your sorry statement); please, by all means, remind us of why we CHOOSE to keep such a frustrating (thanks to people like you) and unreliable job.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:25 pm |
572. Maureen Molleron
     

     I've been a waitress and why should the server be given no tip when the food sucks?! Maybe it's burnt or under cooked! Servers should not have to rely on tips to make a decent wage. Slave labor!

     July 13, 2010 at 1:25 pm |
573. tb
     

     I normally tip at 20-30%. For that, I expect polite, attentive service. I understand that the server often has multiple tables and do not expect them to fawn over my table.

     I have tipped zero exactly once, and that was exactly what the "server" deserved. I hand wrote on the back of the receipt the exact reason why. The server spent all of their time flirting with another customer, and could not be bothered for silverware, refills, ask if the food was well prepared or even to bring my check to me. I had to flag down a busboy to bring the manager so I could get my check. As I spoke to the manager about our experience, the server simply stood and glared at me.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:24 pm |
574. Adam
     

     I'm sorry to all you servers who feel entitled to your tips, but you're not. A tip is something earned through good service, it always has been, and should never be required or expected. Noting that, I always leave a tip for my server, so long as the server is doing their job well. If you aren't seeing to our table and our requests in a decent fashion, if you're rude and make your customers flag you down or wait for overly long times for food/service, you aren't doing your job well. I understand restaurants are busy, but at least have the courtesy to come by the table and make sure we are doing ok.

     I work in a busy industry as well, and tips are not required here. However, I do my job well and still manage to get tips from customers. Why? Because I serve their needs and do what is necessary to make the customer happy. Bottom line: The customer is your pay check. See to your customer, they are your client. Make them happy, do a good job, and a tip should be the last worry on your mind when they are finishing up their dinner. If you are not getting tips, maybe you should re-evaluate your service techniques – it goes both ways here. Either you're doing a terrible job unworthy of a tip, or your customer really is a cheap ass.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:24 pm |
575. Bob
     

     Maybe restaurants in the US should pay their servers enough so that they actually value their job. Then they might act like any other professional would and provide good service because doing that is their profession.

     Of course, this would probably shut down half of the low-to-mid-range restaurants in the USA because it would make the operating cashflow of having payroll go up 10x unmanageable.

     Maybe there is an opportunity for restaurants looking to differentiate to start branding themselves as "service is included" (while charging higher prices) and let people vote with their wallets.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:24 pm |
576. AndyTheGameIventor
     

     It's interesting that when I've traveled to Asia, where tipping is not part of the culture – but there's usually a 20% service charge added to the bill – service is usually excellent – much better than the US standard for service. In the US, most restaurants add forced gratuities larger parties, and service is typically the same or slightly worse as for a small table.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:24 pm |
577. SDKERMIE
     

     I understand that waiter/waitress's have to deal with many unpleasant, rude people. I am not one of them.
     If we go out for a nice dinner and the person serving us totally ruins the evening for us because of attitude or poor service, there is no way I am going to tip them. However, I would never leave that situation without speaking to the manager. I actually had a server at a restaurant tell me (after nicely sending the dish back twice) that they normally serve their pasta luke warm and if I wanted it hot I should have said so when I ordered it. And the manager backed her up. HUH??? Needless to say there was no tip for anyone and we have never been back to that restaurant.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:24 pm |
578. Chris
     

     To those complaining about not leaving tips, the door swings both ways. I routinely will tip 30% and even 50% if I feel the service has exceeded my expectations. Coming from the service industry it is expected that you check your bad day at the door when you clock in, if you let one or two bad customers ruin your day perhaps you should explore a job with less social interaction. As a consumer it is our right to vote with our dollars.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:23 pm |
579. waiter/server
     

     As someone who has worked as a waiter for about 5 years in NYC, I'll point out a couple of things that i know and many people ignore simply because they have never done my job. 1. whatever you tip, the server will most likely get less than half of that. 2. Servers have to control many variables in order for you to get a great service; such as busboys doing their job, runners doing their job, bartenders,,,,kitchen staff. etc. 3. While we are serving you, in an 8 + hour shift, we have to deal with obnoxious customers, rude people, crowded places, bad staff and mediocre managers...plus the people who are just cheap and don't tip. WORD of advice, when you go out, you should be more concern in having a good time with whoever you're going out with, instead of making a big deal out of every single thing..and if you can't afford to go out, simply have a pizza and enjoy your life...by the way most people expect a 5 star service from every restaurant....like ify you were paying $200 dollars for a 20 ounce steak.. and $1200 for a bottle of wine...

     July 13, 2010 at 1:23 pm |
     • Tina
       

       How about those waiters that completely ruin your night? Like that dumb ass that poured coke all over my infant daughter and acted like it wasn't a problem? Or the jerk that dumped my husband's plate of food in his lap and then laughed about it? You think THEY deserve tips? I'll give them a tip.... RUN!

       July 13, 2010 at 1:27 pm |
     • Brian W
       

       I believe you have forgotten something. It doesn't matter if I'm your first customer of the day or your last, I should be receiving the same level of quality service and professionalism from you. If through the course of our interaction, I discover that it's towards the end of your shift and you're still doing a great job and being pleasant and attentive, I'll probably through something extra into the tip.

       Also, of every server treated every dinner or drink as if they were as expensive as you suggested at the end of your comment, I think that would raise the overall level of service and thus your earning potential.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:44 pm |
580. Craig T
     

     If a waiter/waitress is horrible it is ok to leave a bad tip, but you should never leave no tip or a penny, that is just plain insulting to the entire staff of a rest, and prob cause to spit in someones food on the next ocation, poor service 8% good service 25%, and to all wait staff it is ok to give a customer a buy back on a drink it will increase your chance on getting a great tip and is well appreciated.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:22 pm |
581. jo
     

     this is hilarious. to be clear, i have been a waiter. however, the sense of entitlement is too funny. just pay me even if i suck? hmmm. it seems that most of the people writing this are wiaters. go figure. if i suck at work i get fired. why should u pay the highest paid empolyees of a restaurant if they suck at their job? btw, i tip up to 30% for great service.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:22 pm |
582. Gordon Lightfeet
     

     If a waiter/waitress is horrible it is ok to leave a bad tip, but you should never leave no tip or a penny, that is just plain insulting to the entire staff of a rest, and prob cause to spit in someones food on the next ocation, poor service 8% good service 25%, and to all wait staff it is ok to give a customer a buy back on a drink it will increase your chance on getting a great tip and is well appreciated if the food actually is not good or if the cust is just a cool person.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:21 pm |
583. Dave
     

     For all you people who are saying that customers not leaving a tip "cuts into your wages", I say the lack of a $5 or $10 tip does not leave you poor and hungry. If you are getting no tips from multiple customers over an extended period of time, I think you need to find a new career. Get over it. And yes, I have been a waiter, and earned every tip I got, and yes, I have and will leave $0 tip for poor waiters.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:21 pm |
     • Drew
       

       I agree 100%. If you can't handle the work, find a different job. Don't just complain and blame the people that didn't give tips. Realize that not getting a tip may be a sign of poor performance and work on it. Or find a different job and just shut your mouth. I shouldn't feel obligated to reward crappy service.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:39 pm |
584. Lynne
     

     Just another small comment from north of the border: how is it that our restaurant prices are not higher than yours, for equivalent types of seated restaurants, when just about everything else is more expensive here, and our waitstaff do make at least minimum wage, by law?

     Way up north, where everything needs to be flown in by bush plane, the prices are much higher as are the wages, of course. However, here in the "south" (i.e., places accessible by highway), our prices are not so outrageous as some of you are arguing would be the case if the waitstaff were paid minimum wage or better.

     Why is this?

     July 13, 2010 at 1:20 pm |
585. Your Friendly Server Mr. V
     

     Ok here we go again...

     If you don't tip a waiter, you're going to be burdened with bad karma forever. Tipping a shitty waiter puts you in the good karma category and you should leave that waiter a note letting them know that you were almost not going to tip them because of their shitty service. This will therefore (hopefully) wake up the waiter to the fact that they might be in the wrong career and send them either on to another career path that best suits their abilities and also gives you even more good karma.

     Not tipping a waiter at all for bad service is you proving that you're an asshole and you're an egotistical idiot.

     I'd like to see ANYONE who believes that NOT tipping service workers for bad service work as a server in a restaurant and see how good the service they provide is. Try it.

     :D

     Don't be an asshole. Tip your waiters.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:20 pm |
     • Tina
       

       "Don't be an asshole. tip your waiters."? How about "Don't be an asshole to the customer and you might get a tip"?

       July 13, 2010 at 1:24 pm |
     • 2cents
       

       Been there, done that. I've been a waitress for many years and I stand by my convictions. If the service is poor, the tip will reflect that. If I get no service, you get no tip, Step up to the plate and provide the service befitting a tip. Otherwise, evaluate why you don't receive a tip. Sure, there are some that just don't tip, or that tip poorly on a regular basis, but rest assured that when I tip, it's a direct reflection of the service YOU provided.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:26 pm |
     • Petar
       

       So true about the bad karma :) Sometimes it actually comes back to you really fast. I knew a waiter in one waterfront restaurant who ran his butt off to please one really hard to please elderly lady who apparently left him no tip. She left her $300 glasses at the table, which automatically flew into the water a minute before she comes back to look for them :)

       July 13, 2010 at 1:36 pm |
       • Tipper
         

         Karma goes the other way too.
         If the server doesn't give the customer halfway decent service,
         he or she soon enough won't be in the position to provide service period.

         July 13, 2010 at 6:50 pm |
586. Shannon
     

     I can say that I have had terrible serivce and not left a tip in addition to discussing the situation with management. However, I do something you rarely hear of now adays. If I have excepitonal service I have left 20%-25% tip along with letting management know the wait staff was excellent. It seems to me that everyone always focuses on the negative.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:20 pm |
587. Sy2502
     

     "Furthermore, that person will remember you forever, and if you do go into that restaurant again, rest assured that person will tell all of their co-workers just exactly how cheap you are, and you will receive poor service again."

     The author of this post doesn't realize that there are PLENTY of other restaurants in which we can eat, so by all means, continue giving customers bad service, you'll see how quickly your place becomes empty, and when the business you work for is failing (partly thanks to you, may I add, something to be proud of!) guess what's going to happen to you? You are going to lose your job! So what do you like better, getting no tip for your lousy service, and learning a lesson from it, or losing your job? Because, I will stress again, we the customers have PLENTY of other places to go to, if we don't like yours... but do YOU have that many other jobs waiting for you, when you lose yours?

     July 13, 2010 at 1:20 pm |
588. Tina
     

     We got a new Space Aliens in town so my husband, daughter, and I decided to go there one night. The waitress was HORRIBLE! She messed up our order, had a snotty attitude, never refilled our drinks the whole time we were there, and didn't give us out check till about 15 to 20 minutes after we had finished eating. She was standing over by some other table hitting on a group of boys. A person at another table that she was supposed to be helping tried calling her over, but she just looked over at the lady and then went back to chatting up the guys. The other people ended up walking out with out paying, and it didn't bother her in the least.

     I worked at a restaurant for 2 years, and if we didn't please the customer, we would get fired. Plain and Simple. We didn't work for tips, but we had the occasional customer that would tip us, but our boss never made us split it with anyone else. We worked out rear ends off. We weren't aloud to sit around and chat with our friends. No Way Jose!

     July 13, 2010 at 1:19 pm |
589. Jessica
     

     Bottom line: The government taxes the waiter/waitress if you leave a tip or not! The governemnt expects you to leave a tip, that's why the person only makes around $2- an hour. If you are not happy w/the service, talk to the manager to get compensated, but leave a minimum tip. If you had a bad day & didn't get your work done, how would you feel if your boss didn't pay you & then the gov. taxed you for money you never recevied?!

     July 13, 2010 at 1:18 pm |
     • Rusty
       

       Not too long ago, a BART police officer had a bad day on his job, and now he's going to jail for it.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:41 pm |
     • Nadezdha
       

       Untrue.The IRS will tax your income based on this estimate of your tip earnings or it will tax you on your actual tip earnings if you report them.

       July 13, 2010 at 7:55 pm |
590. Jeff
     

     Sucks being a server in Atlanta, no matter what you do, 90% of black people don't tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:18 pm |
591. David (former server)
     

     I believe it is hard for those who have neverworked as a server before to gauge what is good and great service. Though there is common knowledge to decent service (keeping drinks filled, checking on food, etc.) and obviously bad service, customers always base their judgement on arbitrary things like how long the food takes to cook (the chefs do that) whether or not the restaurant had an hour wait or whether it is basically empty.

     You don't tell a doctor how much you should pay for surgery because the general assumption is that performing surgery is hard. But people feel its well within their expertise to tip $0 because they know some of the things servers do and therefore it is easy. Pretty much a terrible assumption. That's why servers value what other servers do so much and would never insult a complete stranger by leaving him/her without a tip. For those that show a blatant disregard for their job, it's safe to send it up to management. What good does a passive-agressive move like leaving no tip do? You still got bad service, they got no tip, management doesn't know about it so they can't fix it. Besides, if your complaint has merit, managers are usually more than happy to comp your meal to keep your business.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:18 pm |
     • Tiffini S
       

       Whoa! Gotta disagree with you there. I not only eat out 2-3 times a week in all manner of restaurants, but I came from a family of servers. I know exactly what good service is versus bad. I have complained and complimented plenty in my day, due to sheer volume of experiences. The ONLY time I ever got comped a meal was when I heard a waiter call me a filthy name to the guys in the kitchen while I was walking back to the bathroom. Lets just say if you DO think a customer is 'one hot b!%@#' you should probably wait until she leaves the restaurant to state it.

       Other than that, I've never had compensation offered me, even when the server and/or restaurant was blantantly at fault for bad service. Occasionally a discount or maybe another visit free. Twice I even asked for compensation for horrid service/experience (both times I left before I even had my main course) and was denied. I eventually got comped by the company that owned the places both times.

       Don't assume managers are all on the customers side, just because they might be busting your chops as their employees. They want that profit more than anything else.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:30 pm |
592. jim
     

     Please explain to me why waiters expect to receive a PERCENTAGE of the bill as a tip. Is it more difficult or time consuming to deliver expensive food than less expensive food?

     July 13, 2010 at 1:17 pm |
     • Your Friendly Server Mr. V
       

       Jim, get a job as a waiter for a couple years and then you'll see why.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:21 pm |
     • Mountain Server
       

       Actually, serving at more expensive restaurants usually requires a higher level of skill. Often times your meal includes more courses (sometimes these are included in the price of the meal, like salad or soup). Also, higher end restaurants usually have a wine list and expect their servers to be well versed in the bottles offered so they can help fine patrons, such as yourself select the appropriate bottle to fit their taste and budget. So, yes, there is more involved in serving more expensive food; therefore, percentage tipping is appropriate. However, if you are dining at a high end restaurant and receiving a discount or deal, then you should really consider tipping on the full amount. After all, your food was discounted, not your service.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:01 pm |
593. rp
     

     I agree with no tipping if the service is bad. I have bussed tables and have done some serving. I remember one night, it was winter formal and I was bussing tables. The HEAD WAITRESS was helping my friends and I noticed she wasn't really "serving" them. They kept asking me where their waitress was and I ended up taking care of them for the evening. That night I got the tip and she got shafted. She then accused me of stealing her tip. I told her if she at least took the time to come back by the table then she might have gotten the tip.

     Another time I had a young lady very rudely approach me and ask if I was ready to order yet. I had just sat down and said no and she told me to hurry. She got 2 pennies that day. All because you make @ or less than minimum wage doesn't mean you deserve a tip. If you are so entitled, then get another job.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:17 pm |
594. ADiner
     

     There are many people whose jobs consist of a fixed salary, and a variable payment based on merit. Many people in corporate positions (at all levels) work with a salary and a bonus system, as do people in sales. Leaving aside the levels of the compensation serving jobs are no different. Yes, it is good for a diner to be aware that servers rely on the tip, however servers need to realize that tips are merit based and understand that even in situations in which they may not earn – even if no fault of their own, that money.

     In my job in a major corporation my annual bonus is based partially upon my performance, however partially upon my division's performance, and also upon corporate performance. I can do the best job in the world, but if it's a bad year for the division, or corporation, I won't get that part of the bonus. the same is true for servers.

     Incidentally, when a situation out of your control occurs, what you should do is acknowledge there was a problem, and do what you can within your job responsibilities to try to rectify the situation, and show the customer that you are aware of the issue and accept on behalf of the establishment that an error occurred. If you try to place blame elsewhere and that's it you won't get any sympathy from your clients. "Sorry for the delay" doesn't really cut it, and even moreso "the kitchen is running shorthanded". Be apologetic and don't come off as blaming someone else. As a diner I don't really care whose fault it is. Have a couple of appropriate quick jokes or comments (again that are not blaming someone else) perhaps, be sure to recognize and let the customer see you recognize their discontent. And accept responsibility. The kitchen may be running slow, but it's your job to try to fix it, not your customer's. Even things like letting the customer know food is running late (rather than ignoring the table until the food comes out) is important. Bring a couple of extra pieces of bread over and apologize for the delay while it's happening – let the customer know they are important.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:15 pm |
595. MarylandBill
     

     I understand those who believe that wait staff should always be tipped 15% or more (and when did it become 20%, that use to be for exceptional service and/or if you were feeling generous (probably because you were attracted to your server, but I digress).

     Here is the thing though, tipping is optional for a reason. Now, if someone routinely stiffs the server, they are simply cheap. However, as a customer I can usually tell when something is the fault of the server, and something is out of their control. I am willing to overlook certain mistakes provided they are apologized for and corrected in timely manner. What I am not willing to overlook is rudeness, or being ignored by my waiter. Yes, I understand, sometimes the Kitchen is backed up, that doesn't mean I shouldn't see the waiter at all in the 45 minutes between placing my order and receiving it. I also shouldn't need to wait 10 minutes between finishing my first soda/coffee and my first refill.

     One last thought, I understand that servers occasionally have an off day.. well, they need to realize that getting low tips is one of the consequences of that bad day. After all, the rest of us have bad days too, and we have to face the consequences as well.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:15 pm |
596. Nicole
     

     My husband and I tip very well, especially when we get great service. With that said, there are times when servers are pissed that they got the "black couple" in their section. They assume African Americans do not tip and will ask for extra this or that. That assumptions often leads them to speak in a slang vernacular when asking us for our order, as if they are "hip" or "down" and someone always ends up calling my husband "boss" or "bro".

     Being as nice as we are, we always tend to strike up a conversation with our server and call them by their name. There are times when, as hard as we try, there is no getting over whatever stereotype or assumption the server has about us.

     So there have been times when we have left nothing, due to horrible service. We also speak to a manager and to the server directly. We remind them that assuming makes an ass out of them, mostly.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:15 pm |
597. Katie
     

     Just for the record, for people who thinks like Jaliska, you ARE obliged to leave a tip in this country. If you're too cheap to tip, then don't go out to eat, we don't want you anyways. And sure servers choose to apply for those jobs (on good nights, you can make out pretty well), but it's not that easy to "get a good-paying job somewhere else." I waited tables while applying for better jobs after college, and it took me almost a year. If your server is blatantly ignoring you when the restaurant isn't crowded, that's one thing. Anything else, stop being such a stuck up snob. What else do you want, to server to feed you with a silver spoon?

     July 13, 2010 at 1:14 pm |
     • JJ
       

       I am NOT OBLIGED to satisfy your sense of entitlelment. I have waited tables numerous years and there is NO legal requirment to supplement your wages in a job you chose.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:38 pm |
       • Katie
         

         Fine, you're not legally obliged. If no one tips you, then your employer is obliged to pay you minimum wage to make up the difference. It's more of a cultural obligation, and the sense that you're a cheap jerk if you don't tip, and shouldn't even go out to eat in the first place. And yes, after dealing with snotty people like you all night, I DO feel entitled to a tip for busting my butt just to make you happy.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:52 pm |
     • sassy
       

       Katie,

       If we stayed home, you wouldn't have a job. DO the job with a pleasant attitude and you will be rewarded by me. I don't expect tricks and songs, just good service. You don;t have to entertain me, just take my order in a timely matter, check on me, and have a positive attitude. It's CUSTOMER SERVICE. I'm happy to reward that. I frequently go to Olive garden for a quick soup and salas lunch during rush hour. It's only $6.99 plus 2.50 for a drink. If I get excellent service, I tip 50% since it's so cheap. If I get an a$$hole with a bad attitude who ignores me, they get $.50. I think you get what you put out. You put out crappy service, you get a crappy tip.

       July 13, 2010 at 5:09 pm |
598. Hannah
     

     What happens if your friends don't tip? One time a couple plus their friend left the table without leaving a tip b/c they assumed gratuity had been added b/c the menu stated this would occur with a party of five. They left the building while I reviewed my bill. I realized that no tip was included, and I left one. As I am walking out with my boyfriend, the server jumps in our faces and angrily tells us, "Tell your friends I don't wait on them for free!" It was an incredibly awkward experience, and we had no idea that the other couple didn't leave a tip (and how are we responsible for them?). The manager just stood by and watched. I haven't returned to that restaurant.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:13 pm |
599. Tiffini S
     

     This is a slipperly slope. I used to go the 'noble' route and simply request another server if the current one wasn't getting the job done. The problem is, about 50% of the time, you get someone who treats you worse because they think you're just a complainer. And since you're dealing with people who are handling your food, well you never know who is low enough to do THAT, so it's usually best to keep your mouth shut until the end. I find ways to 'encourage' good service by being friendly, being ready to order, having pay splits figured out in advance, keeping my kid under control. I never waited tables, but my Mom, grandma and both sisters did. We were taught to have respect for waitstaff, but also to know when the person was just being incompetent or rude. As for some of these folks who say "How would you like it if your pay got docked when you were having a bad day." I say: "Then quit waiting and come work in an office." Trust me, there are plenty of low-paying, low-skill jobs here. And when you get treated like dirt here, you can't vent because it's not you against the customers. It's every man for himself and saying the wrong thing to the wrong person will get you fired. Maybe the pay is a little better, but taking your job home with you every day is not.

     When I worked in customer service (8 years) I just pasted on the smile and got on with my day. A customer once asked me "Don't you ever have a bad day?" and I replied "That's not in my job description, sir!" It's simply expected that you will never take out your temper on the customer. Ever. I've seen that change in the last few years, and smarten up a tad during the recession. The loss of revenue seems to have provided a fresh attitude towards customers. That's one good thing, I guess.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:11 pm |
600. Kristyne
     

     If you get horrible service and leave a tip anyway, then you're just telling that person (who probably doesn't give a rat's a$$) that it's okey for them to treat people as they have treated you. I too was a waitress and I earned my tips. Where I'm from, servers get paid minimum wage ($10.00/hr), so giving them extra to show them how crappy of a job they do is NOT the way it's done here. If I get a server who's exceptional, I will tip them over and above the minimum 10-15% just to let them know that they do a great job and that I'll be back.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:10 pm |
601. james
     

     Waiters and waitresses should be paid federal minimum wage. Raise the cost of the meals if needed. The gratutity then would be totally merit based. It is stupid to have a different payscale for wait staff. This should be changed.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:10 pm |
602. Ste
     

     When I have to call other waiters to get refills, find a manager to get my food and wait 45 minutes to get my bill process b/c you took my credit card with you on your smoke break- why on earth would I tip you? If I'm having a bad day at work and it effects my boss I get flak for it too. Why would being a waitor be any different. You either do your job well and get a customary tip 15-20% or you suck at it and get significantly less. I've been known to tip as high as 40% if a server really comes through with a good personality. However, just showing up doesn't earn it in my book.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:08 pm |
     • Dan
       

       Steve, good point. I do have a question for you though, and no I am not a server, lol. Is your salary at work a performance based salary where it can be affected by a bad day or is it like most that a bad day is not often reflected in a pay check? Flack from your boss is one thing, him taking 15% out of your pay check may be another thing entirely.

       I agree, bad service deserves recourse, however, I am not sure my wife would even make me dinner for less than a penny a minute....A review to the restaurant owner may not only change things, but also allow that person to grow and learn how not to have it happen in the future.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:36 pm |
603. Petar
     

     Not tipping at all is offensive, rude and being just cheap and leaving without tipping should be considered a petit theft and punishable by law. Yes, there are times when we do get bad service, but 99% of the time if something goes wrong it is not the waiter's fault. Don't forget that interaction with complete strangers, adjusting to their different requirements and needs all day long is a very stressful experience for any human being, especially when is a high-pace restaurant that serves cheaper entrees. Don't forget next time when you are ready to get up and fight for your dinner taking 30 minutes, that either the kitchen could be extremely busy or something else like lost ticket, running out of an item or foodrunner dropped one of the plates, could be a reason- things way beyond a server's control. He didn't refill your sixth soda- well that's a shame, he has 7 other tables to take care of, and tries to play a Judge on $2 per hour to satisfy everybody's needs in a fair way.
     I am a foreign national, used to work as a Music Editor in a radio-station, but when I moved here and had to start with a waiting job I already knew even before I step into this country, that tipping 15-20% is a social norm, and when you come into a certain country as a tourist or visitor you MUST respect the norms. Otherwise you are considered not cheap when you play stupid – you are considered an IGNORANT person, for not respecting someone else's traditions and culture. Same thing with tipping a penny, or a dime – I wonder who is the vicious redneck who created the idea of this cruel punishment. Why? For the above reasons- even when you think it's the waiter's fault it might not be. How would you feel while doing this if you find out that you didn't get your refill only because the waiter found out that a relative got into a car accident over the phone while serving you- and that made him disappear for 10 minutes out of sight just because was very worried out of her mind? And after crying for all this time, she comes back to the table and finds your penny?! What do you think you would have done?! Selfish.
     And I would like you guys to create a special forum and ask our Northern neighbors, yes you guys,Montreal, Quebec and vicinity, don't be shy with a slight smile in the corner, what do they tell you guys before you step in the US, so that 90% of you knowingly leave a low tip all the time for even outstanding service with everything extra that you requested? I always wanted to know...

     July 13, 2010 at 1:07 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       Not tipping is perfectly appropriate and should be applauded when it comes to rude waitstaff.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:12 pm |
     • JJ
       

       Please quote the law that states tipping is required....I do not have to pay for your attitude; there are other better places to eat!

       July 13, 2010 at 1:40 pm |
       • Petar
         

         No there is no law, but when gratuity is included all of he cheapers need to pay the tip, otherwise you could be arrested as it is considered as close to walking out of Walmart without paying for an item. Sorry, you dine out, you rent the cheapest human labor close to slavery- and since it is way beyond those years of the 1800s you need to pay that human being for the efforts- noone is perfect, not even you, and the waiters who intentionally won't give you good service are 1% of them all. So revise your outlook about the world or stay home and don't be a part of the society, or choose McDonald's...

         July 14, 2010 at 3:38 am |
604. Tim B.
     

     Admittedly, the practice of tipping in the US is not fair in many ways, and servers depend on those tips due to the low wage that the establishment pays. As an aside, in many other countries, tipping is not expected and sets the American apart from the locals in most cases – Americans are programmed to leave a tip. I'm guilty! I do it all the time especially in countries in which the living wage is at poverty level. However, in many Western countries (e.g. Europe), the server wage is higher to include the "tip," so leaving a tip in some countries is actually saying "I REALLY enjoyed the service."

     Nevertheless, the tipping system in the US is in fact the way it is and will not likely change any time soon. I've been a busboy and a server and know the difficulty of the job and getting no tip. However, it is the one place in this country in which I can still show my immediate satisfaction OR dissatisfaction with customer service, and so I tip accordingly. I typically tip 20% even when the bill is a $10 bill. However, if the service is bad, i will tip much lower and will not return to that establishment if the service continues to be bad. The job IS to make the customer feel good and have a good time, and the server is the "face" of the business. It is NOT to just schlep food to a table, which in some cases is done by an expediter. If that server does not put on a good face, they deserve what they get. If a server continues to have "bad" days because he does not like his job, it may be time to change jobs. I did!

     July 13, 2010 at 1:07 pm |
605. Bacon
     

     Tips are extra. They are the norm becuase most service is good as the servierknows it will effect there tip.
     Noone can say that not tipping because of bad service is wrong. the server did choose the job, they could work in a factory.
     But then again im a little crazy. i call them waiters and waitresses and when they currect me and say "server" then i dont tip since i dont tip servers.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:06 pm |
     • Dan
       

       Interesting...

       July 13, 2010 at 1:28 pm |
606. Dan
     

     Serving, like any other sales job, is about just that. People go out to spend money on a meal, not because they have to, but because they want to. It is an opportunity to be pampered and entertained and servers must realize this. We work with restaurants often and have proven to increase tips by 10 – 15% by simply helping the staff improve their attitudes and know what their role is. While there are still times when you get a table that does not know how to or does not believe in tipping it happens far less often.

     As for no tip for service, I have yet to walk out on a table and leave no tip. My belief is that TIP stands for To Insure Performance, I will often even start the meal off with a small amount of money ($5) where I normally eat. This lets the server know that they will be paid for their service and in general gets better service for me or the party I am with. My thought is that most of us would not go to work knowing we have to WORK for every dime we make. We need some assurance that there is money at the end. In serving this is not always the case.

     As a patron, I do take the responsibility to let the server know my situation. For instance, if I am going to a concert or meeting, I let them know and ask for suggestions as to what would come out quick, easy and good. Let's face it people, don't order a Well Done Steak if you need to be out the door in 30 minutes. It isn't going to happen and it won't be the kitchen or your servers fault.

     Finally, if I receive inadequate service (or great service for that matter), I always ask to see the manager. The manager and server must know how they are doing in order to improve. I don't care if you only leave a quarter, you will still be viewed as cheap or simply disrespectful. By giving a commentary, the restaurant will know how to improve or know what to keep doing upon a good review. We focus to much on negativity in this world, so my advice is to realize, your mouth is not only for complaining but giving praise as well.

     If both sides understand these simple points I can tell you the experience will be better on both sides.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:06 pm |
607. CA
     

     We are being held hostage in this country by restaurants. Waiters and waitresses should be paid a full salary and expected to do their job to please the owners of the establishment. Food should be priced accordingly and this crazy system should be eliminated. I am sick and tired of having to figure out who to tip and who not to. You are not fooling me – a tip is still part of the cost of the service and the real cost should just be charged. That would eliminate all these problems.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:05 pm |
     • CD
       

       Well said. In Europe the waiters get a salary and tips are not expected. Tips are extra, when given good service to the customer. Here in America, the restaurants should pay their waiters a livable wage and not have the customers carry the burden of waiters not having enough money to live on.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:08 pm |
608. rk
     

     I find it funny that the people who are in the anti goose egg category in the article were all or mostly servers at one time or another. Like one poster said above it's a courtesy to leave a tip and if your doing a shitty job or are not friendly and are just plain bad at your job you deserve nothing more then a single penny. Plain and simple. If you feel like you deserve a tip no matter how bad a job is done then guess what, that means your a douche, and again you deserve nothing. I reward any server that is friendly, upbeat, talks to my child, and is just basically over all nice and not willing to take their bad day out on me or my family.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:05 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       I'll go further than that: if you think you deserve a tip for shitty work, then you will find the rest of life to be very difficult.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:10 pm |
     • Tim
       

       I was a server, now I work in a law firm because I needed experience at an unpaid internship. So waiting tables was my way of survival until then. I'm not arguing for 20% for crappy service. What I don't think all you jerks who think you don't have to tip realize, is how many times I gave great, efficient, friendly service, and then got stiffed. And you people who have never waited tables, don't know that feeling. The tip is the servers wage. Imagine if you had a big project for your boss and did a great job. Then your boss said, "Good job, I am really proud of you. But you are supposed to do a good job, so I'm not going to pay you for today's work." It's the exact same concept.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:27 pm |
       • Big Comfy
         

         Every job has its pros and cons. Get real!

         July 13, 2010 at 1:45 pm |
609. humanitarian
     

     If you live in America in a community with running water and access to televisions then you should know that tipping is compulsory and the minimum acceptable amount in the year 2010 is 15%. It's not a mystery or some new social norm. This is why the server minimum wage was set so low in our country. If you have a problem with that then write Congress. In Europe you don't tip because it is already included in the bill either in the price of the incredibly expensive sandwich you just ate or in the multiple lines of taxes that are added to the bottom of your bill. I always tip 20% unless someone really did a bad job. For me to tip below 15% would probably require the server to actually yell at me. Being a server is hard work. The bottom line is if you can't afford to tip then you can't afford to eat out. Going to a restaurant is a luxury whether it's a microwaved meal from Applebee's or a lovingly prepared meal at Nobu. If tipping makes you angry then learn how to cook or eat at Burger King. If you want the system to change then call your senators but remember that food that is made for you, brought to you and cleaned up for you comes with a price that covers more than the actual product. I don't want to hear complaints when your potato skins pizza is all of a sudden $18.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:04 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       Nobody here is saying they are too poor to tip.
       Nobody here is saying that great service does not deserve a tip.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:09 pm |
     • JJ
       

       If YOU don't like the servers wages, then YOU can contact your representative and complain. There is no law that stipulates tipping is required. Luxury or no, it is my right to tip or not to tip. Don't like it? Then do your job!!!

       July 13, 2010 at 1:10 pm |
       • humanitarian
         

         I have no problem with servers wages because I tip properly for ADEQUATE service. I don't need exceptional. What are they supposed to do... shine my shoes while I eat? Where are you people eating that you have had such bad service so many times? Why do you keep going back? They get payed less because our society is set up for the patrons to supplement their income that way the rest of the restaurants profits can go to paying the back of the house, food costs and rent. Do I agree with the system? No. Is that how it's been since indentured servitude ended in this country? Yes.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:17 pm |
     • jim
       

       Who in hell do you think you are, @$$wipe? You don't set the rules for anyone eating at a restaurant! No on is interested in the opinions of a serving boy, so shut up, moron!!!

       July 13, 2010 at 1:36 pm |
610. Tim
     

     If you don't want to pay for service, then don't go to a sit down restuarant. To anyone who thinks that they don't have to tip (for good service) is out of their mind. Servers make below minimum wage because it is the customer's job to pay the person for "serving" them. If they don't want to pay for someone to serve them, then don't be lazy and make your own food, refill your own drinks, and clean up the dishes after yourself. Just as the server is "choosing" to wait tables, you are "choosing" to be lazy and not serve yourself. Not to mention, because of tip pools which are off of sales, NOT tips, means that when a person stiffs a waiter for good service, they still have to tip the busers/runners/etc off your order. Thus that waiter, is PAYING to serve you in that occasion. Bad service=bad tip; fine. Good/great service and a bad tip? Unforgivable.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:04 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       "It's the customer's job"??? WTF? What part of "customer" do you not understand? I only tip for good service out of the kindness of my heart. No tip for poor service. I'm not your employer. Your wages are not my responsibility. They are YOUR responsibility and you need to work hard for them – just like everyone else in this world.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:07 pm |
     • JJ
       

       If you don't want to receive a poor tip, CHOOSE ANOTHER JOB! Customers do not have to tip and if the staff treats them badly because they make that decision, then they can go straight to your bosses competition!

       July 13, 2010 at 1:43 pm |
       • Wes
         

         Both of you sound like the type of people that would completely abuse power once you had an ounce of it. We are your servers not your servants. You should be ashamed of yourself if, for no other reason, you cant even have enough compassion to realize that some people are in a situation where the only place they could make more money would be to be on the wrong side of the law. 2 bucks wont kill you. Yes eating out is expensive but thats what you get for being lazy, you pay more. You can afford a 20 dollar meal, you can afford a 2 dollar tip.

         July 13, 2010 at 6:50 pm |
611. Thomas
     

     I am probably one of the only people I know that would ever do this, but if I receive poor service at a restaurant I know I will visit again, and the server knows they did a poor job (because I've had to walk my glass to them after waiting ten minutes without a beverage), then I will consider leaving a larger tip than usual. I consider it an investment in my next visit. They may remember me as "that nice guy that deserves more from me this time because he supported me when I was not on my A game." Does it work? I have been told it does by the servers on occasion. I also really enjoy the look of surprise the on the server's face as they collect the unearned tip on my way out the door. Guilt is my favorite weapon!

     Nonetheless, I think it is ridiculous for employers to pay servers so little assuming tips will make up the difference. That is a risk I would not want to take, because as we all know, some people are stingy jerks.

     July 13, 2010 at 1:02 pm |
612. CD
     

     I don't "OWE" a tip to anybody. Although I do tip generously, I do not feel obligated to do so. For some of the waiters here remarking about low pay and trying to live on that, I say ... get a job that pays more, but don't expect me to give you money so you earn more. Eating out is expensive enough!

     July 13, 2010 at 1:01 pm |
     • Wes
       

       Obviously you are completely unaware to the fact that we are currently in a recession. Getting a job is not as easy as saying "Oh I dont like it here, I think I want to go somewhere else." I am a 20 year old college student and I am putting myself through school on a scholarship that doesnt even cover all my tuition none the less books and fees that schools like to throw at you. I graduated high school a year early and was half way through my junior year in college before my 20th birthday. I speak three languages and have outstanding references from past employers along with teachers. With all this I was still out of work for a year trying to find a job. I had to eventually move just to be a waiter.

       If you have the money to eat out then you have 2 bucks to tip out your waiter. I give excellent service and rarely does that falter. Guest come in all the time asking for me and if they get told that my section is full some of them turn around and leave. That being said I still get stiffed at least twice a night by cheap people who feel the same way as you. You have clearly never worked in a restaurant. Even if you did give me two bucks I have to split that with my bus boy. Not only do I have to carry your plates and drinks I have to be your cashier, I have to clean up the mess you leave behind, I have to be a greeter/host to anyone who walks in, and depending on what you order I am actually the person preparing your food. 2 dollars will not break your bank you cheap P.O.S. You should feel obligated. I dont burn my hands and arms every night for you to have a "holier than thou" attitude because you have a better job than I do.

       July 13, 2010 at 6:43 pm |
613. Ron
     

     People also need to ask themselves.....did I actually have bad service or am I just be another unreasonable person? I've never been a waiter, but have worked in customer service, and lets face it, some people like to be difficult in order to have something to complain about to try and get something for free....

     July 13, 2010 at 1:01 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       While that is true, there are a lot of people who work in the service industry who HATE their and likes to make sure everyone else is aware of that fact.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:04 pm |
614. Brooke
     

     Too many waiters posting here assume that all of the no-tippers "just don't understand". Have you ever stopped to think that perhaps your assumptions about the intelligence level of your patrons comes across in your service?

     July 13, 2010 at 12:59 pm |
615. food critic
     

     Why are people saying that if you cannot tip then you should not go out to a sit down restaurant. If I order a steak, how am I supposed to eat it if I can't get it to my table? Am I supposed to go back there and cook it myself then bring it to my own table? That is what we do at home, so then there is no reason to go out to eat. Provide me with good service and i will tip well. Provide me with crappy service and you get no tip. If you argue with this logic, you are just an idiot and expect things to be given to you.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:58 pm |
     • Thomas
       

       I could not agree more with your final point.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:11 pm |
616. n.s.
     

     I would only leave nothing if i was treated very badly. I understand that they depend on tips, but if what they are being paid for is quality service then they should provide it. I'm not going to pay someone to be rude to me and disrespect me. In fact if I were to be rude and/or incompetent at my job, I would not only get no tip, I would get sued.

     mike wrote:
     How would you like to be "punished" at work by a complete stranger if you were having an off day? Most likely this was the cause behind your poor service.

     Well, no tip is not a punishment. Not tipping is simply not rewarding bad behaviour. And if you have an off day with service you should expect and off day in tips.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:58 pm |
617. RC
     

     I have lived in the US for nearly my entire life, but have recently been able to travel to different parts of the world and stay for extended periods of a month or more per place.

     In many parts of the world there is no tipping and service is more often than not more polite and better than in the US. Many servers will flat out REFUSE to take a tip. I asked several servers why, and they said basically the same thing:

     - It is part what you are buying by eating at their establishment.
     - Providing good service is their job, and they want to be professional about it.
     - If a customer doesn't like the service, they will go somewhere else and be lost forever. In dense cities such as Hong Kong, Tokyo, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, etc. there are so many options of where to eat literally right across the street from each other that having poor service even every once in awhile will quickly sink a restaurant. So they try to offer good service every single time because getting a repeat customer is the most important thing.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:56 pm |
618. saraellen
     

     Jaliska's comment was so inane, I don't even know how to begin to respond to that. As a former bartender/waitress for MANY years, I agree that poor service should warrent a lower tip. However, the comment "they should get a bette-paying job somewhere else" is simply an ignorant thing to say. I found my current "better paying job" through some of my regular customers, but not all in the service industry are so lucky. Jaliska should also note that servers DO in fact, live off of their tips. Glad she never sat at my bar.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:56 pm |
     • JJ
       

       And with your attitude, I would never sit at yours. Your attitude hurts your employer. And if I was the boss and witnessed your attitude obvioulsy transferring to your service, you would be LONG GONE!

       July 13, 2010 at 1:45 pm |
619. Manny
     

     If tipping is for good service, everybody should be receiving a tip for their good service/work.
     Lawn servicemen, the school teachers, the dentist, the bus driver, the mecanic...the wheather man, the radio DJ.
     We all server someone directly on indirectly, and it appears that paying for doing what we are supose to do is the way to go....

     July 13, 2010 at 12:56 pm |
620. Katy
     

     Why should I be "expected" to tip?

     How much do you think waiters *should* earn per hour? If you think about how many tables they typically clear in an hour, and their expectation that everyone tip them at least 15-20%, many waiters potentially make $20/hour ($2.35/hour wage + 4 tables with $20 tabs [$4 tip x 4 = $16] = $18.35). Add to that the fact that few waiters really declare ALL of their tips as they are supposed to . . . .

     I don't see why a waiter should "expect" to earn more than a lot of people who work 40 hour weeks in offices - I am a third year law student working as a clerk at $15/hour (I have friends working at $9-12/hour) and no one tips me.

     Waiters need to quit their whining!!!

     July 13, 2010 at 12:56 pm |
621. Samir
     

     To anyone who has commented that "if you do not want to tip, stay home". PISS OFF!
     Tipping is a gesture, for a job well done, like a bonus. The fact it has come to be customary, is BS. You should be tipping the old guy at home depot for helping you. Not the snooty liberal grad who think he deserves 15% + because he's having a bad day.

     How about this, raise the prices on any give menu to cover the wages. And then leave the tipping to me.

     But, providing for you lazy ass is not my concern. Go talk to dear ol dad. Int he mean time I will go out and make sure you get no tip if I get lousy service.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:55 pm |
622. Hard Worker
     

     I work hard for my money, why should I be expected to tip someone who don't do the same. It is not my problem you decided to work at a job that pays low wages. Instead of expecting the consumer to make up for that go to your employeers. I am a person who will NOT leave a tip unless I am provided exceptional service. Servers should not expect a tip they should work for it. As for the amount if the tip is $1 or $10 they should be greatful. Maybe the consumer can't afford much more then the cost or the meal. Also most places charge an arm and a leg for food now maybe they should be paying their employees more.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:55 pm |
623. Ben
     

     My sister had her birthday at a local restaurant a few years ago, and the server was absolutely horrible. We waited well over a half-hour for her to take our order after she came to the table, counted heads,a nd then brought 3 extra water glasses and couldn't figure out where the other three people went. She took our orders and then we didn't see her for over an hour. We were going to the bar to get drink refills because we hadn't seen the server in so long. When she finally did come back, she asked us how everything was. We hadn't even gotten our food, and she wanted to know how it tasted! When she realized she hadn't brought the food out, she went and got it. It had obviously been under the warming lights for quite some time, as the pasta on my plate had been dehydrated to a rubbery mess. Not only did we not tip, but we informed the manager. I am fairly certain our waitress that night was high as a kite. Her eyes were horrible bloodshot and she seemed completely confused all night long. It takes an exceptionally bad server to lose their tip completely, but I do tip according to the level of service given.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:55 pm |
624. fred
     

     Tipping is retarded. The owners of the restaurant should pay the staff. If you can't make it on the wage they pay you, then go get a better job. At my job, if I don't perform at a a satisfactory level, I get reprimanded or fired. Why should the food service industry be any different?

     July 13, 2010 at 12:55 pm |
625. No Racial
     

     There's another factor in tipping and has to do with the background, it's well know by waitstaff in restaurants that patrons with an american background (raised and educated in the States) know that tipping is part of the norm when they eat out and know very well also that european patrons (especially french and italian), college kids, asians and indian americans rarely leave a good tip even if the service was good/excellent. I live in NYC so.....no racial!!

     July 13, 2010 at 12:55 pm |
     • Nadezdha
       

       I have allso hear it said that Christians are notoriously bad tippers. Doesn't surprise me.

       July 13, 2010 at 7:44 pm |
626. Whitney
     

     Ok, one of the first jobs I ever had was as a waitress. I did my very best to be the best! I tried to get their food in a short amonut of time, make sure their drinks stayed refilled and anything else I could do to make their service better. I also tried to be a very kind person to each no matter if they were rude to me or not. I know how some people can be! Sometimes the people you are waiting on try and do little things just to push your buttons. After I got out of waiting tables, I moved on to the job I went to school for and plan to be here until I retire. Back to the tipping part of this conversation, I have left out of a place without leaving a single thing! My husband and I went to red lobster one night and we sat there forever before our drinks were even taken! After our drinks were taken it was forever before she took our food order. I was already alittle mad, but said well i know about waiting tables and maybe she is real busy. So i blew it off. Then after i had calmed down, there came our food and at the same time we needed refills for our drinks. She sat our food down, left the ticket and walked away (not filling our drinks)! Well after a very long time I grabbed another waiter to ask them if they would mind filling our drinks. I still stayed calm, but I was very upset that she just ;ayed the check there with our food, kind of made me feel like she was rushing us! Well needless to say we never saw our waitress again the entire time we were there. So before leaving I asked the other waiter, where our waitress had went and he told me that she had clocked out and left. I was then as you can imagine fuming mad! I asked to see the manager! After speaking with the manager, we recieved our meal free and the girl was called back to work to give us a face to face apology. I have had many encounters at places like this one. Then and only then do I not leave anything. At one particular place we had a guy that was a smart butt and was rude the whole time, I left him a peice of paper that said"tip: be look both ways before you cross the road" lol
     Now other times when I have a really good waiter, I leave tem $20 because the worked for it!!! So yea if I have a verybad expeirence i will NOT leave a tip or i will leave very litle

     July 13, 2010 at 12:55 pm |
627. Elizabeth
     

     I neglected to leave a tip once because our waiter was MIA, when our food finally came to the table, it was all cold, and we spent 45 minutes looking for him, a manage, or even a bus boy to get our check from. When the waiter finally returned to the table, it was clear he had been smoking an illicit substance. We couldn't even find the manager to complain. This was a slow night in a Carlos and Charlies restaurant in Mexico, but geez.

     Every other time I've eaten out, and I do often, I leave a 15% tip for poor service, 20% for standard service, and up to 30% for excellent service. I also attempt to leave tips in cash, even when paying by card. Being a server is a tough job and with the almost non-existent base pay, it's vital to tip well. If you're sitting at a table for an hour and eat $30 of food and beverages, don't you think the server earned at least $6 in addition to the $1-$2 they have from their base pay? $7-$8/hour is barely more than minimum wage.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:54 pm |
628. Booscalia
     

     "TIP –noun 1. a small present of money given directly to someone for performing a service or menial task; gratuity" ...If someone doesn't perform that task or doesn't perform it well, they shouldn't get a tip. I have worked in the food biz, as well as a coat check, etc... I was prepared to not get tips if I had an off day. Stating it effected the way I did my job is correct. It just made me do it better. If it wasn't my fault then I got the manager to deal with it (food not cooked correctly, etc.) I would rather comp a meal and have the customer return to tip, then to avoid the restaurant altogether... I don't tip everyone, because not everyone deserves it. I have gone out of the way to let the manager know I am tipping a busser or server and not the waiter if they are the ones that have done the work....like getting utensils, refills, finding our flaky waitres...

     July 13, 2010 at 12:54 pm |
629. WBMD
     

     I tip because Tyler Durden might be my waiter and I might want the soup

     July 13, 2010 at 12:54 pm |
     • Mike
       

       I appreciate the reference WBMD. Despite some of the nightmare customers (err "guests" they're never customers), I've never messed with someones food. The guy that sent his steak back 6 times was pretty close but not yet.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:57 pm |
630. Susan
     

     We go out for every Thanksgiving dinner, and last year I left the wait staff $150 on a $300 bill. That was far beyond the $54 large party gratuity that was listed on the bill. I did so because 1. the wait staff was attentive to every need 2. was working on a holiday and 3. communicated with me every step of the way. That is how I reward good service. However, I also expect the bare minimum of respect when dining. I have no problem whatsoever leaving a 10% tip if the service crummy. But knock my socks off and I will bend over backwards to make sure you get a great CASH tip (i.e., one you don't have to pay taxes on).

     July 13, 2010 at 12:53 pm |
631. Phil
     

     Twenty-two years ago, when I was a college student in my early 20s (I'll never forget this) I ate a very nice lunch by myself in an airport club restaurant in Berlin, Germany. Courtesy of the airline, whose flight was delayed for more than three hours. (What airline compensates fliers like this nowadays?)

     Anyway, when the bill came, the server refused to honor the airline's voucher. Worse, he proceeded to berate and humiliate me for perceived non-payment in front of the other (older and more refined) patrons. At my insistence, he called the airline, which confirmed the validity of its offer and voucher. That dispute resolved, I made a return scene by conspicuously hand delivering to the waiter one pfennig (a German coin from the pre-Euro days, worth less than a cent) to compensate him for his nefarious service.

     The tipping traditions may be vastly different in Europe, but he got the message. And I have no regrets.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:53 pm |
632. Spizzel
     

     Wow, that Jaliska person is a complete idiot. They clearly has no clue how server wages work.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:51 pm |
     • Nadezdha
       

       If she hasn't worked in the business, how would she know? What's obvious to you isn't necessarily common knowledge to the rest of us.

       Read this whole discussion. There's a wide range of practices.

       July 13, 2010 at 7:39 pm |
633. Rd
     

     I agree tipping is the social norm and expected...and I do tip reasonable service. Bad service = very low tip. But then again who decided it was 15%, 18%, 20%, etc of the whole bill. If tips are wages, then why would I pay more than a couple dollars reagrdless of the price of the meal? 1 waitress/waitor on 3-4 tables making $12-15/hr ought to be enough.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:51 pm |
     • Tyler
       

       It's not quite as simple as that. Servers never work just the peak hours. If they have 4-5 tables for the 3 peak dinner hours and make $3 from each table, then they made enough for that time, but when you average it out over the time when they'll have all of 3 tables for the 4 hours between meals, they make a lot less. When you factor in the amount they share with bussers and hostesses, it's even less.

       Better servers get jobs at better restaurants, and it's not because the restaurant pays them more.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:54 pm |
634. Jerry
     

     Tipping was started as a means to reward exceptional service, not as a right. Now everyone who provides personal service to someone, expects, no demands a tip regardless of the service they provided you. Anybody should perform there job at a high and exceptional level, so why don't all of us get a tip. I haven't seen a raise or bonus in 4 years, and nobody tips me for the great job I continue to do. I think the problem is more of that we allowed service businesses to get away without paying minimum wage.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:50 pm |
     • Spizzel
       

       The servers don't even receive minimum wage. Receiving tips is factored into the hourly wage they get (as in tips are expected).

       July 13, 2010 at 12:53 pm |
635. erika
     

     I always leave a tip, however, I will leave a small one, 10-15% only if I see that the server is blatently lazy. Generally, you can tell if someone is having an off day, or just got triple sat or the kitchen is backed up. These things shouldn't be punished. As long as they are trying to keep up . However, if I see the server standing around talking to their friends or up at the bar, I will not leave as good of a tip as I would. In my eyes, all you have to do is try.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:50 pm |
636. Slim
     

     Servers should keep in mind, though, that sometimes the low tip/no tip is simply because the person has run out of money. It's happened to me and I felt terrible about it. Other times, when I got lousy service - as in my order wasn't taken for 45 minutes, I left just change. I know that tips make up for the low wage and am usually pretty generous, but if I gave terrible service where I worked, I'd be sent home with no pay. Why should I pay "full price" for something other than "full service"?

     July 13, 2010 at 12:49 pm |
637. KitchenThom
     

     I work in restaurants, and know bad service when i see it. I'm a little lienant when the restaurant is busy, or when the hostess seats the entire restaurant at once. But i can see when my server is making mistakes, or is just plain lazy. I will leave up tp a 50% tip for service that excels, but have no qualms about stiffing a server thats service is subpar. On average, servers make twice as much as the kitchen crew, and the kitchen crew is the one that has to do the hardest work. Just do your job, and we'll have no problems. And stop bitching about your side work you lazy gold digger!

     July 13, 2010 at 12:48 pm |
     • Mike
       

       Thom i can respect that. You've worked in restaurants and know when a server is very busy or over worked etc. I have no issue with tipping along those lines, however most people don't see that. It doesn't matter if I've just been sat 3 4-tops at once. I had a table where their food all came out wrong despite my proper ordering, and they weren't upset. They simply asked that it be corrected. I sent over the manager who bought them a round of drinks, and they ended up being a joy to take care of. They even tipped me 60% by the end of the night. People just need to be patient and cordial. People are prone to mistakes.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:53 pm |
       • Paul
         

         When I worked as a waiter, and in pizza delivery, I knew, if I could handle someone else's mistake gracefully, I would end up making a bigger tip when all was said and done. You start pointing out to the customer "you asked for no onions and the kitchen put onions on it, I can have them re-make it for you" and so on, you pull the late appetizer off the bill, you tell the manager that a table has had slow food and seem unhappy and can he go smooth them over, and you end up being the hero. Paying attention to people makes them happy, and if they are happy, they tip well, even if other stuff is messed up.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:10 pm |
638. LMAO
     

     The funny word here people are using is punished. Leaving no tip is not a punishment, it is a choice of the consumer. As a consumer I am not your employeer and should not be expected to tip to supplement your wages. The employeer should be paying a fair wage and if I decide to tip for great service then it is my choice. I fell no need to tip at all unless the server goes out of their way to make the expierence that much better. The cost of food at a lot of these places is expensive enought that the owner should now be expecting the customer to be paying employees wages. You servers who keep saying if you don't want to tip stay home. Do you tip when you go to Wal Mart looking for something and someone goes out of their way to help you? My opinion is Your boss is the one who pays you not me.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:48 pm |
639. Anne
     

     We are very fair tippers, even when service isn't so great. When it's so-so, the tip is lower than 15-20%. But let's give them some slack and understand we might not know why svc wasn't so good.

     But talk the mgr.? NO WAY. If he or she can't see that this waiter is lousy, we certainly are NOT going to help him/her run their business better. I don't help businesses run their business better. They need to do that themselves or fail. And fail they will.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:48 pm |
640. Don't care how much they make without my tip
     

     Waiters and waitresses are in the business of serving you. If they don't, why should I leave a tip? One time at a local (Bellevue, NE) Buffalo Wild Wings, a waitress was horrible. Took forever to get our drink orders. Took forever to get our drinks. Took forever to take our food order. After that, we didn't see her again until I waved to her and signaled we wanted our check. We were there for 2 frickin' hours because of her incompetence. My friend, who I was with, told me he had her before and she was horrible. He said the waitress would slowly do a round to her tables and then go out to smoke for a while. Sure enough, she was going out to the back patio to smoke every few minutes. At the end of the night, I rounded up my bill to the next whole dollar which meant she got a tip of $0.09 for her effort or lack thereof. I also wrote a big list at the bottom of the merchant copy to let her and her manager know why she only got $0.09 that day. She got lucky that my friend's bill was a little further away from the next whole dollar so she got $0.17 from him. My friend and I are good tippers. We will tip anywhere from a minimum of 20% to 50% when we get good service but the service last night was inexcusable.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:48 pm |
641. Hostess
     

     I am a restaurant hostess, all night long I watch tables getting served by exceptional servers and some who do not make the best choices. I promise that there are a lot of factors that go in to a poor experience at a restaurant. I urge anyone who is dissatisfied to speak to managent or email the company when you are upset. In my opinion it is far more effective to send a message that way. Also if the server is fantastic – pass that information to their supervisor as well. In terms of tipping these servers do depend on this money, they have to pay out based on sales. I realize that some don't believe in this system but if wait-staff was paid the hourly I'm paid then food costs would be so much higher and nobody would be happy. As for myself, it is a privilege to work in the food industry and those who complain about customers in this form are being unprofessional. The best part of my job are the guests!

     July 13, 2010 at 12:48 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       There is no excuse for rudeness and bad attitudes, which is the only reason I've ever stiffed anyone. It especially irks me because I go out of my way to be friendly and nice to waitstaff.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:54 pm |
642. rachael
     

     It is not customers responsibility to pay your wages but your place of employment, before you agreed to take the job the employer educated you on your hourly wages and what is in your job description If you feel you are not making enough money or cannot do what is in your job description then try searching for another place of employment. I think everyone who has ever gotten poor service or couldn't afford to leave a 20% tip should all stay home and cook meals themselves for one month. Then you won't even be getting a paycheck at all, maybe then you will stop crying over not getting tipped for the lousy service you provided THAT IS IN YOUR JOB DESCRIPTION AND IS COVERED UNDER YOUR WAGES FROM EMPLOYER.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:47 pm |
     • Paul
       

       You are wrong.
       You are wrong and stupid.
       You are wrong and stupid and took the time to write it down and show the world.

       You should eat at home and punish all those waiters and waitressess. Better yet, you should go get a job as a waitress, and negotiate a good salary from your employer. Give it a shot. Head on over to a nice restaurant and tell them you'd like $11/hour to wait tables. See how they react to that.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:06 pm |
       • rachael
         

         I have been a waitress. If you cannot smile and refill a glass then you don't deserve a tip, simple as that. Don't do your job, don't get paid. It isn't the consumers problem you accepted a job making less than minimum wage. So, if refilling a glass and smiling is too hard for you then maybe you should ask to be the cook.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:12 pm |
643. Steve
     

     If the tip is considered part of the wages, then let's remove it from the entire industry and just pay them normal wages. When tipping started, I'm sure the waiter wasn't receiving discounted wages on the expectation that they would get extra money from the customer. As a patron, I would like to give my waiter a bonus, not just a compensation, for superb service. If a person is an average worker, they should earn an average wage. If they are outstanding, then they should reap the benefits of their talents. I tried to be a waiter, and there's no amount of money that would convince me to stay in that occupation. They deserve every penny they can get (and entitled to).

     July 13, 2010 at 12:46 pm |
644. LB
     

     We once visited a restaurant with such horrible service that we weren't waited on at all. We seated ourselves because there was no one to seat us. There were 4-5 servers running around. After 10 minutes, I took a pitcher of water and glasses from the server station and served my family. They stared at me in confusion, but didn't say anything. When we finished the water, we got up and left to go somewhere else.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:46 pm |
645. Tyler
     

     I go out to restaurants at least once a week, and over the last 8 years (since I started paying for myself). I am generally a very good tipper and pay over 20% 9 out of 10 times, and pay around 15% for poor service, and as much as 30% for great service. I understand that some people just aren't good servers, and while they won't get as much I would never leave them no tip just because they weren't really cut out for it.
     The only instance where I left no tip at all was when my server was downright rude to me. He ignored us when we first sat down, rolled his eyes at every request/question, and even went so far as to say "what do you think?" to my friend when he asked an (admittedly dumb) question. We subsequently left no tip, and spoke to the manager on the way out, well away from the server. The manager was appologetic and even said he understood why we were leaving no tip.

     What bothers me the most is when people feel that tipping shouldn't be expected for average/below average service, because the fact is that it is in our culture to do so. If you go to European or Asian countries where tipping is not commonplace you'll notice taht the food is about 20% more expensive in order to pay the servers. At least the tipping system gives servers incentive to be better and work harder (which they do when compared to their European counterparts), and it allows for the customer to have SOME discretion as to how much they pay for their experience.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:46 pm |
646. Meaty Portion
     

     Situation 1: You provide decent service; I provide you with a decent tip 10-20% depending on level of service

     Situation 2: You provide less than decent service due to being overworked or other situations beyond your control; I leave anywhere between 10-15% as a tip

     Situation 3: You provide horrendous service due to your own lack of motivation or uncaring attitude; I provide you with nothing and subsequently do not patronize your establishment.

     That's about it.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:46 pm |
     • Meaty Portion
       

       That first situation should actually be 15-20%

       July 13, 2010 at 12:48 pm |
647. Nick
     

     To Mike, Nick, ohmy, and stella.*

     Each of your comments have a theme. And that is, somehow the customer is low, cheap, or disrespectful for receiving poor service. Where is the logic in that? You guys are morons and if I ever heard any of that garbage come out of a waiter or waitress, I would call the manager over and see to it that you lose your jobs.

     Absolute ridiculousness. If I PAY for a service, I expect that service to be UP TO PAR or better. Your arguments are like a taxi car driver who drives like an idiot, rude, incompetent, conniving, and obnoxious who ALSO expects to be tipped. Ha! Keep dreaming.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:45 pm |
     • Mike
       

       Nick I refer you to Michael's comment 4-5 above mine. I'm the moron? You're the exact type of person that is the worst to serve. Nothing is ever right, and you're never happy. NO MATTER WHAT. You come in with a stick so firmly wedged up your ass that you've got to take it out on someone. I feel bad for the poor 16 year old kid that had to deal with you.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:55 pm |
       • Nick
         

         LOL!

         Dude, I tip well. I tip well when the tip is deserved. I go in with a smile and if I come out with a frown then you don't deserve sh*t.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:06 pm |
648. Mike
     

     As a server at several different restaurants and venues (including a movie theater, comedy club, and baseball stadium restaurant) I always ALWAYS leave a generous tip (sometimes even 50% if the bill is only $5-$10). These waiters/waitresses are running around mad taking care of you and despite what you may believe 20 other people. They're not raking in $100k a year, there scraping by on $10-$15 an hour assuming people are generous. If you want to make a mark and show discontent, ask to see a manager or fill out a comment card if they have them. The problem will be taken care of at the top. Punishing the poor server by stiffing them or leaving them pocket change is insulting on a whole different level. Chances are if you tip like that you haven't waited a table in your life or you'd know better. These people have rent and school to pay for, and you being the stingy prick that you are, aren't making their life any easier.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:45 pm |
649. Jim
     

     Yes, I have, over the years, either left no tip or a low tip. I don't look for a chatty waitress but one that is competent in her job. I look for the same things my dad did when we were in a restarant. I want the coffee cup to never empty, I want a menu and to have the waitress at my table asking for our drink order within 5 minutes of sitting down or I will walk out of that establishment. I want empty dishes removed promptly and I want silverware on the table when I arrive. I shouldn't have to ask for silverware after the food arrives. I also expect what we order comes as ordered. My wife hates mayo and will tell the waitress NOT to put mayo on the order. If the waitress has no attention to detail, then she gets a bad tip. In the end, to me,if a waitress has the qualities of being friendly, attentive to detail and quick to alleviate problems, then she gets a good tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:44 pm |
650. REF
     

     I have worked in all parts of food service but the kitchen. My tipping begins at 15% and goes up or down depending on the service. There is a fine line between good and bad service. You have to be pretty disorganized or an idiot to give bad service, and a lot of that probably depends on management. People work up to expectation, in restaurants and in business. If you don't like to give good service, find another job. Don't expect good tips unless you earn them.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:43 pm |
651. Michael
     

     Perhaps servers would be better off if we stopped calling it "tipping." Tipping implies that you are voluntarily paying extra to reward good service. That's not how restaurants work in the U.S. When I was a server, my paycheck from the restaurant at the end of a 20-hour work week would be about $20. The only reason restaurants issue a paycheck to servers is to ensure that income taxes are being withheld.

     When you go to a restaurant, the money you add to your bill *is* the server's wage. If you think bad service warrants leaving no tip, let me ask you this: If the food was the worst you ever tasted, would you refuse to pay the bill?

     Not tipping is, in essence, tantamount to theft. You have taken the services provided by the server, and you are ethically obliged to pay for them. To suggest otherwise demonstrates that you have been privileged enough to never have to work in food service.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:43 pm |
     • Mike
       

       Nick I refer you to Michael's comment 4-5 above mine. I'm the moron? You're the exact type of person that is the worst to serve. Nothing is ever right, and you're never happy. NO MATTER WHAT. You come in with a stick so firmly wedged up your ass that you've got to take it out on someone. I feel bad for the poor 16 year old kid that had to deal with you.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:49 pm |
     • Nadezdha
       

       Stealing? I won't pay for service I didn't receive If the server thinks I'm going to pay 15% for merely bringing my food, then he's proposing to steal from me.

       July 13, 2010 at 7:33 pm |
652. LGLK
     

     If the service was that bad, I'd leave a low tip. Otherwise, I'd tip the standard amount. Most people have off days or busy days. Imagine a packed restaurant on a Saturday night. Servers run around like chickens without heads and expect to be all smiles all the time? Don't think so.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:42 pm |
653. jolly good
     

     as a former waiter i certainly condone not leaving a tip for bad service. would you pay for a broken ipod? the word tips comes from the phrase "to insure proper services." so my insurance to receive proper service is that I don't pay you until I get it.

     i try to watch for team work in the restaurant. if my waiter never shows up and someone else gives me proper service, but i see my waiter helping others' tables i will tip. if i don't see my waiter i tip the person who picked up his/her slack. if i get bad service all together i will not tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:42 pm |
654. KLH13
     

     Some of the comments about not having to tip and tipping being based on a sense of entitlement are completely idiotic. First off, waiters don't get minmum wage. It's unfair but true. The structure of restaurant eating in the US is that you tip 15 to 20% if you have a nice meal out with good service, period. If you aren't willing to pay for that service, STAY HOME or get take out.
     And Jaliska, how dare you say that the entire industry is lazy people who should go get good jobs. Would you then agree to never go to a restaurant again, if all servers felt that way?
     I dare you to do it for one week. With your attitude, you wouldn't actually last a whole week. Think you could do it because it's so easy? If it were easy, all servers would be great.
     I am saddened by the attitude of so many here. So cold and self centered, knowing that servers make nothing except what they get from your "generosity".
     And Josh ptown makes a good point. Like it or not, fair or unfair, the waitstaff (at their $2.13 an hour) pays the other staff – food runners, bartender, barback, busboys, etc. And they are taxed on 12% of their sales. So at the end of the night, if I sold $1000 worth of food, the government says I made $120 and I will be taxed on that.
     You tightwads who are so indignant about not having to tip, especially someplace expensive, need to learn some compassion. You will all be servers at Shoney's in the after life!

     July 13, 2010 at 12:42 pm |
     • Been there
       

       I am wholly on board with your comments... Someone like Jaliska... I would get a job JUST to spill something in their lap. Of all the arrogant, self entitled BS ... wow. I worked waiting tables because... believe it or not, I love the work. I got out because of a bad ankle, but I love the restaurant business. I even did it while working a good full time job... the extra money was good, and I enjoyed what I did...

       July 16, 2010 at 10:37 am |
655. Kaleigh
     

     I am a server and it is totally appropriate to tip less on bad service. I understand that I'm at work and have to earn my money, so I do.

     I used to over-tip all the time, but lately have not been because I earn my 20% and it just isn't fair that a server who doesn't work as hard makes the same money. Serving is a job of organization, knowledge, timeliness and attention to detail – if you can't balance all of these things and provide excellent service, you don't deserve high percentage tips. Conversely, if your server is excellent and goes above and beyond it is nice to see the occasional tip above 20% and I've made as much as a 50% tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:42 pm |
656. Gordon
     

     I think the bottom line, overall, is that while by far the vast majority of servers are competent and conscientious, there will always be those who haven't a clue about what constitutes good service. I have had service that was exceptionally good, and tipped accordingly. And I have had service so bad that not only did I not tip, but I discussed the server's failings with management. Contrary to what many servers seem to think, a tip is not a right, it is an earned benefit. Do your job well and you will be rewarded with 10-15% of the bill (calculated before any taxes that may apply). If the menu states that a gratuity will automatically be added to the bill, I leave without ordering.

     So, to those servers who are moaning and groaning in these comments, I say put up or shut up. Give me good service or find another line of work.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:42 pm |
     • Kaleigh
       

       10% is a bad tip. If I was left that I would think I did something wrong.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:43 pm |
       • Gordon
         

         I would leave 10% if the service was 'adequate' but minimal. I would leave 15% if the service was more attentive. Having said that, I would much prefer that the restaurant owners paid their servers and bus staff a decent wage. I know of a few restaurants that do that, and do not permit tips, and the service in these places is usually superior. I am a former restaurant owner, and have worked tables, so have seen all sides of this subject.

         July 13, 2010 at 9:36 pm |
     • Been there
       

       I am not sure where you have worked, but 10% can be adequate in a truck stop where the server has 20 tables, but for better dining, tradition is adequate, average service is a 15% tip. For years, after tipping out the bus staff and bartenders, I would walk with 15% ... usually grossing over 20%. A busy shift, not able to hit perfection, but adequate... 10% ... that is insulting. Heck, anytime, 10% is insulting.

       July 16, 2010 at 10:25 am |
657. Big Comfy
     

     You all need to get over yourselves. The majority of people are fair with the way they tip. If we receive good service, that means we are happy and tip accordingly, and rightly so – you earned it. If we receive bad serivce, however, we are disappointed because we didn't go out to spend a reasonable chunk of our hard earned money to come away feeling worse than we would have if we had just stayed home and cooked and served the damn meal ourselves. When people are disappointed and probably a little upset/disgruntled it doesn't take a genious to observe the signs – and that's your job as a server. So no, there's no way in hell people should pay for bad service and it's not about being cheap, or us feeling like we've won something over a 'measly $1,$ 2 or $4' as you so ignorantly call it, it's about respecting the system and using it to correct those problems – tips exist to acknowledge good, and only good, service! As for the 'measly' couple dollars, who are you? Do you know what each and everyone of us makes? Maybe we are working at Wal-mart or some other low paying job, or maybe we have earned our way to a higher paying job? Either way, those 'measly' dollars are ours after tax and other deductables and when you do the math are often quite more, not to mention it's added to the already inflated prices of dining out – and yes, I realize that those prices don't reflect your wages, that's not our problem – that's between you and your employer so don't act like it's our problem, you are always free to work somewhere else! Also, you have no idea about our costs of living, perhaps some of us have large families to support, or other financial issues to deal with, which means we are more considerate when we decide how much to allot for a meal. You may be thinking, 'well if that's the case, you shouldn't be eating out!' Well I ask you, who the hell are you to decide that, that's the individual's own decision to make, along with how much they feel they should tip. Fortunately, I do pretty well for myself and I don't have to worry about any of the aforementioned scenarios, but I do think we should all be cogniscient about them before being so quick to blame the customer. You're right, some people don't tip well, those kind of people exist in all levels of society, don't blame others for their actions. I tip well when a server deserves it, I'll tip over and beyond when that's the right thing to do – but if you give me bad service, I will never feel bad about 'stiffing' you, cause the fact is you stiffed me by wasting my time and not giving me the product I paid for. Unlike retail, we can't return the service when it's defective.

     Get over yourselves!

     July 13, 2010 at 12:42 pm |
658. duboise
     

     most times i can tell if it's the server's fault or the fault of a poorly ran kitichen–or poor management. having said that however, it all depends on how the server handles the situation: attitude, courtesy, apologetic, explanations, offerings of complimentary food or discount due to poor service, etc. if by chance, the server shows any inkling of an attitude or continued slow service after repeatedly being asked for something–then NO TIP or i'll leave a single coin as a gesture of thanks for the wonderful service. son in short–i'm a bit more patient–UNLESS the server is being a tool.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:41 pm |
659. BriggDaddy
     

     No offense to you hard-working servers out there, but a tip is most definitely earned. It is not an entitlement. The people that say "If you don't want to tip, don't go out to eat" are idiots. I say back: "If you don't plan on making a half-hearted attempt at performing your job, don't go to work." In extremely rare cases I have left small/no tips. But if a server provides horrible service, I will leave a tiny tip and talk to the manager. On the flip side, I also will leave a large tip and talk to the manager if I receive excellent service. I once had a waitress scream at me me and throw my credit card at me because she was unable to figure out how to run the credit card machine. Sorry...fail...no tip. If I do something like that at work, I fully expect to be punished or fired.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:41 pm |
660. Riley
     

     Unless there is gross negligence taking place, we should all leave something. Anyone who goes out on a Thurs, Fri or Sat night, and doesn't tip because the waiter was too flustered to fill drinks, wasn't planning on tipping from the moment they left their house. Most waiters have to tip bussers, food-runners and bartenders. The only exception for not tipping is when the restaurant is dead/empty, and you still receive bad service.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:40 pm |
661. Jason
     

     This article makes me sick. I have been a waiter/bartender for 13 years and nothing makes me more upset then getting a zero tip. I strongly feel that the people that are pro zero tips have never worked in the industry. This article does a good job explaining but most have no idea that 90% of establishments only pay minimum wage. In MA that is $2.63 an hour. Most night shifts are from 3 to close. This means that you are working 8 to 10 hours a night. Do the math this is only 21-25 dollars! Then on the tips you do get you have to claim and pay taxes on. So almost all pay periods result in you getting a check for zero! People work these jobs to make money. I understand that their can be bad service but to leave nothing is just wrong. It my mind leaving nothing is like stealing. People work to earn a living. Please think about this next time you leave zero and justify it by saying “they get a pay check.” A previous comment talked about servers having a sense of “entitlement” in getting a tip. How about the opposite? Patrons coming in having the entitlement to be waited on hand and foot and then leaving nothing! Sure at times we all have gotten bad service. But realize how many use this excuse to avoid tipping all together. No one will admit it but there are those that do it and they know who they are.
     If I can get only one point across please tip based on the quality of the service but never leave a zero dollar tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:40 pm |
     • Londa
       

       LISTEN EVERYONE THIS IS AMERICA SO EVERYONE HAS A RIGHT TO THEIR OPIONION BUT NO ONE AND I MEAN "NO ONE" CAN TELL US HARD WORKING AMERICANS WE HAVE TO GIVE SOMEONE OUR MONEY WHEN WE DON'T RECEIVE THE SERVICE WE CAME FOR AND THAT WE'RE ENTITLED TO! iF YOU WANT TO BE A DAMN DUMMY GO FOR IT, I WILL GRACIOUSLY TIP THE ONES THAT DESERVE IT WITH MUCH GRATITUDE!

       July 13, 2010 at 2:13 pm |
662. Craig
     

     I do have to say that I appreciate any opinion on tipping and as a server myself have even been forced to tip low due to TERRIBLE service. Having said that, the ignorance of Jaliska's comments kind of outrages me. I know they are not alone in their thinking...I've heard it before. Keep this in mind if you are one that thinks like that. I, along with probably half of my restaurant serving staff, have a bachelors degree or better. I worked hard in college to begin a career after and due to economic times, I am working at a restaurant because it is a skill I acquired serving during college and I need to pay the bills. I make 4.95 per hour before tips and regardless of what I am tipped, I tip out about 4% of my total sales for any given shift. I have literally paid $10 to serve tables before. I am lucky that I do not have a family to support, but only myself and my pets. I work with several people struggling to support a family though. I understand bad service happens and from the service standpoint, sometimes we might not even realize we are providing bad service. If you try to call your server as they are running by, they are not necessarily ignoring you. They may not have heard you. Ask again instead of then pouting. In my restaurant, we have team service. Don't hesitate to ask anyone if you need sometihing. Take advantage of the team effort. I hope this supplied a little insight.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:39 pm |
663. Realistic
     

     I never tip. Why should they be paid twice? Their employer already cuts them a check.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:38 pm |
     • Kaleigh
       

       Are you kidding me? That is pure IGNORANCE.

       The restaurant DOES NOT pay servers. TIPS DO. You are the person that restaurants dread coming back – and believe me, we know who has been in and tipped inappropriately.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:48 pm |
     • Spizzel
       

       Seriously? Are you really that dumb?

       sigh...the stupidity of humanity amazes me on a daily basis.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:57 pm |
     • Paul
       

       You eat a lot of spit too. Their employer pays them $2/hour.

       Mr.Pink on resivior dogs felt the way you do. Even the scumbag criminals he worked with looked down on him for it. Your attitiude is a cliche, and it shows you are a no-class looser. It's on thing to leave a bad tip for bad service, it's another to leave no tip because you are a jerk.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:00 pm |
       • Bruce
         

         I own a restaurant as well and too often the clients do not leave tips. I have raised the wages to $7 an hour and tips and passed on a percentage to the customers through increased costs. I have a tremendous wait staff but sometimes the economy does dictate how customers will tip.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:17 pm |
     • Realistic
       

       Servers who aren't happy with their pay can find other lines of work if they are unhappy with their PAYCHECKS. I'm good with providing them a second one.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:18 pm |
       • Bruce
         

         Does it bother you that you are costing yourself as well as others more for the meal and drinks that you are served because you fail to see that everyone deserves a decent chance at a living wage? The wait staff is just that a staff that serves you, their client. They do so for you to enjoy the time you spend there as well as to be compensated by you, their client, for their services. It would be great if all non-tippers realized this.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:25 pm |
664. restaurantguy
     

     I have spent over 20 years in the restaurant business. I have been a dishwasher, line cook, server, host, sous chef, and just about every other position. To the tip haters: by eating at a restaurant, you are paying the staff's salary. Period. Your choices are tipping, or much higher prices. In this country we use the tipping system, which at least gives you some control over how much you spend. If you don't like the system, eat at home. To the servers: someone sitting in your station does not guarantee you a tip. If you want a good tip, give good service. Your bad day is not the customer's problem. I know you are dependent on tips, but if getting stiffed by one table is going to break the bank, look at other career options. And some people are just cheap and give little or no tip even if you do your job perfectly. It's part of the job, suck it up.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:38 pm |
665. Shane
     

     Some of you people are horrible. You do realize that servers make about $2/ hr., right, and that the money they really make and support families with is based on their earned tips? I would never stiff any server unless the service was absolutely putrid. Even if it is very lackluster, I still leave a few dollars. If you don't tip, you're a scumbag.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:38 pm |
     • Rocco
       

       You hit the nail on the head when you said "earned" tips. They are just that – earned, not guaranteed. I expect the server to earn them since it my money that I worked hard for – so I expect them to earn it too. It's only fair.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:37 pm |
     • Londa
       

       SHANE, you're the scumbag for trying to tell ppl to give their money away when they haven't received proper service from ppl that earned their money and have a right to spend it or not spend it how they please!!! Not to mention how scummy you are for not telling these servers to step up their games so that they can make a decent living if they give Great service instead of service NO ONE will pay them for but maybe YOU!

       July 13, 2010 at 3:43 pm |
666. Scott
     

     I love walking into the kitchen and asking for a refill on my soda.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:38 pm |
     • Paul
       

       Nothing changes the quality of the service like the manager finding a customer refilling their own drink.
       "Excuse me, can I help you?"
       "No, I got tired of waiting, so I'm doing it myself, thanks"
       "I will get you a new waiter sir, can you show me which table you are sitting at?"

       The rest of the meal is usually wonderful. And usually the new waiter is happy about it too, because the slacker hurts everyone.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:52 pm |
667. elizabeth
     

     One time I left a 10% tip because our waiter decided to disappear and ignore us for a good 30 minutes after he thought we were done (even though I wanted another drink as well as a chance to flip through the restaurant's new cookbook) and just breezed by our table several times, helping other customers. It was weird and rude and I made a point to leave on the comment card that the service was sub-par.

     But 10% is my bottom limit. And I'm happy to over-tip a favorite waitperson or bartender at a place I'm a regular at, because generally their service is why I continue to come back again and again.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:37 pm |
668. PCM
     

     I will always leave a tip, even if service was bad; but, I would never go back to the restaurant. Surveys have shown that if you like a restaurant, one usually recommends it to 4 people. If you've had a bad experience in a restaurant, one will share it with 20. The waiters are an extension of business environment. If service is bad, it tells you more about the business it does on the waiter.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:37 pm |
669. Susan
     

     I'm sorry that it "ruins" your night to get a low tip, but what about the patron who's hoping for a fun experience only to get a sourpuss or a slow waiter who destroys the experience? I'm not going to pay for full service when I'm getting the same rude, nasty, fast-food like experience that I would get at McDonalds. I will OVERtip (even as much as 50% on smaller bills) if you are good, but I have NO problem whatsoever leaving a 5-10% tip if the service sucks. So quit the waiter guilt trips about making below minimum wage. I bet you're not complaining when you get more than expected in a tip, so deal with it.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:37 pm |
670. Kimber
     

     Simple, tip according to the servers service, the better the service the better the tip. Should be 15 – 20% unless service is poor then less. For everyone who complains about $2.65 an hour – you don't have to work for $2.65/hour, give even decent service and most people will give a decent tip, give excellent service and most people will leave and excellent tip. Anyone who gets good service and doesn't leave a good tip is a loser anyway, but it is absurd to expect a good tip for poor service. If you are just having a bad day your tips may not be as good those days – but hopefully you will sometime have good day with better than usual tips. It should average out – if it doesn't then maybe being a server just isn't your thing.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:37 pm |
671. andy
     

     Of course if the kitchen screwed up or if the server made an honest mistake they shouldn't be punished. I've left a great tip for a waitress who brought me the completely wrong item but apologized for it and gave me otherwise great service. That's not what we're talking about -we're talking about servers who are lazy and/or rude. I see a lot of servers complaining that they have "off days" and they're hard-working folks with difficult lives, etc. Well, the rest of the worl has "off days" and difficult lives too. If I'm having a bad day and I decide to slack off and give my boss attitude, that will most definitely be reflected in my job performance (and consequentially my bonus). It doesn't matter if I'm in a bad mood or I'm having personal problems, that's my own issue and it doesn't belong in the workplace. Same with servers – if you're having a really busy, bad day, that's your own problem. Suck it up and deal with it and be polite to the customers, just like how the rest of the world has to suck it up and put on a smile for their boss/coworkers.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:37 pm |
672. 2cents
     

     Some of these waiters/waitresses that believe they 'deserve' a tip just for being there are way off base! In any industry, you wouldn't get a raise if you're an under performer and the same should be said for waitstaff. You cannot simply show up to my table with a bad attidude and provide the service even a sloth would find slow and expect a big tip. If you want my money, work for it. Show me you want my money and you are happy that I'm there to give it to you. Having a bad day? Tell me. I may be a little more understanding. But don't expect me to know that you're having an off day and think I'm going to tip you as if you were on top of your game.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:36 pm |
673. Rocco
     

     To all those that think that a tip is required because of the low wage: I disagree. I worked very hard for the money I have – if the waiter/waitress does not also work hard, why does he/she deserve my money? No, I'm not talking about when the kitchen screws up, but when she only takes my order yet forgets to bring me silverware (when someone else had to bring me my food) so I had to wait on it while my food is getting cold, no refills at all, and then a 10 minute wait with empty plates before she finally came around and said "oh, you did a good job on that" and then immediately turned around to walk away...still without asking if we wanted a refill or the check. That, to me, doesn't deserve the money I worked hard for. It seems like she was content making the low wages, otherwise, she would have done SOMETHING to get a tip, even if it was a single refill that would work, but she did nothing so I gave her nothing and I don't feel bad about it.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:36 pm |
     • 2cents
       

       2 thumbs up!

       July 13, 2010 at 12:39 pm |
674. Tom
     

     I will normally tip 20%, when the service is good... 15% if it's slow and 10% if it's bad.
     If I feel they don't even deserve 10% then I would speak with a manager. Leaving less than 10% is just being a coward. They disrespected you but you're too afraid to mention it so you tip low and duck out.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:35 pm |
675. John
     

     I tip generously for good service. I also stiff'em for poor service. The management will hear about it either way.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:35 pm |
676. Jaime
     

     We have left the penny tip exactly once, and never went back. And that was to one of our favorite restaurants, where the server knew us and would remember our drinks. I'm sorry, but when we sit at our table for twenty minutes and watch other people get seated and order and get their food before our order is even taken. And then wait another half an hour to get our food (sushi, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes), while other tables that were seated after us are already done eating and getting up to leave. And you expect a tip for that? We took that to mean that every other time that we tipped well (15 – 20%) meant nothing and you don't want our business. But we made sure to leave a penny, so the server knew we hadn't forgotten.

     If you work in the service industry, some service has to be provided. Say somebody works in advertising or does graphic design. They have a bad day or a bad week and botch a job. Are they entitled to be paid for it? No. Their job is requiring them to provide a service that they did not fulfill.

     Also, I agree with adding gratuity for large parties, if it's posted (and it usually is on the menu). It's easy for large groups to not realize they didn't leave enough for tip. It's also really easy for a large party to be douchey and just not leave a tip. Everybody's a part of the "herd" and the person not leaving the tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:35 pm |
677. Popeye
     

     Webster's Dictionary
     Tip – Gratuity,
     Main Entry: gra·tu·ity
     Pronunciation: \grə-ˈtü-ə-tē, -ˈtyü-\
     Function: noun
     I: something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service; especially : tip

     Need we say more?

     July 13, 2010 at 12:34 pm |
678. musheded
     

     I have never left no tip for bad service because I do know that everyone has off days or gets overwhelmed by an unexpected rush etc. The only times I've left no tip at all is when a server was downright and intentionally rude and/or 'forgot' about us. We had a server who was obviously uncomfortable with my wife and I being LGBT & she took our order and never came back with other servers/bussers bringing our food and us having to ask a manager for our drinks, and no she wasn't on a break since we could see her on the other side of the restaurant serving other tables, so no we didn't leave her a tip and made sure to give the tips we did leave directly to the people who actually served us. Some servers simply have not earned a 'bonus', which is what a tip is, for the service they didn't provide and/or the bad attitude they did 'provide'.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:34 pm |
679. myoung
     

     Sometimes I get poor service and I just leave a small tip (to send a message) I guess they would have to be very rude for me to leave nothing, but in that case, I would speak to management as well.
     Having said that, I think everyone should have to wait tables sometime during their life. It will give them a much better appreciation for the job. Some nights they can do very well, but the average is not good. Most, like my daughter, are waitressing while they are going to college because of the flexibility of hours.
     What bothers me more than anything else is when someone pulls out a "tip calculator" on their phone. I just want to slap them! Good grief!

     July 13, 2010 at 12:34 pm |
     • MEEEE
       

       How is the tip calculator insulting? I want to make sure that I am leaving at least 20% when I do that so I don't stiff my server. Is that an insult to you – greedy much?

       July 13, 2010 at 12:42 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       myoung, some of us suck at math. The tip calculator is a helpful tool to us. I want to slap people who are good at math.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:48 pm |
680. Londa
     

     Jack, I work 7 days a week, here's the schedule: Monday & Friday 7am -12midnight; Tuesday & Thursday 7am – 10 pm;Wednesday 7am-8pm: Saturday 7am-7pm; Sunday 7am -2pm and this is really my schedule!!! So on the weekends I love to go out and spend some of this hard earned money eating a good meal with GOOD SERVICE.

     Steve, I am a hard working woman that came from the projects and have worked my butt off for the job I have now in Management. SO I'D NEVER NOT REWARD A GOOD SERVER !!! Most of the time I may leave twice as much if they are good and MAKE SURE I THANK THEM FOR GREAT SERVICE ,AS ITS HARD TO COME BY IN THIS DAY & TIME!!! Its like people these days expect something for nothing. Idk what it is these days but I was raised to be rewarded for doing good and even the bible says don't feed a LAZY man! I'm not perfect but I thank God I'm not as ignorant as a lot of these ppl on this site that are trying to justify people not doing their jobs properly. Get real, most ppl like me don't mind helping out other ppl working hard for their money too!!!!!!!

     July 13, 2010 at 12:34 pm |
681. yukonmukon
     

     I've never stiffed a waiter, because I understand the unwritten contract of the American restaurant. I've tipped less for overly bad service – like 10% to 12% – but never out-and-out stiffed. Those who say that receiving a tip is a privilege and that waiters who don't like it should find another job have done nothing but demonstrated their own ignorance. These aren't "bonuses", these are the living wages, as per established restaurant convention. To the gentleman who said, if I don't get reports in on time, they withhold my bonus... do they ever withhold your entire salary? 9 times out of 10, that "server's minimum wage" is used up completely for tax withholdings and servers get check stubs full of zeroes each week; what they take home in cash is the entirety of their earnings, period.

     I'd love to see the practice abandoned and the service costs just absorbed into the prices of the food, but a) stupid primates that people are, they'll see higher prices and sling their feces in rage, and b) restaurants are shady businesses as it is, so the last thing they want is to actually have to pay their service staff a living wage. The point is, this is the convention we're stuck with, imperfect as it is, so either play along or work actively to change it. But don't screw over people who are just trying to keep their lights on and feed their families, same as you.

     Final note to waiters: If you're often stiffed, you probably just colossally suck at your job. Final note to patrons: If you're often given crappy service when you dine out, you probably are just an awful obnoxious gelatinous land mammal who no one wants to endure for more than 6 seconds. My money's on the people these descriptions fit never even realizing it, much less owning up to it! Huzzah!!

     July 13, 2010 at 12:33 pm |
     • Londa
       

       You sound intellilgent one minute and then the ignorance shines though. If I could go to a restaurant that charges $20 for a hamburger get excellent service & not have to worry bout sorry service in what ever form or fashion I'd pay for it with a smile and leave with a full stomach! But you, your momma, and no one else is gone tell me I 'm wrong for not giving MY money to someone who didn't think it through, that if I don't do MY JOB WELL I may not be able to feed my kids, or pay my tuition, or pay my rent, or keep my lights on! Them getting stiffed is on them and the few sorry people that stiff GOOD workers are just butt holes that will eventually get theirs too

       July 13, 2010 at 1:36 pm |
682. VL
     

     I've left no tip, 15%, 50%, dropped an extra $20, and gotten into tipping wars with the other guests at my table to reward especially good service. All of these amounts depended on what I was getting in terms of service, and I reserve the right to tip what I think is fair. I also have servers that I ask for by name who make sure my drinks and preferences are taken care of -because- I tip them very well. And since the other servers -want- to get on my preferred list because of that, a tip means something. Tips -should- mean something.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:32 pm |
683. chris
     

     Until tipping is the law... it's just a bonus. Don't like you're job, go find a new one. Having a bad night, bummer. Since when does giving poor service, for any reason(you pick the excuse) warrant anything from the consumer. And the icing on the cake... if you hate people, you definitely shouldn't be working in any job that involves them.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:32 pm |
684. Manny
     

     Tipping should be forbidden, no need to pay for a service that is part of the waiter’s duties.
     If I don’t perform as expected I will lose my office job, same should apply to waiters and all the service personnel.
     Restaurants should pay/compensate them their fair hourly rate and demand good service to all their customers (not only to those that are good tippers).
     And then you have the “forced” tip for parties of 6 or more…if we are force to pay the tip anyway what is the purpose of it? It is not good service reward obviously!
     du

     July 13, 2010 at 12:31 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       I agree that it is silly to tip someone for doing their job, BUT if you increase the wages of waitstaff, then dining out becomes too expensive for at least 50% of the population. Suddenly Chili's is $20 a plate! So until then, these people need tips to make up for their poor hourly wage. That being said, I don't tip for inexcusable bad service.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:45 pm |
685. Keni
     

     I have a simple tipping strategy. Below expected service gets 10%, Expected level of service gets 15%, above expectations gets 20%.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:31 pm |
686. Clayton
     

     I leave a general tip of a 15%. For exceptional service (EXTREMELY rare) I have actually tipped up to 50%. For low service and being a forgotten customer in the restaurant, I've left nothing. I do know people have off days, but if you're rent or bills are depending on this tip then you should make the extra effort to not let it affect you at your job. It really angers me to see people talking about how they couldn’t NOT leave a tip for horrible service. Seriously? I don’t know how ANYONE could leave a tip for bad service.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:30 pm |
687. Food for Thought :)
     

     I always tip between 18% and 22%. But here is something for all (diners and servers) to think about: Should we tip on the service we receive or the price of our bill? If I go to a restaurant and order a filet mignon ($29) and a glass of wine ($7), a 20% tip would be $7.20. Same restaurant, order a Curry Chicken Salad ($10) and a tea ($3), a 20% tip would be $2.60. Should you have to tip more just because your food costs more? Is it any harder to carry a steak to the table than a salad? I would expect to receive the same service regardless of the food I order.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:30 pm |
688. Amanda
     

     I am a server, and i count on my tips to support my self. I always give service to my customers that i would expect to be given in a restaurant. However, there are some people who just can not be pleased no matter how great my service is/was. So in the end i get punished for just doing my job becuase of stubburn people. Also, if you cant afford to leave a tip, then don't go out to dinner, its not fair to any servers to be stiffed.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:30 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       In every job you have to deal with jerks.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:42 pm |
689. Debbie
     

     I have been a waitress and I certainly understand when someone does not leave a tip due to poor service. I wanted those tips just as much as the next person but if service is bad, you will not get rewarded. If service is "so-so" I will tip 15%, but if I get a fair amount of service I usually tip 20%. To all the waiters/waitresses who expect that tip, you must work for it and provide good service just like I've had to do.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:30 pm |
690. Rob
     

     Just know that servers remember faces and handle your food before it gets to your table. Don't think that nothing has never happened.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:30 pm |
     • Debbie
       

       Rob, that's just utterly unprofessional and disgusting. You are lowering your standards because somebody has lowered theirs, grow up!

       July 13, 2010 at 12:31 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       Don't think that karma has never happened either, Rob.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:40 pm |
     • Spizzel
       

       As a classically trained chef who has held jobs at all levels of food service, I can't agree more. A face that tips bad WILL be remembered. More so than a face that tips decent. As far as karma, hell, the patron is just getting what is his according to 'karma'. I have seen some horrid and hilarious things when it comes to servers getting their payback. And to think all those ignorant patrons have no clue. Word of advise, if you EVER tip that bad, don't return. Even if you don't get the same server, trust me, they will know.

       Bottom line don't be a asshole and you don't have anything to worry about.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:04 pm |
691. JRS
     

     Have you ever left a restaurant meal without tipping?? Heck, I've left a restaurant meal without paying!

     July 13, 2010 at 12:28 pm |
     • Paul
       

       The ultimate no-tip. I have, once, stood up, gotten the attention of a differerent waiter, and told him " My food was slow, my drinks were never refilled and now I've been waiting for my check for 20 minutes. I know you aren't my waiter, but you may want to find him and tell him we are leaving now. Or not. I don't care."

       That guy, not my waiter, cought me at the door with my check, half the items had been comped off, and he told me "if you want, I can say I didn't catch you in time, if you hang on a moment, my manger wants to apologize to you, he's busy screaming at your waiter right now".

       July 13, 2010 at 12:46 pm |
692. S.P.
     

     This is a topic that burns me to no end. I have been a server, and the fact that the government allows restaurants to pay servers $2.13 is ridiculous. Tipping started out as a gratuity to show a server that you appreciated service above and beyond, now we are expected to shell out an ever increasing percentage because employers don't feel the need to pay the servers and other staff.

     Employers should pay servers for the work they do (and charge customers accordingly if necessary). Tipping should truly be a discretionary expense for the patrons to show appreciation. I can't think of any other service which we recieve where we get to decide what we pay for it and can decide to get it for free if we like.

     That being said – yes, I will leave a bad tip if the service it bad. I am the customer and I don't have to put up with crappy service.

     And for those who say if you don't like the wages go get another job.....apparently you haven't looked at unemployment rates recently. Serving can be a very good option for people who can't find other alternatives, are good at it, or are still working toward something else. And I'll be you use utilize the service – do you want all restaurants to be self service?

     July 13, 2010 at 12:27 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       The minuscule wage is the only thing that makes restaurant dining affordable to the masses.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:40 pm |
693. BinThere
     

     I've had one idiot waiter that tried hard to flirt/ chat up my date. No, I'm not a jealous guy, I've been a waiter and know a
     polished pro. I kept my cool, but wanted to take him out side and pummel him.
     I've noticed that the younger generation fell into that "It's all about me" crap. Waiters, no one gives a damn listening
     to you prattle on and on about your stupid Hollywood life-pay attention!!! Your customer may trying to be being
     polite and patient. A few brief comments on the upside is good, keep moving, keep aware, you don't have to feel
     you have to wave your flag of "I'm also a person-I only do this on my way to my professional career." People need
     you, they can respect you for your pride in your craft.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:27 pm |
694. Hayden
     

     I make a great living as a Bartender. I have ran multiple unit night clubs and restaurants and I always go back to Bar-tending. It is my experience that people out to have a bad time are going to have one no matter what.Over 10 years of service at different establishments I can tell you that most people who do no tip do not care about the service one way or another. And a large amount of people who do not tip look for reasons not to, and convince themselves they are not cheap. I do not condone great tips for poor service. In fact it dilutes the market with people who can continue to make a living while never learning the job. Which makes us all look bad. But do not convince yourself the service was bad just so you can be cheap.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:27 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       Read the comments. The people here are talking about poor service. Do not convince yourself that the customer was cheap just so you can justify your poor job performance.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:37 pm |
       • Hayden
         

         Like I said I do not condone great tipping for poor service. I know people even in the business who know they are not tipping more than 10% or 1$ for every third round of drinks. I go out of my way to provide great service and like every other profession I sometimes fall short of the mark. I do not presume that every bad tip I get is from a cheap skate. What I am saying is that after 10 years of pouring drinks/training staffs/running seminars/Mediating industry blogs that a large majority of non-tippers/poor tippers aren't going to tip no matter the case. We have regulars at our bar that tip 5% to 8% and tell me they had a blast they will see me tomorrow. Only to sit at a table and complain the service wasn't the same after still leaving a 5% tip. Poor service poor tip. But don't get a kings complex over the percentage people. Some people really rely on this money so don't get on a power trip. I lucked out being in a high volume very affluent area of town some people are not so lucky. Servers and Bartenders READ THIS: I do a survey of employees before they have had to be let go or if they did not fulfill the requirements of their training I ask them DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING A GOOD JOB: 95% answer yes. Think about that the next time you get a bad tip.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:05 pm |
695. Charlie
     

     I run a restaurant and our business depends on giving great service and creating repeat business. If you aren't happy with the experience that you have in a restaurant (food or service), please let the manager know. Sometimes there is a training issue that needs to be addressed. It's difficult to solve a problem unless you are made aware of it.
     Servers in most states get paid "tip credit" wage which is much less than minimum wage. Most servers are contentious and hard working. Tipping is the customary way to incentive food servers in this country. If you want to want to experience really bad service, go visit a country where tipping isn’t the custom.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:26 pm |
     • Debbie
       

       You are right, if you have bad service, let someone in management know so it can be addressed. But if the server is just downright rude or nasty, sorry Charlie, but no tip. I am usually a great tipper and the server has to be really bad for me not to leave a tip, but know that I have left restaurants without leaving a tip because the server was THAT bad! I also know there are alot of great servers out there and when I come across one, they are definately rewarded!

       July 13, 2010 at 12:37 pm |
     • Carl
       

       I have to dispute your assertion that service is far worse in countries where tipping is not customary. Having experienced dining in areas of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia where tipping is not customary, I would argue that service in American restaurants pales in comparison to the service you will receive overseas.

       Additionally, the repeated argument that removing tipping raises restaurant prices is a fallacy as well. In many well-developed countries where food is priced similarly to the US and where tipping is not customary, restaurant pricing is similar to and often lower than it is here in America, and for a much higher quality of food. Granted, many restaurants apply a nominal table setting fee of $5-10, but that often covers the bottled water and 'free bread' that Americans have become accustomed to.

       Not only is service often better in these countries, but you are not herded out of the restaurant like cattle after being handed the bill while still eating. Restaurants outside the US tend not to operate like a revolving door. When you sit down to a meal, you've purchased the table for the night, and you will only receive the bill when you ask for it.

       Of course I guess this all depends on what your definition of good service really is. If you're expecting to receive a meal within 10-15 minutes because it was cooked in a deep fat fryer or an industrial microwave or has been sitting under a heat lamp for hours rather than being freshly prepared, then I can see how these restaurants can be classified as having bad service. If you would rather have your bill without asking as soon as your meal is served, I can see how this would be bad service as well.

       July 14, 2010 at 11:13 am |
696. TC
     

     If you work in the service industry, there is no such thing as a bad day. Get over it and leave your troubles and attitude at home.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:26 pm |
697. BBB
     

     Years ago when I waitressed in college, the practice was if someone did not like the service they left a single penny... that way the server knew it was not an oversight but that it was awful! On the reverse side, if your tip was something AND a penny it was a big compliment.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:25 pm |
698. David
     

     My tip is based on the food and the service. If theres a problem with the food, it's not the waiters fault, but he had better get the message to the chef,.. not a shoulder shrug and "Oh well". There are far too many waiters (and waitreses) who do a poor to very poor job of serving the public. Someone who eats out frequently and has traveled around the world knows what to expect. The cocky attitude of a server is a real turn off.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:25 pm |
699. Jerry
     

     If I go out to dinner and spend $100 for the food and I am expected to pay a 20% tip or $20 for somebody to bring the food to me then I want that person dedicated to me and only me. If I am paying somebody $20/hour for a service then I want to make sure I get $20 worth of service, of course to point out the obvious if I go to a restaurant where the food cost $10 or to a restaurant where the food cost $50 but the level of service is the same is there a logical reason to pay five times the amount in tips for the same service, I think not.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:24 pm |
700. pk
     

     I was a server, and on rare occaisions, I will leave no or minimum tip (like a quarter.) The last time it happened was in New York at a Pizzeria. Unfortunately, our waiter was the manager as well. One of his greivances was when we asked for a recommendation on what type of Pizza to order, he recommended something that the three of us, in no way, could have eaten the whole thing. A medium sized Pizza for two adults and a child, we left at least half of it on the table (as toursists, we didn't want to take it with us.) There were individual sized Pizzas that he did not recommend, that would have been perfect. I believe that he recommended the higher priced item for that reason. He also was inattentive, we had to flag him down for everything, and when I commented on the appropriateness of the Pizza size, he began to argue with me. Sorry, but, when I was a server, the customer was always right, and if we argued with a client, we could have gotten fired.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:23 pm |
701. ben
     

     if you cant afford to tip then dont eat out.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:23 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       If you can't handle the possibility of not getting a tip, then don't work as a waiter.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:32 pm |
702. Paswesley
     

     To those who believe that a waiter deserves at least 20% for simply setting the table and bringing the food and beverages, I say, "No, thank you!" 20% of $150.00 is $30.00. Thirty dollars is a lot of money for about 5 minutes of work! That is on the order of what some attorneys make. Although it is a necessary service, demanding 20% of a large bill for poor service is completely unacceptable.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:23 pm |
     • Paul
       

       If you are only getting 5 minutes of your waiters time at an establishment where a meal costs $150, it's because they know you are a cheapskate and they aren't wasting any time on you.

       Waiters at high end restaurants get higher tips because they are better at what they do than then kid at applebees. You don't get that job at the $100 a plate restaurant without showing that you know how to do the job. You get a the job at ruby tuesdays by showing up.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:38 pm |
       • That's stupid Paul
         

         Yeah, that.

         If you can't be a pro no matter who the customers are, find another occupation.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:57 pm |
703. Jules
     

     As someone who worked in the restaurant industry for years, I am a very critical tipper. Good service gets an excellent tip from me, but rude, incompetent or careless service will be reflected in the tip. I am not your employer. I get to decide what I think you earned, and if you can't remember to bring me a fork after I ask twice or if you pour hot coffee on my child, yep, you haven't earned 20%. On the other hand I generally don't let the quality of the food or problems in the kitchen effect my tips. That isn't something the server can control. What they can control and should be tipped on is how they respond to these problems.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:20 pm |
704. Don
     

     Last time I was in a Perkins (low-middle tier of family dining style restaurant in PA), I overheard one of the waitresses going on to another table about how she usually made $27/hour from tips waiting tables. I always tip, but after that I have a hard time feeling any great amount of pity for servers. I give 15% and no more, unless it's a tiny order or an exceptional waiter. You don't need any more than that from me; the food is expensive enough as it is, and unless it's dead slow, you've got plenty of other tables to handle and get paid from.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:19 pm |
705. TJ
     

     After reading the majority of the comments, I'm reminded why I hate people. Come on, what do you expect when you go out to eat? I expect to eat and drink and for someone to provide me what I ordered, that's it. I leave a tip no matter what. Do you expect the waiter/waitress to be your own personal slave whom you can treat like dirt if they don't perform to your personal standards? How would you feel if people observed your work and reduced your pay every time you didn't perform to their standard? Seriously, what do you expect? You didn't do anything to earn exceptional service? You just walked into a restaurant, sat down on your fannie, ordered food and stuffed your face. So again, what did you do to earn exceptional service that lives up to your fantastical performance standard?

     July 13, 2010 at 12:18 pm |
     • Dave1
       

       TJ, there are two sides to it. If your waitor acts like they couldn't care less about their customers, then they should get paid for it. That is the whole point of the 'tipping' business model. Its an incentive to work harder. Yes its bad when people tip poorly no matter how good the service is, but in order for the business model to work, you must lower tips when service is poor.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:25 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       TJ, being a waiter is a customer service job. If I have a waiter who is bringing me my food and drink, but is being rude or slamming things down on the table, he/she is not getting a tip. Why would I give my hard earned money to someone like that, and basically reward their unprofessional behavior? Their employer is paying them for delivering my food and drink to me. I am tipping based on the manner in which they do that. If you are friendly and doing your job, you absolutely will get a tip. That's the whole point of tips – letting a server know that you appreciated their hard work.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:29 pm |
       • Melissa
         

         Brooke – Please stop replying to everyone. I'm getting a little sick of reading your same opinion written 20 different ways.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:59 pm |
     • Paul
       

       What do I expect? I expect the waiter to show up shortly after I am seated. I expect to get a menu pretty close to when I am seated. I expect the waiter to take my order and get my drinks in a reasonable amount of time. I expect my food to be brought to my table, and I expect my order to be right. I expect that my food will not have spent too much time on a warming table. I expect my drink glass not to be empty for very long, and I expect it not to have so much ice that there's no room for a beverage. I expect my waiter to come out and check on the food as soon as my mouth is full with the first bite, although it sure would be nice if they waited until I had chewed it up. I expect to be able to get my waiters attention if I need something, not instantly, but in under ten minutes. When I am done eating, I expect to get the check fairly promptly, and once I have it, I want it resolved quickly.

       If that sounds like too much, don't be a waiter. That's not exceptional, that's entry level. It takes a while to get the hang of it, there is a rythm to it, but once you have it, it's not rocket science. You gotta keep moving, but it's not hard.

       Charlie: Glad to hear you mention training. That is where it's at. Bad service comes from bad training, and occasionally bad hiring decisions.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:34 pm |
     • MEEEE
       

       Well, the way I look at it – if the server doesn't do their job, do they deserve their pay? NO! I tip for service when service is received and I tip really well for good service. In most industries and even most restaurants you don't get paid to take breaks. Why should I pay my server to take a break?

       July 13, 2010 at 12:36 pm |
706. Josh ptown
     

     HOW ABOUT THE GUTS OF THE MATTER.
     Your bill at the end of your experience has already began a process of dissection.
     The server, tipping support staff,(Busser, bartenders, expediters, host staff and
     sometimes cooks), this can at times add up to 6-8 percent. When you dont tip, the
     server still does, for you. though rude, incompetent, lazy, arrogant, etc. they are the
     fingers of the Restaurant machine, gently caressing your ego, tailoring the service to
     your specific needs, as well as bruising, cutting and scaring, this is the contact point for the
     once business model, for the con. We sing your children birthday songs, clean up your 21st birthday boy's vomit,
     we listen to your children scream, we dodge them as well, since your on enjoying your third
     top-shelf martini, your sweet Britney and Kalen are running about like animals with no supervision,
     interfering with servers and ultimately the pace of other patrons service.
     Not to mention the simple fact a lot of restaurants have had to cope with a tough economy,
     so staffing light is also a point of contention, your server may have to not only meet
     your needs and possibly "exceed", for a possible gratuity, but up to nine other tables as well,
     you have to be a track star, computer network router, salesman, entertainer, business accountant,
     and then finally a human and maybe that human is scheduled a lot, double shifts are a norm
     in the industry, you may saunter in at 9 pm for a late dinner, expecting perfection, consider the fact
     your "provider" a.k.a. server has been for the past 11 hours, and potentially closed the night before,
     sometimes 3-4 am in late-night establishments, then back in at 10, it happens, a lot.
     Were only human, and if every move you made at work defined your income im sure eating out
     may not always be on the to do list, people should be given the opportunity to err, you included.
     Nothing in life, orchestrated by man, should ever assume a state of perfection or completion.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:18 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       Maybe you should seek employment in a different industry. You sound like one of those waitstaff types who hates their job and makes sure that your tables know it.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:25 pm |
     • TC
       

       If you work in the service industry, there is no such thing as a bad day. Get over it and leave your troubles and bad attitude at home or get a new job – you obviously need a change.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:30 pm |
707. Dave1
     

     First off I'll say I think it is poor character to take advantage of a waitor by not tipping in order to save a buck. I always tip 20-25% when service is adequate.

     However there is NO EXCUSE why you should ever be neglected by your waitor. If the kitchen or even the bar is backed up, the waitor has a duty to inform you that there is a bit of a wait on food/drinks. Nothing is more annoying than sitting there for 20 minutes and your waitor doesn't have the decency to even stop by your table. When a waitor neglects me, I will lower their tip as much as down to 0% if they are going to treat me like that.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:18 pm |
708. Ben
     

     15-20% is my norm. If it is exceptional then its 25%. If its terrible then they get 10%. Waiting tables is hard work and stressful. I waited tables in college, and later went on to law school and am now an attorney. On any given day it's a coin flip on which job is more stressful. Customers need to take a look around and realize that you waiter is working 4 or more other tables. So if you're chugging your water then don't get ticked when you need to wait a couple of minutes. Your waiter is trying to keep 16+ glasses full at one time. These are mostly young college kids in need of the extra income. If you don't want to tip them, then go to McDonalds.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:17 pm |
709. Formerserver
     

     I was a server on and off for many years to earn extra money. I know what is expected of them. I have left a restaurant without leaving a tip because the service WAS that bad. A small group of friends and I went out to a bar. We only had a table of four. We ordered a meal and drinks from the bar which were fine....but then our server disappeared. I asked around for her and still couldn't find her. After 45 min I found her out back having a cigarette. She came back in and took our drink orders for the bar huffing and puffing the whole time about how impatient we were. (45 min...really?) Then....she disappeared for another hour! After that I ordered from the bartender and paid cash directly to him. I tipped him generously and left her a note when I paid the bill I owed her. I FINALLY found the manager and let her know exactly why we would not be back. Before you assume....the place wasn't crowded and we weren't lingering without ordering anything....we wanted to order and we were listening to the live local band (who we also tipped generously). Tipping is not automatic...you get more or less depending on the service. To date, this is the ONLY time I have not left a tip to the server.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:17 pm |
710. Super J
     

     Our rule of thumb is:
     20%+ for good service and up. (We've done as much as 50% for the really awesome ones)
     10% for poor service
     0% for poor service that's accompanied by rude, abusive or "I don't care" attitudes (We've only ever done this twice).

     July 13, 2010 at 12:17 pm |
711. nasah
     

     obviously the ones who wrote the pro-waiter side are the good waiters. but face it, there are bad waiters out there and they deserve little/no tip. The ones who laugh with their coworkers instead of waiting on their tables, the ones who are no where to be seen, the ones who don't care – they deserve punishment for doing a poor job.

     But they are different than the good waiters who are just struggling. One time, our waiter was the only waiter for our half of the restaurant. But there were 2 busboys and 5 people who's sole job was apparently to ONLY bring out the food. But only 1 waiter. That was obviously a manager's poor decision. So our service was understandably not up to par, but we still tipped because it wasn't his fault.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:17 pm |
712. server greg in nc
     

     as a server 4 many years , i have had the pleasure of waiting on many nice people,, i have the utmost respect for my guests,, therefore, i must say, a tip is earned , people call and asked if i were working that day, if i was off, they would ask what day would i be there, and then aask 4 me,, that is a service, and , btw jar, if all the servers left ,, who would feed you?i have had no tips on a 200 $ bill,it sucked, i have also made a 600$ tip . etc.. i do not tip 4 bad service. i tell them i have done this longer than you have , and u need to walk out tthe door now.. i love the industry, the 213 an hour, what can u do,, to all , i hope you all will tell the owner if u ever have bad service or rude servers,, WE NEED YOUR BUSINESS,, THE ITALIAN TABLE IN SEVEN LAKES NC IS THE BEST.. ii can make over 150 $ a nite if we are busy,, so working at walmart lowes 4 750 an hour pales

     July 13, 2010 at 12:15 pm |
713. phan22
     

     ive never left no tip but if the service is bad ill leave 5% ; mediocre: 10%; good 15-20%; above and beyond the call of duty 25-30%..

     July 13, 2010 at 12:15 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       Why would anyone tip for poor service??

       July 13, 2010 at 12:22 pm |
714. Jessica
     

     Oh, I love the this. I am a server, I have been for 6+ years. I have worked my way through college and after. Do you realize that servers only make $4.00 an hour, and if no tip is left we walk out with nothing? Do you realize that I have bent over backwards for tables and attended to there every need only to receive 5% or less. Also, that money you tip does not just go to the servers, the servers HAVE to tip out the bartenders and the hosts, and in some cases the expo or bussers. So leaving no tip or a scrawny tip actually puts the server in the hole.

     I understand not rewarding for bad service. If it was truly bad service and not just the customer being moody, than talking to a manager is most important. Remember, this is how we earn our income. I do know there are some people that should not be able to server because they are just not cut out for it, but there are so many factors that determine the flow of a restaurant, guests need to be more understanding.

     On a side note, the next time I receive pennies, I can't say what I would like to do. That is the lowest of the low. You got food, drinks, and attention. Pennies belong in your pocket of the floor. If you are going to go to that extreme I would prefer nothing.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:15 pm |
     • Nadezdha
       

       From this conversation I've learned that some servers are paid $2.17 an hour and others earn $4.00. Some establishments have tipshare and others do not. Some servers accurately report their tip income and others do not. How am I supposed to know the circumstances and tip appropriately?

       Many of the servers here seem to be assuming customers know more than we really do.

       July 13, 2010 at 7:14 pm |
715. Junior
     

     I took my family out to a local restaurant, and when we walked in there were about 5 other only a handful of people there. Well we were seated, and my wife and I got to talking, when we realized 40 minutes later that we realized no one came for our drinks. We flagged our waiter down who apologized and took our drink order. 10 minutes later he came and took our food order. My wife and I continued chatting, waiting for our food. Well when we realized it was now 70 minutes, since he took our food order. We asked our waiter and he said he was sorry and that he was busy. There was NO ONE in the place but us. So we asked him to bring the bill for the drinks and that we were leaving. He brought us the bill for the entire order!! Are you serious? He said to us, you ordered it so you have to pay! A manager came running over when he heard us and he apologized and said he would take care of the bill. We have not gone back since, and this was 4 years ago. Service like this should not be rewarded, and although it was the waiters fault, the restaurant lost a customer.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:14 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       A similiar thing happened to me and my husband. We were seated by the hostess in the mostly empty restaurant (P.F. Changs), with waitstaff standing around doing nothing. We waited about ten minutes without any acknowledgment from any waiter, and finally got up and left.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:19 pm |
       • Mike Nimro
         

         Been there, done that.
         I used to be an Applebees regular until the one time my wife and I were seated and ignored for 30 minutes (it was just over 1/2 full).
         We got up to leave and a manager chased us down and asked about our bill, as though we were skipping out on the meal.
         I read her the riot act and basically spelled out that if we had actually HAD our order taken (even for drinks), that'd I'd have been happy to pay just to get out of there. As it stood, I pointed out that she didn't even loose any time for cleanup since we weren't even brought any silverware.
         She apologized and gave us a coupon for a free desert on our next visit.
         I dropped it on the ground in front of her, turned away and left.

         Because of the neglegence of the wait staff, not only have we never been back to THAT Applebees, we've never gone to ANY Applebees.

         Note to waitstaff... Yes, it DOES matter that much.
         There are a TON of eateries out there and if you represent your business that badly, it can cost you more than just a tip... it can cost you regular customers who usually tip heavily and often forever.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:54 pm |
716. Peggy
     

     If you do a bad job you will not get tipped. If you do a good job and get stiffed on a tip it's because that person is a jerk. There are plenty of jerks in the world, sad to say. Life isn't fair though and we have to deal with them no matter what job we may have.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:14 pm |
717. Shane
     

     People who unconditionally leave a 15-20% tip — even for mediocre or bad service — are encouraging the propagation of bad service. If a server makes me late getting back to work, is rude or incompetent, forgets to bring me the steak sauce or malt vinegar I asked for during the order, then you're damned right my tip-o-meter is going to lose voltage.

     Now certain restaurants are confusing patrons by sending two, three, or four staff members to your table in one sitting. How many people does it take to serve a table of four? How is the tip divided? Who's the imbecile who devised this new way of serving tables?

     Don't get me wrong, I worked as a bus boy and waiter — WHEN I WAS 18. These jobs are to get people by while they're in high school or college... a way to make more money. It's a way to learn about customer service and how you get ahead in the world. You can't get anywhere if you're forgetful, slow, and inaccurate in this world. I learned that lesson when I was 18, and I pass it along to those who neglect me today.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:14 pm |
718. AliceinWonder
     

     Restaurant staff are only paid the small sub-minimum wage so a sum of money can be held by the employer from which the taxes on the tips can be deducted. It's a cash industry, and this system increases compliance with tax laws.

     Don't expect the server wages to increase anytime soon. The government collects more revenue from that group as a smaller % of a larger sum than if the servers went to a higher, flat wage taxed at a lower %.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:13 pm |
719. Dom
     

     The fact is, a waiter/waitress is serving you, and you need to pay them for their service. Whether it be good service or bad service, there is a minimum service fee (tip) which you should give them for bringing you your food and setting your table because at least they've done something.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:13 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       They are getting paid, however poorly, by their employers for bringing my food and drink to me. A tip is strictly for showing appreciation for a job well done. If you give me bad service, you did not earn a tip. End of story.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:17 pm |
     • Mike Nimro
       

       You've been playing too much World of Warcraft.
       In the real world, how well you do your job DOES matter.
       Just going through the motions and expecting standard/top reward doesn't work here.

       Will I tip for bad service? Yes, though it'll be about 5%.
       It takes 2 minutes to take an order, 2 minutes to bring a drink, 2 minutes to bring a plate and 2 minutes to bring a check.
       If that is all you're going to do for me, I'm going to pay you for 8 minutes worth of your time.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:33 pm |
720. tim
     

     What's with all this I deserve symapathy-tips? You can't complain about your job and expect others to give you big tips because your bummed at your choice of work. Here's what I use to kind of guide me:
     If I have to find the waiter after putting down the menu and finishing my water = 10% or less depending on how long it took to finish my water.
     If waiter does not check in with me until they give us the bill = 10% or less depending on how busy the place is
     If the waiter is rude or impatient to me or my family = somewhere less than $0.99
     If the waiter is rude or impatient and then does not check in with us until they give us a bill = $0.01
     If waiter just does their job they get 15%.
     If the waiter smiles and makes suggestions and is friendly to my family and me = 20% or if really great more
     I don't care how hard anyone works, civility and common human courtesy is expected especially if I'm paying for the service. I work hard for my too!

     July 13, 2010 at 12:13 pm |
721. Robert
     

     I take the eliminiation method. I put down a decent tip say, 20%, and each time the person does something I didn't like or doesn't serve me well, I take points off. You can be left with 0%. And to that I say too fricking bad. It's no different then a salesman who works on commission. You don't put the effort forth, you don't get the cash. I'm sorry if you feel you're entitled to a decent wage doing a menial job but you're not.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:12 pm |
722. porta
     

     I am proud to say that, because I cared about doing my job well, and ensuring that others had a great meal with excellent service, RARELY were my tips less than 20%, may times I recvd 50 % tips! Only once (almost) was I not tipped, and I deserved not to be tipped. I was so upset with the overall bad experience my customers had (from start to finish) that I went to my Manager myself and asked that she go over to the customers with me, we both apologize, and offer the customers meal for free. BTW, the customers were so happy with the way their problems were handled, they left me a HUGE tip anyway.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:11 pm |
723. Paswesley
     

     Sorry about the typos in my last post. I should have checked it before I sent it.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:11 pm |
724. Brooke
     

     I only stiff when the servers have attitudes. If you hate your job, then QUIT, and stop making my night out miserable!

     July 13, 2010 at 12:09 pm |
725. momof3
     

     I love the people who look down on watiers/waitress and say "they chose this profession" I have been waiting tables for 13 years, not because that is all I know or am uneducated, It's because I chose the most important job in the world to come first, being a mom, I have 3 kids, one is disabled and in a wheelchair. I had a great job with the government but the 9-5 thing didnt work for me when I chose to have kids, I didnt want daycare raising my children, and with a disabled child there are many appointments and so on to deal with. I left the office job and went to work for a restaurant at night so I could be home daytime and my husband at night, I make a decent living, have health insurance have a mortgage and other bills. I am sick of people not taking this as a serious profession. I work hard, always smile, and give 100% to my customers, sure I make mistakes here and there I am human, I apologize and take responsibility and try to make it up to the customer, some just sit back and wait for an excuse not to tip. I love the fact if a steak comes not cooked right it is my fault though I am trying to make it right. I serve you food and correct mistakes, I am not the cook!!! Dont go out to eat if you cant tip for good service %20 is norm now adays. If a server is rude and miserable that is a different story, you have to be friendly no matter what in this business. Try to appreciate your server, she/he may be a mom, student, etc, they are doing this job to pay bills just like anyone else, its a hard job.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:09 pm |
     • Aaron
       

       right, so you made the choice to have kids, meaning you had to choose what to do for a career, its all about choice. So what's the situation now? you wait tables, so instead of spending the evenings with your children you spend the morning until you work the dinner shift. then they have a whole evening to just smoke weed and commit crimes....lol or you ship them off to granny's so she raises them

       July 13, 2010 at 12:17 pm |
     • Robert
       

       There are people who can be servers and there are people who cannot. They forget your orders, they're generally neutral to your existence and they don't check up on you. I will and have left big tips for people who do make my meal enjoyable. What I object to is the automatic expectation that you'll give 15% regardless of what happens. Servers like any other pay on performance job have to excel, not just exist. If you don't excel, you can't expect to make a decent wage. And you don't have a right to. (Not saying you, but in general).

       July 13, 2010 at 12:17 pm |
     • silly silly
       

       Your logic is a circular mess. You didn't 'choose the profession' yet you 'chose to have 3 kids' which then dictated you becoming a waitress.

       I don't look down on servers a bit, in most cases they impress the hell out of me. In fact, I chose to be a server for several years as well to get from A to B. We are where we are because of our choices, even those made perhaps years and years ago.

       Lastly, I don't think this article was trying to call out cheapsters...it was referring to the 'rude and miserable' that you speak of.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:21 pm |
726. Paswesley
     

     I suppose the logic supporting tipping is that it frees the restaurant from having to pay a living wage to its employes, which helps to keep prices down for the patrons. I understand this. Generally, I am a good tipper. I understand that the waiters need to earn a living wage. Yet, thee is the rub. I believe the tip should be earned, not simply given. Otherwise, the waiter becomes a panhandler of sorts. I especially hate the practice of automatically tacking the tip onto the bill. I think that this practice promotes sub-par service. My hat goes off to the legions of god waiters and waitresses out there who are doing a great job every day. They have earned their tip, and I don't mind paying them. Tipping is payment for services rendered, not a handout to a panhandler.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:08 pm |
     • silly silly
       

       Well said!

       July 13, 2010 at 12:09 pm |
727. djak
     

     There is a difference between "having a bad day" and just plain lousy service. Having worked in the F&B industry, I understand when things happen beyond the server's control, such as mixed up orders, or poorly prepared food. All it takes is the server to be a bit more attentive and it makes up for a lot. So if the server gives the impression that their customers aren't worth some effort, don't expect a decent tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:07 pm |
728. Aaron
     

     people need to stop comparing their waiting job to other industries. there are tons of differences from industry to industry, get over it or get into a new line of work. Waiting takes 0 education. Try getting a job in any corporate setting without a high school diploma, let alone a bachelor's or masters. quit complaining about the low hourly wages, you knew what they were when you signed up

     July 13, 2010 at 12:07 pm |
729. T-riff
     

     I think everybody here is missing out on 2 alternatives to not tipping.
     Alternative #1: If the service is that bad, grab a manager and demand a different server...let the manager know that you, your family, your friends did not come here to be treated this way.....rub it in your old servers face even more by giving the replacement server a BIGGER tip.

     Alternative #2: I was in a chain restaurant and the first thing I told me server was that I had a movie to catch in 1hour with my kid, so I'd like to order my drinks and food at the same time right away. 45 minutes later, and the 2 complicated cheeseburgers were still not out of the kitchen. I grabbed the manager and said I have to leave......I am sorry but you will need to cancel my order.....if it was ever even placed at all......Don't be held hostage by unreasonable service from a waiter, a kitchen, or a manager. If it was truly the kitchens fault, then the waiter will feel no harm from the manager, the sale will be voided and wont' go against the waiters sales for the night......and just maybe the kitchen will be hiring new staff. If it was the waiters fault.....well, the waiter should be more worried about being fired then a bad tip. I still left 2 bucks tip for the 2 sodas that miraculously made it to the table.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:05 pm |
     • Brooke
       

       Sorry but you should have planned better. Who sits down to lunch or dinner in a restaurant when they are going to see a movie in 60 minutes?? You were the only one demanding unreasonable service there.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:14 pm |
       • T-riff
         

         I see your point as to the planning. However, how many people have an hour for lunch during the work week and go to Applebees, Ruby Tuesdays, TGI Fridays, etc....These types of restaurants would be out of business if they were not able to get to get a salad, a wrap, or a cheeseburger, out to your table within an hour. This was also 11:15am on a Saturday morning and I was with my 3 year old. Any server should know when someone sits down with a child and orders a couple of cheeseburgers that they should not take an hour to serve them.

         I also waited on tables for years in Baltimore, and had people come in and tell me up front that they had tickets to the symphony, or to a baseball game when they sat down. If they then preceeded to order Creme Brulee which takes an hour to make, I would have told them that they would not make their event rather than saying okay, and disapearing for an hour.

         Again.....this was two cheeseburgers with an 80% empty restaurant...but your point is well taken.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:58 pm |
730. Kneeneye
     

     I used to work as a waiter, bar tender, and bouncer through college and was stiffed a few times. I, unlike some of the cry babies here, did not get upset. I took it as a sign I needed to improve. Eventually, I graduated and got a real job. Although tipping is expected, it is not required and most sensible service folk should realize that $ is a customers way of giving a performance evaluation. For those that say, if you do not want to tip, stay home. I say, if you don't want to be your very best, don't get a job. Tipping is the same as a discretionary bonus. In my company I give those employees a bonus that have worked hard, overcome obstacles, and made a conscious effort to improve themselves and the company. Still want a tip? How's this: Don't breathe underwater, look both ways before crossing the street, and wear clean underwear (for you mom).

     July 13, 2010 at 12:04 pm |
     • BinThere
       

       Good one. I'm a former waiter and have seen both sides.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:10 pm |
731. Ryan
     

     I hate the argument from former wait staff that I should tip just because the waiter or waitress only makes $2.65/hour, and they have bills to pay. Everyone has bills to pay, and the world of being a waiter or waitress is the only one where you can perform pi$$ poor and still expect to be rewarded. What about a car salesmen that works on commission? If they do a poor job selling me a car and treat me poorly in the process, am I supposed to throw a $20 on the table and say, "good effort", or better yet, buy the car regardless so they get their commission and can pay their bills?

     With me, do a good job and you'll be rewarded with your "expected" 20%, even if it's a busy night and things take longer. If it appears that you're attentive and doing your best, that's all I ask for. If it takes you 20 minutes to refill my water, you get docked. Welcome to the world of having to earn your paycheck.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:04 pm |
732. Ben
     

     So, I have a thought that may or may not have been brought up yet. The tipping system is only good for restuarant owners. Its managable for the rest of us. I personally am a good tipper, at least 25 percent everytime so I'm not rebeling. But in passing on the cost of waiters to customers in a percentage form causes waiters to resent those people who want water, no dessert, no alcohol, no appetizer and all of the other items that restuarants make money off. Because now, my 25 percent is less in total dollars because my meal is cheaper. Its my right as a customer to not get any of those things and if the owner paid his staff everything and it was built into the meals, the waiter wouldn't care what I order. Now they do because it directly impacts their tip. They resent me for being cheap and I feel pressure from them for wanting me to spend more and all the while the restuarant owner is thanking the tipping system for getting more people to spend on appetizers, desserts and alcohol which are the better margin products. So waiters and watresses need to be pissed at managers, not customers, although you'd probably think I'm a good one because I tip well, drink alcohol and my wife loves desserts. Seriously though, we are all getting played

     July 13, 2010 at 12:04 pm |
733. Tiff
     

     To all those servers who work in states that shaft you on minimum wage..

     We are all sorry that you work in such a place that is allowed to stiff you like that. But point being is that tips should be earned! I have NEVER left no tip, but have left a very low tip as a reminder that even young women drinking coffee are customers too.. this time it may have just been coffee, but who knows? Next tiem I might spend $100.. you dont know.. So please remember that we all count..
     And I for one am not afraid to speak up and let you and management know about poor service, but some are not as forth coming. Some choose the sublte route of no/low tip to try to enlighten you to your poor performance.

     And tips are a customary way of saying "Thanks" for the server taking care of you so you didn't have to worry about that meal.. if I had a bad time, whay would I say Thanks?

     July 13, 2010 at 12:04 pm |
734. Chase A
     

     Dining out and being "served" is a type of service. Therefore services do need to be compensated, it's common sense. People are cheap as hell and look for any excuse not to tip. Bad service warrants a small tip that's it. It's disgusting how people don't leave tips for a service that is provided to them. If you don't want to tip or can't afford it then stay at home and pick the damn food up

     July 13, 2010 at 12:03 pm |
735. Ozgur
     

     So many servers (and some customers) giving feedback that doesn't even consider the other viewpoint. Except when a customer comes in, they know they have the choice to tip or not to tip based on their satisfaction. Servers know when they take the job that this choice is UP TO THE CUSTOMER. You made the bed, you lie in it. Tips are a form of commission. You get them when your customer is satisfied with you. Whining to get tipped out even for bad service is like a salesman (who works entirely on commission) whining for you to buy something from them even if they don't know their product, aren't friendly, and leave you waiting just because "commission is how I make a living!" If you want a consistently higher wage, work for a place that pays one and don't whine to the customer who you neglected.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:03 pm |
736. smoothoperator
     

     After I get served I always tip.
     When the service is so, so I tp customary tip.
     The better I get served the better tip if given.
     However, I left restaurant after I have been seated; I complained to the management, and never went to that esablishment ( there are so manynice places out there, why punish yourself).
     Yes, I vote the quality of establishment with my hard earned money.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:03 pm |
737. Brad
     

     I was a server at three different restaurants throughout high school and college. I have never left a table without leaving a tip but I will leave a lower tip for subpar service. I go into the meal with at least a 20% tip in mind. As long as the service is satisfactory that is the tip I will leave. However, there are certain things that will cause me to leave a lower tip. One of my biggest pet peeves is a server's inability to refill your beverages in a timely fashion. As a server, that was at the utmost importance in my mind because that is the easiest way to lose a tip. Another thing that bothers me is when my server dissappears for a very extended period of time. The lowest I will tip is 10%, because you have to give the server the benefit of the doubt. They could be new, having a bad day, or the restaurant could be understaffed because people didn't show up which is not the servers fault. I think people need to realize that when your food is below par, that is NOT the server's fault. This is the kitchen's fault and it should never affect the server's tip. Servers are making $2.13 per hour which when it is all said and done basically covers their taxes. So the next time you are thinking about leaving without tipping, consider at least leaving 10%. It may only mean a couple of dollars to you, but if everyone did it, it would be very substantial to the server.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:03 pm |
738. Matt
     

     @Jaliska, from the article, who says: "They chose to work at that restaurant w/ minimum wage. They're not forced to live off that money. If they really wanted to, they could get a good-paying job somewhere else."

     Apparently, Jaliska lives in the same FANTASY WORLD as MN-Gov hopeful Tom Emmer, where waitstaff make $100k off of long-suffering business owners. Apparently, it's a common conservative delusion. I hope whoever has the misfortune of serving Jaliska in the future spits in the food.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:03 pm |
739. Lenny Mu
     

     There is a difference between mistakes and bad service. When a mistake is made, by either the server or kitchen, and the server does a good job at service recover I actually leave a higher tip than normal.

     Poor serivce is very different. If service isn't efficient, and most of all.....PLEASENT I have not problem leaving a very small token of my displeasure.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:01 pm |
740. lindsay
     

     exactly lisa....EXACTLY

     July 13, 2010 at 12:01 pm |
741. Matt
     

     Customers that don't realize their servers are probably being paid less than minimum wage (and being taxed on assumed tips) are clueless. I feel for waiters who work hard and get stiffed. You should leave at least a 10% tip if you got acceptable service, because that's essentially part of their salary.

     I'll easily give 25-30% for exceptional service. But I'm also not shy about talking to the manager if there were major problems, or (very rarely) leaving no tip at all.

     To the waiters bitching that they should get tipped well even if they're having an "off night": get real. You're being paid to do a fairly simple service job. If you're not getting it done - for whatever reason - don't expect to get paid. You don't think other people's pay (or at least bonuses and future raises) is dependent on their performance?

     July 13, 2010 at 12:00 pm |
742. Susan
     

     I have left without tipping once or twice in my life.....one situation I remember clearly involved a lost order and over an hour long wait for food, which was inexcusable because at the time we arrived for lunch (early) we were the ONLY people in the place.....other parties arrived afterwards and were served, while our waiter zipped right past us, ignoring our signals, apparently oblivious to the fact that his first customers of the day still had NO FOOD.

     But I've done the opposite too.....while traveling on business, mostly with a large group, I had one day when I was out dining alone, the other group members having already flown out. Sick of the big, heavy meals I'd been having with them, I found myself ordering a garden salad and a baked potato. Now, my waitress, stuck with a lone woman ordering that sort of meal had every right to expect a lousy tip, but she was attentive, efficient and amiable anyway, in spite of the fact that the restaraunt was busy. The tip I left was substantially larger than the cost of the meal.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:00 pm |
743. Sarah
     

     I don't leave without tipping, because it is a matter of what goes first the chicken or the egg. I eat in the same restaurants all the time. If I leave a bad tip, the waitress then tells the other employees that I don't tip. They are all friends. So I when I have a complaint, they won't listen.

     My biggest problem with restaurants is a silly policy that some of them have in thinking because I often eat by myself that I wish to eat at the counter. Also, I will get crammed into a tiny table supposedly for two. I will be there first and a couple will come in and get a nice table for "four." Because I eat by myself, it is assumed that I am not as important as the couple. Both tables will accommodate the couple. It should be first come first to a table. I understand if there are three or more. I assume it is the tip. They don't consume that much more in the way of a meal and it really doesn't matter whether they are put, at the table for two and I get the table for four. They will still consume the same amount. Also, it is known that I eat quickly and am out of the restaurant in no time, so their bigger table is available sooner for the larger group. But as I said since all things being equal, the people who don't dine alone are considered more important. Another problem is when I go to a restaurant and they want to put me in the back because it makes it fair for the waitresses. I will go in late and the restaurant is empty, but I still don't get to sit where I am comfortable. Instead it is for the convenience of the waitresses.

     July 13, 2010 at 12:00 pm |
744. hasan
     

     to all restaurant workers: yes, you get paid 2.35 or whatever if you get no tip

     but, by FEDERAL LAW

     your restaurant is required to make up the difference if your tips don't put your base, hourly salary over minimum wage.

     look it up.

     but yeah i worked in restaurants and look, its obviously a situational experience- so just go with your gut <@:)

     July 13, 2010 at 11:59 am |
     • Michael Morris
       

       Nice theory. In practice if a server reports tips that fail to bring their wages up to minimum wage the restaurant fires them immediately. Since most states allow an employer to fire for no reason they get away with it – the burden of proof being on an individual who can barely afford rent let alone a lawyer. Every so often lawyers will do a class action suit against restaurants who go too far over the line – like Cracker Barrel did when they required servers to work an extra 30 minutes after their last table left to do special cleanup during which tips weren't possible.

       So yeah, tips are supposed to make up the difference. But if they don't the affected person doesn't have the means to do anything about it, so the law is left utterly toothless.

       July 14, 2010 at 1:11 pm |
745. Mike Nimro
     

     I think the problem here is an "apples and oranges" issue and, unfortunately, some of it is caused by intentional ingorance.

     The problem group is arguing the point about whether tips should be paid at all.
     This is not the point of this article or conversation and nobody here is stupid enough to buy into this spin.

     Are there people out there who don't tip regardless of service levels? Yes, of course there are. There are always jerks in a crowd. Welcome to the world. Glad you finally turned off the TV and joined us.

     What this IS about is whether tips should be paid for BAD service and what (if any) tip should be paid.
     I totally enjoyed the waiting staff members who taught their awesome level of service, as if this were a conflict of interest.
     Of COURSE you think you're service is awesome, but that's not the point.
     What IS the point is how your CUSTOMERS preceive your service. THAT's what counts boys and girls.

     I tip heavily for good service, usually 40%.
     Why? Simple. Because they did a GOOD JOB. Ta-da! There it is. All the magic up for all to see.

     I remember my favorite waitress at a Chili's named Lola.
     She'd ALWAYS great us with a smile (and eventually by name after we regularly went there).
     She'd ALWAYS have our drinks refilled without our even asking.
     She'd ALWAYS keep us informed if there was a delay or problem.
     She'd ALWAYS check with us to ensure everything was to our liking.
     She'd ALWAYS ensure the food was hot, complete, correct and fast.
     She'd ALWAYS bid us goodbye and ask us to come back soon.
     She'd ALWAYS get a tip from me of $20 or 40%, whichever was higher because of all of this.

     Now then, Mr and Ms "wonderful server", do YOU provide THAT kind of service?
     If the answer is "no", then it's time to wake up and realize we're not your Mom and Dad... you have to earn people's respect in the real world regardless of your job, but especially in the service industry where it ALL depends on YOU.

     Just my 2 cents. Peace.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:59 am |
746. Lisa
     

     Exactly...no one who has ever been a waiter would stoop to the level of not leaving a tip. Get your butt up and get a manager...that's what their for...don't just sit their waiting for food looking pitiful.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:59 am |
747. Iamawaitress
     

     I like how the black people could walk out of a restaurant proudly with a bellyful smiling as if everything is fine and dandy after leaving zero tip or a few coins. Their so called civil right leaders should spend more time and effort to educate them on common courtesy instead of looking for ways to sue others and inciting riots.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:59 am |
     • Michael Morris
       

       How very racist of you. Ignorance and stupidity know no racial bounds – as you admirably prove.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:52 pm |
       • Waiter
         

         How is an fairly accepted opinion among servers about blk people a racist comment? muslims wear garments and black people are shotty tippers.. PERIOD that 2.14 and hou go to work for only ur equals zero dollars on a paycheck afer taxes your ignorant fools who have not ever been a server. so tips are all we get to live on.

         July 13, 2010 at 4:21 pm |
       • Michael Morris
         

         Apparently I can't directly reply to Waiter so I'll reply to myself and hope the system sorts this under his, uhm, reply.

         I worked as a server for 4 years. The tips I received had no noticable correlation with race. A black family was just as likely to tip as a white family.

         So shut your racist trap. If blacks stiff you more often maybe it's because you are following through with your displayed racism here and giving them poor service – which leads to a self fulfilling prophecy you ignorant fool.

         I think the adage was when I worked as a server was this – Good service doesn't guarantee good tips but poor service guarantees poor (or no) tips.

         July 14, 2010 at 12:51 pm |
     • Iamawaitress
       

       How typical of you to call someone a racist every time something bad about black people is revealed.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:06 pm |
       • Michael Morris
         

         If the shoe fits wear it.

         For the record I am white. The only common denominator I know of among bad tippers is ignorance and the one of the main signs of ignorance - bad manners. You can spot the no tippers easily enough, they're the ones who command you to get refills as opposed to asking politely. The color of their skin doesn't matter – ignorance knows no race nor creed.

         A racist, like you, draws a conclusion upon a group of people based on the color of their skin or ethnic background. It's a form of willful ignorance. Willfully ignorant people, such as racists, prefer to remain so no matter what facts are presented to them.

         So go on stupid. Continue to believe black people tip poorly. Under that ignorant and asinine presumption give them poor service. And when they tip you poorly in response continue with your racist slurs because your world view has been confirmed by your own experience. Just remember – the only constant in all your failures is YOU.

         July 14, 2010 at 1:05 pm |
748. MutantSupermodel
     

     I always tip. I've never waited tables but I worked in a cafe for a few months. That was all I needed.
     I've had really crappy service and what I do is give between 10 & 15%. The restaurant business is crazy and tips are usually pooled. I don't believe in punishing everyone because of one person's shortcomings. However, what I really make a point of doing is rewarding a great server. My regular tip is in the realm of 20% and if the service is AMAZING I add on to the 20% AND scribble a thank you note on the receipt (plus a smiley face because I'm silly).

     July 13, 2010 at 11:58 am |
749. Gary
     

     Ive had such bad service at a resturant I wanted to make sure the server and manager got the "tip" so on the line I wrote, "Consider a new profession". Our server forgot our order, was no where to be found most of the time, and I had to wander off to find our own silverware. Tips are not a right, you know full well that you are paid around 2.50 an hour and you need to work to get tipped. I'm not going to give you a large tip because you did your job, I'll leave an average tip, if you are outstanding, your tip will be commensurate. But if the service is bad, then let my tip be a lesson to you, I dont care if youve had a bad night or not. I go out to eat to have a good time, not worry if my server got a parking ticket or not.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:58 am |
750. Not a waiter
     

     um, people do have the option to get their own food..from their own kitchen...and are you comparing a car salesmen to someone who makes below minimum wage? Other sales people in the other sales industries get commission, which is paid for by the employer, this is built in to the cost of the TV, Car, ect you are buying. Restaurants do not incorporate the "commission" (tips) for their sales people (waiters), in the cost at the menu.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:57 am |
751. Ed
     

     You know what really bugs me? When tip jars are put out at places where no tip is deserved! I can go to a gas station, pay for and pump my own gas, and there will still be a tip jar next to the cashier.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:57 am |
752. god like being
     

     I am married to a wonderful waitress, does her job REAL well. She and her team placed 3rd in the Servers Olypmics one year. EVERYDAY I hear how she is a wonderful servicer. YET I also hear EVERYDAY about how some corporation or some gig group of people come in, take over an area which would normally seat smaller groups of customers,have her work her tail off while they sit, eat and chat past closing time then get up and leave NOTHING. Would you work for only $2.15 per hour? Making sure your iced Tea is refilled, or your table is clean enough for desert to 20 or more people.
     When BIGWIGS want to impress someone, they'll spend goobs of money to the restraunt for the food, and then expect the service to outstanding, all inorder to secure some BIG money deal. Yet leave NOTHING to the waitress.
     Do you think she is there for the fun of it? Do you think she is doing it because she has nothing better to do?
     I suggest next time, take the waiter/waitress to the side, TIP them more than adequate, then see if you get the service meant to impress, cause if we have to live off the tips of others, and she don't feel like she got a good tip for her services why should she waste her time next time? THAT's her JOB, SO pay her for it!! And to the PARENTS who come to eat with their children who leave the BIGGEST messes, and then leave no TIP. Here's a tip for YOU, stay home.
     You allow your kids to make a huge mess and expect the server to clean it up for NOTHING. Stay home and let them little hellyans make that mess at home, she ain't your cleaning lady, she ain't your babysitter, she meant to bring food and take away empty plates. YOUR mess is YOUR mess, clean it up yourself, or leave a TIP big enough to make the server WANT to see you and your CREW of foodthrowers again. These people are not there to be your personal slaves, they are there to EARN monies to support their families. If you cannot appriciate that, don't go out and eat, stay home, clean up after your own tots, see how long it takes for you to feel unappriciated. Then do it again but this time with a forced smile on your face, because you know at the end of that meal, it's YOU who has to do the dirty work of cleaning up someone elses mess for no pay. Do you think $2.15 per hour buys much. She has recieved many checks which say "VOID" on them after 2 weeks of working, because TAXES on the tips she did recieve were more than the whole amount of what she earned. Think about it people, you get what you pay for. If you are a non tipper than expect the worst sevice. These servers remember faces, you either want good service or you don't, they want to make monies, do you think they would be there otherwise. Try tipping up front, that'll get their attention, and if the service is no good, ask for the tip back, that'll get their attention too. It's all tit for tat, scratch my back I'll scratch yours. But if you don't scratch, after you've been scratched, massaged, pampered, to heck with you I hope you or your kids get car sick and spew all over your car. $2.15 an hour, hasn't seen a raise in her hourly pay in over 20 years. I wouldn't do it. Would you?

     July 13, 2010 at 11:56 am |
753. lindsay
     

     Everyone who is saying they would walk out and leave nothing, have OBVIOUSLY never worked in the restaurant business. So until you do, your opinions mean nothing to us that have.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:56 am |
     • Ozgur
       

       If the opinions of the people who have "obviously" never worked in the restaurant business mean nothing to you, then I guess you're only reading this thing to see who agrees with you already. Keep in mind that that regardless of how much you value their opinions, your disdain is not doing anything to change their minds to give you (or other servers) what you DO value: higher tips.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:17 pm |
     • JJ
       

       I've waitressed for several years and refused to leave a tip for crappy service. Your attitude towards my opinion matters less than a gnat's whisker. And I would be willing to bet real money on how many times you've received a crappy tip to go with your crappy attitude.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:22 pm |
754. Irritated and fed up
     

     Also why don't you tip the staff at McDonalds when they give you food at a driver-up window?

     An underlying point is that other industries compensate the sales and service staff by giving them a cut of the agreed price. With restaurants, there is no agreed price. Novel concept. Why not add 15% to the price of each dish and add it to the waiters pay? Or maybe go to fixed service pricing "Notice – we are charging you $10-$20 for the waiter to take your order and deliver the food." Also why should the waiter get more money if I order an expensive dish and less if I order a cheap dish? The effort is the same.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:56 am |
755. Michael Morris
     

     The thing I hate the most about the min-wage exempt clause of minimum wage is it is tax scheme by the politicians. Without the exempt status the employer has no reason to gather information on how well or poorly servers do on tips and I've heard that in states where the minimum wage exemption is not allowed by the states the restaurants simply don't do it.

     Hence the whole reason for the min-wage exemption is to allow for accurate taxation of servers – accurate taxing of the poor. Disgusting.

     Tax compliance regulations presume that a waiter will earn 8% of their sales and tax accordingly. Waitstaff who report earning less than the amount needed to bring them up to minimum wage are routinely fired. When you stiff a server they still pay taxes on that 8% of the check. Hence, unless a server has outright insulted me I leave 8% as a minimum because to leave less actually costs the server money out of pocket in taxes and that doesn't sit well with me. I will speak with manager in that event.

     My normal tip rate is around 20%, or slightly higher if paying on a credit card since the computer automatically deducts taxes out of the tip.

     Yeah, this turned out to be more of a tax rant than a service rant - oh well. http://www.fairtax.org

     July 13, 2010 at 11:54 am |
756. Matt
     

     I was once in a group that was over 6, so there was automatic gratuity added on to the check. The waitress called one of my friends a "bitch" under her breath. I subtracted the automatic tip from the check and informed the manager that I did and why I did it.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:54 am |
757. mark
     

     I don't remember seeing any restaurant owners or CEO's of applebee's etc. starving. Why is it my responsibility to cover
     the wages that these establishments are too cheap to cover themselves? Tipping is outdated and over-rated. It's time for
     wage laws to wake up and realize the public is not responsible for covering an employees earnings, anymore than you
     are responsible for covering mine. Make the employer take care of their own instead of reaping the rewards for not having to.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:54 am |
758. Dan
     

     Being a waiter/waitress is practically an acting gig. Whether you're having a good or bad night, your job is to serve people in a warm courteous manner. I can understand people having an "off" night or a kitchen mistake, but when I'm presented with a rude or unattentive server, that's where I draw the line. I have no problem leaving a low tip for bad service but on the flipside, I will leave a larger tip for excellent service. But for a server to say that they deserve a tip because they're just doing their job is naive. A tip is a reflection of service and if you're too blind to see that, maybe you shouldn't be a waiter/waitress, but rather a fast food employee. Unfortunately, there are those that just refuse to tip for no reason and that in my opinion is unacceptable.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:53 am |
759. Opposite View
     

     I'd love to see a discussion about what inspires GREAT tipping. My standard tip is 25%, and it goes up from there if the service is awesome. Staff in town know me now, service is always great, and everyone's happy. Going out to eat does cost more ... why not spend a couple extra, and do it right.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:52 am |
760. Higher food price ok
     

     I consistently pay 17% tip when I eat out but sometimes i feel it doesn't make sense. Sure, if my bill is $25, paying 17% is easy, but when I go out to a restaurant order a bottle of wine with few friends paying $60+ in just tip is ridiculous to me. To be honest, I wouldn't mind paying higher food prices to avoid paying tips.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:52 am |
761. Erica
     

     I will gladly take the time to calculate 15% of my bill whenever I go out to eat..... UNLESS the server truly was bad. I've worked in the service industry before. I KNOW what a bad tip can do to your night. I also know when it IS the server's fault, and when it isn't.

     If there is a backup in the kitchen, tell your table. So long as the communication is open, guess what? Your customer will say you did a bang up job. When they give drink orders, it should take NO MORE than 5 minutes in a VERY busy restaurant to get those drinks out to them somehow. They should never have to hunt you down, because you should be walking your tables every few minutes.

     My default is 15%. For the truly stellar, I've been known to leave 50.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:51 am |
762. Geni Holmes
     

     HUD (7/13/2010 at 11:37) is 100% right. ("...if you can't do your job, don't be a waiter/waitress!") I believe the anti non tipping people think servers are like weathermen – they should be paid whether they are right or wrong. I want to add more to this post – but HUD is spot on. His post says it all!

     July 13, 2010 at 11:50 am |
763. Mr. Pink
     

     Hey servers, stop crying. You are not allowed to bring your problems to work. I do not care what your problem is, I do not want to know about it in any way. You will smile and be friendly, bring me what I want in a timely fashion, and check on me a couple of times to make sure I have what I need. If you cannot do that, you get nothing, and rightfully so.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:50 am |
764. JJ
     

     Face it, people that bitch about tipping are just plain cheap. They're quick to take away, but if the service is good, do you think they're quick to add on? I doubt it. I've worked in tons of restaurants, and it's always the same. I always did a good job, but magically, it never seemed to matter. People know what they're going to tip going in, and it only goes down from there depending on how needy they are. Bottom line: if you don't want to tip, stay home. But I do agree with one thing: having the customer pay an employee is a jacked up system that makes no sense. It's like having the customers paying the cashiers at Walmart, and leaves the restaurant with no responsibility.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:49 am |
765. Ben
     

     It is TRUE that it's only a few dollars, but I think it's the principle.I feel like it should go that average service receives no tip, good service 15% or so and GREAT service 20% and up. If you're at work and you only get enough done to narrowly avoid being fired, do you think you deserve a bonus? Usually what I'll do: poor service gets you about 10%, average is about 15%, good and up is in the 20% range. I have left no tip before, but only in REALLY BAD cases. The waitress asked our drink order, brought us our drinks and took our food order. Our food was brought by someone else, we had to flag down people to get our order fixed, flag down people to get drinks, and the only time we ever saw her again was when she brought the check by dropping it on the table and walking off. I was at a vantage point where I could see partially in the kitchen where she was texting most of the time. She got NOTHING. One trick I have learned to get good service though, is the generous tip. We went to a new restaurant for the first time and had good service...not GREAT, but much better than most. We tipped him what amounted to be 30% or so. It was a cheap place so it only ended up being $6-7. From that point on he insists on waiting on us, brings us our drinks and food quickly, makes sure everything is fine, refills our drinks, etc.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:48 am |
766. SharkMan2
     

     Jaliska's comment is a perfect example of people looking down their noses at those who they deem to be inferior just because of the job they have. I "chose" to work as a server for almost 5 years because that's how I put myself through college and almost every server that I worked with was doing the same thing. That and student loans were my only source of income so, contrary to what idiots like Jaliska would like to believe, I was forced to live off of that. While a lot of my friends were going off to places like Florida, Cancun, Cabos, and the Caribbean for spring break, I stayed put because I couldn't afford to take the time off if I wanted to pay the bills. I'd like to see Jaliska and all of the other snobs try to survive if they were forced to try to make a living off of that kind of pay. Maybe then he'd understand why servers (the vast majority of whom are more than competent) get so irritated dealing with cheapskates like them.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:48 am |
767. Jared
     

     Customers, owners, and managers need to expect good service. We have a resturant in town that always has good service regardless of which of their staff waits on us. We go there a few times a week beacuse of it and the staff always gets a good tip. There is another place in town that we won't even touch because we always get poor serivce while there. The last time we were there my wife, who was a waitress, authorized a no tip exit. It took 45 minutes to get our drink order and another table was seated 30 minutes after us and got served sooner. They told me they were understaffed, but it wasn't busy and there were employees standing around talking to one another. That is the only time I've ever not tipped. I even tipped well when they messed up my credit card transaction and it took 30 minutes to get it straightened out, but that was because the waitress did a decent job despite that.

     I will say this though. Don't go out if you don't plan on tipping well for good service. Poor service? Well I don't care if you are having a bad day. Your tip is based off your performance. You might not even have to talk to us much. Just take our order, keep the drinks filled, and make sure everything was correct. I left a 10.00 tip on a 16.00 order for someone doing just that.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:48 am |
768. Jennifer
     

     I'm 56, and remember when 10% was considered normal. Then 15%. Now it's 20%? Ridiculous. (And yes, I have waited tables.) (Particularly when most restaurants still charge an 18% gratuity for large parties.) I also worked in a ski shop on commission where payment was $2.25 an hour, supposedly made up for by commission sales. The problem arises when the employer *counts* on tips/commissions boosting the employee's income. Or, more likely, they don't give a damn. However, urging a percentage of the total bill as a correct tip is wrong, IMO. Diners should be expected to tip what they feel the service was worth, not by an inflated percentage based on food/drink prices. I always tip, because I have been a server, and I wil reduce the percentage left if I feel the service was poor. But as has been noted, it's not always the server's fault. Nonetheless, the server should immediately inform the table if there are problems in the kitchen, and apologize like they mean it. I once was overcharged $100 in an outstanding restaurant . . . my server disappeared, so I had to call the error to the attention of the manager. The server just said she was really busy, sorry about that. A $100 addition error? Sorry about that? Why should I tip for that?

     July 13, 2010 at 11:48 am |
     • laura
       

       The same way you get a bonus every year, so does the tip percentage increase for servers. We need that just to keep up with inflation. And honestly, next time you begrudge that 20%, you should know that on an average night, I'm tipping out 2% of my sales to a busboy, 1% of my sales to the bartender, and a dollar an hour to a food runner. Even if you do tip 20% on your dinner, that doesn't mean I'm taking it home, it gets distributed amongst all the people who helped to make your experience a great one. If you don't tip, then I'm shelling out money to the bartender, busboy, and food runner without having made any myself.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:59 am |
       • Jay
         

         This doesn't make any sense, Laura. The percentage should stay the same. The price of food is increasing at the pace of inflation. When a $10 bill becomes a $20 bill, the amount of the tip increases as well - even when it stays at 10%. You are trying to "double dip" on the inflation argument – inflating the percentages of already inflated prices.

         July 13, 2010 at 5:32 pm |
769. Unsympathetic_Retail_Slave
     

     The majority of waiters do nothing special, to the point where I don't even think they deserve a tip, you're paid to do your job, why am -I- paying some of your wages instead of your employer just because you put a fake smile on your face and refilled my drink once?

     Don't get me wrong, I tip and I actually tip fairly well [30%] but I disagree with it. I don't think waiters should have to rely on tips to make a decent living. I shouldn't have to tip at all and y'all should get paid more hourly. The idea of tipping is just so..absurd.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:47 am |
770. Rubbertoe
     

     As a manager of a restaurant, I agree that tipping is out dated. Servers and bar tenders should be paid at least minimum wage. Of coarse, that means your salad just went to $10 and you don't want to know the price on your steak......

     July 13, 2010 at 11:47 am |
     • Ozgur
       

       Um, why should prices rise more than 15% if you pay minimum wage? Assuming 15% is an average tip and makes it so that servers can earn at least minimum wage, I don't see why prices should rise more than that in a no or low-gratuity restaurant.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:31 pm |
771. beth
     

     We eat out to get a break from home cook food. We go to high end and low end restaurant and get very good, good, and bad service. very good service and nice server I give over 25% all the time, good service 20%, bad service dollar all the time. One time in San Francisco, my daughter -in- law took us in a Chinese restaurant buffet ( not to crazy about buffet) The food is so bad, did not serve drinking water, the place is just gross to me ,ask her if there is somewhere else to go, at that time everywhere has a long wait so we stayed .I only left $1.00 for a tip because I was so dissatisfied. After we were out of the door one of the employee chase us and said the tip is not enough, that I should give 20% I started to argue and won't give anything until my son settle what they are asking for. The nerve to ask 20%? Only the chinese in my experience.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:47 am |
772. David E.
     

     My wife and I were handed the check once... only we never got our food. That guy got nothing.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:47 am |
773. jo
     

     Waiters get paid by the hour. They are not making their wages from tips. They don't need to be tipped for doing what they are hired to do, refill your drinks and bring me my food. Maybe if you want a tip, forgo your hourly wage and I will accept mandatory tipping, otherwise its one of the most stupid ideas.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:46 am |
774. MadDog Gatecrasher
     

     I work in commissioned sales. I "expect" you to buy, but people come up with all sorts of reasons not to. That hurts my livelihood too, but I guess that's OK.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:45 am |
775. Irritated and fed up
     

     To the servers out there.

     When you buy a television set, do you tip the salesperson who helped you pick out the TV, provided demonstrations, rang up your order? Do you tip the used car dealer after he sells you a car?

     How are servers different from any other service professional? What makes the service they provide so unique that they warrant tips but other minimum or below minimum wage individuals do not? Unlike valets, people do not have the option to get their own food from the kitchen.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:45 am |
776. Raevyn
     

     It seems to me that the problem isn't tipping at all...it's the criminally-low wages restaurants are allowed to pay their servers. Give me a break.....under $3 an hour???

     July 13, 2010 at 11:44 am |
     • jo
       

       Obviously you have no idea how it works. They are required to be paid half the hourly wage and then if tips do not make up to their hourly wage, they get compensated for all the amount that would make it so they did make the hourly minimum.

       It makes tipping become a requirement from the customers, otherwise the restaurant would be paying their employee. Its just a ploy so the restaurant can gouge you on the food, and make you pay the waiters wages.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:49 am |
777. jason
     

     I've left a penny on one occasion. It took 15 minutes for our waiter to take our drink order, then another 10 minutes for him to bring it out even before we took our food order. After he took our food order, the next time we saw him was to bring us our checks (someone else brought out the food). Never got a drink refill or was checked up on.

     Regardless, I don't believe in the whole "tip based on a percentage of your total" thing. I tip based on how well the service was, not how expensive the food that I ordered was. If it was expected service I'll usually leave $2, exceptional service $3, poor service $1. Sometimes it comes out to more than 20%, sometimes it doesn't, but I don't keep track.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:44 am |
     • Unsympathetic_Retail_Slave
       

       That's the same way I tip and with the places I eat, it usually comes up to well over 20%.

       For me it's anywhere from 1 dollar to 5 dollars.

       I don't think the fact that I bought a steak instead of a salad means anyone should get a bigger tip.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:36 pm |
778. Trish
     

     Mistakes are one thing, rudeness is another. I have a question though. It is very common for waitstaff/bus boys/hosts to share among a tip pool, so if a someone walks out without tipping that $4 what does that really mean? You're missing out on some change. It isn't as if most people leave without tipping. If you're a waiter and think a co-worker isn't pulling their weight (slacking off, being rude, etc.), go to the manager if a couple dollars a week means that much to you.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:43 am |
779. mark
     

     this whole thing is soooo convoluted. what started out as gestures of appreation for a job well done has turned into something so tastless. but as usual, the people let it happen. man are we stupid! oh, and the "just stay home thing" even dummer. like i recently read, "stuck on stupid".

     July 13, 2010 at 11:42 am |
780. LINDA
     

     I AM 59 AND STILL DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE MECHANICS OF TIPPING FOR DINNER, AT THE NAIL AND HAIR SALON OR TO GET MY EYE BROWS WAXED. THE RESTAURANTS ARE ALREADY WAY OVER PRICED AND YOU WANT ME TO PAY MORE JUST TO REFILL MY TEA AND BRING MY FOOD TO THE TAB LE. THE FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY SHOULD BE PAYING EMPLOYEE MORE THAN $2.13 PER HOUR. NOW UNDERSTAND, I DO LEAVE TIPS. BUT I AM PICKY ABOUT WHERE I LEAVE THEM.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:42 am |
     • JJ
       

       Trust me Linda- servers see you coming from a mile a way and they're praying you don't get seated in their section.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:50 am |
781. Slam
     

     tips are earned not given, I eat out EVERYDAY and not fast food..if the service sucks you shouldn't just except anything...period........................................thats the problem of today everyone expects something for nothing...earn your tip...it's not that hard

     July 13, 2010 at 11:42 am |
782. Grayson
     

     Here is something that I personally do. Unless I go to a place to eat where I have yet to be, I have a really good idea on how much I will be spending. So I will order my drink of choice (Diet Coke) and a Water. I do not order this water because I am craving water, but because it is my judge on the server. I will put roughly 25-30% of what the meal will be in ones and 5's on the table beside me, if there is ever a time where I finish my water, (because my diet coke was empty) I will simply remove a 1$ bill from the top of the stack. The waiter may have an idea of what i am doing, but he is not 100% aware. I strongly agree that there is no way to justify stiffing a person and I will never do something like this. But I give my servers all the opportunity to get tips that they wish based on putting forth the effort to earn this. To each his own on their process of tipping servers, but I see mine to although be very peculiar.... It is fair.

     As a side note, I would like to say that I believe tip-sharing is the worst idea known to man. The money that these people make in their establishments are based on what the effort they put in. I reward the good employees and do not necessarily punish a bad one.... but want to know that whomever I give my money to, they will enjoy the fruits of thier labors.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:42 am |
     • Trish
       

       I agree with you on the shared tips. I've never been a waiter and don't know anyone who has, so when I recently learned a lot of places have a tip pool, I was shocked. The first thing that came out of my mouth to the person who told me was: So the bad waiters/waitresses aren't really punished with low tips that are left for them because they get money they didn't earn from the decent employees? I think it is outrageous.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:49 am |
783. Bryan
     

     I have no problem leaving a good tip when the service warrants it. Even average service will get at a minimum 15% tip from me and I've left as much at 30% or more if the service was fantastic. On the flip side, I'm not leaving much of a tip to someone who doesn't do their job. I understand people have bad days sometimes, but that doesn't mean you can walk by my table multiple times without checking to see if we want the empty glasses in front of us filled, disappear for 20+ minutes at a time, etc.

     I used to work in the service industry (both front and back of house) so I know exactly what goes on so I'm generally a little more tolerant of little things than a lot of people, but if I have to go hunt you down because my drink was empty when you brought my food out, said you getting me a refill, disappear for 20 minutes, don't show up again until after my plate is empty, and are reeking of cigarette smoke when you do finally come back then don't expect much of a tip. I work too hard for my money to just give away.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:41 am |
784. rachael
     

     I've worked in restaurants so I know what it's like being a server and a customer. With that being said, if I was not having a good day and let it affect my work and customers then I understood when I didn't get a tip that I didn't deserve it. A tip is just that..something extra for giving good service. It was not my customers job to give me something extra when I wasn't giving them the service they were already paying for with their meal. If I go out to eat now that I am not a server anymore, I will not leave a tip if you are not doing a good job. Like I said, its not my job or anyone elses to pay your bills nor is it our fault you took a job making less than minimum wage. Servers know what they need to do in order to make tips so if your service is lacking then blame yourself, we shouldnt be obligated to pay you extra when we dont even get what we paid for to begin with.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:40 am |
785. Annette
     

     TIPS = To Insure Prompt Service; my tip is based on the response of the server. If you return to my table and insure we have filled drinks, check to see if our food was prepared appropriately and in general 'wait' the table then yes I will leave a generous tip. BUT if you can't be bothered and in general provide terrible service then my tip will be adjusted accordingly. Normally I will tip more than 15-20% if the service is good but poor service will get you less than 5%.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:40 am |
786. Been on Both Sides
     

     I waited tables during high school and university. It's amazing how many posters blame the bad service on the kitchen or other circumstances beyond their control (too many tables seated at once, etc).

     Yes, it happens. That's when the server should be letting the customer know that he/she is aware of the problem and is working to fix it. Don't just disappear. An apology works really well, too. Even if you can't do a thing about it, at least the customer knows that he is still important to you.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:40 am |
     • Windknot
       

       YAY!!!!! FINALLY SOMEONE WITH A VALID RESPONSE!!!!!!

       For the Customers: Recognize if the eatery is getting slammed. If it is and there's not a lot of staff running around, service is going to suffer....it's not the Servers fault.

       For the Servers: If you're having a crappy day, if the Kitchen is screwing up everyone's orders, if the Ice Machine isn't working, IF YOU SCREW UP....APOLOGIZE!!!!!....don't whine, be HONEST and say "I'm SORRY, I'm doing the best I can (insert circumstance here)." Be genuine, and the excuse better be good and it better be REAL (I'll follow up and check to see if you're telling the truth) and 99% of the paying public will quickly sway to your side.

       I'm a big guy, I look much tougher than I really am, I have a REALLY short fuse.....and I'm a FOODIE and CUSTOMER SERVICE NUT......admittedly a wait-person's worst nightmare if they're "off." Once that fuse get's lit, my face gets red, my head is swiveling 360 degrees, I watching you, I'm watching the other people you're serving, I'm watching the other servers and I'm looking to find out who's in charge. I EXPECT great service, and REWARD for EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE.

       But two simple words douse that short fuse, brings calm to my face and can make almost all of my worries go away............

       "I'M SORRY"

       I encourage all those in the service industry to try it. If it is not within your range, I suggest you go home and practice in front of a mirror. A simple apology will get you out of ALMOST any jam.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:58 pm |
787. Hud
     

     I love the responses about how "if you don't plan to tip, don't go out"..... How about, if you can't do your job, don't be a waiter/waitress! If I don't do mine, I don't get punished by not getting a "tip" – I GET FIRED!! Not everyone is meant to be in any/every line of work. I will continue to go out to eat, and if I get horrible service, I may/not leave anything as a tip. But, you can rest assured that if the service is THAT bad, I won't be going back....

     July 13, 2010 at 11:37 am |
     • Geni Holmes
       

       HUD! You have said it all – with "if you can't do your job, don't be a waiter/waitress" ! Perfect!

       July 13, 2010 at 11:52 am |
       • JJ
         

         The present and former servers on this forum have two choices, stay or leave. The votes on this issue overwhelmingly support the patrons right to tip or not. There is no ENTITLEMENT to what the patron feels is not earned. And if a server decides to take revenge on a patron, it's their loss in the end. Not the patron who will choose a better place to eat. DEAL WITH IT....

         July 13, 2010 at 1:27 pm |
       • Idomybest
         

         You may not know, but it is often much more complicated than that. Granted, there are some real terds out there who are oblivious to the concept of proper work ethic, but there are far more hard working people trying to make a living and/or get an education. It may not be entirely your server's fault that service is not up to your expectations. Please consider this when deciding how much (or whether or not) to tip?

         July 13, 2010 at 1:50 pm |
788. mccadoo
     

     Folks who refuse to tip despite the level of service they receive, will be remembered by the staff. They will become the targets of food contamination and slow or poor service. Those are the breaks. That's why I never send anything back to the kitchen either. That being said, wait staff who ignore customers, don't deserve to receive a tip. For sure though, if you stiff on the tip after receiving good service, you will be the butt of many jokes and shenanigans. This also reminds me that wait staff have come to expect a certain percentage of the total for a tip, when in reality all they did was run an order to the kitchen, return said order when up, and refill beverages as well as deal with public complaints. A pizza delivery guy drives to your front door, on his gas, in his car, and is happy to walk away with a few bucks regardless of the total of the order. Why is one job tipped higher than another? They both have advantages and drawbacks, but it is obvious that both make their living from tips. Now until the restaurant industry raises the pay wage (increasing all menu items prices, to still maintain profitability, and I bet it would be higher than a tip amount) tips are expected when service is acceptable or above the call of duty. When you get hired by one of these companies, they explain why tips are required for a person to make ends meet. After that tips are too taboo to discuss. I think that a tip added to the total order cost is a good solution until these greedy owners learn that keeping an employee happy and well paid, means that customers will return and your staff with remain long enough to get good at their job. The turnover in the service industry is huge, due to the fact that they learn all too quickly what it's like to work for nothing or even worse to pay for customers items out of their own pockets. If I deliver a pizza to your house and you don't tip me, I just drove to you on my gas with my car for the honor of feeding you. Thanks! Same goes for wait staff. I swear some people must like the taste of spit....

     July 13, 2010 at 11:36 am |
     • rachael
       

       And another thing, those servers who say "if you wont tip then stay home". Well, if everyone did that then you wouldnt even have a job now would you?! Its servers with that attitude that don't get tipped.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:51 am |
     • Ozgur
       

       I don't care what a person tips a server–if that server then tampers with your food every time they see you, or take out their aggression on you because of it, they should be FIRED. You don't go slit the tiers of the boss who failed to give you a raise, you don't put sugar in the gas tank of the guy who chucked his cigarette buts onto the pavement at the drive-in movie. If you're that kind of petty, vindictive spoiled brat, you don't deserve to even have a job–and if you spit in people's food, you deserve to go to JAIL.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:48 pm |
       • mccadoo
         

         if you don't tip you deserve my herpes! good luck with that...

         July 14, 2010 at 12:32 am |
789. Marc
     

     Doesnt TIPS stand for To Insure Prompt Service? I know alot of servers and to be honest I always tip good, but to say that you deserve a reward for doing sub standard work is crazy. If you are complaining that you don't want to work in the industry don't and please try not to explain to us you have bills to pay. We all do! pulling in 200-300 in cash every night and not claiming half of that on your taxes more than makes up for it. If people have to hunt around for you to bring them food or service you deserve the pennies they give you. If you are the people who give these pennies when you have been given good service you should cook your food at home and save the gas money because those are pennies you are wasting.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:35 am |
790. You don't need more bread, really
     

     To the loser in Chicago. Being a server is not a low paying job depending on where you are. I make more now as a server in an upscale restaurant then I ever made in my 9-5 job in the IT industry. And you should stop acting like you have a choice, you eat at home because no one wants to spend time with you in public.
     And Rick – A restaurant is a business and they have the right to charge you what they want. You don't have to pay it and should go hang out with that other lame fatty in Chicago eating crappy pizza and crying over Steve Bartman. The restaurant is offering a product like any other business, which is the experience of dinning out, not just the food. If you only want to pay the cost of food, buy it at a grocery store and make it yourself. You know what, you can't even do that, because I'm sure the grocery store ALSO marks up the cost of the food when they purchase it from their vendor, who ALSO marks it up when they purchase it from the production plant and so on. When you buy clothes, do you need the entire breakdown of how much it cost to make your clothes? Or Car? Or cell phone? If not, then why do you need the breakdown of food & service from a restaurant? Just lame excuses from losers with no one to go out to restaurants with. Please stay away from my restaurant, even tho i provide excellent service. If you leave a bad tip, i mention it to our hostess and she will always tell you that we are booked when you try and get a reservation next time. And FYI lame tippers – waiters/waitresses hang out with each other and talk about you – so if you tip poorly in one place we make sure to tell our friends to look out for you. Enjoy your meal :)

     July 13, 2010 at 11:35 am |
     • Tired Chicagoan
       

       "To the loser in Chicago. Being a server is not a low paying job depending on where you are. I make more now as a server in an upscale restaurant then I ever made in my 9-5 job in the IT industry. And you should stop acting like you have a choice, you eat at home because no one wants to spend time with you in public."

       There, you got that off your chest, good for you. Would you like a lollipop? There you go bumpkin.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:01 pm |
791. GaryG
     

     It's simply stupid to blame the server for the quality of the food, the ambiance, the noise level, flash crowds, etc., inasmuch as they are all beyond the server's control. What you can blame the server for are inattentiveness, impoliteness, carelessness, ignorance and a lack of hygiene, among a few other things that, generally, could be lumped under one or more of the foregoing. For decent service I figure 20% and round up. For superb service I'll go 25% to 40%. For lousy service I'll usually go 10% unless the server is personally offensive, in which case the floor's the limit. When the service is sub-par, it is usually due to factors out of the server's control, so they deserve 15%, if they pulled off their part adequately.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:35 am |
792. Idomybest
     

     Consider this: perhaps what you call "poor service" wasn't really that bad. Perhaps your server was very busy(or perhaps not). Some restaurants are long-established, well-run businesses with proven systems for success. If you receive poor service at such an establishment, your server may be lousy. But many other places are poorly-staffed, under-staffed, mismanaged, disorganized. It might not be the server's fault that he/she has to care for five or six tables(or more) at the same time. Maybe your server had very pertinent things to do. Perhaps, for example, he/she had to help someone else wash water glasses in order to have clean glasses for you to use? Don't EVER think that you are the only one in the whole restaurant, because you probably aren't. Furthermore, to those of you who said it's not your fault the server "chose" to work for minimum wage: do you really think anyone would "chose" to serve you? There are very few job opportunities out there for college students, single parents, those who can't afford higher education, etc. Often, the service industry is the only or best option. Most folks cannot work a 9-5 job and schedule college classes around that. People who think it is the server's "fault" for "choosing" to work for minimum wage and tips must be absolutely ignorant of the way the world works. Those who would leave no tip at all are exactly the type of people I would not want to serve; they don't deserve my excellent service. I work in a poorly-run restaurant myself. There are very few jobs in my area, certainly nothing lucrative. I do my best with what I have, and if someone left me a lousy tip or no tip at all, my baby might not have diapers. Does that sit well with any of you? Why are the hardest working people always the ones who get the least reward?

     July 13, 2010 at 11:34 am |
793. Ed
     

     I agree with "john". When I am seated at your table, I have in my mind that you will get a 20% tip. It goes up or down from there depending on how good/poor the service is. I am paying you for service – not rewarding you for ignoring me. I used to work in a restaurant and know how things work in one so I can empathize with you. I can understand when you're having an "off" day and won't penalize you for that. I can see that you're frazzled from running in circles because you have too many customers on a busy night and that's isn't your fault, either. However, if there are only three occupied tables and you're standing in the corner flirting with the cute customer while I've asked 4 times for a glass of water that hasn't arrived and takes all of 5 seconds to pour and 15 to deliver, you can bet your tip is shrinking with every minute (and I will leave zero tip if you truly don't even try). To the folks who think they're entitled to a tip: grow up and take responsibility for yourself – the customer isn't an interruption to your job, they are the reason for your job. We work for our money and you should, too.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:34 am |
794. heather
     

     My husband and I have given very low tips for very poor service. We have never left anything less than 15% for someone who is trying or at least acknowledges that they are straggling a little bit. Off days happen but if you just got into a fight with your bf/gf and you take it out on someone who may be out for date night or may even be celebrating something spectacular is just rude.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:34 am |
795. Tyler
     

     I tip based on service. I've eaten at 4 star restaurants and had trouble getting my water refilled. Yet, I've eaten at Denny's where the waitress refilled my coffee so many times I was jittery leaving the place. If we talk percentage, the waiter at the 4 star restaurant will be paid far more for his terrible service. How is that fair? I'd rather leave a 100% tip at Denny's than 15% anywhere else.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:33 am |
796. David M
     

     I will agree that if it is obviously not the waiters fault you should still tip. I am a very generous tipper and will usually leave more than the average IF the waiter is fast and competent. The only time I did not tip was when the waitress clearly completely forgot my order. She served the rest of our gruop...then eventually came back and asked what I had ordered...20 minutes later I got my food...AFTER everyone else was already on deserts. Sorry but your not going to get a tip if you can;t do your job. To the waiters that replied saying leaving no tip was inexcusable... If I did my job so poorly, my boss would fire me so be glad if the worse you get is no tip!

     July 13, 2010 at 11:33 am |
797. iceman
     

     funny, the people who defend giving a tip even when when the service is bad are usually waiters themselves!! nope, if your performance sucks, so will your tip. And to the comment "If your not going to tip then dont go out to eat." I say this, If your not going to give a 100% to your job then don't go to work.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:32 am |
798. Lynn
     

     The only time I have ever not left a tip was when I was insulted by a waiter. I am deaf in one ear and have to watch people speak to understand what they're saying. The waiter asked "You're not going to stare at me like that all night are you?" and I said "I'm sorry, I'm partially deaf and its the only way I know what you're saying." To which he replied "It's really creepy." Sorry if my disability offends you, hopefully your lack of tip offends you more.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:32 am |
799. Jeffrey
     

     I guarantee that everyone who commented that they would never not leave a tip are people who work in the restaurant industry. There is no way anyone else would feel that way. Poor performance will get pay docked in almost any profession. Whether it is from lack of commission, bonuses, etc. Tipping for bad service will just encourage that bad service more often. No way waiters should be rewarded for something the rest of the country wouldn't be rewarded for.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:32 am |
800. John
     

     I'm not tipping if I ended up having to do the waiter's job for them. When it gets to a point that I'm essentially at a self-service buffet, they'll get tipped accordingly. Where you work is a choice. Whatever your job, you should take the utmost pride in doing it. I could never be a server, because I don't have the personality for it. Even when I was out of work, I found something else despite being desperate. Servers that I'm friends with do it because it's decent money, and doesn't require sitting in a cube all day. In other words, a choice.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:32 am |
801. James
     

     Everybody has good days and bad days, but for waiters and waitress they should always get there 15-20% no matter what, it part of our culture, if a waiter or waitress goes above and beyond then they get more. Many times I have had so-so serves, and many times I had grate serves, so-so will get 15-20% but the grate will likely receive an extra 15-20%. And to many times I have seen people get up a walk out without tipping or even older couples who only leave the .50 cent like they did back from the twenties when they were younger people and have never been ever understood why we tip in the first place. And I have something else to say as well there are some employers who still refuse to make up the difference in your minimum wages to cover your loss and there afraid to report them because they need that job, so next time you think you are getting poor service and are thinking about leave a crappy tip I would hope you remember this commit and change your mind and be kind to the wait staff. And no I’m not a waiter but I have dated a waitress and I have heard horror stories from her about some customers how no matter what you do it’s never enough to make them happy.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:31 am |
     • You must be slow
       

       THe words you are looking for are "their" instead of "there" and "great" instead of "grate".

       July 13, 2010 at 12:00 pm |
802. Nicole
     

     I was a server and would not – never leave a tip and I would never "punish" a server for a mistake, but recently we had to chase our server, order our own drinks and request silverware on more than one occasion. I usually tip very well and visit the establishment often. While I did give a low tip I spoke to the manager as well.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:31 am |
803. Thomas
     

     There are some eateries that are self service. You pay up front and receive a receipt. Go to a table a person comes over and looks at your receipt – puts a check mark on it and says my name is Bambi and I am your server. This person never serv' s anything. But she removes dishes ( buses the tables) , many times someone else picks them up. In my mind this person has not provided anything for me - but only does what the owner tell her to do. This is not the required TO INSURE PROMPT SERVICE for a TIP

     July 13, 2010 at 11:31 am |
804. DKeith
     

     Tipping is not a city in China!

     July 13, 2010 at 11:30 am |
     • JJ
       

       And it's not a requirement by law either! You don't rule, the customer does!

       July 13, 2010 at 1:28 pm |
805. Oregon Server
     

     Great comments folks. The industry IS flawed in many ways. TIPS translate to this: "To Insure Prompt Service"-common sense needs to prevail. If the service was substandard, don't tip and PLEASE communicate with a higher authority WHY you aren't tipping. People who go our to eat and spend their hard earned money should expect to receive great service every time, anywhere and any DECENT food server knows this. It's how we make our living- A person or family who leaves or doesn't tip because of lousy service isn't going to return and will probably tell their friends, etc. Lousy service translates to loss of business and every employee in the restaurant looses! DON'T tip if you get poor service and TELL the Manager WHY!!!

     July 13, 2010 at 11:30 am |
     • Annoyed
       

       Enough about this "Acronym," If you want to "Insure" people respect your comment make sure you spell the word ensure correctly

       July 13, 2010 at 11:38 am |
       • TERRYM
         

         Annoyed darling–please use your dictionary and look up both insure and ensure. Believe me, no one mispelled any word. You just don't understand the meanings and how words can be used synonymously.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:58 am |
       • Mike
         

         Hey winner, both are proper spelling. google define:insure

         July 13, 2010 at 2:08 pm |
806. Eric Lyons
     

     I am a web programmer by day, and a waiter by night. I have this second job to help ease the pressure on my family in these tough economic times. It helps pay for daycare and groceries. I work 16 hour days sometimes. I make $3 an hour plus tips. Out of my tips, I tip out the busser, the bartender and the food runner based on my total sales for the night. NOT MY TIPS FOR THE NIGHT! When you stiff me on a tip, it eats into my pocket, because I still have to tip all those people out. Your $3 on a $50 check hurts me. I believe I am an excellent waiter, as I am a people person and try my hardest to make sure not only do my tables have a great meal, but fun while doing so. People who tip low are cheap. Bottom line. You look for any reason to not tip/leave a low tip. Because you are cheap. So the waiter took a little longer to refill your drink. Maybe the restaurant was packed, and he was trying his best to get to all his tables. Maybe your extra minute prevented someone else from not getting their food at all. As long as your server is at least making the effort to provide you with good service, you should make an effort to not be so cheap. And one more thing...leave no tip/low tip, find another restaurant to go to. If you come back to the same one, believe me the waiters talk, and people will know how cheap you are...

     July 13, 2010 at 11:29 am |
     • Riddler
       

       So if a customer leaves a bad tip for a bad experience, the wait staff will gang up on them mafia-style and ensure they don't eat there? Good to know you'll bite the hand that feeds at your place of work.

       Don't pretend you've never given bad service. Every waiter/waitress has. If you are getting bad tips more often than you give bad service, then I apologize on behalf of the good customers. But at least a tiny fraction of those no-tips/low-tips was accurate.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:35 am |
       • Eric Lyons
         

         What I meant was it boils down to what is bad service. Is the fact that I took a little too long to fill your drink deserving of a 10% tip? Or that you neglected to tell me that you didn't want a certain thing in your food/didn't like how your food tasted and you had to wait until the tables after you got their food before your remake came out? I'm not saying I've never given bad service. I'll be the first person to admit that if I forget to put in your order and you have to wait 30 mins, I don't deserve even a smile. But when you come into a restaurant and look for any little reason to save yourself a couple of bucks by not tipping your waiter, you are cheap.

         And no. We don't gang up on you and wait for you in the parking lot after school. We just remember the cheap people who go out of their way to save a buck. If you know someone is cheap, why make the effort to go above and beyond in your service. We just share information. That's all.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:46 am |
807. Sharita
     

     I just don't think A-holes should be allowed to go out to eat :)

     July 13, 2010 at 11:29 am |
808. Pam
     

     I have no problem tipping very generously for superior service 25 or 30 percent, and I have no problem leaving nothing for poor service. I have worked as a server myself, and on occasion was not left a tip, when it happened I usually knew why and I tried harder with the next table.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:28 am |
809. Steve
     

     You entitlement-minded wait staff should thank your stars that you even do get tips. Not everyone in food service does. So knock it off with the "everyone should work in food service to see what it is like" BS. Many don't ever get tips at all, including cooks, bus staff, janitorial staff, 1st line management, fast food workers, etc....

     July 13, 2010 at 11:28 am |
     • Heather
       

       Most of the jobs you have listed get, at least, minimum wage. The "entitlement-minded wait staff" gets much less than minimum wage & must make up the difference themselves. I had no idea that was how it worked when I applied as a Server. I thought everyone was required to get minimum wage. If you were getting paid $2.13 an hour, you would hope and pray that the people you server are happy & will tip well.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:37 am |
810. Heather
     

     I was a server for years & that honestly made me more aware of bad service I received at other locations. I keep in mind how busy the resturant is & I notice how many other tables the server is stopping at. I have never left NO tip, but I have made it VERY obviouse that they are getting exactly what I think they were worth to me.

     I was once with a large party (about 10, mostly guys) and our waitress come over, took ONE drink order & started to walk away. When I asked if the rest of us would get to order, she let out a big sigh, turned around & rolled her eyes. Right there I knew she would not be getting a very nice tip. She did the same thing when we wanted to order our food. After 30 minutes of waiting for our food (and having seen it come up in the window 15 minutes before), I went & pulled the tray myself. The Manager stopped me, and when I explained what had been going on, I saw him pull the girl into his office. She came out crying & we never saw her again.

     I did not feel bad at all if she got in trouble or got fired. If that was the kind of service I was getting, I can only imagine she had done that to others. As a Server, you must also be an actor. You can not let one table effect the next. It is your job to be happy, upbeat & ontop of everything. If you are not, then you have failed.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:27 am |
     • Riddler
       

       Good summation. Clearly you had an especially rough encounter, but that was the right way to handle it in my opinion. She was not in the correct work environment for her.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:31 am |
811. btjd
     

     I don't know that I've ever not tipped at all but I have given low amounts for poor service. Ordinarily I tip 20% or more for excellent service. However, I have no problem with people not tipping for poor service (*service, not kitchen mistakes or not liking something I ordered). Part of your job is to be courteous and pleasant. If there is a some reason for a hold-up let the table know. Apologize if you make a mistake or forget something.

     I worked as a beverage cart attendant on a golf course for a few summers. I was paid minimum wage but I also needed the tips because for a while I was only working part-time. Also factor in that a bad weather day meant I couldn't work at all, so the tips helped make up for the days where weather postponed, cut short, or canceled my work day (like other waiters/waitresses I could also be "cut" on a slow day). I worked outside in 90+ degree heat with humidity and hauled crates of product and buckets of ice to restock my cart. Eventually I also started working a 40+ hour a week "real" job and continued to run the cart on the weekends since the owners hadn't been able to keep good help (had fired two other girls for various reasons). You also would not believe some of the disturbing comments I got from men on the course. But just because I was hot, tired, and/or offended didn't mean I took it out on the next customer. Part of the job was to be polite to all the guests at the course, whether or not they bought anything from me. No one "had" to tip me but I knew that if I wanted a tip, I had to earn it by providing professional and polite service. If a customer didn't tip me, I still continued to check in on them through the course of the day in case they needed something else and would treat them just as nicely the next time they came out.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:27 am |
812. Felix
     

     I'm not sure where this whole tipping thing in restaurants came from anyway. Do you tip your doctor? Do you tip your mechanic? Do you tip your electrician? Do you tip your plumber? Don't these people also provide a valuable service and don't most of them work for someone else who is making all the real money from their work? I leave no tip when the service is horrible and I am so irritated by places that automatically add the tip to the bill. I never return to those places.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:26 am |
     • Former server
       

       My plumber, electrician, mechanic and doctor all get compensated very well for what they are doing! If they want to lower the $80.00 an hour I'm paying them for labor to $2.50 I will gladly tip them.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:10 pm |
813. Donovan in Las Vegas
     

     My wife and I think that bad service is usually a result of bad customers. If you act like a jerk you are going to be treated that way. We rarely get poor service.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:25 am |
814. Former Server/Shrink
     

     So after reading all of this I think we should eliminate tips and make it part of the mandatory bill. Americans just want to make themselves feel better about not paying for a service they already used – because of whatever. If you think someone who is a server "deserves" their lot anyway – you are just mean and don't live in most Americans reality. We don't care about your rancid state of mind until we get taxed on your bill that you didn't want to pay for in the first place. IT'S CALLED A DRIVe-TRU! No tip needed, you don't even have to wear pants. :) Don't blame the hardworking girl for your problems, she has her own that she is hiding to bring your crazy fat (hungry) face a bowl of soup. Maybe that sounds mean but to assume that people that have to work hard jobs because of the disparity in wealth in our country is just silly. The girl serving your soup is most likely, more intelligent than you and would never talk to you unless she was getting paid. Just because you got lucky with Daddy's money doesn't make you any more of a person. (In fact, I would argue that is has left a great soft spot in your character.) Just an FYI for all of the smirking 'tards I severed over the years. LOL Also, IS IT a good idea to antagonize the person handling your food? I think not. Harsh but true.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:24 am |
     • Toya
       

       An even better idea is to have the restaurant pay the servers rather than the customers! Servers make out like bandits not having to pay the tax on all those tips, it's only what they report which I'm pretty sure is never the real amount.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:31 am |
815. Julie
     

     I don't get the complaints about supplementing the payroll of restaurants. If they paid the waitstaff more, the food would just be more, and then your service would probably be worse, because your server doesn't have to worry about what you will tip. We have only ever left less than 10% on a table once, and the service was ridiculous. For us, we usually leave 10% if the service is sub-par, 15% for adequate, and 20% for really good. If we actually get superb service, we will leave more than 20%. Add to the enjoyment of my evening, and I will reward you for it. Frankly, few will do that without the potential for a good tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:24 am |
816. Riddler
     

     Ok, how is this a complicated scenario? If the service is good or great, the expected norm is 15-20%. Some will tip a bit less, others more. If the service sucks, it will be far far lower. That 'off day' arguement is self-serving or sympathetic idiocy. If you have an 'off day', well it will be an 'off paycheck', won't it?

     If the server is actually good at his job, it will even out over that 2 week paycheck. If you are getting low tips all week, you shouldn't be doing that job. Don't look at this on a customer by customer case, take the averages.

     Yes, I've waited tables in school. No, I've never had to live off it. But bottom line, everyone is self interested. That includes the customers, the management, and the servers. So be honest in your tipping and hopefully they will be honest in their service.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:23 am |
817. Adam
     

     Tips is an acronym, not a word. It stands for To Insure Proper Service. It is not us paying their paycheck, it is them earning a reward for excellent service. It is an incentive. If a Tip is assumed to be a given it does not inspire the best service from a service staff. I have only ever left without leaving a tip once. We saw the waiter once. When he brought the check. A busboy took our order. I have left 1% tips, 5% tips, etc. For excellent service above and beyond the norm I have left tips as high as 25 and 30%.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:23 am |
818. Matt
     

     To all the angry servers who think they should receive 20% regardless because they make under $3 or what have you: You keep saying that if I don't want to tip for poor service I should go to McDonalds, here is a TIP for you all. If you want to do the minimum of take my order and hand it to me when it is ready and make at least minimum wage, Go work at McDonalds.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:23 am |
819. Reverend
     

     Here's a thought for all the servers who think they're "owed" a tip simply for showing up to work.

     What if you were trying to build a car, and the weakest link was the driver who takes the vehicle off the line? Every time that driver pulls the car off the ramp, they would bump it, or chip the paint.

     Would you pay that driver extra, or expect to be fired?

     Some of the servers I have been subjected to were EXTRAORDINARY! I have tipped WELL over the 20% rule. The FEW servers who were rude, or horribly inattentive, I have looked around to see the causation. If it's just because they're horrible? NO TIP FOR YOU!!

     Don't like serving? QUIT! No one makes you work ANYWHERE! Find a job in a field that doesn't enable pity for pathetic people.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:22 am |
820. shriguy
     

     It is an interesting dilemma. Given many folks haven't had this mechanism as a part of their pay I would rather propose some other things to think about. The IRS assumes that a server, at a MINIMUM, earns 8% of their income as tips. While this could be greater, it seemed as reasonable a starting assumption as any I could find quickly.

     So does this mean that a teacher whose students don't do well should lose 8% of their income? Is this a fair assessment that they are not doing their job well? Certainly support, equipment, and administrative staffing effects teacher performance in the classroom....is that so different from wait staff?

     What about Construction Contractors? Why is the way we feel at being treated taken into account? Certainly no one should be treated rudely by a wait staff (which is rather contrary to my experiences on work sites) but should an efficient server be punished for not being as chipper as a less functional but attractive or friendly server?

     Could Politicians who don't meet the baseline requirements of their job, look to the New York State Governments effective delivery of an on time budget each year, lose 8% of their income?

     This principle could be applied to most professions. To me it shows a few things. First of all that one groups occupation should justify that they do not earn a living wage because a true cost of the service received is not met (this is for the bad tippers out there who would rather save a penny than pay the just cost of a meal on the town) seems truly unfair. The other end of this is the argument that paycheck and success within a field should not be measured in association with performance is also unfair. If you are incapable of doing a job properly you certainly aren't justified in getting paid to do it or protected from financial consequences for failure to do a job to a baseline of assumed expectations. So while it isn't clear cut, we need a little bit of both, and it would seem that true performance reimbursement is largely lacking in many other realms of work in today's society.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:22 am |
     • Nadezdha
       

       That 8% tax is what the IRS estimates your tax liability would be when you don't report your actual tip income. If you don't want to susidize non-tippers, then report your actual earnings.

       July 13, 2010 at 6:51 pm |
821. Ryan
     

     I'm of the mind that if the service is crappy, the tip will be crappy. I personally can not stand establishments that automatically stick an 18% gratuity on the bill. That leaves the customer no choice and method (other than complaining to the management) to comment on the quality of service provided by the wait staff. In these places I automatically do not add any additional tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:22 am |
     • KCtoons
       

       I agree...I want to control how much tip I give. If they automatically add 15-18% then I will now tip more than that even if the service was outstanding. I have mentioned to the server on occasion that if they DIDN'T have that policy in place his tip would have been more.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:27 am |
822. Truth
     

     Most servers I know are strong liberals. As such, they deserve no tip, but I will let Obama just redistribute my income to them, which is his main objective to begin with.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:21 am |
823. Josh
     

     The few times I've had service so bad that I didn't want to leave a tip I've made sure to pay with a credit card, and then write a note on the tip line – usually related to what the waiter did/didn't do that earned them no tip. I'll typically leave 10-15% for sub-par service, and 25+% for excellent service.

     Normally I start at 25% of the non-taxed bill for tax & tip, and then round up as appropriate, aiming for 20% for "normal" service. I have no problem tipping people for doing a good job, and I do try to not blame the wait staff for kitchen problems, but I also think it's reasonable to expect certain things (like checking our drinks periodically, and not disappearing after you take our order only to show back up when it's time to hand us a check) in exchange for a decent tip.

     The bottom line is that tips aren't a right, you have to earn them. Good service earns a good tip. Bad service earns a bad tip. And NO service should earn NO TIP.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:20 am |
824. ChairmanMao
     

     Black people generally are bad tippers, regardless of the quality of service.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:20 am |
     • Ghetto Guy
       

       But dat be because Ima need dat money fo my babymama.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:22 am |
     • Joe Bob
       

       Nice stereotyping there, Racy McRacist.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:24 am |
       • iceman
         

         Don't be a moron. Stereotyping is not the same thing as being racsism. It's called an educated guess. sorry if you dont like what he had to say but Ive worked in plenty of restaurants, and guess what? Black people always tipped the worst, followed by old women.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:38 am |
     • markus
       

       you know, you're absolutely right. We're bad tippers. We also generally love fried chicken and watermelon, too.

       we're talking about tipping, and you bring up this offensive racial garbage. Idiot.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:24 am |
       • ChairmanMao
         

         Understandable. Sometimes the truth is hard to swallow.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:28 am |
       • Delkath
         

         not only are you people bad tippers but you like to run the dickens off of your server, THEN complain to a manager about anything you can dream up just to get some free grub, not giving a crap that you just ruined the waiters night, put him in the weeds, and probably made him look poor in front of his manager, again, JUST to get some free food.. THEN dump a dollar and change and act like you are taking care of us. please stay at home and build up that cholesterol with your fried self. You people should know this. Every dang time a group of you people walk in, EVERY waiter in the house sighs and prays you arent going to be in their section. I just gave up on you all as a whole and take care of everyone else first because of how you have treated your servers. Good job. And you wonder how you folks, as a race, wind up in such bad social standings. Self doings.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:44 pm |
       • knew it would come to this
         

         Delkath,

         Ah, so maybe that's why you don't get good tips from us. If I think that you're ducking and hiding and don't want to serve me because of my race, then I will oblige your expectation of a low tip....because it will certainly show in your service. If you wanna be a racist....fine by me, I'll give the tip to the next server who doesn't have such racist attitudes.

         July 13, 2010 at 4:56 pm |
     • DKeith
       

       Wow! Stella Stereotype! What a piece of work? How much do you tip on your rice plate, Mao?

       July 13, 2010 at 11:26 am |
     • iceman
       

       Yup, Iv'e noticed the same thing myself

       July 13, 2010 at 11:34 am |
     • ChairmanMao
       

       This is a well known indisputable fact. To deny it is like saying OJ is innocent.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:35 am |
       • OJ Simpson
         

         But I am innocent. And I tip poorly.
         Now I am off to go look for the real killers. Peace out.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:55 am |
       • knew it would come to this
         

         78% of the responders in this CNN "poll" said they left a crappy tip. But of course, you're going to say that all of those were due to Blacks. is this 2010? let me go check my calendar....feels like we're back in the 1960s....

         July 13, 2010 at 5:04 pm |
       • ChairmanMao
         

         What??? Just because it's 2010, it means blacks are no longer bad tippers? They have been, still are, and will be the worst tippers for a long time to come because of they can never grow out of the attitude that they are OWED.

         July 13, 2010 at 5:38 pm |
       • knew it would come to this
         

         No, it's 2010...and people (such as your self) are still stuck on the idea that Black people do this....blah blah...unless you think CNN is the mecca for Black folk...this poll says that a lot of other people are ranting against tipping for bad service, REGARDLESS of race.

         Race, has nothing to do with tipping. I tip extremely well...but I'd bet based on your attitude (and it shows...communication is more non-verbal than verbal), you would get a poor tip from me. Sad thing is,this would just reinforce your jacked up notions.

         Oh well, a more deserving server will get the tip...

         July 13, 2010 at 7:57 pm |
825. Toya
     

     If the service is bad I have not problem leaving only a 10% tip and a note stating why the tip was so low (rude waiter/waitress, not checking up on table, etc). The service has to be really bad or extra slow for me to call the manager. On the flip side, if the service is very good, I tip 20% and will also leave a note stating that the service was good (waiter/waitress was very friendly, etc.). You can't only complain about the bad things, you should also compliment on the good. 15% tip to me means the service was just average.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:19 am |
826. Vanessa
     

     What irritates me is when a waiter KEEPS the change (try $2) and just ASSUMES that you were going to leave that as their tip! How about giving me MY change back and letting ME decide if you deserve it or not?!?!?! Better believe that I not only asked for my change back, but then left NOTHING as a tip! Hopefully that's the last time they pull that again!

     July 13, 2010 at 11:19 am |
     • Toya
       

       I absolutely agree! I give less tip when they do that, no tip is a little harsh though.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:22 am |
827. T-rex 123
     

     I have been a waiter for about three years while I finish up school. I believe that all this debate really proves only one thing. A job as a server is a challanging adventure with many social complexities and perspectives. I believe that my time in the service industry has been the perfect proving ground for future stressful interactions. Being a server, and not being tiped apprpriately, presents a very challanging situation. As the server you have seen both sides of the situation, yours and the customers. Neither perspective is incorrect, but it is the servers job to "ignore" their perspective and "prioritize" the customers. I have no problem with this, this is why I average over 30 an hour! But understand that a "no tip" has effects on an indivduals ego. This is why it is very hard to retain "competent" employees, no self respecting person will make excuses for someone that doesn't value hardwork!

     July 13, 2010 at 11:19 am |
828. Lexi
     

     This is in response to Jill and all the points she made. Are you kidding me? In my younger years I worked in both sides of the restaurant, the bussing and dishes and then moved up to waiting tables. Let me tell you, I worked much harder bussing then any waitress in this establishment ever did. At the end of the day when they were counting their tips, I never got a penny. All the comments I've read about poor service are true. I would say 90% of the time poor service is just that, POOR service and not because the waitress got too many tables at once and is just overwhelmed. As in other posts, we are all expected to do a good job in whatever job we have. One of the best restaurants we have ever been to and have now made it a regular has staff who all consistantly come to all the tables like that table is of high priority. Not only are they friendly but my glass has never even seen an empty bottom. This restaurant has more wait staff I've noticed then maybe most but what a smart idea on their part. More wait staff so each table is always taken care of = happy customers = more business and money. It is not my fault as a customer if you as a waitress is overwhelmed, blame that on your boss. Bad service will get little to no tip from me and if that's a problem then maybe you need to either check the attitude you had that night or take it up with your boss for overwhelming you.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:17 am |
829. DADDYPOPS
     

     I have been the victim of bad service dozens of times if not more. I am very patient and expect that I will be served as quickly as they are able. On the few times that I had a rude waiter/waitress Imentioned it to them and asked for a reason. More than once it was due to the rudeness of either a customer or management. Each time I was treated better and felt they were glad to have vented to someone. These people are trying to earn a living and usually are extremely hardworking. I cannot imagine trying to live on what they make per shift. If everyone shorted them in tips, restaurants would have to raise prices to be able to staff a restaurant.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:16 am |
830. markus
     

     to the waitstaff who are condemning people for not leaving a tip for poor service...

     SPARE ME!

     look if there's a problem with the food- delays, or the food is prepared properly, I will NOT take that out on the waiter.
     But if I have a waiter with an attitude, lacking warmth or courtesy and not even TRYING to be attentive, sorry.

     I went to Olive Garden a while back and had a NIGHTMARE for a waitress. She was downright rude at times, and just very inconsiderate. Yet, my friends still wanted to tip her.

     Under the "anti-goose egg" comments, "Mike" stated, "How would you like to be "punished" at work by a complete stranger if you were having an off day?"

     Well Mike, guess what? I have to deal with the public and represent my company, and I DO get punished when I have an "off-day" and let it affect my performance.

     Bottom line- if you want a good tip, check your issues at the door and do your job.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:16 am |
831. Spucky
     

     Beware of this, too: We dined out at a local small-ish restaurant, paid with a credit card at the front desk (as is required), went back to the table and left more than 20% in cash as a tip. The service had been fine. When we got our credit card bill, we were astonished to discover that the server had added ANOTHER TIP of 20% to the credit card charge, making his grand total tip more than 40%!!!!! When we called the restaurant, they said that they "had no idea how this happened." If you're going to tip in cash, ALWAYS, ALWAYS put zeros in the tip section and total the receipt yourself so that they cannot fill something in after you leave. Don't leave it blank. We ended up having to dispute the charge with the bank and got our money back, but we haven't dined there since and likely won't again.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:16 am |
     • You don't need more bread, really
       

       I think you are lying. That is not how credit card transactions work. If you paid at the front desk and signed the bill at the front desk for a certain amount, the credit card would have gotten charged at that time what the amount of the bill was. It is only when a credit card slip for signature is brought to the table and left unsupervised when that can happen. When is the server getting their hands on the receipt to add additional money to it? Did you pass out while at the front desk register? Because according to your story, you would not have left the credit card slip on the table, as you paid at the front desk...Maybe you're dumb and tipped the lucky waiter twice.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:46 am |
       • Former server
         

         As a hostess, if someone paid at the front desk, we just gave the credit card slip to the waiter and they closed out all of their own charges at the end of the night. Not every restaurant works like yours. There is no need to accuse someone of lying.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:19 pm |
832. Pamela
     

     I was a server on and off for 7 years and I enjoyed interacting with people. I also worked my tail off. I believe everyone should work in a customer service and/or restaurant industry. When I hire for any position now that includes internal and external cutomer service, I am glad to see restaurant experience because it's a great training ground.

     For both sides, you get as good as you give. Customers, be courteous and polite to your servers – they are profesionals, not your personal servants. 99% of the time, I receive excellent service because I say please and thank you. The only time I will raise an issue to a manager or with the server is if he or she is not courteous. If there is an error or something happens, if a server acknowledges it and works towards a solution, then I'm fine. I generally tip 20%.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:16 am |
833. Amy
     

     My problem with tipping – If you think about an hourly wage – and a wait person spends say – 5 minutes taking my order, offering a glass of water and delivering said order – what is that worth out of an hourly wage? Definitely not worth 20% of my food bill. Perhaps back in the old days before casual dining restaurants, it would be worth it - they literally served you... decrumbed your table... held your napkin... waited on you hand and foot for your experience. These days – it's not much more service than showing up at McDonald's.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:16 am |
834. Janderson
     

     I absolutely agree with Dennis – EVERYONE at one point or another should work in the service industry. If anything, just to walk in someone else's shoes for a bit. There are so many things that are out of your control when you are serving. I am not talking about the morons who do nothing when they're working and are being lazy. I'm talking about being quadruple sat all at the same time with roughly 12-16 people who are starving and all want your attention at the same time, with one table guaranteed to have some screaming kid who is throwing their cheerios all over the floor and table. Talk about being in a stressful situation where you're trying to please everyone, just so you can hopefully get a tip out it. I was in the service industry for 8 years putting my way through school and paying rent/bills – believe me, I would have done something else after the first year if I could. But serving jobs are almost the only jobs that will work with a fulltime school schedule. And for all those who basiscally say to just get another job/you chose that profession – screw you. It's not easy to get ANY job now-a-days – so get off your high horse and take a serving job...you may learn a thing or two of some hard, stressful work.
     I personally think we should just have the system the way they do it in Europe where the tip is already tacked on or they pay the servers more. it's like an actual profession there so they are paid way more. It's like in America they think "server" = "servant".

     July 13, 2010 at 11:15 am |
835. Joni
     

     I agree with both sides of this issue. As it's true that no one should have to reward what they deem to be bad service, it IS true (in my opinion) that EVERYONE should wait tables, at least once, in their lives. I waited tables, when I was still in good enough shape (physically and emotionally) to do so. A server must be able to handle and put up with a great deal of pressure. Yes, I had bad nights when nothing went right. I had the good fortune, however, to have customers who realized what was happening...that I was doing my best.

     Bottom line: you must walk in your server's shoes, before automatically assuming their service is bad and walking out without tipping. But, those servers who assume they can make great tips on their good looks and bare minimum service best find employment elsewhere.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:15 am |
836. Steve
     

     Most countries and foreign cultures build the "tip" aka wait-staff pay, into the price of the meal. Here it is different, but the wait staff commenting in the article and on this board still need to get over their sense of entitlement. "Ferrari"? Cmon, dude, get real. Just because someone is going to a restaurant, even a nice one, doesn't mean they "drive a Freeari". That is the problem with those imbued with a sense of entitlement - you all think that those around you owe you something because they happen to be better off than you. I know for myself, I save up to reward my family with a night out on a rare occasion, so if you think I'm rolling around in a "Ferrari", you can shove your tip (the penny I will be leaving you) up your behind....

     July 13, 2010 at 11:14 am |
837. Trevor Methena
     

     All the people who left "never leave a goose egg tips" seemed to mostly be former servers who think they should be allowed an "off" day. If you want a job where you can "off" days then get a different job! The service industry in america has generally gone to crap. You can't get so much as a hello at a gas station and you get an eye roll when you order water at a restaurant. Its absolutly ridiculous! I think that service industry employees need to get goose eggs so the industry as a whole can step up their game.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:14 am |
838. Leen
     

     I have been a server for several restaurants around the country. And feel that if you provided excellent service (going out of your way to be helpful) than you deserve a tip over 20%. If you were good at your job than standard 15 to 20% is customary. And if yu service was subpar than you should expect compensation to be such. As a former server I tip a bit above average almost always, but if the service is horrible (I've had off days too, not an off day an awful server) than you shouldn't expect to be compensated for it. Perhaps other industries should implement a "tip" system so that you don't get compensated for playing on facebook.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:14 am |
839. Tina
     

     I have been a server, a hostess, a dishwasher, etc. I have done almost every job at a restaurant except cook and tend bar. That being said, I have minimum standards for servers when I go out. As long as the server meets the minimum standard, I tip. I tip well. However, I once had someone take my order, go to the adjacent table, put their head on the table and go to sleep. I don't know if the person was drunk, high, or sick. Regardless, they should not have been at work. Needless to say, things went progressively downhill from there. I did not tip and did not experience distress about the decision.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:13 am |
840. Traci
     

     I start at 20% and drop it by a percent every time there is something that I'm not happy with. Most of the time, the server gets 20% but sometimes, like if I ask for lemon or silverware or steak sauce and don't get it promptly or if my food comes to the table cold, I'll drop percentage points. Seems fair to me. I don't penalize a server when it's a kitchen problem though. They can't control what happens in the kitchen.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:13 am |
841. Casey
     

     People who don't leave a tip have obviously never had to wait tables. Yes, everyone experiences bad service every now and then, but alot of times there are many contributing factors behind the scenes. Maybe their manager has overloaded them with too many tables or the kitchen is backed up or maybe they're just having a bad day. Remember they gat paid $2.13 an hour...they make a living off their tips. Come on people, if you have the nerve to go out to eat and have someone wait on you hand and foot, you should tip regardless of the service...yeah...leave a smaller tip for bad service, but no tip at all??? Don't be cheap!!!!

     July 13, 2010 at 11:13 am |
842. Marvin
     

     I see a lot of comments on this beard from people who have no idea how a restaurant works. TBH, they could pay servers a better wage but then all they'd do is raise prices, and you'd still b#*&% and moan 'cause they charge too much. By paying servers a lower wage, it also frees up some wages for the cooks, dishwashers, etc... including management. These are all people whom work very hard so you can go out and (most of the time) enjoy a nice meal. By doing so you pay a premium to have what is basically a servant, get everything for you. Hell even a team of servants , as you don't usually see the Back of house guys slaving away in a 90+ degree kitchen. The rational that you are paying the wages the restaurant should be paying is bunk. No matter what you pay them whether through prices or tipping. If you don't like that idea then you should never buy anything...ever, 'cause that's how business and the economy works.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:12 am |
843. Mike
     

     As a server for many years, I've seen both sides of this argument. However, you are responsible to do your job and do it to the best of your ability. If you provide me poor service, you will get a poor tip. If you are horrible or inept, you will get even less, or nothing. We've become a society of "woe is me" feel sorry for me, even if I'm rude and have ruined your meal/whatever.

     We all have bad days and we all get the short end of the stick, your not special, and just because you've had a bad day doesn't mean I have to.

     Next time try this, if you're having a really bad day, smile, move on, work harder (I know its tough), but if you do, you will be rewarded and your day will start to get better. Works every time.

     Mike

     July 13, 2010 at 11:11 am |
844. Mike
     

     I almost always leave 20% or more, and wouldn't think of leaving even 15% unless the service suffered. But on two occasions I have left 1 cent. And both times I that 1cent tip on the credit card bill with comments. I left no tip once, but that was after the meal turned into a war. The server brought the wrong order, then insisted we made a mistake. So we kept it. Then one of the meals was bad. I mean spoiled meat. My kid couldn't eat it. I pointed it out, and was told we had to pay since he had taken a bite out of it. The ultimate insult was when the bill came, it showed the server was wrong, and had brought the wrong order. We just wanted out of the place so we paid with no tip and never went back. It was out of business with 3 months.

     As to the 1 cent tips, in one case, I asked to be seated no-smoking. I was put in a smoking section and when I questioned the server, I was told it 'will be' non-smoking, as I was on the edge. Service was terrible due to another event, and instead of the no-smoking section growing larger around me, more smokers were seated. I was eventually in the middle of the smoking section. I asked to move twice, and was told no, this was non-smoking, even though there were smokers all around me. They got 1 cent on the bill, with a complaint written on it. (The charge never showed up on my CC, so I suspect the server killed the charge rather than let the manager see it when they did the books that night) I didn't go back to that place for almost 5 years, after a remodel and employee change. I used to go there once a month, for top end dinners.

     The other time I left a penny was when the server took our order and disappeared. I tried twice to flag him down as he went by, but was ignored. Drinks (bottomless non-alcoholic) never got refilled the entire meal. To make matters worse, my order was changed on me when it came to the table (one of the 'associated dishes, to something I totally hate, I really would have ordered something else had I known) and was told there was nothing else. When I left the tip, the waiter made a scene about me when he picked up the cc slip, but didn't realize I was still standing waiting for people to clear out of the way so I could exit. He was holding up the slip and saying how cheap some people were to all the other patrons in the place, so I turned around and said "Do you want to know WHY you only got 1 penny?"

     Leaving no tip doesn't send a message the way a 1 penny tip does. Especially if management sees the cc slip and comments on it.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:10 am |
845. Acacia Douglas
     

     I'm completely appauled by some peoples couth! I mean my God these people are down right rude. It saddens me to even hear some of the things people said in this poll. Down right heartless! I'm sticking to my theory that everyone should spend at least 6 months in the service industry before they can go out into the world.... I truly believe this would make the world a better place. Give people patients, compassion, and understanding. Make people understand that working in the service industry is difficult and that it can be a wonderful experience if you make it one. But also know that these are people just like you and me working towards bettering themselves. Putting themselves through college, raising a family, struggling to make ends meet just like the rest of the world. Please tip no matter the service. If you were unhappy with the serivce chances are that person already knows and does feel awful. No server walks up to a table sayin "WOW! Wonder how can i screw up these peoples night?" Give them a break... if you walked in the same shoes I'm sure you'd understand you CAN NOT make everyone happy.. its impossible. Dont' be that person be understanding and friendly. Just remember in the end these are the people serving your food..

     July 13, 2010 at 11:09 am |
846. Kris
     

     After a nice meal at Z'Tejas with another couple, we split the bill. We paid cash, our friends paid with a credit card. I thought it was more advantageous to leave a cash tip rather than have our friends put half on their card, so I left a 25% cash tip with my portion of the bill and she wrote "no tip" on her credit card slip. I'm not sure what happened, but our waiter came chasing us out of the restaurant asking where his tip was. We were pretty amazed at his audicity. I told him he better go in and check with his co-workers (another worker picked up the check for processing) because somebody was running around with his tip. Stupid kid.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:09 am |
847. Not James
     

     I don't want to eat in a restaurant that doesn't have tipping. Eating isn't like buying lumber or any other commodity. The attitude of the server absolutely impacts the the quality of the product. I want a server (and a cook and a busboy) who are motivated. But I've only ever stiffed a server once, and it wasn't even her fault. Her manager berated my friends and I very loudly for an extremely minor infraction (trust me). He was clearly just having a bad day but there was no excuse for his attitude. We explained to the server why we couldn't leave a tip and suggested she talk to him about it.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:09 am |
     • TipThisDoochey
       

       Thats the most ignorant post ive read today....so you punished an employee for the actions of their manager? what do you think the employee would get out of that when they confront the manager?? NOTHING...excpet maybe the loss of their job. This would be comparable to your mother slapping you across the face because your father left the toilet seat down and then telling you to confront him about you getting slapped....wtf is he going to do to make your day better??

       July 13, 2010 at 11:30 am |
848. Monique
     

     I always tip grudgingly. I'm just cheap, and I don't think there's anything wrong with that. Tipping should be a REWARD, and I reward generously when I feel like the service is outstanding. I'll tip, but I don't usually even make it to 15%. I would rather restaurants raise their prices by 15% than rely on my to tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:09 am |
849. Jebediah Springfield
     

     A tip should let the waiter know how good of a job he/she did and shouldn't be implied; otherwise it should just be included in the price of what we buy. I find it odd that so many people (waiters, cab drivers, etc) expect a tip for doing their job.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:08 am |
850. James
     

     I'll still leave a poor/no tip, although, sure, i feel a little bad about it. The one time I actually didn't leave a tip was at an IHOP or something like it, which was not busy at all (it was later at night). I had to hunt around to find FORKS for our table, after waiting for them for at least 10 minutes after we received our food. In fact, anything we wanted we had to go get. It was the one of the worst restaurant experiences I've had. (i'm sure there was quite more, but it happened many years ago).

     At the time I worked in food service as a cook.

     Tips are supposed to be just what they say they are "tips," and the amount of one is supposed to reflect on the level of service. If you get no service, one should receive no tip. (I won't repeat everything zahara said, as I agree).

     July 13, 2010 at 11:08 am |
851. Ali-ooop
     

     Simple premise ....if you suck at your job DO NOT expect to be rewarded for it. A tip is not an entitlement it is something you earn...for all you 20 somethings out there who feel the world owes you just for showing up, NEWSFLASH – we don't!

     July 13, 2010 at 11:07 am |
852. Nope
     

     While I think it's ridiculous that servers earn only around $2/hour, I don't see anything wrong with leaving little to no tip for horrible service. If you've got too many tables to wait on in an efficient and effective manner, then you need to speak to your manager about that. If they refuse to hire anyone, you need to find a different job where you won't be overworked and unable to handle all the tables assigned to you. As for the mistakes of others, like it or not, the server is the face of the restaurant when it comes to meals. If a server doesn't want to endure the wrath of customers who's orders get screwed up by the kitchen or similar non-serving then they shouldn't be in the serving business. Dealing with customers means you WILL deal with irrate customers, it just happens. Happens to me at least once a month (I'm not in serving, but retail) and rarely is any of it ever my fault, but rather the customer didn't like the policies of the company I work for (of which I have no control over).
     So if you want a good tip you will give good service, simple concept.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:06 am |
853. chris
     

     Seriously, anybody above that has left little or no tip(especially Jaliska), you are a self-absorbed douche. I am a chef. I hate poor service. but I always leave a tip. leaving 15% conveys your displeasure well. Servers make little hourly pay. If you don't like to tip or get some sick control-freak kicks out of stiffing people then STAY HOME. As an industry, we'd rather you keep the money for etiquette classes or parenting courses to learn to control the brats you allow to call our restaurant a playground. JUST TIP! DON'T BE CHEAP!

     July 13, 2010 at 11:06 am |
     • JJ
       

       And if every customer who disagreed with you did actually stay home, YOU WOULD NOT HAVE A JOB...

       July 13, 2010 at 1:29 pm |
854. NSP
     

     TIPS: To Insure Proper Service. I don't think enough servers know what this means. If you can't insure me proper service, you don't get tipped or tipped well. It's not rocket science.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:06 am |
855. tmb
     

     For everyone who says restaurants should pay their employees better then minimum wage and that tipping is not necessary – if that is what you expect to happen, then you can expect the cost of dinning out to skyrocket. How do you idiots not comprehend that instead of the cost of that server's salary being represented in the price of your food, you are paying for it separately. It is at your discretion to pay 15%-20%. If you do not want to leave that as a tip, fine, maybe restaurants will increase the cost of food to compensate for the salaries of servers, bussers, etc. Tipping is not for extraordinary service. Tipping is for regular service. What if your pay was docked for making a mistake..or for all the time you office workers are spending on the Internet, talking to strangers on blogs, instead of doing your jobs and working.
     Tipping over the standard 18% is what you do to reward excellent service. If you don't tip standard, you better not frequent the same restaurant more than once, because word gets around who the jerk patrons are and your service will get worse, not improve...and if I'm in a good mood and received the standard tips throughout the day, maybe your food won't fall on the floor – even if you deserve it.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:06 am |
     • TERRYM
       

       With your poor attitude tmb, I am surprised you can even hold a job at all. I am also a server–and taking out your revenge on the customers will land your pitiful sorry hind end on the unemployment line sooner or later. You best be grateful for anything you have buddy.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:41 am |
856. Rick McDaniel
     

     Here's the thing.......tipping is kept alive, by business......because business doesn't want to have to charge the full cost of their operation, in the price of the food. They do this by claiming, that good service should be rewarded with a "tip", rather than the business having to actually pay the employee a fair wage, and then be responsible for the level of service, the business should be providing.

     Tipping is totally out-of-date, and should be abolished. The restaurant industry, should have to step up to the plate, and pay their employees a fair wage for their work effort. They should also have to show an honest cost to patrons, of the cost of the food service, and NOT be able to hide a part of it, in the "tip".

     If we were to abolish "tips", entirely, by law, we would force the restaurant industry to pay fairly, to be responsible to the customer, and to honestly state the cost, to the consumer. Time for that to happen.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:06 am |
857. JanIncarnate
     

     People like Jaliska make me sick. If you think people take jobs in restaurants because they "want to", you're an idiot. There AREN'T better paying jobs out there, you friggin' dirtbag.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:06 am |
     • NSP
       

       Yes there are. There are even better paying restaurant jobs. If you choose to work at a place that only pays you $2/hr, that's your choice. I've never worked in an establishment that paid less than minimum wage per hour. I'm not sure why people think that the only serving work, if one just has to be a server, pays poorly. If you take that job, stop complaining and just do your work. You'll be paid by everyone if you do a good job.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:09 am |
     • Mark
       

       So the customers have to make up for your problem? Is it their fault you couldn't get yourself a better job?

       You don't see other jobs paid with less than minimum wage complaining about not receiving any tips.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:15 am |
858. Tired Chicagoan
     

     This is why I prefer to eat at home. The fact remains that you chose this as your job. You chose a ridiculously LOW paying job of your own volition. No one chose it for you. You want to make more money per hour, then chose another line of work. I have no problem with tipping for good service but no, it is not required of me to do so. Stop acting like you have no choice but to work for less then $3.00 an hour. You chose the job, deal with it. Once again, this is why I prefer to eat at home.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:06 am |
     • Tamara
       

       Low paying job ????? A good waiter/waitress can easily bring home 100-300 a night. If you get yourself into the right place and you truly like your job then the money is there !!!!

       July 13, 2010 at 4:24 pm |
859. marcus
     

     Waitressing is definitely a "hands on" work. To be good at it, you just need a minimum level of people and organizational skills. If I receive bad service, then I don't feel obligated at all to give a good tip. Sorry, but their job is to give us paying customers a good/acceptable dining experience...else I would rather serve myself and save the cost of tippiing!

     July 13, 2010 at 11:06 am |
860. Tempest
     

     Tipping is part of our customs in this country. If I get poor service, I am not inclined to tip. If I get "ok" server I will leave 10%. If I get spectacular service I leave 20%.

     I think if you dont TIP or leave a low TIP for whatever reason, your going to run the risk of getting poor service, ya you don't have to tip. Waiters/Waitresses dont have to bend over backwards for you, and word spreads.

     If tips didnt come into play and they had to pay the server staff flat hourly wage, food prices would go up to adjust, and there would be no incentive for anyone to do outstanding job???

     A drive through window is one thing, sitting down in a REAL resturaunt requires some ettitquet people!

     July 13, 2010 at 11:05 am |
861. Rorie
     

     I've been a waitress and 90% of the time slow service is due to the kitchen being poorly managed or the restaurant manager under-scheduling and/or assigning too many tables to one server. Knowing that most mess-ups are due to circumstances beyond the server's control, I would never stiff a waiter/waitress if I can tell it's a kitchen issue.

     If I can tell it's merely the wait staff goofing off or being forgetful, I tip only 15% and this is only to be sure that the bus boy/girl will not get stiffed. Every other waiter/waitress gets 20%, no matter what. Food service is a nasty business and very stressful on the people who spend the most face time with customers – the waiters/waitresses.

     On two occasions, I provided bad service by simply forgetting that my tables had asked for 1. low-fat butter-type spread for a customer with cardiac issues and 2. a whole table's worth of drinks, for at least 20 minutes. Again, this was my own forgetfulness, and I deserved no tip and to have my poor service reported to the manager.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:05 am |
     • Pscyclepath
       

       While I'm a regular and reasonable tipper, I look at the restaurant experience holistically. Bad service may be the fault of the server, or the kitchen, or the management... I may compensate for a bad experience with no or a low tip, but in those same cases, I won't be back to buy anything else from that restaurant, either... no repeat business from me, anyway.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:32 pm |
862. Erika
     

     A lot of the "pro-tipping" comments seem to be the same as from the last tip vs. no tip discussion on this blog. However, this entry pertains specifically to cases of bad service. I am completely in support of adequately tipping wait staff, except in the extremely rare case that the quality of service was inexcusable. For me, this has only happened once, and the friend I was dining with and I carefully evalutated the situation to make sure that it was indeed our server's fault. (I left a few cents to round out to the nearest dollar, and she initially wrote a zero, then added eyes and a mouth to make a sad face. Yes, that bad.) To those servers whose comments were posted in the entry that do care about doing their job well and providing good service, when you received low tips or no tip at all, that was because your guests were cheap, and that was wrong. My concern is your coworker that's always standing around in the back of the house complaining about how he continually gets stiffed, while you are busy running around making sure your tables are kept happy and satisfied. I will always leave a tip, even if the service is sub par, but if my experience is so horrible that it ruins my night, I will not pay for that "extra."

     July 13, 2010 at 11:04 am |
863. GUEST
     

     If a server is having a bad service, then they deserve no tip. Eventually they will have a good service and will be given a good tip. I pretty much have to be ignored to leave no tip. If it's a good service I'll tip 15%, if decent 12%.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:04 am |
864. Person
     

     I always keep in mind the issue. If I see the server waiting half the restaurant, and the place is full, I keep that in mind. However, if i catch my server goofing off, passing by and not offering a refill to our drinks, or other such lazy acts, you better believe i'll leave that penny. If you want a tip, work for it. Otherwise you aren't getting it.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:04 am |
865. bob andrews
     

     pay waiters more and in necessart raise prices, the the market will take lit from there...........how many people geg a tip for just for doing their job?..........i was a letter carrier for 30.5 years and got tipped often after 1 year througj harsh elements and always provided very good service, even carried stamps for their needs, and treated the non tippers just as good.............good service to all, and no exceptions.............rand

     July 13, 2010 at 11:03 am |
866. AK
     

     For those who don't want to "pay the salary" of a restaurant worker – you do realize that, on most occasions, the practice of tipping actually improves the quality of your service? If servers were simply salaried (like people who work at Wal-Mart), you would get the same type of experience when out to eat that you get from a Wal-Mart or McDonald's cashier.

     Conversely, even as someone who worked as a server for a long time, I do believe tips are earned. 15% for satisfactory service, to be adjusted based on performance. That's how the economic theory of motivation through reward operates.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:03 am |
     • Mary
       

       How can tipping improve service when it is given after the fact??

       July 13, 2010 at 12:59 pm |
867. Garp
     

     There are a bazillion restaurants with a bazillion more servers. Eating out is entertainment. Servers are in the entertainment and customer service field. Earn my entertainment dollar or someone else will. Show me a menu with a minimum gratuity on the menu and someone better show me waitstaff exclusively at my table.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:02 am |
868. Marc
     

     It appears that most of the "Anti-Goose Egg" arguements are based on social norms or low wages. I don't mean to be insensitive to those in low paying jobs because I understand that it's not easy to "just get a higher paying job elsewhere." However, a tip is gratiutity...a thank you for taking care of me and making my experience complete. You treat me well, I tip well. Conversely, I reveice poor service from the waitstaff, I tip poorly. My boss will not give me a bonus simply because other companies give their employee bonuses. I need to work hard and do my job to be considered for a bonus.

     Money is tight for everyone and the statements listed in the article "Grow up, and just leave a couple extra." from ohmy and "Do not go out to eat if you do not want to tip. Tipping in an social norm and is expected. Bottom line." from stellarose just don't cut it.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:02 am |
869. Anne
     

     In Canada, servers are paid minimum wage (and above). No exception. Therefore, the tips are just gravy.

     When I was in high school, I worked at a busy retail chain in customer service and only got paid minimum wage. I would argue that I had more responsibility and dealt with many more customers daily on average than servers. I also had to provide quality and friendly service just like they did. It was my first job, and I took pride in it, often going above and beyond what I was paid to do. Did I earn tips? No. Because tipping people in retail business is not the norm or expected from you. Did I deserve tips? Of course! But that's just not the way it is.

     This is why I feel it is unfair and absolutely ridiculous that servers expect (and demand!) tips.. other people work just as hard, if not harder, for minimum wage like them and get no tips in return.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:02 am |
     • Anne
       

       p.s. minimum wage here is almost $10 here now...

       July 13, 2010 at 11:05 am |
870. papa
     

     it's nice to be important....but.....it's more important to be nice.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:01 am |
871. Alan
     

     My wife and I are retired and living on a fixed income. We don't go out as often as we used to. Last week we went to a national chain that we had not been to for maybe five years. Our waiter seemed to equate "good service" with constantlly interrupting us by asking how the meal tasted or if we needed anything rather than noticing if we really did need something. I didn't notice him doing this to other customers that I could see from my seat. He stopped by about avery two minutes for our entire meal. This got to be irritating. However, I did tip him 20%. Good service should be unobtrusive. After the first question on taste the waiter should have said he would not bother us with many interruptions but would keep an eye on our table to see if we needed anything, like an empty ice tea glass, or if we signaled for something. His station where he stood when not actually serving was one booth away and in my visual sight.

     However, worse than the overzealous waiter was the restaruant policy, recent I assume. I had ordered a meal from near the top price on the menu, steak and shrimp. On the previous visit I got a salad with the meal. Not this time, even though the price was up several dollars as I remembered from my last visit. My meal came with no tarter sauce for the shrimp. When I asked, I was informed this would cost 50 cents extra. If this chain is going to nickel and dime me like the airlines then I wont be going back to that restaurant for a very long time, if ever.

     PS: We have stopped flying because of airline fees and hassels. We couldn't be happier. We still travel, but in a camper and enjoy the more leisurely pace.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:01 am |
     • DKeith
       

       Southwest Airlines has no fees. Bags fly free!!!!

       July 13, 2010 at 11:02 am |
872. mdn
     

     "Tips" are just that..."tips". Something optional for a job well done. If they were mandatory the tips should be worked into the price of the food...like at Mcdonalds, etc. The argument that wait staff gets paid a low base which is made up by tips in the end is valid, but that argument also assumes that the service is good. If the service is bad, the staff only receives the base wage. It is an American concept...do a good job and get paid well....do a bad job and don't. There is no good reason why the customer should tip for bad service, as there is no good reason that the customer should pay for bad food or bad anything. It is a tough world out there for all. If this doesn't work for the wait staff, they should consider a carreer at McDonalds, the government, etc. where poor performance is better tolerated.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:01 am |
873. Tamara
     

     I worked many years as a waitress, and in all seriousness, I loved what I did. It was a hard job, both in the physical aspect and the mental. For the past 6 years I have worked with my husband installing floors, I tug 200 lb carpet rolls around, 80 lb boxes of tile, and it is VERY exhausting work, but I let him know regularly that waitressing was harder. Why you might ask? It's simple.. When I am lugging a 5 gallon bucket of glue up a flight of stairs I can grunt and frown and gripe all I want, I do not have the fear of offending someone or fear of my pay being cut short because I am not wearing my good old faithful "perma-smile"... My husband will not run me around like a chicken with my head cut off and dare me to frown, nor will he bring a two year old to work with us and allow him to play with the glue to occupy him... Now with that being said I can think of only a few times I have failed to leave a tip, and with those few times I did not hesitate to let the server know exactly how I felt and also suggested a different line of work. If you don't like your job QUIT... Waitressing can be an awesome job and good money, if your a waiter/waitress and your tips are short lately, maybe it's time you look at yourself a little closer. Yes, I know there can be some serious creeps out there that can not be pleased and may before you left the house before work you found your favorite slipper half eaten by the dog.. Put it behind you for now, slap on that old faithful perma-smile and go make some money. There are still people out there that tip well ( over the 15-20%) and can appreciate a good server.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:00 am |
874. Walt
     

     Tipping is designed as a performance based pay. If you performance is bad, so is you pay. That's how it is supposed to work. If you want a job that allows for 'off days' or 'bad days' without effecting your pay, get another job. Am I obligated to tip a street performer when they put on an insultingly bad show? It's the same thing, performance based pay.

     Annoyingly, I also recall the standard tip being 10% when I worked as a waited (obviously a while back). Somehow it was 'raised' to 15%, then 20% with the excuse of "cost of living increase". I'm sorry, that is BS. Inflation goes up, the food price goes up, the percentage of a base tip is based on the food cost, when food goes up so does your tip. Requesting a higher percentage is just laziness.

     July 13, 2010 at 11:00 am |
875. Kristin
     

     One thing that always bothered me as a waitress was when I was punished with low tips because the hostess took too long to seat them or the kitchen screwed up their food which I promptly took back to have fixed. Don't blame waitstaff if you had to wait 20 minutes for a table, it's not their fault. And those of you who say "well, get another job" are obviously not reading the rest of the CNN articles about the state of the economy and how people will take whatever job they can find. These people are busting their rears SERVING you, acknowledgment of that by tipping them if they've done a good job (not only if they've waited on you hand and foot, they do have other customers besides you) is proper consideration. If you don't like that social norm eat at home.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:59 am |
876. Ultimata
     

     My wife and I go out quite a bit and we've both worked in restaurants. We leave a generous tip (30%) if the service is fantastic and nothing if it's poor. I understand they work for tips. I also understand which are kitchen errors and which are not. I only hold them accountable for their job. If I can't get a refilll, get ignored, have to ask numerous times for the same thing, or have the disappearing waiter who only resurfaces when the bill comes, then I tip accordingly. Gratuity is elective. If you work for tips then your customer is your employer for that brief period and the tip is a raise. I can't think of any other non-unionized profession that can fail to perform and still feel umbrage at not getting a raise.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:59 am |
877. DKeith
     

     Maura...Maura... Maura! Please be realistic. If restaurants paid minimum wage your would be paying $20 -$25 for hamburger and fries would be extra. Bill says it so well... think about it.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:59 am |
     • Jon
       

       Actually, let's suppose your meal takes an hour and your server has two other tables. Paying him/her $3/hour more would add $1 to your bill. The average party probably has at least two people so that's 50 cents a person. More realistically, if the raise is only $1/hour and the server has four other tables, it's a dime per person.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:12 am |
     • Mags
       

       I think your math is flawed

       July 13, 2010 at 11:14 am |
     • Maura
       

       ok ,restaurants already price up the menu ,also there is often too many people working one does not need an army of bussers,servers etc ....

       July 13, 2010 at 11:16 am |
     • John
       

       If tipping were outlawed, menu prices would go up by the amount of the average tip that is no longer being left i.e. 10-20%. The average out-of-pocket cost would stay the same, it would just take on a different name.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:26 am |
878. nmbrcrnch
     

     There was one time we had service so bad we actually left before even ordering. There was no other customers in the restaurant but it still took us half an hour to be seated. When we were finally seated the waiter brought water to our table and left... for another half hour. After that, we picked up our belongings and left.

     Other than that, we usually try to leave some sort of tip. We realize that at one point in time, tips were optional. Now almost every restaurant keeps their wait staff at (below) minimum wage and expects them to make it up in tips... in other words, the restaurant isn't paying their wages directly, we as customers are. I am not happy about the way the industry works now.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:59 am |
879. chrys
     

     I remember only one time in a restaurant where the service was "off". But the waitress was so sweet about it (it was her first night, and she was nervous, just learning), so my date and I certainly did tip her. The service wasn't what it "should be", but it was her attitude about her messing up that softened our hearts toward her. She appologized for messing up my order...twice! And she was genuinely trying to do her best. She was working her butt off to make the evening work. And because of her attitude and her genuine efforts, she did receive a good tip that night.
     However, another experience in a restaurant left me with a horrible taste in my mouth. It was a "wait to be seated" establishment, and no one was there to seat anyone. We were told "just pick a table" as the cashier (or whatever he was) was rushing by. We sat at our chosen table for 20 minutes and never saw a waiter/waitress. The place was full of people, and it appeared they had ONE waitress that night and she was frazzled (understandably). I don't know the situation with why they only had one server on an evening shift in a popular place, but it was NOT working for them. I'm sure we weren't the only group that walked out that night.
     And truth be told, I do NOT blame that one poor waitress who was trying to work ALL the tables on a busy night. I blame the manager because he/she didn't call anyone to come in, or allowed everyone else to take the night off, or hadn't hired anyone, or wasn't out there helping her, or whatever. The poor waitress was doing her best, but 50 tables for one server? She looked like she was about to quit herself. And I wouldn't have blamed her one bit.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:58 am |
880. TERRYM
     

     When a person takes a job as a server we run the risk of not getting a tip. We go into it with our eyes wide open. We are not entitled just because we are servers. We earn a tip. If we don't get a tip, it is a blow but you pull up your big girl panties and get over it! The system has set it up where we need tips to make a good night's wage. It isn't the patrons of the establishment, so if you blame them for not tipping or not tipping enough you are looking in the wrong direction!!! The system decided that we should only get $2.15 per hour because of tips. The system sucks! I don't expect to get a tip if I would give mediocre service just because someone feels sorry for me and no one else should expect one just because they work where they do. EARN THE DARN TIP! Attitude speaks louder than words, people. And if you don't think a patron can discern a server with a bad attitude–think again. And to the person who posted earlier that if they didn't get a tip they would get their posse together and that same patron would get lousy service the next time in revenge...you better change your attitude or quit your job. You get what you earn. We've all been a customer or patron. We need to throw away the entitlement mentality and focus on gratitude for having any job in this economic climate and also earning with the best performance we can any extra we get.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:58 am |
881. Carla
     

     At one point in time five of my best friends all worked as servers at a restuarant. Over the years I heard horror stories of rude clients who would come in and then leave nothing for tip. So while I have never worked as a waitress myself, I am not delusioned that sometimes they deserve more than they get. However, I also believe if a server clearly mistreats you as the person who is paying to be served, then you shouldn't have to leave an extra tip to make up for someone else not tipping as they should.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:57 am |
882. NacLady
     

     I agree with informing the Manager and/or waiter about the poor service; I have done so on a few occasions when the service warranted it. I've also had experience when my table had not one, but two persons waiting on us – in the case of one wait person was not doing their job, and another stepped up, and took care of us, even though it was not within their section – in which case, the one who provided the good service recieved a full tip and the one who did not, well, they got 2 pennies AND a word to the manager. my biggest intolerance is for empty drinks and incorrect orders.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:57 am |
883. Dan
     

     As a rule I leave 20%, it takes a lot to make me break from this. If the service is amazing and the food good, I'll up the percentage, but it takes a lot to make me do that. If the service is bad, I might drop it to 15%. If the service is horrible, I'd go anywhere from 10% to no tip at all, depending on just how bad the service was and if I believe it was the fault of the waiter. Even if it's not the fault of the waiter (ex. super busy, not enough staff) I feel inclined to tip less, because ultimately the tip is paying for the service, and it's not my concern why or how that service is provided.

     I doubt I've left no tip in over 10 years, but I still support it if the service calls for it (if I had poor service and saw the waiter joking around in the back leaving me waiting for him numerous times, I too would not tip). I probably tip 20% 9 out of 10 times. The other 1 out of 10 times is probably a pretty even split between tipping less or tipping more depending on service.

     The exception to my 20% rule is when I get a deal (ex. coupon used or waiter made mistake on order and doesn't charge for item – assuming I still want to eat it). I usually tip more to split the cost savings between myself and the waiter roughly 50%.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:57 am |
884. Long-ago ballpark vendor
     

     A question for everyone: Do you tip the food vendors at baseball games and other sporting events (and not just the beer vendors)? If not, why not? This seems to be the one food service job where the person brings you your food and takes the money where there is not an expectation to tip. I do not understand why. Tip your vendor! :)

     July 13, 2010 at 10:57 am |
     • KCtoons
       

       Never thought of tipping the vendors at the ballpark...something to consider.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:35 am |
885. Former Sever/Shrink
     

     Wow, rancid reasoning. I can see if you were just all out forgotten or purposefully snubbed (which, if so you may want to examine WHY) BUT – as a former server I can tell you that people will rationalize anything to not have to tip. It has to do with someone's socioeconomic status as well as their personal psychology. This is one of the only services that Americans can choose to pay for, and many times for no reason other than pure misunderstanding, will not or maybe cannot. I was a great server (after a bit) and knew who my great customers would be as soon as they walk in. You can also tell who will not tip, who will try to scam free food (yes they do), who is going to think you're hitting on their husband (no we don't want the ugly lout), who is going to hit on YOU, who will try to annoy you on purpose, and who is just stressed out about their vacation cash. To me being a waitress was more training to profile people / be an actress. Don't forget that these people are making a tiny wage and are TAXED on their tips in California, no matter HOW you did that night. I am all for asking for the manager if your service was "bad" – I just think most people pick at service when it come time to pay for it. Don't be trashy, be classy – and remember, we know you as soon as you walk in the door. Also if you can't afford to go out, don't do it – We don't want to pay for your food either!!!!

     July 13, 2010 at 10:56 am |
886. jonas
     

     I tip and tip well with excellent service, that being said, I haven't found that the service or food for that matter has gotten much better. I find it silly to tip on a meal that is marked up 500% that I can cook at home that will be as good as or better than what I would buy in the restaurant. A servers job is to "serve". I really don't care if they are having an off day because if my family of six is paying a day's salary to go out to eat and I get bad service...then I am having a bad day...

     July 13, 2010 at 10:56 am |
887. Maura
     

     Why do not restaurants staff protest as well?

     July 13, 2010 at 10:56 am |
888. Michael
     

     A waitstaff expects tips, and a customer expects good service, why should I give my part if they do not give theirs. What does a waiter or waitress do differently with a $20 bottle of wine compared to a $100 bottle? Nothing, but they still expect the same % of the bottom line. If they want it, I better get the service that warrants paying you $30 for an hour of complementing my dinner, not just a food runner between the hot line and my table. A good waiter or waitress will make the meal and experience to remember, a bad one will ruin it.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:56 am |
     • DKeith
       

       So TRUE!!!

       July 13, 2010 at 11:00 am |
889. James
     

     I think the lowest I've left is about 10%, for very bad service. They would have to be both extremely rude AND negligent to get stiffed, and the only time I recall that happening was at a bar, and I just left instead. To those that say that service has to be "outstanding" to get any tip from you, you're clueless. The restaurant service industry has ALWAYS relied on "gratuities" to pay the employee, to the point where it's included in the bill in other countries. Here in the US, you the customer are entrusted to do the right thing, with a range based on the quality of service you receive, as an incentive for the server. No tip at all is unconscionable, except under very, very extreme conditions.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:53 am |
890. David
     

     I'm a server currently at a great upscale restaurant. Knock on wood, I've never had to experience a zero tip. There is a point that has not been made on here. At my restaurant and many others, we "tip out" the bussers, bartenders, runners, etc. as a % of our sales. If you leave nothing for a tip, we actually ended up paying to wait on you. No matter how pissed off or whatever you feel, it is never fair for the server to pay to serve. Also, too few people seem to realize that if you have some great coupon or discount (we have a half-off bottle of wine night weekly), you still should tip on the subtotal before tax. I've had tables that thought they were tipping me 20%, but it was on the new post-tax total and ended up really hurting my night.

     If you feel that this "sense of entitlement" is wrong, please just do not come out to eat. Its not your right to come to my restaurant, take my time and opportunity cost of waiting on another table, and then not tipping. In the US, 12-20% is customary (at my place, the norm is 20%). If you have a problem with that, write your senator about the minimum wage instead of taking it out on whatever server happens to wait on you that night.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:53 am |
     • ScorpionToes
       

       No, David, I think you have got it wrong. I have every right to go to "your" – or any other – restaurant and to respond to the overall quality received with any level of tip I wish. Your understandable pride in your restaurant and your work does not therefore require the customer to compensate for the restaurant owner's wage policies. If the restaurant owner's policies are not well designed from an enterprise perspective, then suffering will occur along (usually down) the line, sometimes at the hands of the customers. It is ultimately YOUR decision to work there in that environment – didn't you say 'Knock on wood'? – and THAT is your right. But beyond that, there are no rights you can enforce – just hard work, sound choices and – as you suggested – the good luck of having an indulging clientele. For a reality check, try plying your trade in Europe some time.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:46 am |
       • David
         

         it really is somewhat of a rights debate though. sure, if i royally screw up, im not expecting a good tip. (still though, i deserve some because you were still served your meal and its unfair for me to pay to wait on you.) I'm saying if you are one of those people who already know that you tip lower than the social norm, please dont waste my time. Its not your "right" to come to my restaurant. I had a table a couple days ago that tipped $4 on $50(sub was 60-ish with a coupon). I didnt make a single mistake or neglect them in anyway. They were just cheap. It was not fair that I had to pass on better paying tables because these people thought it was ok to tie up my time and not pay me. Its a matter of opportunity costs. Also, in past times ive stayed with family or friends back in Norway, I've even asked servers about this. At a pasta shop, a guy said he made roughly $17USD, plus the occasional 5-10% tip. It's a whole different story when I make $2.13 here in the US.

         Lucky for me, I've always done very well with my tables. I have clients that request me and I'm typically tipped well. However, the few bad eggs that get thrown in each shift piss me off because people don't really seem to understand the math or policy behind it. If you take two things away from me, make it this: Always leave at least some tip if youre upset so that your waiter can cover his tip-out & TIP ON THE SUBTOTAL.

         July 13, 2010 at 4:04 pm |
       • David
         

         also, to those who tip nothing when they are upset: In the US, restaurants rely upon gratuities heavily. Its part of the culture and it is the same from coast to coast. When you dine in an establishment, everyone is banking that you will tip due to that as the social norm. If you don't tip, you rob your community of social equity and stomp over the honor system.

         July 13, 2010 at 4:07 pm |
891. Maura
     

     Why no restaurant pays the staff a decent wage and leave it to the customers to pay for the difference?
     It is easy to say to stay home but then if everybody does that restaurants will close and there will be more unemployed

     July 13, 2010 at 10:53 am |
     • DKeith
       

       Maura...Maura... Maura! Please be realistic. If restaurants paid minimum wage your would be paying $20 -$25 for hamburger and fries would be extra. Bill says it so well... think about it.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:01 am |
       • jonas
         

         hamburgers are really easy to make at home....think about it....

         July 13, 2010 at 11:18 am |
       • John
         

         $20 hamburger seems a little extreme. If tipping weren't allowed, I'd expect all menu prices to go up by the amount of the average tip that isn't getting left, i.e. 10-20%. So, that $8 burger would cost closer to $9.50. If a 15% tip is enough to get the waitstaff up to minimum wage, then that's all that would be needed for menu prices to go up.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:22 am |
892. Gratuities
     

     Tips should be for great service. I understand that restaurant workers do not make minimum wage (which I believe they should), but it should not be assumed that you will get a tip. I always tip, but I will give less for poor service. When you eat in a restaurant, you are not only paying for the food but a service. Personally, I find that the Mom and Pop shops have so much better service than the more expensive restaurants. Tips should not be expected. They are the reward for doing a good job. I've never been unreasonable with waitstaff, I use to be one. I know that people can be hateful, and there are complaints about someone having a bad day and taking it out on you. But it works both ways. I had a waitress one time that was really bad (and this was in an expensive restraurant). We never got part of our food, never got drink refills, waited forever on everything. We reminded her we never got our soup and would like it to go. She brought it out to us, apologized, told us she was having a very bad day, and apologized again. She got her full tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:53 am |
893. ServeThis
     

     So if you are having a lousy day as a server and treat me like garbage, I should pay you for treating me like garbage? Really? What a joke. Treat me well or get a small tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:53 am |
894. John
     

     Wow, all the 'anti-goose egg' comments come off as petty, whiny, and arrogant. To Mike's comment: god forbid you get punished for a bad night! Guess what? There are plenty of jobs where if you have a bad day you don't get paid at all, sales positions, investment managers, etc. Not getting paid when you do a terrible job is called 'a learning experience' if you choose not to learn anything and just complain then that's your problem. To Nick's comment: wow, that's real mature. So the reason we shouldn't leave a bad tip when we get bad service is because it will hurt the server's feelings, make them perform worse at their job the rest of the day, and guarantee you bad service at that restaurant for life? If you can't recognize that the patrons were trying to send you a message and maybe you should pay attention and improve instead of taking it out on others, or them, then you should probably just quit and get a new job where making the customer happy isn't a requirement. To 'oh my's' comment: I don't care if my meal was $10, if the service was terrible I am not even putting down a dollar, the size of the tip is irrelevant to me, if the service was great on a $10 bill I might leave 3 bucks, if service was terrible on a $100 bill I might leave the same. Finally to 'stellarose': what arrogance! Tipping is a social norm when receiving good service, not a right due to the server. In fact, I think most people would think you weird if you were treated like crap and then left a big tip, unless you are a masochist. Personally, I have never left $0 as a tip, and generally I subtract a few percentage points (from my typical 20%)for bad service, but patrons deserve the right to leave what they feel is appropriate, end of story, I'm sorry if that hurts your feelings.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:53 am |
     • unsure
       

       John – well said!

       July 13, 2010 at 10:56 am |
895. unsure
     

     I think you just have to handle each situation accordingly. I recently received poor service and a left a tip anyway because I frequent the restaurant – the service is usually good. On this particular night, four of us went through the meal without a refill on tea, we had to ask someone cleaning off a table to bring another set of silverware. We had to flag someone to bring the check. When we left the restaurant, our waiter was outside smoking, laughing and talking on his cell phone... I went back inside and asked that the tip be given to the bus boy. According to another responder... the waiter was having an "off day." Sorry, but if he is was only making a couple of bucks an hour, and he is depending on tips, then the waiter has to "earn" that tip. I wish restaurants would pay more and do away with tips. EVERY public business depends on good customer service. If employees don't perform their duties, they are fired. Some will say, the tip aspect is what keeps good service coming, it shouldn't depend on whether they get a tip or not, they should do their best as everyone else in the working world is expected to do.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:53 am |
896. Bill
     

     Wages for servers in the food & beverage industry have historically been set by the various state departments of labor with the expected assistance from those same state legislatures. It's a legal and technical definition of that part of the labor pool and what should reasonably be expected as an hourly wage including tips. The word itself...TIP...is defined as follows: To Insure Promptness. That, of course, is a matter of opinion and can be very subjective. Also, if restaurants paid the wait staff minimum wage (or more) up front, with a "no tipping" policy visible to the customers, expect your next Chicken Fried Steak to very possibly triple in menu price. It's all in the economics.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:51 am |
     • John
       

       Well, "triple" might be a little extreme. If tipping weren't allowed, I'd expect menu prices to go up by the amount of the average tip that isn't getting left, i.e. 10-20%.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:18 am |
897. Guest
     

     Catherine, restaurants normally DO make up the difference if servers don't make at least minimum wage. If your employer didn't, then they were breaking the law–perhaps you should report them. You might be able to get back wages. That said, minimum wage doesn't necessarily imply a *living* wage, unfortunately.
     I'm not against tipping, but what I never have understood (and I waited tables to put myself through college) is that it's based on a percentage of what you spend. Why should a server get more because a person orders filet mignon, but less if they order pasta? I don't see a difference in the labor involved for the server. And why the crazy distinctions between tipping on food but not alcohol (though I think most people don't follow that guideline) or tipping on the amount before any taxes? Perhaps there's a sound rationale for that, but it escapes me. Anyone know why?

     July 13, 2010 at 10:51 am |
898. Mel Gibson
     

     I tip with $2 bills at start, then 20% on the bill. But I HAVE left $1 and am waiting to use worst tip I have heard of.
     Should be in a diner or breakfast place you go after the bars close, and have hard top table, not tablecloth:
     Put quarter in water glass. Fill it to top with other water so surface is rounded. Place hard stiff card ontop of glass, like a postcard or complaint form from cash register area. Hold card ontop of glass and quickly turn it upside down and put on tabletop, then slide glass off card onto tabletop. Use napkins to sop up any water on tablle. There will be a quarter under a full glass of water, and ONLY way for waitress or busboy to clean table is to lift glass and spill water all over.
     Dont ever plan to return to that restaurant... you dont want to know what will be spit into your food. LOL

     July 13, 2010 at 10:51 am |
899. DKeith
     

     I paid my way through college waiting tables. I treated my restaurant like my school work, with complete veracity and committment. I understand what others are saying and how they feel, but now as a grown adult with a professional job, I find myself treating waiters the way I felt when emersed in the craft. You can tell if someone is just going through the motions or really has a vested interest in your well being and want you to enjoy your time out. I made excellent money because I treated every guest as though they were a member of my family. I felt totally responsible for their good time and wanted everything to be right on. Restaurants and waiters are not immuned from life's mantra .......hard work is rewarded and complacency gets what is deserved.
     So the next time you are spending your hard earned money on a time away, pay (other than tipping) close attention to the waiter and his/her devotion.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:50 am |
900. Ruth
     

     I've worked as a waitress. i think the customer has the right to pay the service person according to their service. When I get great service I leave well over 20%, when I get poor service I leave a very small tip. It's completely justified. And if you are having a bad day then not getting those tips will get you to gear up and work harder for them.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:50 am |
901. Richard
     

     You leave a penny, they get the message: the quality of service doesn't deserve a tip, but you didn't forget either. I've done it twice in my life: once when a waitress didn't bother returning to our table a single time after slapping our dinners down without even refilling our drinks, and once when a waitress actually got into an argument with my wife over what she had ordered after royally messing up or order. I won't dock a server for slow service in a crowded restaurant or if I'm with a large party or had a complicated order. I won't even dock them if there's a problem with the meal that's the kitchen's fault and not thiers. But if the restaurant is slow and my drink sits empty for most of my meal, they're going to feel my pain in their wallet.

     My real issue with the 15% – 20% tip range is this: I've eaten in Mexican restaurants where the service was excellent but the bill was only like $12, and in seafood joints where the service was so-so but the bill was $70. So I feel obligated to tip $10 or more for so-so service but only maybe $2 for excellent service. I really think there should be a cap on expected tips of about $3 per person in the party unless it's a large party.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:49 am |
902. phira
     

     The commenter in the article who talks about how waitstaff "choose" to work for minimum wage needs to get a reality check. Many of us have to take the jobs we can get, and no one should be punished for it.

     I'd like to see the system change, and restaurant minimum wage be the same as that for other jobs. Tipping was supposed to be something extra for a job extra-well done, but now it's expected. I don't like that.

     But since that's not the case, I always tip. I usually tip 15%, off of the pre-tax amount, and if the service is really good, I tip 20%. If service is REALLY bad, I still tip, but it might be a few dollars less than I normally would have. And that's only if the waitstaff's service was bad. I can't hold our waiter responsible for the crying kid at the next table, the quality of the food, or how long it took for the chefs to finish cooking our meal.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:49 am |
     • phira
       

       I should add, there was recently one time where my friends and I barely tipped. We went to get dessert at a very busy restaurant in NYC, and our waiter was absolutely unprofessional. He complained about another table he had been waiting on, to the point where we couldn't place our ORDERS because he wouldn't shut up about it. Then, after we finished eating, he never returned. We had to wait a good 45 minutes before he came to check on us, after we'd tried to get his attention three times and had even asked another waiter for the check. And our waiter kept passing our table, but never checked in. He also took forever to get the bill to us once we'd asked for it.

       So, in all, we spent a good hour in that restaurant longer than we needed to. We were understanding about waiting to be seated, and waiting for our food, but it was our waiter's irresponsible behavior that stole that extra hour. I think we tipped 5%.

       July 13, 2010 at 10:54 am |
903. Nick
     

     People who think tipping is not part of going out to eat do not understand the a social norm. While a server gets $2-$5 an hour in most states and makes the rest up in tips. That being said if you do not think tipping is right then I suggest you dine at establishments that do not allow tipping or pay there server by the hour. If all restaurants did this all menu items would go up about 15-20%. Not a ton but the $7.95 cheeseburger just became $9.50. Service would not be as good normally because the server would make the exact same amount no matter what. Instead of getting a yes sir, thank you ma'am here's your soda refill before you ask, you'll see a lot more smoke breaks, over at the wait station style chatting. Its not a pleasant job to begin with and if there is no incentive to do better than your out to dinner experience just got a little worse.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:49 am |
904. Mary
     

     I tend to leave a tip regardless. Only if the service is awful. But I also tip for things many people do not- such the hairdresser, at the car wash, etc.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:49 am |
905. Zahara
     

     Yes, food service sucks and you depend on tips - I've been there. And I remember being short handed, having new cooks, etc. Now that I'm out of food service, I try to be understanding - however, there is still no excuse for bad service or bad attitudes. I'll tip great for great service, ok for ok service, but nothing for the absolutely horrid service (which has happened only a handful of times). You're not entitled to tips. Example: I had a waiter a few years ago while was obviously too high to be working. The whole night was a nightmare. He was slurring, nodding off at the table, hard to understand, couldn't understand us, constantly forget us, didn't put in all the orders, messed up the orders he did put in. This was supposed to be a special event out of town. We were celebrating a birthday and the birthday person didn't even get any food. Why would we tip for that? (side note: we did ask for the manager, like we do anytime we don't tip, and the manager was completely awesome and saved the night).

     July 13, 2010 at 10:48 am |
906. Jerry
     

     Several items.
     You are never entitled to a tip, you earn it. But then again, most servers are young and from the "Entitlement Generation" so I almost expect your "you must alway tip 20-30%" comments.

     One of my kids and his girl are servers/bartenders. They will not leave that industry because they can not find jobs where they will make the same amount of money (>50K) after taxes. They never claim their tips and I know this is rampant in that industry. Do you prefer your tip in cash or plastic? Thought so. And don't tell me to turn my son in to the IRS, really.

     For the guy who says stay home if you are not going to tip big, what a stupid comment. What if we all did that? Where would you be then? Oh, wait, I forgot, you are ENTITLED to a tip regardless.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:48 am |
     • Mark
       

       Agree.

       It's the sense of entitlement. Tips shouldn't be based on percentages. It should be based on how well the server performed. I don't care if you're having a bad day. That's none of my business. But expect no tip when you don't do your job right.

       Don't make this job personal, it's all business.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:08 am |
     • jonas
       

       that guy would be working at McDonalds...whoa!!!!!!

       July 13, 2010 at 11:13 am |
907. Leah (TXanimal)
     

     I remember doing this only once. In my experience, if the service at a restaurant is slow, the server generally keeps me informed, keeps my drink full, brings extra bread, etc. I can tolerate a slow kitchen if the waitstaff is friendly & professional. The one time I did stiff the waiter was a pretty awful dining experience. A small group of friends (6 total) were in a restaurant that wasn't busy. It took an hour and a half for our food to come out, and our server was rude and never came out to check on us. When our food came out, one of the diners' chicken was raw...RAW, and she asked if he could take it back. He said they were out of chicken, that she should just eat that if she wanted chicken. Another of the diners never got her food. 10 minutes later, the server came out and told her they were out of what she ordered, and it took him nearly 2 hours to offer that info. So she said, never mind, I'll just leave. The server replied "good, get the f*** out". He vanished before bringing us our check, so we all just left our best guess on the table and left. Truly awful. The restaurant shut down soon after...I'm pretty sure my friend with the raw chicken called the Health Department...

     July 13, 2010 at 10:48 am |
908. SC
     

     * It an very unusual case, when the service is not merely bad but insulting, it makes sense to leave a small or no tip- and wait staff have no right to demand otherwise. Mostly, my practice is to tip generously for good service, for poor service tip close to 15% (trying to understand if the wait staff has too many tables or just makes a mistake) and only for really awful service not tip at all. I've only done that once and I'm 45 years old.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:47 am |
909. Amanda
     

     I can't believe customers who walk out without leaving a tip. As a server for five years, I have depended on tips to pay my college tuition and my car payment. Every time a customer leaves without tipping, I have basically wasted an hour of my time working. At the end of the evening, in a standard corporate setting, most servers only take about 10-15 tables a night, if even that. Unless bottles of wine or expensive entrees are sold, you're getting between $3-8 a table. And paychecks? Mine are usually $20 every two weeks, and I work almost full-time. Moral of the story? At least leave something, we're (mostly) hard workers and yes, we may have off evenings, but walking out only ruins our evenings as well.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:47 am |
     • jonas
       

       Then use this as a lesson to do well in school and earn a living in a solid profession where you do not need to depend on tips. there are many other jobs that require people to depend on commissions. in some car dealerships if you do not make a sale you are making minimum wage. in some appliance stores if you do not sell a washer/dryer, you are making minimum wage, so these people become "salesmen" they market not only their knowledge on the product but their professionalism.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:11 am |
     • JJ
       

       I see your point and tend to agree...I think a lot of people think that waiters are making money hand over fist because the place is busy. However...how do you only make $20 every two weeks in your paycheck? The minimum wage is $2.13 I think, so at 80 hours you'd have $170.40. Your deductions (taxes, etc) are 91% of your salary??

       July 13, 2010 at 2:12 pm |
       • Adara
         

         Tips can eat up 100% of your salary or more. Suppose you work 80 hours at $2.13/hr. Yeah, that's about $170, but tips are claimed as income too. That's part of the reason it's so messed up to stiff someone... Even if you tip nothing, the server will probably have to claim about 10% of their total sales, so they're actually losing money on you. Suppose a server makes $400 a week in tips. That 2-week paycheck is going to have taxes deducted from $970. Taxing 18% of that will completely wipe out the paycheck.

         July 13, 2010 at 7:03 pm |
910. Pete
     

     If you notice, the server's point of view is "I had an off day, you should understand that and still tip me." or "If you don't leave a tip, I'll be upset and other people's service will suffer."

     This is the epitome of being unprofessional. You took a job as a service rep. There are minimum requirements that you must meet in your line of work, regardless of how you are feeling that day. I work an office job, and if I came in feeling "off" and didn't meet my minimum requirements, I'd be written up for performance problems. That's the nature of employment.

     It takes a lot to make me not tip (I never actually have left without tipping), but your arguments are ridiculous. Getting punished for not meeting your job responsibilities is not unique to the service industry, and I hope you all understand this if you decide to take employment outside of it.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:47 am |
911. Dennis
     

     I think everyone, as part of their overall education, should work in a service industry for at least a few months. It's an eye opener. Even the ding-bat above might learn something, the one who thinks that if people don't like being waiters/waitresses should get another job, as though good jobs just fall from the sky. There have been times in my life when I wanted to stiff the waiter, but did not. I still left 15%. (If I'm happy with the service I leave at least 20-30%) Why? Because it's part of going out. Tipping is what you do when you go out. If you don't want to tip, stay home or go to McDonald's and shut up.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:47 am |
912. Anna
     

     I have both worked as a waitress and eaten out many times. Although I am a poor student, I always tip. I consider it part of the fee of eating out; if I did not want to pay I would get take out. Also, waiters and waitresses ought to be able to expect a tip if they provide decent service, otherwise meal prices would be more expensive to compensate the owner in order to pay them minimum wage rather than their reduced wages. Only if a person is delibrately disrespectful should you ever tip them less than 10%, and be aware that if you do so, the waitstaff is likely to remember it if you return to the restaurant, and serve you pporly. Finally, I am hard pressed to think of a situation in which you ought to complain to the manager. You will never return if you really had that bad service, and eventually the manager will figure it out without your help. In general, if you do complain you will just make the waitstaff, manager, owner, etc. dislike you if you do ever return. They probably do not need your buisness that badly!

     July 13, 2010 at 10:47 am |
913. Jan
     

     I was in a restaurant and ordered Prime Rib – it was cold. I told the waiter and he looked at me and said "That's not my problem" and didn't offer to fix it. I was stunned (this wasn't a high scale restaurant....where being abused is part of the game). We spoke with the manager, he took care of it, but we left no tip. The waiter was hideous. If he was having a bad night, I'm sorry, but that's awful service. When you work in a service industry (which I have also done in my past) your job is to provide good service. If I am having an off day at work, my boss still requires a level of service and that my clients are not aware. I won't leave a tip for anything like my previous story. I will speak with the manager, but there's no excuse for rudeness.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:47 am |
914. eater
     

     one person said it perfectly. She said that is is the social norm so just do it. That's the problem. The bad servers just think that they deserve it because they do not make a lot of money. A tip is based on performance no automatic. Ask any one of those people expecting tips if they tip at fast food restaurants, Doctors offices, Hospitals, automotive shops etc. I guarantee they do not. Why, because it is not socially accepted. That doctor or mechanic is doing a lot more critical work and they do not receive a tip. HMMM! Something to ponder

     July 13, 2010 at 10:46 am |
915. JJ
     

     servers take note, the vote speaks for itself....give the service or you won't get the tips. And for those who say, "don't eat out if you won't tip", as far as I'm concerned, "don't take the job if you can't handle the criticism!"

     July 13, 2010 at 10:45 am |
916. Lisbon Mabuhay
     

     "Why do people assume that everyone is obligated to give tips?
     Tips shouldn't even be expected unless a server demonstrates impeccable service and does extra things they aren't paid to do. This show of entitlement is a little obnoxious, to be honest"

     Jaliska is i'm pretty sure is a "Canadian" If you're in a restaurant you tip no matter what (minimum 15%) They go and serve you food and drinks, you did not go and get it from the counter or kitchen. I've had services that are not courteous or friendly but, I still tip since these are thier livelyhood, they are not your maids.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:45 am |
917. Ex-waitress
     

     As a waitress, you know that part of the job is the low wage and that you have to bust your butt to make good tips. It's part of the job. If the service was bad, you tip low/nothing at all and just don't come back again. If you're a frequent flyer, and continuously tip low, then the entire staff will know how cheap you are and no one will want to waste their time serving you. If you come often and the tip fluctuates from low/average/to above average, the staff will know. It's indirect criticism, that's how I like to think of it. The only time I have tipped a penny, was when the service was extremely bad (waitress gave my high chair to another customer?! when I took my little one to the bathroom, food took forever and one meal was missing, which, ok mistakes happen but when there are only two parties in the restaurant, a little inexcusable, drinks weren't served until halfway through our meal). Literally, this place had two large tables and 4 small tables. Our table was right in front of the counter where the owner and wait staff hung out. I shouldn't have to tell you to do your job. I never went back and my frustration was very evident. I was nice enough to stay and wait, instead of walking out half way through their prep.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:45 am |
918. Stephanie
     

     I was eating dinner with my dad the other night and the waitress was horrible. She didnt know the menu and never refilled our drinks. We had to ask another waitress to do it. He wasn't going to leave a tip but didn't want to be a jerk so he ended up leaving $2..I wouldn't have left anything.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:45 am |
919. Robin
     

     I have left establishments without leaving a tip and resent it when it is automatically added into my bill. That being said, my daughter is a waitress and she gets stiffed for a dozen reasons that have nothing to do with her. Example: The customer didn't like it that the restaurant would charge her for the second cup of tea... She could have voiced her unhappiness to the manager (appropriate) but not by leaving no tip on a $62 order and chewing the waitress out... Waiters and waitresses need to be given the benefit of the doubt... and not penalized for the cook and/or management's mistakes/decisions.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:45 am |
920. Britney S
     

     Tipping may be social norm, but it's not a requirement. This is why it is usually not included in the bill and is left to the judgement of the customer. I have worked as server for many years, so I understand this. It bothers me that servers have come to expect at least a 20% tip, regardless of what they do. Tips are a reward for exceptional service, not a requirement. If you do not like this system, you would be better in a job that pays by the hour and is not so reliant on the customers subjective experience. If you don't get tipped well, it's probably because you're not as great a server as you think you are.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:44 am |
921. c.r. williams
     

     Noone needs to be reminded you go to a restaurant for SERVICE. So if you don't get that, then your duty is to not tip and complain!

     July 13, 2010 at 10:44 am |
922. Scott
     

     Sorry - "To Insure Promptness" – typed too fast

     July 13, 2010 at 10:44 am |
923. Ryan
     

     I have been a Waiter, Busser, and Food Runner that worked on tips and I have walked out without leaving a tip. It was only once, but sometimes it is justified. In this case the waiter took our order and we never saw her again until she gave us the check. The entire time we were there, she had her back to us talking to another table. We never got drink refills and someone else brought out the food (yes I know some places have food runners, but you should still follow up with your table and make sure everything else is alright). Before you trash anyone that has never left a tip, know that sometimes, it is warranted. That being said, sometimes the waiter makes mistakes and sometimes the kitchen is THAT slow. I am not going to penalize a person for making a mistake as long as they are trying to get it right. I would only not tip if the service was EXCEPTIONALLY bad.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:44 am |
924. john
     

     Tipping is part of the cost of eating at a restaurant that has table service. It is not part of the cost at self serve restaurants (e.g. McDonalds's). If you are against tipping, I understand – don't eat at restaurants with table service.

     I have left without tipping when the table service was abysmal – I don't pay for a service I haven't received.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:43 am |
     • MG459
       

       Exactly. Not too long ago, I went to a restaurant where the waitress brought everyone's food except for mine. She told me that they ran out of the item I ordered, then she walked away. I had to chase her down to ask for some toast, which came about twenty minutes after everyone else had finished eating. Did I tip her for my toast? I don't think so.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:35 am |
925. Ryan
     

     You get what you earn. Being a restaurant manager for many years, my servers and waiters have come to terms with the fact of just that. You provide crappy service, you shouldn't be rewarded for it.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:43 am |
926. Scott
     

     TIP = To Ensure Promptness

     When did this concept get lost on some wait-staff? I tip well, almost always 20% or more. If I feel that my server has not paid appropriate attention (taking into account number of tables they're serving, etc.), then yeah, I WILL NOT reward that type of service with a standard tip. If my server is only taking care of 3 tables, and I'm waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting to get another beverage, but have to continue waiting because the person is chatting with the bartender/hostess/friend at other table/etc. and is oblivious to paying proper attention to his/her customer, then YES – YOU WILL GET A VERY LOW TIP. I also firmly believe that something low should be left, so that they know it was them, and not a forgotten tip.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:43 am |
     • bob smith
       

       Has every one forgotten that the reason there is tipping is to encourage the server to do a good job. If they work for a regular wage there is not much incentive to give excellent service, just enough to not get fired. I agree with the tipping principle and I believe that anyone who doesn't believe in tipping should order their food to go and eat it at home. I am a good tipper, when given good service, but you get spare change if the service was poor. As for the cook screwing up my order, it's the servers job to make it right.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:02 pm |
     • Kate
       

       The acronym TIP (to ensure promptness) was developed within situations where the guest would leave the server the tip at the beginning of the meal. i.e. Here's $10, now please give me good service. So the server would work up to the standard of the tip they were receiving. A bad tip got bad service, and a great tip would get great service. Which honestly is how it should be now, but as a server there have been many many times when I have given superb service and gotten a poor tip. Whether this was due to someone not understanding the American tipping custom, being too cheap to tip well, or even just doing the math wrong it still leaves the server in an unfair position. I tip out on the sales I do. If someone has a $100 check, I will tip out $3-4 on that. If you leave me a bad tip, let's say $5 than that means I will make only $1 or $2. And since I have to claim at least 10% of sales I have to claim that I made $10 off of that table. So I'm being taxed on $8 or $9 that I did not actually take home, and therefore my paycheck does not get compensated.
       And yes, I am aware that I have chosen to be a server and that is because most of the time I make very good money, much more than I could make working a typical minimum wage job, and it is the only job that easily fits my schedule as a college student, but it does upset me personally and financially when people do not tip based on the service they were given.

       July 13, 2010 at 1:02 pm |
927. Besim
     

     Let me put it this way.
     Thanks to cheap skates that don't tip thats why there is less and less good professional servers.
     Try to remember this industry is the toughest industry in the world stress related that is.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:42 am |
     • Al
       

       Are you kidding? Toughest industry in the world? Have you tried being a firefighter? Paramedic? Soldier?

       July 13, 2010 at 11:23 am |
     • Stacy
       

       I have worked many jobs, including being a server at several restaurants. I can promise you that being a server is no where near the most stressful job I have ever had and it is my guess that if this is your opinion that you are woefully incompetent as a server.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:26 am |
928. Jesus
     

     Oh Hell yes I'll leave zero tip if the service is bad and I'll leave an awesome tip if the service was great. I've worked in the industry so I know how it is and having these "off days" is a crock. I've gone in to work with a toothache when I wanted nothing more than to bury my head in a pillow and whine and cry like a child but I sucked it up and provided excellent service and my tips reflected this. Me, my friends and my family 100% will tip you awesome if you provide great service. If you're rude and neglect us...NO TIP FOR YOU!! NEXT!!!

     July 13, 2010 at 10:42 am |
929. Zayrina
     

     I was a waitress while in college. I know it's hard yadda yadda, but I will walk out without tipping if the service is that bad. Good service 20%, Extraordinary service as much as 50-100%. But yeah, if it's that bad, nothing, nada, zip. Sorry if you are a server who has this idea that somehow you deserve a normal tip even on a bad day.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:42 am |
     • Rommel
       

       ZAYRINA FOR PRESIDENT.

       All the comments here couldn't say it better!

       I agree with you 100%!!

       July 13, 2010 at 11:55 am |
930. Rich
     

     Jaliska
     Your server may not have a lot of other options in their occupation, if they could have a better job don't you think they'd have taken it? I wouldn't defend bad service, but I think people should take a moment to consider that tipping is employment. If you can afford to eat out, I presume you make a fair wage, maybe you should consider paying a fair wage. It sounds like Jaliska is trying to defend being cheap – shame on you.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:42 am |
     • Bob M
       

       Rich,

       you said, " If you can afford to eat out, I presume you make a fair wage, maybe you should consider paying a fair wage." The point your missing is two-fold. First, its not my job to pay a fair wage, I am there to eat out, not to pay anyones salary. If the server can't do their job I'm not going to reward them. Should I reward my children when they bring home a bad report card? Second, I am already paying $40 for the steak, if the server isn't getting a fair wage they should talk to their boss. I am under absolutely no obligation to leave a tip, I will tell you if the service is good I generally leave 20-25%, but that is my choice, not my obligation.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:01 am |
       • Matt
         

         What a spoiled little bitch you are. You've got $40 for a steak and will begrudge the server a living wage? How very Christian of you.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:04 pm |
931. Customer
     

     You get what you deserve. If you do well, you get tipped well. Give bad service get a bad tip or none at all. The size of the tip is in the hands of the server.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:41 am |
932. Pan
     

     I recently visited Tokyo, Japan and let me tell you that I enjoyed the gratuity already being included in the bill, the service we recieved was way above our American standards by a long shot. They don't expect a tip and are actually dismayed when you offer one to them, they respect customers and you are treated as family. Our service industry could use an attitude ajustment for sure. Waiters should never expect a tip for a job well done and should be more gratefull when one is recieved. Increase the wages and include a gratuity and lets be done with this. I am not just money when I walk into a restaurant, I am a person.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:40 am |
     • MP
       

       Huh, a story about a completely different culture in a foreign country on the other side of the world. Relevant.

       Also, I'm sure that the Japanese customers are much more polite as well.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:46 am |
     • Sonya Guizlo
       

       Pan, when you walk in my restaurant and I'm working you are a person and money! I'm at work running my ass off because that's my job and I should do it the correct way, but also if the appropriate and usually excellent service is given as it should be then you're money too. No, there is no law saying you need to tip, and I get that but if you receive good service and a good meal and you don't want to bother leaving a tip for someone deserving....do NOT expect fair service next time. Oh you need a new beer, then enjoy waiting for it! Make your own food if you're too high and mighty to leave a tip. Or if you are a tipper and I'm probably just overly fired up at this point by reading all these other peoples point of views that I see as highly ignorant like Jaliska's comment in the article above then maybe just don't be so put out by it. Not all servers are expecting a tip, but it would be a kind gesture and trust me it's appreciated. It says something about who you are too, so unless you like looking like an asshole, tip your waiter when they deserve it and quit whining about gratuity. Most places don't even include it.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:49 am |
     • Bob
       

       In my travels around the world I found that overall service in "10% added" countires was far superior to that here in the US. Years ago, 10% was the "standard" in the USA – how come it's now doubled?

       July 13, 2010 at 11:53 am |
933. Mark
     

     The best are those "Tipping Jars" at fast food/ dounut/convenience store counters. It the servers job to get you the food from the kitchen to the counter[ like us joe publics have a choice] so why should they get a tip for just doing thier job?

     July 13, 2010 at 10:39 am |
934. Bob
     

     Last time I left a .01 tip was at a Hooters restaurant. My waitress spent all of her time fawning over the friends of her boyfriends that showed up at work. She did her job, barely, of carrying things all the way from the kitchen to the table. Is she earning less than min. wage? Yes. Could she have easily gotten a better tip if her friends didn't show up at work? hmmm..

     You get what you earn.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:38 am |
935. Jeff
     

     To "Oh My" above in the article, who said:
     "Are you guys serious? Throw a couple bones (literally $1 or $2 more) and call it a day. Why so bitter about a couple bucks? Will that change your lifestyle? "

     If it's "just a couple of bucks" that I shouldn't be bitter about - then neither should you. Will it change your lifestyle? Keep you from buying that ferrari? Didn't think so.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:36 am |
936. Matt
     

     A bad waiter or waitress is not being stiffed by not receiving a tip. They simply end up with what they deserve.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:36 am |
     • patrice
       

       making them pay for having to wait on you.

       My suspicion is that people who insist that servers feel entitled and that they should only get tipped for above and beyond really are just cheap and don't want to have to tip. All I can say to you is, you have been educated about why a reasonable member of society should be expected to tip, at least something, so if you still feel good about what you are doing, then that's between you and your conscience.

       One more important thing about what constitutes good service, that is in the eye of the beholder. We can all agree that getting your food and drinks correctly and in a timely manner is basic, but some people think the server should be their bud and entertain their kids while others just want to be left alone. Some restaurants require their servers to chat and call you by name and squat next to your table while some have very specific guidelines for how intrusive to be. So if you are expecting above and beyond, ask yourself what that is, and whether it is reasonable for the server to be able to anticipate that this would please you.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:04 am |
       • Brittany
         

         When people go out they have expectations (not that the waiters will be sitting down having a full on convo) but expectations of good SERVICE (ahem, their job) and a friendly attitude isn't to hard to ask for, since they are working with people. We all expect it and deserve it when we go out to eat, especially at higher priced restaurants. So I think servers should own up to their Job description and SERVE us. My quidelines are below:

         Exceptional service = 25% +
         Normal service = 20%
         Okay service = 15%
         Terrbile exerpeince = 0% (as long as it was the waiter himselves fault)

         July 13, 2010 at 3:54 pm |
937. Rebecca
     

     I have only left a penny once. I was at a restaurant and business was slow (we arrived before the afternoon rush). Being a waitress once myself I was thruoughly disappointed by our waiter. He came to our table and left soon afterwards. We waited over a half hour for our drinks before another waiter came out and apologized to us said our waiter had gone on break and had not come back yet (he had not even taken our order). We left a penny for our original waiter and tipped the one who came to our rescue 20 bucks. (we added additional amount under the table and asked him to not pool it as well but he may have ended up pooling it because he was very nice).

     July 13, 2010 at 10:36 am |
938. jmg
     

     It's only been a couple of times, but when the waiter only sees you to take your order, bring initial drinks & drop off your check – he gets no tip. One of the other servers brought our food & bussed our table. The place was not busy. Normally we get at least decent service if not excellent & tip very well. We had a friend who was a bad tipper & we used to ensure one of us lingered to make up the difference because we were regulars. If I get horrible service for no reason, I will tip pennies again.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:35 am |
     • NSP
       

       I am the same way. I'm not leaving a good tip to a server who actually hasn't served the table. I've had situations where the only reason the server brought the drinks was to take our orders. If we ordered w/the drinks, they never returned until it was time for the check. The rest of the time, they were screwing around in the kitchen or at the bar. I'm very generous w/my tips, as I was a server at one point. But things like that? I'm not going to supplement your income when you didn't do any work. Many times in these situations, I hand the good tip straight to the runner and leave the server something measly. Probably not nice, but deserving. Otherwise, I tip well. I've found, though, that the people who complain the most about poor tips are people who are poor servers. Focus more on your game and you'll be rewarded. If you don't like making $2/hour, work at a place where they pay literally minimum wage plus tips. They're out there. I've never worked at a place that paid less than that.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:03 am |
     • Dave
       

       RE: someone else busses the table or brings the food: chances are, the restaurant does it that way on purpose, not due to lazy servers but to ensure greater efficiency and get your food to you more quickly. The busboy and the food runner also get tipped, a percentage of the server's tip, so congratulations, you just stiffed all three of them for working together to give you the best service possible. Not to mention all the behind the scenes stuff you don't see, setting up, cleaning up after you leave, changing bags of soda in the drink machine or making fresh coffee or tea, washing and polishing silverware, sometimes working as the bartender as well as server...all done by the wait staff.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:39 am |
       • jmg
         

         Well then, the others can correct this guy's lack of being a team player. I know the chains do it all by committee, but if one person brings in consistently low tips, management should be letting them go. We had to flag down one of the other waiters to get our check. We literally only saw our waiter for drink order, food order & dropping off the bill. Of course we lingered outside the window & 'saluted' him when he saw our pocket change tip. Should have talked to the manager, but we just wanted out. Thankfully we had enough to cover the food in cash since it would have taken an hour to run the credit card given how he was moving.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:04 pm |
939. Jill
     

     I waited tables all through college/grad school. A few things to consider:

     1. When I waited tables, I made something like $2.15 per hour without tips. If you didn't leave me a tip, I wasn't paid for waiting on you. Sure, I'd make tips off other tables and it would even out. But I wasn't getting paid much of anything by my employer to wait on you, so if you didn't tip me, I essentially worked for free.

     2. Most dinner places make servers tip out to hosts, food runners, bus boys, etc. So if you tip, say, 3% of your check (or nothing), the server may LOSE money by waiting on you. Some places require servers to tip out as much as 6% or more, so if you leave a poor tip the server will have to pay other employees out of his/her own pocket.

     3. As some of the commentors in the article said, sometimes it is out of the server's control. Maybe they got sat 6 tables at once and can't possibly get to everyone at once. Maybe the kitchen lost the order, or got the order wrong, or something broke in the kitchen and it took a while to fix it. If you see your server standing around chatting while your drinks are empty, fine, leave less of a tip (they probably deserve it if they are just slacking). But many times your poor service is due to the server running around like crazy and just not having enough time to do everything at once.

     I've left tips in the 10%-15% range for poor service. I've never received service that was truly so horrible I couldn't leave a tip. I think that is a cop out. Sure, in theory it shouldn't be my/your job to pay servers. But that is the way it works in America and by choosing to eat at a place where you are waited on, you are agreeing to the custom that servers get tipped. Whether you agree with it or not, these are hard working people who are earning their living through tips. How would you like it if your employer docked your wages each time something went wrong at your job? No one is perfect so don't be stingy.

     If you don't like leaving a tip, there are plenty of take out and fast food places you can choose to eat at instead.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:35 am |
     • Dave
       

       Jill—exactly. And I would add, what do you people think constitutes bad service, exacty? I have honestly never had such bad service that i thought it was appropriate to leave no tip at all. I see a lot of ugly bitterness out there...condescending little jerks who get kicked around in their own life, so they feel they can take it out on some poor waitress. I have seen it as a customer and I seriously want to take these dudes out in the parking lot and punch them in the face for the way they talk to these little girls waiting on them and cleaning up after their mess. Pathetic. And in this economy, people honestly think that working in a restaurant is a "choice?" Not a lot of options, but there are a lot of single moms (and dads) out there doing the best they can to feed their kids and keep the lights on and this may be all they can get, and it really makes you feel big to deny them that $3 tip because your food took longer than you thought it should? You people should be ashamed.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:23 am |
       • Smash
         

         Dave....I agree 100%.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:54 am |
       • Brittany
         

         Dave, we are not little people because of the one or two extremely terrible waiters/waitresses we have had in our life. The one time I didn't leave a tip was when I went to the Yardhouse specifically to watch the playoff Angel game on TV because in college we didnt have TV in our dorms. While there we had ordered a couple sodas and sat ourselves in front of a TV with the game on. Service was very slow to begin with (which isn't my only reason why, so keep reading). As we sat, and waited and sat, and waited. Our drinks were empty for 20 minutes even while he came back and forth from the table to leave us our menus. Finally we ordered food and were just trying to enjoy the game and atmosphere. Then someone asked to change the TV to another game. The waiter went around to every table, BUT OURS to see if it was okay. We were the only ones sitting on the same side of our table watching the game so he changed the channel because of his unawareness to even ask us! When he came back to our table later I asked why he didn't ask us if it was okay to change the TV and he shrugged his shoulders and walked off! At this point we had had one refil in our drink and been at the restaurant for 40 minutes with no food. I saw him bring out the tray with what we ordered, soup, a salad and a burger, which he continuted to set down while he went and joked around at the bar with friends of his. By the time I got my soup it was cold. He only came by our table a total of 3 times (1 Serve drinks, 2 to take order, 3 drop off food) 4 including the time when I asked about the TV situation, which was on my annitiation. We were there for an hour and a half and only had my drink filled once. It sat empty most of the time and we didn't even get to do what we came there to do, which was watch the game because he didn't care.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:01 pm |
       • Meagan
         

         First I'll say that I'm not a lousy tipper and I do not frequently leave nothing. I have been a server most of my life, and I totally understand even the very worst case scenarios.

         My one situation where I did not leave a tip:
         I went out to eat with my husband and my 2 year old daughter. It was no secret that my server was stoned out of his mind, you could smell it all over him. I probably could have let that slide, but his table of buddies was right next to where we were seated. He dropped the 'f' bomb several times during the course of our meal without even trying to be quiet while socializing with them. Instead of getting our refills when we ran out of drinks, he stood by that table and joked around without even taking notice of if we needed anything or not.

         I know that these situations are rare, but there are bad servers out there that need stiffed. These people are part of the reason that some people feel like they don't need to tip servers. With that said, aside from the above mentions circumstance, I do always tip. For even mediocre service, a good tip is left. Better the service, better the tip.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:19 pm |
       • Anne
         

         Then I guess you've never been in situations where the server takes the order, neglects to pass it on to the kitchen, then leaves on break. My family waited half an hour on a slow night before finding the manager, as our server was nowhere to be found. We received our food an hour after we had intiaully placed our orders- only after having to order it a second time through the manager. The waitress moseyed on back into the dining room just as we were just receiving our food. Do you think we should have left her a tip for the job that the manager had to do for her?

         I almost always tip over 20%, but have had two occasions where the service is so terrible that I was not going to reward someone for a job they didn't do. If I left my customers waiting in my office while I went out to lunch, I would deserve the lost money and business. So do servers. And if servers think they have it bad with their $2/hr wage, they should try working on straight commission.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:51 pm |
       • Brittany
         

         Anne, I know what you mean. My husband works on straight commision. It's tough but can be very rewarding. Another reason why I expect good service, because we have to constantly give it in our jobs.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:13 pm |
     • Patti
       

       Very well said. Your points are all right on. Been a server for 35 years and sometimes things are out of our control, but giving an explanation to the customer most times smooths things over or offering a free drink or dessert helps. We work hard for our money and many times people seem to tip better when they can see you are really busy. Communication is key

       July 13, 2010 at 11:26 am |
       • Brittany
         

         See Patti, I love your aggresiveness to tone down the situation. And if that was the case and I had a server like you! I would still definititely tip. It has to be unbearable service from the waiter himself for me to consider leaving nothing.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:07 pm |
     • Cantare
       

       I have no problem with leaving a tip. I almost always tip 20%, in large part because I appreciate how hard waiters work and I appreciate people who do their job well. And if a restaurant is really busy and it's therefore obvious that the wait staff is running their legs off, I understand waiting for a drink refill. And I can probably count on the fingers of one time the number of times I've left a very small tip or no tip at all, even in the face of unacceptable service.

       However, the other night I had dinner with friends at a local restaurant. It was my first visit and it will be my last. It was not busy – it looked like our waitress only had two other tables, and there were lots of empty tables. Our waitress didn't write any of the orders down (Which I realize is another whole point of discussion, but if you can't get the order correct, write it down, please!) It took two requests from one of our party who had ordered a beer to get a glass for the beer. It took three requests to get ice water. And my entree had to be sent back because it was incorrect (only the second time in my life I'd ever sent something back). Did I leave a tip? No. Do I feel bad about that? No.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:38 am |
     • Rommel
       

       1. Not my concern... kitchen blunders not withstanding, your service to ME will dictate how much of a tip (if any) you will receive. I don't typically ask the manager how much the wait staff get paid prior to sitting down.

       2. I don't leave tips out of pity for the wait staff who have to follow poor policies and procedures. Is it up to me to ask what the tipping policy is for the restaurant? NO, I'm there to eat and soak up the "Experience". Poor service = little or no tip!

       3. I can understand the dinner rush; this could sometimes be poor management (scheduling). I must remind you... you will be tipped based on the service you provide me... I'm not so unreasonable as to blame you for a bus load of people coming in. But I will expect you to put my order in before theirs.

       "If you don't like leaving a tip, there are plenty of take out and fast food places you can choose to eat at instead."

       You make it sound as if the tip is standard no matter what. This is not the case. The key here is that PATRONS should EXPECT to leave a tip for GOOD service if GOOD service is what they received. We shouldn't be held hostage by the tip!

       This isn't rocket science. Having said that... I have left large tips and also personally spoken to the manager to let them know how pleased I was (this goes a long way compared to an extra dollar.... this could get you out of a bad schedule change or something..... you know this is true.)

       July 13, 2010 at 11:50 am |
       • Lori
         

         You're right...you shouldn't have to ask how much the waitstaff makes per hour. So let's just do away with tipping altogether and pay servers $13 – $14 per hour instead of the $2.50 per hour that they currently make. The restaurants will raise prices to compensate and then you won't be able to afford to go out to eat. Restaurants will go out of business and tons of people will be out of work. I wonder how many servers and former servers are patrons of your industry and how it would effect you. But then the up side is that you'll never have the pressure of having to decide if your drink was filled quickly enough all 10 times and you won't even have to do any math.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:27 pm |
       • Selfish Gene
         

         Lori,

         Do you tip exceptional service at McDonald's?

         July 13, 2010 at 12:47 pm |
     • Alex
       

       Jill,

       I understand you position on tipping servers whether the service was good or not. However, I disagree with you simply on the fact that just as there are levels at one’s job, there are also levels/tiers and standards in the service industry. If I were to have lunch at a diner or chain restaurant, you can expect a certain level of service and you tip accordingly based on realistic expectations. If the service was beyond that, then you reward that person with a generous tip. On the other hand, if I were to have a meal at a high end restaurant, I am going to expect a different level of service. As far as I’m concerned, wait staff at these types of establishments are supposed to be proven in their work, good day or not. If I’m shelling out $250.00 or more for a meal for two, I’m not going to care if you are having an “off” day. When you are looking at a tip anywhere between $35- $45 for 15-20%, if you don’t deserve it, you don’t get it (any of it). It’s unfortunate that the culture/norm in the US has come to this, but when tipping is viewed as a required portion of your dining bill then one has to also assume there is some accountability with that requirement. Just as I won’t pay for sub-par food, I won’t pay for sub-par service. The way I see it, it’s a way of separating the good from the bad. If you stink at your job, you’re eventually going to move on to something else or starve. I think it’s a fair system that reward good service and punishes bad and is overall good for servers that are truly good at their job. That’s why it’s called “gratuity”, it’s something given without claim or demand.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:11 pm |
940. Random
     

     I generally leave a decent tip unless the service was horrible. I once left a dollar tip becuase the waitress was never in sight always running into the kitchen and hiding back their for long periods at a time while we and her other tables around us were waiting for drinks food and everything in between. I will not tip some one who rather stay in the back joking instead of doing their job.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:33 am |
941. Catherine
     

     Restaurants don't normally compensate waiters so that they make minimum wage when it's slow or when customers are cheap, but they still have to pay taxes as if they had earned the minimum that day. There were slow days when I waited in college that I made less than minimum wage, and some foreign customers didn't know that they had to tip. How nice for you to take out your aggression on workers who don't make very much and have bills to pay just like everyone else.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:33 am |
     • NYserver
       

       Thank you for your comments. I am a waiter in NYC at one of the top restuarants and yes I choose to make my living off of tips, but I am still astounded how after giving GREAT service people will leave nothing or barely anything at all. Like it or not, tips are a part of going out and if you cannot tip appropiately for great service than you should eat at McDonalds or stay home. You will be remembered and noted for your cheap tip or lack thereof. We areworking people just like everyone else and should not be put to such harsh criticism. Thanks for sticking up for us Catherine!

       July 13, 2010 at 10:49 am |
     • Andy
       

       Right there, you said it. People who weren't aware they *HAD* to tip.

       The tip is a thank you for a job well done. I don't get tipped for doing my job, no one HAS to leave anything.

       July 13, 2010 at 10:55 am |
       • Former server
         

         Of course you don't get tipped for your job, I'm guessing you also don't make $2.50 an hour.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:37 am |
       • Smash
         

         ANDY.....Try serving one day of your life. You would have your foot shoved so far in your mouth.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:40 am |
       • Lori
         

         So you're saying that a tip is a gift then? For a job well done? Perhaps you should inform the government then because waitstaff is taxed on those "gifts" and as I understand it, gifts up to $12,000.00 are exempt from tax. Waitstaff HAS to claim AT MINIMUM 8% of their SALES whether they make it or not. Wouldn't you be pissed off if your boss cut two hours of your pay and still charged you tax on it?

         Also...for everyone who is saying that servers should get better jobs, they do...when they become tired of the public treating them like crap and deciding their wages. That's why you get horrible service because good servers eventually get out of the industry. I am a former server. I had a table of six exclaim happily that they got the "good waitress" and proceeded to run up a $70.00 bill and left me $2.00. I wonder what the "bad waitress" would have gotten?

         July 13, 2010 at 12:07 pm |
     • Brittany
       

       Catherine, I dont think you understand the point that any of us are trying to make. I am sorry that some foreigners don't know they are suppose to tip, or that some people are just plain stingy. But all we are trying to say is that we tip for good service and if you do that, then we tip you for that. The only reason we wouldn't tip is for absolutely terrible service, which you have to admit, might happen once in a blue moon. We would only be taking out our aggresions for a super good reason and wouldn't mean for you to not be able to afford your bills. And if paying bills is your problem, try moving up to a better restaurant with better wages or another job. I'm sure though, if you are a good server, you get plenty of worthwhile tips from your good service.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:49 am |
942. Industry Girl
     

     It seems like a lot of servers have weighed in on this issue – claiming that tipping should always be mandatory. I worked in the industry for 12 years...paid my way through school and rent on tips alone. Still, I always realized that any tips I received were for good service. I would hardly expect a reward from anyone if my actions caused them to have a bad experience.

     I will always leave 20% + for anyone that deserves it and at least 15% percent if I feel like someone is just having an 'off' day. However I won't leave a dime (not even that token penny) for anyone that is lazy with their job and feels entitled to a 'gratuity' from me.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:33 am |
     • miki
       

       I agree. I also waitressed through high school and college and have no qualms about not tipping if I get bad service. I also make sure the manager knows if they have particularly excellent staff. I have had off days and kept them to myself: it is not the customer's fault. And if there is a problem I apologized and offered to get the management for them, letting them know their complaints were valid and their patronage worthwhile. Yes, there are people who are just difficult but that is what management is paid to deal with. And some people are just cheap: disappointing but part of the trade. Best to increase minimum wage to a decent standard of living across the board.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:15 am |
943. Mike
     

     We go out a lot. I tip 99% of the time, 20%. However, there is on occasion, horrible service. Never returning to the table to refill drinks, for instance. That's the waiters job. That's why I tip. If you can't do that - if all you did was drop my food off, sorry, NO TIP. I don't get paid if I don't do my job. I'm not paying you if you don't do yours.

     If you think it's 'expected, and the norm' - then it should be on the bill at a fixed rate. But it's not. So it isn't. The consumer still has a say so.

     I also regular jot notes down on my bill when the service is *outstanding*, and I also note why a tip is low, when the service is horrible.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:32 am |
     • Brittany
       

       I couldn't agree more!!! I always leave notes, whether it's a "thank you" or "awesome service" along with my generous tip, especially if they made my meal more entertaining than I expected! But there has been two times when I have had terrible service, I was so appauled. I left not tip, but I did leave a "tip" on the receipt as to why. I want to make sure they understand that their terrible service was noticed and unwelcomed.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:44 am |
     • Steve
       

       Many restaurants in NY have impletmented a mandatory 15% gratuity on checks because people sometimes don't tip. This is only going to promote worse service.

       And correct me if I'm wrong but if you do a poor job at your work you still get paid for those hours you put in. You just get fired. And plenty of waiters get fired. But to not tip is poor taste.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:15 pm |
944. Carl
     

     I am well aware of how wait staff earns their money, but I am also dismayed that the restaurant industry has come to build that into the pay process. Tipping has, de facto, become part of th cost of eating out. The original intent of tips was to reward extraordinary service with "a little extra", but like so many other ocst control measures, owners saw this as a way to cut their own expenses.

     To all you waiters and waitresses: Both of my daughters worked as servers and bartenders at one time. I know how important tips are. They insure that I almost always leave about 20% when I'm out. That said, do not assume that I have an obligation to do so. If you ignore me, or fail to conduct yourself in some minimally acceptable manner, be assured that my standard drops to 15%, maximum. If you are rude or just incompetent, I will complain about you to management, along with leaving you nothing.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:31 am |
945. Tips are VERY situational
     

     I feel bad for the wait staff. They have a tough job. On the other hand, more than once or twice, I've gotten some real condescending waiters who make me feel like I'm a jerk for eating there. Maybe it's an "off day" or maybe not. All I know is that if I had an off day where I treated someone bad enough that it ruined their evening and made them both want to leave, and embarrassed to leave, I'd be fired. So on those occassions, I try to make it clear that I was unhappy with the service. Even then I leave some tip – unless it was really, exceptionally bad. Normal "bad" service – when the waiter walks away and never returns, never fills drinks, etc., I leave a lower tip – 10-15%. All other times I leave at least 20%.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:30 am |
     • craig
       

       So explain to me how a restaurant can get away with sub-par or minimum wage salary and expect patrons to fit the rest of the bill? When did this arrangement come into existence anyway? I think there are a lot of multi-million-dollar companies making a lot of money off this situation.

       July 13, 2010 at 10:44 am |
       • Tips are VERY situational
         

         I agree, I have to say. But that IS the arrangement in place. Until it changes, I refuse to make the wait staff pay for the faults of the system.

         July 13, 2010 at 10:50 am |
       • Dan
         

         Craig, I've worked in the service industry and I think you are missing one point here. If you expect the restaurant to pay the servers enough that tips aren't necessary, the price of your meal and drinks will go up accordingly. You can't expect to go to a restaurant, have someone serve you and then expect not to pay for the service of someone waiting on you hand and foot.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:03 am |
       • John
         

         If the social norm weren't to leave a tip for the waiter, the waiter's higher wages would get passed on to the consumer via higher menu prices. At least under the tipping system you can get a say in how much you pay.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:10 am |
       • Dave
         

         take it up with Congress. It's the law.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:15 am |
       • John
         

         People keep trying to point out that wait staff can get paid less than minimum wage- but as the article even says, if they don't get enough in tips the RESTAURANT is LEGALLY OBLIGATED to make it up. So if the waiter is out money because of not getting tips the restaurant HAS to cover for it. If the waiter isn't getting that, they should call the ACLU or somebody, not complain about how they had a bad day and the mean evil customers didn't tip enough.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:53 am |
       • Matt
         

         I get it, the restaurant should cover my wages up to minimum wage. But have you ever thought about why servers work in the field to begin with? It's because on an average night, they make more than minimum wage at their tables! Do you honestly think anyone would put up with as much annoyance as I've read in 5 minutes on this board, if they knew they would make $7.25 an hour? Methinks not. You can all kiss my ass for $7.25 an hour.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:13 pm |
       • cdholds
         

         Craig, this may come as a shock, but generally the total amount of tips taken in by waitstaff is greater than the actual profitability of the restaurant. Especially in today's economy, a lot of restaurants are lucky to have a 10% profit margin. It would be fiscally impossible for us to pay servers to compensate for tips without raising prices considerably. As others have pointed out, in either system the consumer has to pay the servers wages, its just a matter if you want input or not. If you want consistently great service, be a regular somewhere with a regular server, be pleasant and tip them nicely. You will always have a good experience.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:15 pm |
946. Jesse
     

     I've waited tables in Michigan before, at both upscale and lower end restaurants. Frankly, if the server is horrible, they don't deserve the tip. I think using a wildly low tip is a better point maker. Yes, everyone has off days, but it's your JOB to not show it. It's your JOB to serve food, make people enjoy their experience, and keep them comin back.

     Though I disagree with the thought that "they could be working somewhere else." I mean... in this economy? Besides, servers often make decent money because of tips earned. But I do mean earned. If they are not good at their job, they will not get far.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:29 am |
     • Agreed
       

       I agree. Tip stands for to insure promptness. They are not required. If my drink sits empty, my food is cold, or we just ignored for an hour while the wait staff work on other parties, I will show it in my tips.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:11 am |
     • Londa
       

       Jesse, you're the 1st to get it right, well the 1st thats worked as a server to get it right that I can see. There would be a law in place for customers to HAVE TO LEAVE A TIP or we'd be fined or something. Its our choice to do as we please with OUR MONEY! If you bring your personal problems to work, unless its a death of a loved one you should never take a job if you can't stay focused on doing YOUR BEST to receive the BEST TIP. And in my experience, most people that go out to a restaurant has already added in your tip if they have a good experience with the service you're providing. SO PLEASE KEEP IT REAL, YOU WON'T GET PAID FOR GIVING BAD SERVICE. Your spouse or lover might reward you but customers won't.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:12 am |
       • Julie
         

         I agree. My late husband was in the restaurant industry for 30 years, as waiter and manager. He left small tips, very infrequently, but he left them. If the service was bad, we were ignored, he would try to get the service improved before we left, talk to the manager etc. If it wasn't, small tip. But always something, so they knew he didn't forget. The best, three pennies face down carefully placed. On the flip side, if the service was excellent 30% was nothing.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:56 pm |
947. Rex
     

     When you can rarely to go out to a nice restaurant, you look forward to both excellent service and food. How does the couple looking forward to an excellent night out feel when the waiter shows them that he could care less that they are there spending their dollars at his restaurant? Disappointed, angry, you name it. Sorry, you deserve a penny and to be fired!

     July 13, 2010 at 10:27 am |
     • Well
       

       Exactly! We were excited to be going to what we thought would be a nice restaurant and it was a totally ruined night. We were embarrassed and disappointed and angry. We've never had another experience like that, thank goodness.

       July 13, 2010 at 10:45 am |
     • former server
       

       all you non-tippers suck, so glad to get out of restaurant industry because of people like you, assholes that never worked in the industry have no clue what it is like to deal with jerks that don't tip, those people who have left a penny, you are all scumbags and should be slapped

       July 13, 2010 at 11:38 am |
       • former server
         

         I added gratuity to every table I knew would tip bad, easy way to make the scumbag non-tippers give you what is right, that's how I made them pay, and I always got my twenty percent, take that non-tippers

         July 13, 2010 at 11:45 am |
       • Selfish Gene
         

         If you are a shitty server, you get no tip. If you do not bring silverware before, or with the meal, forget drinks, if the appetizer arrives after the main course, if you do not WAIT on me, you are a shitty server.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:40 pm |
       • Anne
         

         If you're expecting a bad tip, that says more about your level service than it does about them. I once received horrific service- the server brought out a ham sandwich for my Jewish friend when she ordered chicken salad, then told her to "just eat that" when we asked for the order to be corrected. When he had the audacity to include gratuity, we paid in cash- short the included gratuity- and never went back to that restaurant. I tip 20% minimum, but that server was glad he just got by without a tip instead of slapped with a lawsuit.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:11 pm |
       • ralph
         

         FYI selfish gene, Bringing silverware to the table at my restaurant is the job of the bussers. Sometimes they forget and when the server gets to your table and your menus are out in front of you they cannot see you do not have silverware. When you see empty tables with silverware this might be a good time to let your server know that you have none because in a lot of cases the busser missed out. So now you are punishing the server for the busser not doing his job.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:41 pm |
       • Barbie
         

         former server, you are exactly the type of server that gives the service industry a bad name.

         I worked as a server, and I still work in customer service. And how you treat people is more important than the product they are getting. I've given a $5 tip on a $1.25 grilled cheese sandwich (that's 400%) just because the service was awesome. My waitress thought I made a mistake and ran out to the parking lot after me. I told her I meant it when I had said it was the best service I've ever had. (it really was)

         But I will not tip a rude jerk. Just because I order something small doesn't mean a thing. And if I order half the menu, I still expect the service to be what I tip for. I've given a tip to the other server at a place where the girl waiting on me was too busy chatting on her phone giggling to bother doing her job. When her busy coworker apologized and brought my drink after noticing that that my glass was sitting empty at the end of the table, and she refilled it twice after that. I walked up to the manager, asked if I could have a moment to compliment one of his staff, he called the 1st girl over, and I said no, she did nothing, and for that she is getting nothing. I then gave the 2nd girl a $10 bill and thanked her for saving me from what was headed to be a bad experience.

         Tips are not a right, they should not be added to a bill because someone is expecting to get stiffed. You undermined others in service by doing so and I'm sure soured many on leaving a good tip. I read my bill, and I'd have had a nice little chat with your manager.

         July 18, 2010 at 8:37 am |
948. Tom
     

     I have been on both sides of the restaurant table and am a heavy tipper; for quality service I leave 25-35%. For poor service I give 15%, for truly abysmal service I leave a penny or no tip, which I've done three times in forty years. I still work in a service related industry and when there are the inevitable screwups, I've always found an explanation and an apology goes a long way to making it right for the customer.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:24 am |
     • GJ
       

       Tom, I agree with you. The only time i rounded off to the next dollar was when the treatment was so piss poor that it took a mushroom and egg omelet (for my 2 year old) took 65 minutes to arrive. This was at a fancy joint in downtown Naperville. No drinks, menu and didnt get our order right.
       On Sunday we dined at PF Chang's in Schaumburg and the waiter was superb. I tipped 40% and I shook his hand and thanked him. The restaurant was packed.

       July 13, 2010 at 10:52 am |
     • HowsYerMommaAnEm
       

       I agree! I have two daughters who put themselves through college waiting tables and I'm super proud of both of them. They appreciated every nickel they earned, but were bouncing off the walls when they received an especially big tip because the service they provided was so exceptional. That's what they strived for and it showed in their work.
       I will always leave at least 35% for great service and no less than 10% for not so great service. If my wait person is so terrible that I feel no tip is in order, I will always speak to the manager.
       Until you walk in someone elses' shoes, you don't know what they are having to deal with that might be affecting their job performance. It's up to their manager to be on top of it and how can they be if they don't know there is a problem?

       July 13, 2010 at 11:11 am |
     • Gwen
       

       Tom, I agree completely. That is exactly the way we tip. We have a lot of gay owned great restaurants here in our valley and if all the restaurants were run as professionally as they are what a difference it would make. The waiters are well trained, no waiting, ever, and usually more than one per table. And the food is excellent. More big families fill the restaurants than gay people because everything is so much better. They do so well here that most of them take 1 or 2 months off in the summer to recooperate. A lot of the lousy restaurants are open all year. And they aren't overly expensive.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:18 am |
949. jonas
     

     I'm sick of the multi-million dollar restaurant chains expecting us to suppliment their payrolls. I can "almost" see helping out the little "mom and pop" places. But, in my humble opinion, good employees come at a premium. If you want good help, you should pay them and in turn your customers will pay you for their hard work.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:20 am |
     • your server
       

       Except you aren't punishing the corporations, you are punishing the person who waited on you.

       July 13, 2010 at 10:40 am |
       • craig
         

         You chose the job and all that comes with it. If you weren't a server I'll bet you'd feel the same way. It's not my responsibility to pay your salary. Bottom line.

         July 13, 2010 at 10:42 am |
       • jonas
         

         go work at wal-mart or sears or home depot....

         July 13, 2010 at 10:44 am |
       • Justin
         

         @Craig & Jonas. The two of you are fools. It doesn't mater what the restauraunt "should" be paying for salary. The fact is they dont and by law dont have to, so you say go and work somewhere else. Now if all the waiters/waitresses did that there wouldn't be anyone to give you and your family food. So then you wouldn't be able to go out and would have to cook at home. Don't take it out on the people that have to do this work to get through college or just to live. There aren't many jobs out there and you take what you can. Lets see what happens if you lose your job. A great piece of advise- Dont screw with people that handle your food. I have had a bad tipper return and all I will say is they got a special meal for the same price and didnt even realize it.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:19 am |
       • tt
         

         i have read some of these comments, and its truly sad the way some of these people are reacting.. as a nurse for 10 years in a busy medical office, and a single mom to an awesome 8 year old i had to find additional income. the medical field has not been very rewarding and we have not seen a raise in 5 years. since i "choose" not to live off the state, and i "choose" to own my own home and provide for my son, well then i must "choose" to supplement my income. now getting a job at home depot or walmart is great when you can work anytime, however when you have select days and times to work because of your primary job you need to look more at waiting tables.. so please dont be so quick to judge your server... one day i could also be the one saving your life in my office.. i truly hope that those who judge so quickly and harshly do not ever have to wait tables... its a tough life when your income for groceries depends on people like that.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:23 am |
       • jonas
         

         Justin sweety (you called me a fool so deal), I'm a mom of four and frankly, we have been staying home. My kids hate to go out because of the wait, the poor choices and cold food. So I cook a lot. And honey, (see previous comment) I have found that if I cook, and make the husband and kiddos clean up, it really isn't that big of a deal....so, if everyone would do this, the only jobs available would be at the 7-11. I would pay more for better service and for the product to match the price with a honest profit margin.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:28 am |
       • Isabelle66
         

         And sometimes tey DESERVE the punichment. I have NEVER not left a tip, but have left a meagre tip for bad service. I was in the service industry and let me tell you what I was told: My 'off' day is my problem, not that of the customer.
         Two scenarios:
         A few weeks ago I was ut with a table of women at a lounge-type restaurant. It was difficult getting refills or dessert menus or coffee as the waitress was at another table (of single men), flirting up a storm. Maybe she was working for tips, maybe not...but we, a table of well paid professional women, were ignored. Likely se would have gotten a bigger tip out of our table and simply had to come by a few times.
         This past weekend, the same group of women at a new, very busy restaurant, had less than stellar service. The waitress forgot my drink, she apologized. It took a long time for us to get our post-dinner cappucino. The waiteress came over and explained that she did not know how to use the machine and was just waiting on another server to finish up and help her make them.
         I get that 'stuff' happens, any number of variables can be in play. Bu tthe second server did not let the service level drop, even if the conditions were less than perfect.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:42 am |
       • Isabelle66
         

         And sometimes they DESERVE the punishment. I have NEVER not left a tip, but have left a meagre tip for bad service. I was in the service industry and let me tell you what I was told: My 'off' day is my problem, not that of the customer.
         Two scenarios:
         A few weeks ago I was out with a table of women at a lounge-type restaurant. It was difficult getting refills or dessert menus or coffee as the waitress was at another table (of single men), flirting up a storm. Maybe she was working for tips, maybe not...but we, a table of well paid professional women, were ignored. Likely se would have gotten a bigger tip out of our table and simply had to come by a few times.
         This past weekend, the same group of women at a new, very busy restaurant, had less than stellar service. The waitress forgot my drink, she apologized. It took a long time for us to get our post-dinner cappucino. The waiteress came over and explained that she did not know how to use the machine and was just waiting on another server to finish up and help her make them.
         I get that 'stuff' happens, any number of variables can be in play. Bu tthe second server did not let the service level drop, even if the conditions were less than perfect.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:46 am |
       • Skyler
         

         Jonas & Craig.
         As much as the servers chose their job and could go work elsewhere, you chose to come into their restaurant where tipping is part of the deal. Go eat at McDonald's or Taco Bell, then you won't have to worry about figuring out the tip. Problem solved.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:55 am |
       • joe
         

         TT I dont know where you live but theres no reason a nurse should have to supplement their income, its one of the most in demand jobs in America and pays very well. If you live in some bizarre city with low demand for nursing then all you have to do is move to one of the many cities who have a nursing crisis.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:24 pm |
       • Cat Girl
         

         Isabelle66...I waited tables for years. Women were almost always the worst tippers ever...good service or otherwise. The elderly loved to be talked to and always FELT and MEANT to be generous, but usually just didn't know what a good tip was these days. The wait staff know what I'm talking about when you have a elderly gentlemen tell you what a wonderful server you were and there's something "special" and it's a five dollar bill on an $80 meal. Isabelle66 whether you like it or not, men are the best tippers and the more you flirt, the more money you make. By all means it's not all men, but a good server can read people. You know who wants to be left alone, who wants you to chat them up, and who wants to flirt. My BEST money always came from groups of gentlmen that liked to flirt. That's just a fact.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:43 pm |
       • tt
         

         @ joe, i wish it were possible to move to a larger city, with a better pay scale. however that would require selling my house and seeking permission from my ex to move our son to another state and uprooting him is not possible right now. and the medical office i work for , well like i said very under paid. but i am thankful to have a job, both of them.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:27 pm |
     • craig
       

       EXACTLY. Old custom that makes absolutely NO sense IMHO.

       July 13, 2010 at 10:41 am |
       • saraboutros
         

         But if you are going out to eat you are expecting to pay money! Why do people have to stiff the servers? I am a server at a nice local restaurant now, but I have worked at corporate chains when I first started. The point is for me, and this is the case with others that I work with- We all have full time jobs, but are trying to pay off our student loans by working a second job like serving. I understand that if your server does a poor job at the table you shouldn't tip him well, but it is expected to tip 20% if your service was above notch. Anyways- the mentality that I don't like, that I'm seeing on these discussion boards are "if you don't want minimum wage, don't work as a waiter." I feel if you are going out to eat and you get good service you should tip accordingly- you are going out to eat, therefore you are spending more money than you would at home- what's an extra couple of bucks to the server when you are already spending?

         July 13, 2010 at 10:55 am |
       • Richard
         

         To everyone who feels that they "shouldn't have to supplement corporations wages": How exactly do you think they would make up the difference? The reason that burger only cost you 8.99 is because the restaurant doesn't have to build the cost of its front of the house staff into the cost of the food. If you don't want to tip fine, no one can force you, but just admit your either cheap and/or a jerk. Don't try to justify it with ridiculous logic.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:05 am |
       • Owen
         

         They choose the job with the understanding that they receive most of their wages through tips. The only time that backfires is when they have to deal with obnoxious people like yourself. You're in the minority my friend, most people accept that they tip wait staff for their service and I applaud this system. If someone is good at their job they get compensated for it and if they aren't, they're lesser value is shown in a lower tip. This makes a lot more sense to me than two people earning the same salary while one works hard and one doesn't. If wait staff made an hourly wage you would be complaining a lot more about poor service, I can guarantee it. The serving industry is one of the last places that people are compensated for what they are truly worth. I never leave less than 10% and generally leave 20%.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:10 am |
       • Guest
         

         So Craig since you don't feel like you need to tip for service that was given to you, the next time you go out and dine in somewhere why don't you place your own order, carry your own drink, and then retrieve you own order as well as cleaning up after yourself. You know since cleaning up for someone like you should be a no brainer...

         July 13, 2010 at 11:15 am |
       • Kenny
         

         Tipping is an American tradition. Waiters in Italy doesn't expect it. Neither does the waiters in Japan. But you know what? Those waiters don't expect A DIME from you and they STILL provide exceptional and friendly service. I tip out of gratitude for an exceptional dining experience. Perhaps some of the rude and greedly waiters forgot the meaning behind the word "Gratuity".

         July 13, 2010 at 11:18 am |
       • saraboutros
         

         Servers in Europe have it built into their wages that's why! And you know what, you can tell a good server there from someone who doesn't care. And most of them don't care as much about your service out there because they aren't relying on a tip from you. But in the United States, when you only make, for example in Iowa, $4.75/hour- I expect tips. I'm not greedy though! If you go out to eat, you need to expect to tip (unless you have horrible service)- but if you don't, then yes, it is "American tradition".

         July 13, 2010 at 11:23 am |
       • jack
         

         "wal-mart or sears or home depot"...are those the establishments you are familiar with? i can see we're dealing with true class here, folks. why don't we go ahead and say bowling alley, laundromat...strawberry field? I bet illegal immigrants would work their a$$ off to serve you and give you the best experience you've ever had, then you'd turn around and cry foul that they stole the job from the incompetent waiter you were complaining about in the first place. it's not a server's responsibility to take your trashy, mullet-having, ignorant BS. If you want to go out and be waited on (cause you're soooooo special), leave a tip. With your malcontent pi$$-poor attitude and entitlement, your bad service is almost assuredly a self-fulfilling prophecy. I hope you choke on your food and your server conveniently forgets how to apply the heimlich maneuver. It's not their responsibility, after all.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:26 am |
       • Acacia Douglas
         

         Where do you live?? Your on cnn.com and yet you appear completely clueless to the recent economy. Or maybe that unemployeement is at the highest its been since the great depression! Everyone all could just quit and then you'd have no one to serve your snotty little selves. I mean honestly someone has to do the dirty work. Do you run out to your garbage man and tell him he could be doing something else or look down on him? What about your mail carrier or a bank teller? I mean these are all people who serve a purpose in society.. maybe they love there jobs maybe they hate them but they do it because they have understanding that you have to start at the bottom to move up. You have to pay your bills and you have to be able to live and eat. To many people choose not to work and live off tax paying indivuals. Im sorry your completely ignorant if you live in a fairy tale that everyone always gets there dream job and never had to struggle and work to get where they wanted to be. Sorry if you had everything served to you on a silver platter and have no concept of reality!

         July 13, 2010 at 11:29 am |
       • Steve
         

         No class. As others have said before, if we didn't use the tip system you'd STILL be paying for the wait staff. At least with the tip system you have some feedback. Craig and others, why don't you order your food online instead of going out? Cheep jerks.

         My wife is a waiter and very often Texans come to NY expecting free refills on their soda. When the restaurant doesn't offer refills then they get angry and don't tip the waiter. It's not a waiters fault that NY is different than Texas. Most restaurants in NY don't offer free refills. The truth is that these people are just cheep jerks who stiff anybody they can. I'm from Texas but I don't expect other places to be just like home! You're traveling! At least when a European doesn't tip it's because they sometiems don't know that it's expected. Most restaurants have a mandatory tip now because of jerks like Craig. Unfortunatly, my wife's restaurant isn't one of them yet. So she still gets stiffed from Scrooges. Ruins her night and then ruins mine when she comes home!

         And to the others saying go work at home depot... do you say the same thing to coal miners who get injured or killed because of faulty safety? Do you say the same thing to convinent store owners who get robbed? Yes, everybody knows the risks involved with their line of work but that IS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR YOU NOT TO TIP! Or should we just screw everybody who isn't you?

         July 13, 2010 at 11:42 am |
       • Tyler
         

         @saraboutros
         Food service in Europe is far beyond that of the United States. It is a profession there. Having spent a significant amount of time in Italy I can tell you that of all the times I ate out I NEVER had a bad serving experience. The food was always prompt and you the service imprecible.

         In American, in stead, I find the service more 'move tables as fast as possible to get more tips'. Because tipping is all but expected they (and I use 'they' collectivey, but I do accept that a not small number of servers in the United States take their profession seriously as well) don't seem to care about giving EXCELLENT service but rather ADEQUETE service. Two 12% tips are better than one 20% tip.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:49 am |
       • dbro
         

         Thanks for setting society straight. Hopefully now all those silly servers and restaurants will change their ways. In the meantime, you may want to avoid going to the same restaurant twice.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:31 pm |
       • Nathan
         

         @ Tyler

         Two 12% tips are not better than one 20% tip (Distributive property)
         12% of $10 = $1.20, 12% of $20 = $2.40, Total = $3.60.
         20% of 30 = $6

         Maybe you should check your math before tipping next time :P

         August 9, 2010 at 3:44 pm |
     • skipper
       

       I cannot believe that in this day and age some people still do not understand this concept. If the restaurant paid their servers more so that you did not have to tip them, then that would be reflected in your meal price. So your $8 hamburger would now be an $11 hamburger. Restaurants have set up the concept of tipping because they hope that it encourages their servers to provide better service to you, the customer.

       If they provide acceptable service, and you tip them 15%, you are effectively paying the pre-determined cost for your meal. I understand what some people are saying, that in the one to two occasions in their lives that they've had such horrible service that they've left nothing, but for an average meal at a restaurant you should *always* be leaving at least 15%. If you refuse to participate in this system, then you should stop dining at restaurants. A 15% is not "extra" salary for waiters in most states. In most states waiters are paid less than $3 an hour - tips, in large part, are what get them up to minimum wage.

       And for all of you people who just say that if they don't like it, they should get other jobs are just plain ignorant. Waiting tables allows a flexible schedule that allow students, parents, etc. to make a reasonable salary with flexible hours - when their patrons understand and participate in tipping. People get so upset that waiters act like they are "entitled" to tips, but in reality, the system, as it is designed does entitle servers to tips, provided that they are providing the service that they are supposed to be.

       Restaurants expect that their diners will tip their servers. You can bitch and moan all you want about how the restaurant is responsible for paying a waiter's salary, but if they start doing it, you will see that reflected in your meal prices. Your price of a meal at a restaurant does not end with the price on the menu. If you can't handle that, go to McDonalds.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:05 am |
       • Londa
         

         Skipper you are so right, but I eat out all the time and I'm willing to bet you $100 that most people like myself that dines out often is always willing to tip good service! So for the most part this is really about sorry servers that want to get paid just like the HARD WORKING servers and it just ain't happening! McDonalds, I'd never do, so when I step into anyone's restaurant and get sorry service for the money I WORK MY BUTT OFF FOR I'm going to only reward the ones that deserve it. I'm a hard working woman myself who pulls 87 to 94 hours a week at work, do you really think I'll tip someone who gives me mediocre service, I THINK NOT. And anyone who thinks I should is completely ignorant!!!!!!

         July 13, 2010 at 11:22 am |
       • Razoo
         

         The fact remains, that being a waiter is a job and you are compensated for being good at your job. There are levels to the degree of skilll based on the establishment. If you are at an expensive restraraunt, you should not have to ask for another drink, refill ect...they should be aware of the needs..as they are working within the flow of thier 4-6 tables...if you are at TGIF 's or some chain...if they are timely, polite, they recieve % tip I would leave at a high end place potentially...context is everything...but if the service is poor..you need to inform somone and reflect that in the tip.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:26 am |
       • Kenny
         

         And who determines 15% is the minimum? So you're telling me that it will cost me more for you to bring me a $3 plate of french fries compared to you bringing me a $30 plate of steak? This percentage rule is ridiculous IMO.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:27 am |
       • Razoo
         

         TIP stands for To insure proper service....

         July 13, 2010 at 11:29 am |
       • jack
         

         Londa– if you work 94 hrs/wk how in the world do you have time/energy to go out and eat?

         July 13, 2010 at 11:30 am |
       • Steve
         

         To Londa and Razzoo, I suspect you just resent having to tip in the first place. What if the place is slammed and the waiter is being overburdened with tables. Or if the cooking staff made a mistake? There are all sorts of situations you would not be aware of but I'm sure you would still be judging the waiter on their "flow of 4-6 tables". Sure, I understand that poor service shouldn't be rewarded but I know tons of great waters who get stiffed by misers for something that they had no control over. Like resuarant policy or menu changes or anything that pisses off the customer but has nothing to do with the waiter. It's NOT only about poor service, Londa. It's about judgmental patrons taking everything out on the waiter.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:53 am |
       • 2cents
         

         I tipped the dining room staff at burger king once... The service was that good.

         At Applebee's, I had the same poor service from the same waitress multiple times. The first, I chalked up to a bad day, the second, my tip reflected the fact that the service was sub standard. When I went back the 3th time, I told them I would not sit in her section and the 4th time, she was no longer employed by Applebee's.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:08 pm |
       • Selfish Gene
         

         What is the deductible on that insure-ance?
         http://www.wordsbetween.com/2009/06/insure-vs-ensure.html

         July 13, 2010 at 12:35 pm |
       • skipper
         

         @Lorda - I completely agree that people shouldn't have to tip for incompentent service. I believe that the issue is mainly with people who don't understand that a tip is part of a waiter's salary, not just an extra payment for exceptionally good service. I have heard many people (who are trying to justify their decision to leave no tip or a small tip, whether it is at the salon, restaurant, etc.) say, "Well, I don't get tipped at my job." The point is, is that most jobs compensate completely for your service. Most people, if they thought about it, wouldn't take an 60 or 70% paycut in exchange for tips.

         But the bottom line is, that is the way the restaurant industry works. In my opinion, tips are earned for adequate service and should be adjusted according to performance. As a former server, I don't expect perfection from my servers, but a good solid effort.

         Regardless, I think the issue is the people who never tip, or never tip more than X amount, regarding the price of the bill and try and justify it because they don't get tips in their jobs or because the restaurant should pay the waiter's whole salary. Well, the restaurant doesn't - period.

         @Kenny - (and I'm sure you will obviously argue to the contrary) but you obviously haven't been to many places that serve $30 steaks. If you had, you will see that generally the level of service is higher at higher priced restaurants, and if you've been to any really high-end restaurants you would know that some of those places require a rather high level of training. If I'm paying $50 for an entree, I expect my waiter to be able to recommend a wine to go with it, to recommend a cooking temperature, to answer any other questions, and I expect the level of service to be higher. So I am willing to, and do, tip accordingly.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:39 pm |
     • Dave
       

       Fair enough but don't make your statement of opinion by punishing the server who has no control over it. Take it up with the legislators and force better wages.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:10 am |
     • Alan
       

       Does anyone who complains about the tips ever had anything to do with a restaurant business? Do they even realize how hard work it is and that profit restaurants make isn't that big... of course restaurants could pay normal wage to servers – but then expect to pay about 20% higher price for dining out, and since server won't have any intentions to provide great service – expect a service you usually get at generic grocery store – nobody gives a crap about your needs. Of course you can complain to manager about bad service or just go to a different restaurant – but remember, that every restaurant will be the same, and because of low pay for the restaurant will be hard to hire people to work – nobody wants to work odd hours, listen to bitchy people for minimum wage... and even illegal mexicans won't be able to help in that case – they just wouldn't understand what you want....

       July 13, 2010 at 11:28 am |
     • jazzy
       

       I believe it's the states which set the wage for tipped employees; some pay actual minimum wage however most split minumum wage in half (or less) for tipped employees and ASSUME the "difference" is made up by the customer. As a restaurant server/bartender I FILE TAXES based on this standard. If you sit in my section and don't tip IT COSTS ME TO WAIT ON YOU!!! If you want a meal out and don't want to add the expense of tipping, choose a place without full service. I won't miss you...

       July 13, 2010 at 11:30 am |
       • Nick
         

         Then you should do some research and try harder. While waiters may have taxes with held at a rate higher then what they earn (or, as often as not, lower) there is no need to pay taxes on money you did not earn. At the end of the year you should report your real wages and you'll get a tax refund if you have over paid. It is not my fault if you are too ignorant to do this.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:48 am |
       • Steve
         

         Nick, you're an idiot.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:59 am |
       • Wes
         

         Nick

         While its fantastic that you understand how taxes work you obviously dont seem to understand the point that if you give me a 5 dollar tip, 5 dollars get taken out of my pay check. so add that up after two weeks and I get 200-300 dollars off the top of my paycheck. If I dont want that to happen I have to lie about my income and potentially face criminal charges. Servers do not make much money. While we may or may not have a killer tax return we still have to live on pretty much what your tip was until the next paycheck.

         July 13, 2010 at 8:00 pm |
     • laura
       

       Sorry, but when you go out to eat, you know the reality of the restaurant business. If you want to teach the restaurant a lesson, you stay home and cook for yourself. If you go out to dinner and decide to stick it to the restaurant industry by not tipping, guess what? I can't pay my rent. I'm a pretty great server, and when you spend an hour running like crazy to make sure a table has an outstanding experience, and they don't tip, it is devastating. So thanks, those of you who feel self-righteous about not tipping your lowly servers...

       July 13, 2010 at 11:44 am |
       • Nick
         

         Did you ever go and test drive a car and not buy from that salesperson? Have you ever asked questions and looked at dozens of things in an electronics store and that leave to make your purchase elsewhere? Ever refused to just apply for a store credit card? There are hundreds of things that people do that make it harder for other people to "make a living." However, it really only seems to be in the restaurant industry where I am forced to take care of that. For instance, are you going to pay more for your prescription drugs – because there is a good chance that the pharmacy lost money on filling your RX (brand name drugs).

         July 13, 2010 at 11:53 am |
       • Steve
         

         Miserly Nick again! One more time, Nick. If we did away with tipping you'd STILL pay for the service in higher prices. And all your analogies don't corralate at all. You BOUGHT food. You ATE it. This wasn't a test drive of your Pinto. You made a purchase. Stop trying to justify your jerk a$$ and just fess up to being a tight wad who should order all their food online. Bet you don't like to pay shipping either though!

         July 13, 2010 at 12:05 pm |
       • 2cents
         

         Laura, If the service is great, I'll tip great, If I get stiffed on service, you can bet your serving tray I'll tip accordingly. Most people know the difference between bad service and a slow kitchen. Poorly prepared food is not the fault of the server, but when I have to hunt you down for a menu, drink, utensils, the check or to take my order, I'm not going to be happy and my tip will reflect that. These are all things that YOU as WAITSTAFF have control over. If you have too many tables, swing by and let me know that you KNOW I'm there and that you'll be right with me!

         I once spent 15 minutes sitting at a table where I wasn't sure anyone but the hostess knew I was there. I finally was able to flag down the bartender to get a menu. Then had to find someone to take our order. We also had to ask for silverware. When the food came, it was delicious, and although it didn't all come out at the same time, we knew this was not the fault of the waitress. But we ended up eating with our fingers because she neglected to bring our utensils like we asked BEFORE our food came. At the end of our meal, we asked for our check. after several minutes of watching our server dote over the table full of college boys (who don't usually tip well by the way), I finally had to hunt her down. I found her in the kitchen playing grab ass with the kitchen staff. She certainly didn't deserve a tip from me. She got what she should have expected, and I will never return to that restaurant.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:21 pm |
     • Paul
       

       Welcome to america Jonas, it doesn't work that way here. Here in america, waiters, waitresses, bartenders, and busboys don't get paid by the restaurant, they get paid by the customer. If you don't like it, eat at home, hire a chef. But if you take that attitude to the same restaurant a few times, you can be pretty sure, your meal contains some lovely extra flavor, and there's a reason that other table got their food faster than you did. You got no one to complain to other than your own stupid sense that the world should work according to your expecations, and not reality.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:19 pm |
     • CariG
       

       If you feel that way, perhaps you should consider moving to another country where tipping is not expected.

       I am not saying that everyone should tip extravagantly for poor service. I have been a server and a bartender, and can honestly say that I almost always leave a tip. If the service is poor – and it is the servers fault – my tip will reflect that I was aware of where the fault should lie.

       You should also consider that some people CHOOSE the occupation that they do for good reasons. Perhaps the schedule works with their school hours. Perhaps they need extra cash and it is a second job. Or ... wait for it... they actually ENJOY it. I know that I did. And I had customers who followed me when I moved to another restaurant.

       It is my firm belief that everyone should have to work in food service at some point, just so that they can have some humility when they encounter those who currently work in that industry.

       Just my two cents. :)

       July 13, 2010 at 12:49 pm |
     • CariG
       

       Wow... in reading some of the other comments you've posted... you are really an elitest jerk, aren't you?

       One more point to ponder... not only do we depend on our tips for sustenance, as a supplement to our low minimum wage earnings, but there are other parts to consider. We often times have to tip out – bus people, expediters, bartenders, etc. ALSO, Mr. Finance – we are taxed on the tips that we are EXPECTED to make on the sales that we bring in. That means, at the end of the evening, your server has to claim income based on the sales that they've made during their shift. That's great if they make tips on all of their tables. Most often, the tips balance each other out if one is higher and one is lower. But if you and all of your friends don't tip at all – because, of course, you don't believe that we deserve to be earning tips at all – we have to pay taxes on money we didn't earn. Ya.... that's fair. NOT

       July 13, 2010 at 12:54 pm |
       • Give me a break
         

         You seriously need to get out of this line of work if you have a huge problem with tipping out. The customer shouldn't be expected to supplement your salary because the owner is too f'n cheap to pay you a decent wage. How is that the problem of the customer??? Take that sh!t up with the owner. I work for a living too, and just because I want to go out to eat doesn't mean that I have to suddenly look at it as supporting a server! Complain to the OWNER, they're the one's truly ripping you off, not the general public. I'm not supplementing your salary. The restaurant makes bank on your labor, and you have the nerve to blame the customer??? Servers need to open their eyes.

         July 13, 2010 at 6:52 pm |
     • ralph
       

       You are probably the same type of person that goes out to eat and complains about the price of the food and drinks to the waiter. Imagine if these restaurants had to pay them competitive wages. This would result in the price your food going way up for them to make a profit, Try and go to McDonald's next time you cheap bastard.

       July 13, 2010 at 3:36 pm |
     • Give me a break
       

       Hear, hear!

       July 13, 2010 at 6:44 pm |
950. Well
     

     The one time we did it was because it ruined our night. We ordered and watched other tables order, get their food and leave before ours came. The server lost our order. We were of course angry and we didn't have silverware so I asked for it. He went to get that, then I looked up and saw him behind the bar laughing and having fun with his waiter buddies. So I got his attention and signaled for something to freaking eat with. He didn't seem to care at all how horrible a job he was doing with us. I wish we had talked to the manager. It was that bad. Otherwise, I hate for people not to leave tips. I went out with a guy in college a couple of times who refused to tip. Not cool.

     July 13, 2010 at 10:13 am |
     • Charlie
       

       Nobody who has ever been a waiter would ever not leave a tip.

       July 13, 2010 at 11:04 am |
       • Joe
         

         I don't mind tipping servers, but when I have to get my own refills, hunt down a server/manager/whatever to get my order placed or my deal with a problem with my food, the server stops being a server and a waste of space at the restaurant. I once had a server in D.C. who spent an entire hour sitting at the bar smoking while our table and 3 others would have to flag other servers to get refills and get our orders taken. The hilarious thing is when the manager was told he said "so, what do you expect out of him!" You tell me he deserves a tip!?

         July 13, 2010 at 11:14 am |
       • Billy
         

         A Tip insures proper service. I have waited tables. I don't do it often, but only if the service is very poor. A tip is earned, not a right.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:15 am |
       • Leigh
         

         I was a server for a few years. I have (only once) left a $0 tip. The server has to not only be bad but rude as well. I will never "punish" a server for a mistake, i.e. the wrong item comes out, if they correct it and are friendly.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:19 am |
       • Scott
         

         That is an asinine statement Charlie. I recognize that many circumstances where the customer does not tip are not the servers fault and he/she therefore does not deserve to be punished for it. But how about those situations where the server has an attitude and truly does provide bad service in the areas that they have control over. I'm not talking about taking a couple minutes too long to refill water. I'm talking about truly bad service. Why should they be rewarded with a tip?

         You say that anyone that has been a server would never forgo a tip. However, I'm the opposite. I worked hard as a server and EARNED my tips. I feel no obligation to leave a tip when one isn't earned as I know what the job entails.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:24 am |
       • Kevo
         

         If someone has never worked in the service industry, they don't understand how badly we need that money. I've been a waiter for years, and I'm currently making the most i've ever made in wages: $2.35 – that being said, when a table doesn't tip, it severely cuts into me.

         Getting paid no tip is just rude and uncalled for – how would you like to be paid $0 when you're having a bad day at work? "Sorry, you didn't get that report done on time, you won't be getting paid today"

         I just wish people would stop and think about how much that $4 means to a server/bus boy/host/cook.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:26 am |
       • Steven
         

         Sorry dude, but have been a waiter and have on occasion not left a tip. When I have not left a tip it was clearly because the waiter/waitress was not during their job. Not only no tip, but a complaint to the manager went along with it.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:33 am |
       • 3141592654
         

         I have been a waiter and YES I won't leave a tip if the service is that bad. Yes, everyone can have a bad night and yes the kitchen can be to blame, but there are occasions when the wait staff is just being lazy or chatting with co-workers and ignoring their tables.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:34 am |
       • Steven
         

         Kevo, If I don't get a report done on time, then I lose my bonus and I deserve to. If a server provides lousy service, then they deserve to lose their tip.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:35 am |
       • Zolla
         

         As Charlie said, no one who has ever waited tables would stiff someone. It's hard work and bad service is usually caused by circumstances beyond the server's control, like having too many people come in at once. I still have nightmares about it.

         The tip is part of the bill in our culture. If you don't want to pay it, don't go out to eat!!!

         July 13, 2010 at 11:37 am |
       • Selfish Gene
         

         I tip if the WAITER waits on ME and not the other way around. I do not reward mediocrity. And not all kids get trophies.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:40 am |
       • michelle
         

         I have served tables at 3 different restaurants, including a very up-scale steakhouse. I would definitely leave NO tip if the service is that awful because I know how much work it takes to do even a half-way decent job. When a server is completely rude, leaves dirty dishes on the seat next to you, tells you he doesn't care if you never come back.... etc. etc.... I do not feel obliged to tip him.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:40 am |
       • Briana
         

         Not true. My husband was a waiter when he was in college and prided himself on excellent service. We tip based on the service. If we wait all night without hearing from our waiter, don't get drink refills, etc...then there will be no tip. If it has to do with the actual food, we talk to the manager so that they know that there is a problem in the kitchen. We've left 20-25% tips at a restaurant when we received excellent service, but with terrible food. We've left little to no tip when the food was excellent, but the service was ridiculously poor. I think that some people are cheapskates and look for a reason not to tip, but a lot of us recognize that we live in a society with an extreme sense of entitlement. For me, a tip is a gratuity for good service, not a handout. If you want a tip, you earn it. If you don't want a good tip, come to work with that attitude that I as a patron, owe you because you don't make a lot. See how far that gets you.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:43 am |
       • Meagan
         

         I have been a server most of my life Charlie, and I most certainly would not leave a tip for a server that was rude with me. I, having been a server, do understand that there are bad nights and do not expect every server I come across to be cheerful all the time. My minimum requirement in a server is that they smile at me at least once, and bring me my food/drinks. Do that, you will recieve a decent tip. A server that goes above and beyond and is very pleasant will recieve a VERY good tip. I also (having been a server, probably something most people don't do) take notice of the environment around me. Just as there are bad servers, there are bad customers. If my server is getting hounded by another table and is obviously trying as hard as he/she can to do the job well, even if my service is less than par I at least know why. On that occasion, I leave a spectacular tip to try and make that person's day.

         But to say that someone who has served would never not leave a tip is wrong. Only once in my life have I had such terrible service that I would not tip someone, but I certainly did it. I also told them I was doing so and why. On my very worst of nights waiting tables, I NEVER got rude with my customers. Experienced servers know that performance = money. Shaft someone on service and you get shafted back.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:46 am |
       • Mr. Pink
         

         Not even a little bit true.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:46 am |
       • Sam
         

         So true!

         I've weeded out dates who don't tip or tip low at restaurants. I always offer to cover the tip when I see that happen. Guys may get insulted by that, but it's just as insulting to me to leave a restaurant paying anything less than 15%. When I go out with friends (especially younger college types) who make comments about not tipping, I ensure to cover their 20% for the tips.

         I generally tip 20%. If that comes out to being less than $2 per person served (think IHOP), then I set my min at $2 per person. Sure, maybe it ends up being a 50 or 80% tip, but the extra $6 – $10 was earned. It's not the wait staff's problem that the food is cheap. Most likely in the cheapest places, the staff needs the money the most. For less than a trip to the movies, I received great service for me and some friends. I call that a bargain.

         A lot of people don't realize that 15% is the social norm, and think they are paying the waitress a great compliment with $5 on a $100 tab. In those cases, it's simply ignorance.

         The other thing people don't realize is that in certain states, you are taxed at a rate of your wage $2.15 + 8% of your checks for the night. So if you give them a 5% tip, they may end up paying to cover their taxes out of that $2.15 they earned serving you and 5 – 10 other tables.

         A lot of people base their tips on the restaurant's service. Many restaurants will overburden their waitstaff for the sake of a few extra dollars, resulting in an unreasonable number of tables per waiter/waitress. So if your waiter/waitress is seeing you only every 5 minutes, it might not even be their fault. Food is cold? Often times there is a food runner who is responsible to take your food out. If they are slacking or understaffed, it will reflect poorly on the waiter/waitress who's sole responsibility is now to shuffle orders and refill drinks for 10-15 tables. A lot of things that seem like waiter incompetence may actually be a restaurant's poor management. If you see that you're sitting in a crowded restaurant and you are the only table in site being served by your waiter, then likely that waiter was asked to cover your table in addition to their own crowded section. This means you'll be seeing less of them.

         Last thing to mention is that I completely understand people who are horrified by legitimately terrible service. Rudeness, obvious slacking, are a few things that come to mind. When you experience this, go to the manager. In the one instance I resorted to this, I brought along a 20% tip and told the manager to give it to the bus boy who deserved it far more than the waitress. It's much more effective to do that if the service was indeed poor.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:46 am |
       • Jesse
         

         That is where you are inccorect. I worked as a waiter, and I understood exactly what it was like to be busy, I went to a restaurant and stood there waiting to be seated for ten minutes, no one even came up to us to help us. When we were finally seated we waited for another ten minutes before anyone came by to get our drink order. We got our drinks and our waitress finally came to the table, she took our order and then we never saw her again until we had almost finished our food at which point she dropped the check did not ask if we wanted dessert and did not offer to refill our drinks which had been empty for most of the meal. The restaurant was busy but they had plenty of servers and it just seemed like no one knew what was going on. I spoke to the manager who did not seem to care we left and left no tip.
         I worked in an expensive steakhouse and I know what it takes to wait tables and that waitress did not have it.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:48 am |
       • gimle
         

         I have been a server at both fine dining and casual places. Now that I am the customer I tip well for good service, tip a minimum when the server puts no effort into the deal and have no problem leaving nothing if i get bad treatment. This has happened less than 5 times int he past 20 years. Its all about the attitude. If the kitchen is screwing up and the server lets the table know I stay calm...if there is something wrong let your tables know. I have comforted crying servers just dumped by lovers and laughted with servers who have confessed they just plain forgot to put my order in...

         July 13, 2010 at 11:48 am |
       • 2cents
         

         Charlie, that is so very NOT true. I was a waitress for many many years and yes, I relied on my tips to support my family, but my service was ALWAYS top notch. When I go to a restaurant where I am being served, I expect service. If I have to hunt someone down for a menu, a drink, utensils and/or my check, you can be assured I'm not leaving a tip. If I did all of the work of this "server", why would I part with my hard earned money?

         I am fully aware that not everything is going to be perfect but if I have to do everything for myself, I may as well stay at home and eat. When I walk into a restaurant, I am automatically leaving 20%. The server can make it more or less based on their sevice. If I get down to 0%, you can be assured that the service was less than sub par.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:48 am |
       • Former Server
         

         Untrue. As someone that took pride in my work, I knew some people were cheap and wouldn't tip, but that doesn't mean anyone should condone leaving a tip for bad service.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:49 am |
       • Malware
         

         That statement is too much of an absolute. Some, maybe but in my experiences i feel that a waiters or waitress's tip depends on how good they do their job. I think most people have forgotten the definition of a tip.

         Personally, if the service is great, the waiter(tress) is happy (or at-least appears to be so) and my drink is never empty its an automatic 20%. The most i ever tipped was 35% for an expensive meal because the service was perfect.. that made her night!

         BUT... if they never come back to refill your drink for an hour dinner... or come by to check up on things or see if u would like to order dessert before the end of the meal or whatever... then i feel they do not deserve a tip. Tthis has only happened once... but i got so mad at the service and about the fact that the waiter was just irritable.. didn't want to be at work that day... argued with me on a wrong food order... i left a penny. I feel that leaving a penny is the biggest insult u can give as far as tips go.. because it shows that u didn't forget about the tip... but your not willing to give more than a penny for their terrible service, rather than no tip at all could be a forgetful mistake.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:50 am |
       • Skyler
         

         Steven,
         You don't do your report, you lose your bonus. They don't get tipped they lose their salary. Apples to apples buddy. Keep the argument straight. Your trip to the Caymans might get cancelled, their rent might not get paid.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:50 am |
       • Former Server
         

         I have to disagree...I waited tables for a few years and know for a fact that it isn't rocket science. It's very easy to give good service, apologize for errors or delays in the kitchen, and just generally take care of your customers as you would want to be taken care of. I gurarantee you if I get poor service I will NOT leave a tip (possibly a penny or so just to prove I didn't forget). By the same token, because of my prior experience as a server, if I get good service, I never leave less than 20%...more for excellent service!

         July 13, 2010 at 11:51 am |
       • Sarah, Northern Colorado
         

         I've worked as a server before, and of course I understand that everyone has bad days. To me, though, a bad day means that not everything is done properly, but the server is polite, and apologetic when having a bad day. In a case like that, the server tends to get a bit more for showing that they are still friendly under pressure. However, when someone is serving me, and is having a bad day AND treating me like crap because they are having a bad day, they can shove a good tip up their rear end. I don't spend my hard earned money anywhere I'm treated like my dollars don't matter.

         July 13, 2010 at 11:59 am |
       • Ex-waitress
         

         Um, yeah an ex-waitress would leave without leaving a tip! I do that andcomplain. As someoen who has left that "profession" I know EXACTLY how wait staff are supposed to be and I have very high standards and if those standards aren't met thenI will not only ocmplain but I also won't tip...perhaps that serves as a learning experience for the server.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:01 pm |
       • Paul
         

         I was a waiter for years. If my waiter is not doing their job, and my meal suffers for it, it will be reflected in the tip. I am normally a generous tipper, but if I have to go in search of silverware, if I can't get my check for a half hour, if the waiters all disappear when the kitchen slows down, I stop being generous and start being angry. If I have to refill my own drink, you can be sure, the tip is gone.

         I know kitchens slow down. I know stuff happens. Come out to my table and tell me, find something to help make the wait easier. Don't hide and pretend nothing is wrong. Owning the problem is a big help. I have left huge tips on bad service sometimes, because the problem was handled well. The best rememdy for a slow kitchen is to knock the price of an appetizer or dessert of the bill. It shows that you understand there was a problem, in a way that means something. The cost of the comped item will come back on the tip, and in good will. LEaving customers sitting around hungry wondering what's going on is a sure way to EARN a no-tip.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:04 pm |
       • Londa
         

         Charlie, maybe in your world, but not this one, THE REAL ONE! I was once a server and thats the main reason I would never tip a sorry worker. I used to smile and run my butt off hurting from severe menstral cramps that I eventually had to have surgery to get rid of, PAIN THAT TOOK LAROCET TO HELP, but I still smiled and ran and served and ALWAYS kept my customers smiling and happy. SO BELIEVE ME, I WON'T LEAVE A DIME FOR BAD SERVICE!

         July 13, 2010 at 12:05 pm |
       • silly silly
         

         I waited for years and have no problem leaving a low/$0 tip if the waiter/waitress sucks at their job. On the flip side, I love over-tipping excellent servers & commending them to their managers. Now those that jip a server to be cheap....Shame, shame!

         July 13, 2010 at 12:08 pm |
       • Daniel
         

         Sorry, Zolla, but a tip is certainly not part of the bill, socially or otherwise. Ask the New Orleans cabbie who felt he was entitled to a tip, and ended up arrested for acting on it. In our culture you pay for services rendered. In this case that is reflected on the pricing menu, and subsequently the bill. The restaurant prices it, and I decide if I want to pay it. A tip is a "VOLUNTARY ADDITIONAL amount paid on services renderd". When tips are made out or assumed to be compulsory, then it is no longer voluntary, and that should be reflected in the upfront price, i.e. the bill. The fact that a server makes 2.45 an hour is between that employee and their company, and it's up to the employee to have the business savvy to work the floor to make up the difference. But don't make that the problem of the customer. If a server doesn't have the skill to "earn" decent tips, they're in the wrong job.
         Tips are above and beyond the bill for service that is above and beyond the expected.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:09 pm |
       • Sean
         

         I have been a waiter, and I leave tips proportional to service I receive. Usually it means a good tip...occasionally, it means VERY little tip. Why would you assume that since people were waiters, they would tip the same regardless of service? If you cut lawns, does that mean you're going to everyone who does you lawn the same, even if they butcher your grass? I don't think so.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:09 pm |
       • Calvin
         

         To all the waiters saying go somewhere else if you cant tip 30% for poor service: Get another job. It works both ways, dont like low tips from the lower class? Stay home.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:13 pm |
       • matthew
         

         I was a waiter for years and I've stiffed waiters and I would do it again. If they are rude and not paying attention they don't deserve a tip because they are not doing their job. Generally I tip quite well, but every once in a while you get someone who just doesn't want to be there.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:14 pm |
       • Missannette
         

         @Charlie, i have been a server for over 9 years and truly loved my job, i would work my tables to make my money. I have had quite a few instances were i have run other servers food because i have felt sorry for people waiting for it, because of theater tix or other commitments or time constraints, and the people would tip me instead of their waiter. I totally understand a bad day, BUT if you do not communicate with your tables it is your own fault, and deserve a bad tip. I do remember i had to work a holiday one year and because we were the only restaurant/deli open i made a lot of money that shift. for all the thankful people that had a great meal instead of Micky D's...

         July 13, 2010 at 12:14 pm |
       • Paul
         

         @Kevo: I don't get the reports done on time, you are right, not only would I not get paid, I would get to go look for a new job. That's what a job is. You do your work if you want to get paid. If you are a waiter, that means you take orders, fill glasses, bring food, fix problems, make sure everyone has a fork, and you do it for all your tables. In a perfect world, you do it with a smile, or a stiff formal attitude, depending on the place you work.

         No one expects miracles, if the kitchen is slow, the waiter can't change that. If the cook pushed a plate too hard and a meal ended up on the floor, you apologze and you get the replacement out as soon as you can, you don't hide in the kitchen with everyone else's food turning to rubber under heat lamps for 20 minutes. You don't walk away from your customers because your cell phone is ringing.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:14 pm |
       • ET
         

         I have been a hostess and server for several different places, so I know what it's like to rely on tips. I tip well if service is good (20%) but I won't hesitate to tip badly or not at all (with a note to the server explaining why) if service is bad. Gratuity is a reward for a job well done not just showing up.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:17 pm |
       • Elizabeth
         

         Why would you make a statement that you can't possibly back up? I was a server and I absolutely have (and would again) walk out without leaving a tip. A tip isn't DUE to you, it's what you earn.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:22 pm |
       • HL
         

         I have waited tables in the past. I also have left just a few cents for a waitress once. That particular night there were only two tables seated in the entire restaurant, and our server was sitting at the bar chatting with her friends in plain view of our table while we waited 45 minutes for our check, and had to make a trip to the bar to ask for drink re-fills because she never bothered to check over her shoulder. I have never has such irresponsible service in my life. I we left her $0.20 cents on a credit card charge. i wanted to make sure that she knew that we did not simply forget to tip.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:25 pm |
       • Matt
         

         "If you're not going to tip, stay home"?? I'm sure your employer would love to hear you say that. I don't expect you singing and dancing to win a few dollars... In fact, the bare minimum will get you 20% from me. But get my order wrong and leave me waiting while my friends are eating.... or have them wait so their meals are cold, then why should I tip you? If we're paying $20 a head, and the meal is ruined because YOU screwed up and weren't listening, exactly why should I give you any more? Oh, it'll ruin your life not to get that few extra dollars? Then you have options: Either be a better waiter, or get a better job. I'm sick of listening to the help's opinion on this matter. When you get stiffed, it's usually your fault.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:30 pm |
       • Donilou
         

         So not true. I was a server for many years – and a good one! I trained other servers. And I am a big tipper. I always calculate at least 20% and then round up. I know the difference between bad service, a bad day or a problem caused by the kitchen. I refuse to tip for poor service. A tip is not part of my bill – I "owe" no tip. I tip because I appreciate that I have been served – that someone has cared for me. I am not looking for a way to be cheap. I much prefer leaving an excellent tip in gratitude for excellent service.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:35 pm |
       • Eric
         

         Many servers/former servers are griping about the low hourly rate, and the whole "how would you feel if you didn't get paid for a bad day" line. I say, let's flip that around for a second. Do you know how many salaried/higher wage employees would LOVE to get feedback on our own good performance? As a salaried employee, if I knock it out of the park today, this week, or even this entire month, I can't hope to reap the rewards for that until next March, when annual pay increases take effect. And even then, corporate HR has some pretty strict guidelines on how much that increase is going to be...I may be twice as valuable to the company as the guy next to me, but the difference in our pay increases will be measured in a percentage point or two. Isn't the fact that servers can get awful tips for a bad day balanced out by the fact that they can get great tips for a good day?

         Me, I'm a generous tipper. 15% is the absolute minimum for a server who acknowledges my existence, and isn't directly rude to me. 20%-30% is more common. I have left 0 on rare occasion, but a server has to go out of his/her way to be terrible enough to me to earn that. If you are a decent server who has put forth any kind of effort, then I have not stiffed you on a tip.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:40 pm |
       • Linda
         

         I worked in the restaurant industry for over 20 years. Most people who enter it think it is a piece of cake to do and that no matter what kind of service a customer gets, they will leave a tip. I worked hard and I made a lot of money during that time period. However, since leaving that industry, I have noted that the quality of service has gone down tremendously. I use to get inifuriated when someone did not leave a tip after I left the industry. I use to never even think of not tipping. but I have had such poor service at some establishments that I could not in good conscience leave a tip. I worked to make a living at it too long to give something for nothing.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:40 pm |
       • Lee
         

         That's ridiculous and tantamount to saying anyone who has ever had a job should get rewarded for incompetency. Or put it another way: Be paid for doing a bad job?...my company doesn't...customers are your "company" so do your job right and be rewarded...do it bad...!

         July 13, 2010 at 12:44 pm |
       • Rick
         

         How can you honestly say that? I spent several years as a server at multiple restaurants, and I feel even more inclined to not leave a tip for horrible service. If you can't wipe the bad day you're having off with a smile and continue to provide excellent service (what you get paid to do) then you shouldn't be a server, maybe being a bus boy is better suited.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:44 pm |
       • lilgracie
         

         I am a waiter and I have walked out wiht out leaving a tip before I'm sorry but I do a good job and the thing is if I can do a good job even when I am having a terrible day there is no reason why someone else can't. I have worked 14 hr shifts on just a few hours of sleeep and still gave good enough service to get at least 15% at every table.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:46 pm |
       • Helena
         

         This is not true – I was a server and that experience makes me more inclined to leave a low tip when I get bad service from a server (when it is clearly their fault). I know how hard it is to be in the trenches so I want proper service. You blow off tables, ignore requests, put your fingers in my food, make us wait to take an order and be rude about it. You can bet I am going to leave a low tip and if it is bad enough your boss will know too.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:47 pm |
       • Julie
         

         Disagree ... I know what is "supposed" to happen in a restaurant experience, & no workee ... no tipee.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:48 pm |
       • Kay
         

         I've been a waitress and you bet your butt I would leave a 0 tip – if I go out to eat, I expect them to do their job and pay attention, if they aren't going to do that, then they need to work retail.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:49 pm |
       • Seth J
         

         You're right that nobody who has ever worked in the business would ever not leave a tip (at least, I think you are correct), but having once been a busboy, and generally being someone who gives the benefit of the doubt, I have left a very low tip (although not a penny or a quarter as some people quoted in the article have). It is the restaurant that is being cheap and selfish by assuming the waiters will always be tipped, and it is the restaurant that is now passing the buck to (or really demanding the buck from) the customer by now stipulating at the bottom of a menu that a certain percentage is automatically billed or is required. If the restaurant wants to require the customer to subsidize the wait-staff's salary, then just raise the prices and pay the staff better! Otherwise they are creating the illusion that they aren't charging an outrageous price for the meal, when they really are. It's not always the waiter's fault that the service was lousy, but sometimes it is, and the waiter does not deserve a bonus just for showing up. But the waiter also doesn't deserve to be punished by the restaurant owner who sets the policy/wage to his own benefit.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:50 pm |
       • saraellen
         

         Agreed!

         July 13, 2010 at 12:51 pm |
       • Joel
         

         Charlie, your wrong. I have spent several years as a waiter. And yes I would leave without giving a tip if the service was that bad. If that happens I always speak with the manager.
         Gratuity is still gratuity. Waiters need to work there best to get it. If there's a problem, I'll watch our waiter, he/she may have 10 tables or something strange, and I'll know the poor service was because of that, instead of a 15-minute smoke break or flirting with the bartender.
         If people want a job with a consistent income don't be a waiter. But if your good at waiting tables, you can make excellent money.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:51 pm |
       • Carolyn
         

         I work as an administrative assistant during the week and picked up a job serving on weekends. The majority of my customers were very nice and tipped me fairly. If I screwed up, i.e., keyed the wrong entree, I apologized to the customer, took corrective action, and let the manager know as well to give them an opportunity to go to the table and speak with the customer, too. Often, they weren't charged for their meal as a result. On a few occasions, I would have a table that had me running constantly as they decided they wanted something, i.e., more bread, refills on large drinks I brought literally less than 5 minutes before. Some of these types of customers weren't always aware of how they were hindering my ability to fairly wait on other tables in my section, but there were others who treated the occasion as an opportunity to elevate themselves in their own esteem. By the way, servers aren't just high school educated or college students, they're college graduates in a bad economy, moms, dads, and in my case someone working towards financial goals. In my opinion, tipping should be based on the quality of the service you received, period, not quantity or environment. You can have great service in a neighborhood bar just as you can in a franchise or a high end concept restaurant.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:53 pm |
       • tiredocrap
         

         I was a waiter for years in my younger days, and I will leave a small to no tip if service was bad. Tips are for good service, period. When service is bad (not the food, not the temperature, not the music) – I mean the service the wait staff is to provide only – I will tip accordingly. I almost always tip 20%, but it goes down from there if service is sub-par. I also make sure to comment (card or management and wait staff) as well. I don't want anyone to think I was just being cheap, I want them to know the service was bad.

         Someone else commented that you shouldn't judge the wait staff; perhaps they're just having an "off day"... Sorry, not my problem. I'm not firing them for their off day, but I will not reward them for treating me less than they should.

         Seems a ridiculous stance to say you should always tip well despite poor service... Where's the incentive in that?

         July 13, 2010 at 12:55 pm |
       • ROFLCatDown
         

         I actually usually tip very generously. As in, tips start at 20% and go up. If my dining experience sucks you can damn well believe that I will leave a low tip if any tip at all.

         I've watched my waiter fawn over a table full of drunkards ordering more booze while waiting 30 minutes for him to ask me if I wanted something to drink. Eventually he came over, took our drink order, and we had to stop him from leaving so we could order our food too at the same time. Our food came out 60 minutes later (Not his fault that I am aware of.) but I didn't have silverware. I asked him for some and a napkin, he said sure. 15 minutes later he stops to ask how everything is and asks me why I'm not eating, when I pointed out that I still did not have silverware he started to yammer on about how he asked the hostess to get me some and that was her job. At which point I interrupted him and said, "Look, I don't care who you delegated it to, because I asked you to get me some when my food was warm, now it isn't and you're giving me excuses rather than just walking the 15 feet your damn self and getting me what I needed to eat. This was after you spent 30 minutes on one table sitting down and doing shots with them instead of taking our order." To this day my biggest pet peeve is people bringing me my food before the necessary utensils to eat it.

         Crappy service is crappy service. I can tell when a waiter/waitress is having a bad day. I can tell when they're busy because the restaurant is understaffed. I can tell because I watch them work. Hell, I tip well for mediocre service because I can afford it and I know they need the money. It's pretty rare that I leave no tip. Either I'm in a hurry and I've forgotten (at which point I save the receipt and come back later to pay them) or the service really was that heinous.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:56 pm |
       • Cranberry
         

         Actually, my mom was a waitress for many years, and she'll not leave a tip if the service is terrible. From her experience, you ought to know how to serve. If you don't get it right, you don't earn the tip. Filling empty glasses and checking on the table is of utmost importance.

         The self-entitlement attitude in this country is really annoying me lately. You have a job. You don't do the job, you don't get the money.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:56 pm |
       • JTBsDad
         

         @Skyler keeping apples to apples, I think Steven is correct. If you miss that report deadline, you may lose your bonus, not your salary. Same goes for the wait staff, they might lose a bonus of a generous tip, but they don't lose their salary. They would still be entitled to the minimum wage, providing that the restaurant is in compliance and pays the additional amount to cover the shortfall. There are bad tippers out there, always will be, but it is pay for performance, the better the service, the better the pay.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:58 pm |
       • Richard
         

         You are 100% wrong Charlie. I have been in many restaurants with people who used to be or were currently servers and they were the person who didn't leave a tip (for bad service, not mistakes). There is a difference between mistakes, slow service and very bad service. I was once in a restaurant and our server had us and a local celebrity (I actually had to look them up to find out who the celebrity was), and the server fawned over the celebrity so much that our food sat in the kitchen for over 30 mins. One of my friends, a server at the time, walked into the kitchen and found the manager in their office to try and get things going. The manager, also a former server, had our food re-heated and delivered it himself, on the house, gave us free deserts, gave us gift certificates for another free dinner and then asked us to leave a small tip for the tip pool. Yes, service can be that bad. While I never worked as a server myself, I did work in retail where a tip was part of my income (less than minimum wage). I fully understand exactly the expectation of tip and I always tip except on truly bad service (I have even tipped after the server spilled a plate of food all over me and ruined the shirt and pants I was wearing). I think people like you Charlie have never seen bad service.

         July 13, 2010 at 12:58 pm |
       • Steve
         

         I waited tables for 5 years (after high school through college) and I have no problems eating and leaving no tip if the service warrants it. I don't do it often, but if the service is terrible then there is no way I would tip. I know what it means to have an "off" night, but I have had such poor service before that there is absolutely NO way, even on my most off night would I have left my tables for so long, and been so rude. If you can't do at least a mediocre job on your worst night then you need to find another industry to work in. It's not my fault they can't separate personal problems from work. My advice for wait staff that do terrible jobs, go bus tables or find some other non-customer service based industry. There is no reason I should have to wait 30 minutes for a drink re-fill or call the hostest stand to try and figure out where the heck my waiter is.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:00 pm |
       • RemoveTheGovernment
         

         Simple answer -> remove the government from the transaction. Pay minimum wage (at least), then if you want to leave a tip, you may. If you don't, you won't. Restaurant managers may pay more attention to the staff they hire when they actually have to pay for them. Tips will then return to their original purpose (To Insure Promptness, yes that's where the term TIP comes from). Problem solved.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:03 pm |
       • Joshue
         

         False. I was a waiter several times in different cities. If you're good, you get a good tip; great = great. If you're awful - and it's obviously your fault, not the kitchen - you get a note in place of a tip, and the manager gets my attention.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:03 pm |
       • Kelly G in FL
         

         If a server makes a genuine mistake, and is nice about it, and fixes the mistake promptly, their tip won't suffer. The basis of my tip has to do more with ATTITUDE.
         Before I met my hubby, I was dating this (obnoxious) guy, John. We went out to dinner at Ruby Tuesday. Got this waitress who did nothing but joke, talk and laugh to John (they didn't know each other). She ignored me completely. She even forgot to bring out MY DINNER! She apologised....to JOHN. Little did she know I would be leaving the tip, she wasn't very smart. She got FIVE PERCENT from me, that's it. I was tempted to just leave my date as the tip and save some money. In hindsight, I should have!

         July 13, 2010 at 1:13 pm |
       • Toby
         

         Not true! I've been in the restaurant business for over 25 years, and in my time I was the best waiter I knew. Guest tip on service, why should the waiter and not the guest benefit from giving poor service? Remember, truly good workers/waiter number one goal is to give that guest a great experience knowing a great tip is to follow. For those who receive bad tips "a lot"- you might want to think about stepping down and becoming a back waiter or busser.

         Question: if you give awesome service, do you expect a much better tip? I bet you do! I'm just saying...

         Stop complaining, do your job well, and take responsibility for yourself when you don't. You do this and I promise your good days will more than make up for you bad ones- It's part of the business

         July 13, 2010 at 1:14 pm |
       • David
         

         I waited tables for years, if the service sucks the tips will suck too.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:15 pm |
       • Dave
         

         I waited tables through university and if I knew I was having an 'off night' with respect to my level of service, I would not expect a tip. I think far too many waiters/waitresses feel they are 'entitled' to 15-20%. I have literally had a waitress tell me that it takes too long to make a milkshake, thus she isn't allowed to make them on an evening shift... then we watch as she stands at the bar with a group of other waitresses and the bar tender, chatting away. Yet, if I ask if she can make a Margharetta, she can do that. Watching servers chatting away with coworkers while our table is left unattended is a sure way to get left with NOTHING!

         As a former waiter, if the service was exceptional... I'd be expecting 15%+. If the service was average, I'd be expecting 10 – 15%. If the service was poor, I'd be expecting around 5%. If I knew I had a lousy night, I'd expect nothing! I don't care what the minimum wage is... servers have to work and perform for their money, just like everyone else!

         July 13, 2010 at 1:16 pm |
       • Toes14
         

         Wrong! I waited tables for 6 years, and I generally leave a good tip. But there have been a few times where the service was so bad that I didn't. When that happens, I generally talk to a manager so they know about the situation.

         I remember working hard for $2.13 an hour and then being frustrated when I got stiffed or got an undeserved low tip. But on the other hand, I now recognize when a waiter messes up or provides outstanding service and adjust my tips accordingly.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:18 pm |
       • Brandon
         

         I worked as a waiter in a small college town for four years. I got stiffed all the time on tips, especially because I was serving cheap/poor students. However, even with that experience, I still, in certain circumstances, do not leave a tip if the service is horrible. I am an executive now, and I don't get production bonus if I don't excel, so I figure getting a tip is based upon the same criteria.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:18 pm |
       • Cat Girl
         

         Not true, I waited tables all through college. I think having BEEN a waitress I understand there ARE standards. If a tip were truly required/expected, it would be included in the bill. It's not because it is to be earned. Average service is 10%, good service is 15%, excellent service is 20% or more. Sometimes the service is simply so disasterous a tip is simply not warranted. If you think you just have to show up to be paid, you're mistaken and you should look for work in another industry.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:23 pm |
       • Mitch
         

         False. I was a waiter for about 3 years. I have left no tip before. There is a big difference between things out of someones control and having an F you attitude.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:24 pm |
       • Nacho
         

         Dude I was a server in college and trust me... I'll leave nothing if the service sucked and it was attributable to the server... screwing up the order, forgetting something ordered, having to ask for refills or the bill.
         Some folks are just not cut out for the job and sometimes you get stuck with them being your server. I also let the manager know about the problem and most places react appropriately.
         On the other hand… if the service is good I’ll leave some killer tips. I loved getting big tips and compliments and I like to return the favor as much as possible.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:26 pm |
       • Sue
         

         Yes those of us who have been waitresses would walk out and not leave a tip! I worked years as a waitress before going to college. I am much more lenient to waiters and waitresses and give them a lot of slack and usually leave more than the 20%. But give me outrageously poor service and the tip is zero. I have only done that twice. Mostly we try to leave a little for bad service.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:27 pm |
       • CG
         

         Actually, anyone who has worked in the industry knows what is expected and can "read" the restaurant to see what is the problem (kitchen/staff/busy night) and therefore knows when it is appropriate to tip or not. If you are having an off night, that is not the problem of the people who are customers that night. Leave your personal problems at home and be a professional. We former waiter/waitresses aren't going to tip someone who is giving the waiting profession a bad name by being lazy, truculent, and negligent.

         For the record, I DO add enough to the bill to cover the disparity between tip wage and minimum wage–after that you need to earn the tip.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:30 pm |
       • Jessica
         

         Ironically i was just at a restaurant yesterday and had the most terrible service I could have possibly imagined. I have been working in restaurants and serving since about 9 years ago and this was THE first time I had ever NOT tipped a person. How do you walk by my table when it's the only one outside.....not refill our empty drinks, not pre-bus our tables, and drop off the check and then we sat around for about another hour when a friend came to say hi and he didn't even come back once. What if we wanted dessert? The food came out cold and by the time I got my food back my friends were already done with it. Look...I've been down the road and yeah it sucks that you don't get a tip sometimes but I don't let it ruin my whole frickin night. I move on to the next table and build a good rapport with them and try to make the best of it.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:32 pm |
       • jinxgt
         

         There is only one time I have not left a tip. I was at a restaurant and they refused to serve me alcohol because they thought I was underaged and my ID was a fake. That is understandable...but when I talked to the manager about what it would take for me to be served because I am 24 years of age. She laughed at me and told me to bring my birth certificate. I probably shouldn't have taken my anger out on the waitress but I guess she got the ball rolling to begin with, anyways I told her I won't be coming back there ever. Normally I am a very generous tipper, anywhere from 20% as a minimum to 40% for excellent service.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:33 pm |
       • Ex-Waiter/Bartender
         

         I waited tables and tended bar throughout undergraduate and graduate school. I have walked out of one restaurant without tipping and if I ever receive service like that again... You can rest assured that I would do it again. I busted it and made it a point to make every patron feel important and I expect the same thing. As a service person, you play a very large role in how much you get paid.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:36 pm |
       • star
         

         sorry, Charlie. Nice try but not true. Long line of waiters and waitresses here and we all feel the same way.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:39 pm |
       • ex-waitress
         

         I was a waitress and I wouldn't think twice about not tipping for horrible service. I think that people who've been there, of all people, should understand and expect a bare minimum of service standards.
         I remember stiffing a bartender who complained that I ordered something "too hard" because you have to squeeze limes and muddle mint for a mojito. When I waited tables, I would NEVER complain about an order, no matter how ridiculous. If you know how wait staff should behave, then you should make it your business to discourage poor behavior. From your experienced stance, you should also reward good behavior with very generous tips.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:40 pm |
       • Really
         

         I have been a waiter and I have left no tip or even better, a few pennies. Why? Thier services was horrible. When I go out to eat I start with expecting to pay 20%. The tip goes up or down from there based on service and how busy the server is. I have given more to a server with poor service because I could see they were slammed but tried to make an effort to service us. But there are some VERY poor servers out there. I look at the tip like my bonus at my job. If i preform well I get a good bonus, if not I get a bad bonus.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:41 pm |
       • Bob
         

         I did work in a restuarant and know how hard the work is and how much we depended on tips. That's why I always did a good job. I worked hard to make sure the customers were pleased, the service was efficient and the meals and sides were served on time. If something in the kitchen went wrong, I explained the problem and did everything possible to correct it. As a result, I was only stiffed 3-4 times on tips and I've only left without tipping a couple of times in my life. It works out to about 99.95% chance of tipping 18%. I don't think that's unfair.

         July 13, 2010 at 1:53 pm |
       • Wolfen
         

         I was a waiter and bartender for 4 years thru college and grad school. I absolutely leave low tips when service is bad. I won't leave no tip, because I know that usually gets attributed to forgetfullness. But before I leave a bad tip, I let the waiter/waitress/bartender know that they need to pick it up.

         Recently had dinner where it took 10 minutes for us to get a chair for everyone at our table (party of 7 and they put us at a table with only 6 chairs and set-ups), 10 more minutes to just get menues, and it was 10 minutes for every other request (out of water, ice tea, coffee). Took two hours to finish the meal when it should have been half that. He was told he wasn't doing well, and just didn't get it together. Not giving a full tip for that. One Dollar.

         Meanwhile, had awesome service this weekend. Party of 11, and my 5 were behind schedule and got there 20 minutes after the rest. So we took up more time at the tables. And then she brought an extra ice cream for my son that didn't order off the children's menu, while the other two had. And because we were behind schedule for a funeral service, she had our orders up in record time. She got $35 on a $145 bill.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:04 pm |
       • AJ
         

         Charlie,
         Really? I've been a server, bartender and rest mgr. I have left insultingly low tips for unexcusably poor service when it is clearly the servers fault. This excludes: kitchen issues, bar issues, poor rest mgmt (e.g., scheduling issues, short staffed, etc.), etc. It's a clear signal to the poor waiter to get a different line of profession. Now as a professional , I don't expect to be rewared for incompetence and never did in the rest industry. On the other hand, having been in the hard working industry, I also tip in excess of 20% for exceptional service – but you have to earn that too – just like you can earn the $0.25 you'll get for not doing your job.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:05 pm |
       • fek
         

         well my friend, let me tell u I've waited and cooked, most servers in my exp. are just really selfish and lazy. If there is not a tip or rather a good tip then the hell with them, and furthermore the restaurant. "I don't work for the house, I work for my tips."Well let me tell you without that house u think u r waiting tables in the middle of the street or something. those people most often time come for the menu and or atmosphere that is created by mangt. and the chefs. Easy to blame when problems arise and interfering with your doe! Stop bitching about your petty side work and try putting in 100% once and a while and everyone will find out quick who doesn't know how to tip or is too cheap!!!!!!!

         July 13, 2010 at 2:10 pm |
       • wendy
         

         i was a waitress for years... and i've left without leaving a tip and have left just a penny/dollar. one of the worst things for a server to do is to cheat me out of my .12 change back when i pay with cash. that is automatically their tip. nuff said. if the fault of a bad nite is due to the food then obviously the server doesnt get 'punished'.. but NOTHING is justification for having a 'bad nite'. you're a server.. .you chose to work with the public... so put your game face on, smile, laugh, and do your job.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:12 pm |
       • John
         

         Hi Charlie,

         I was a waiter and would not leave a tip if the service was legitimately horrible, such as it sounds like in this case.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:15 pm |
       • chuck
         

         Bullshit. If service is ultra lousy what makes you think that you are entitles? Tips are performance based. Good service-good tip. Poor service-less tip. Crap service-no tip. Get it?

         July 13, 2010 at 2:16 pm |
       • LQDMTL
         

         @Charlie – I've been a waiter, and a delivery driver. Both of which were as 2nd (or 3rd) jobs. I will still omit a tip for either service when the service is horrible. Someone's bad job/career choice isn't my fault and I feel no pressing need to "save the world" one service-industry-worker at a time. I will certainly tip 30, 40 and even sometimes 50% to those who truly deserve it (now that I have a great job). But I do not go out of my way to give someone the "benefit of the doubt" or to give tips just for the sake of giving tips. If you opt to work a service industry job then you are CHOOSING to put yourself in a position where you MUST work hard to please your customers in order to encourage return visits from said customers and to EARN your tips (if tips are appropriate for your position). Failing to put forth the effort to earn said tips is not the fault of the customer, nor should the customer feel obligated to provide a tip which you haven't earned.

         A waiter or waitress only has the right to feel slighted when they receive no tip if they have honestly provided great, oft-complemented service and THEN get "stiffed". This is most often (to my experience) NOT the case. They should instead take those tip-less services as a learning experience and a chance to improve their service. If that's something they can't do, they need to find another means of employment. I don't go out to eat to be treated poorly. I don't even go out to eat to get "good food", because I'm a great cook in my own right (so is my wife, actually). We go out to be entertained and to be served (the food can't suck, but it's not THE reason we go out).

         July 13, 2010 at 2:17 pm |
       • Kelly
         

         So right! Whether you are waiting tables as we speak, or 15 years ago like me, It stays with you forever.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:24 pm |
       • Jeff
         

         Here is how it works. The train moves not the station.

         For all the waiters/waitresses out there. Unless you own the restaurant please dont tell me to stay home. You seem to have it backwards, I have the money therefore I determine how I spend it. There is no "OWE" factor here, do your job and you will get paid, do your job half a$$ and you will still get paid, but probably not a good tip. I am the guy with the money and you are the person working for it. Dont get confused and think you are owed something for simply showing up. In the real world you get fired for that type of attitude. This crap about a consumer staying home. Who do you thinks allows you the opportunity to get a tip?!?! The owner, I dont think so! It is the consumer plain and simple. If you dont like it find a career change and stop whining about how your lackluster performance deserves something extra. There is no way on earth I owe anyone something for NOT doing their job. Its moronic to say the least. I am tipping for service period. There is no grey area, if the food is bad, i realize that is not the wait staffs issue, but the cook. I guarantee you in writing that I have eaten out in restaurants far more than most of you have been a waiter/waitress. So let me be the expert on what is fair and what is not.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:30 pm |
       • Jorge
         

         While i would never leave without tipping, I will leave only 8 % to cover their taxes. The Term TIPS means to insure proper Service. Everyone has a bad day, I sure did when I was a waiter. But I always made it up to my customers. A free appetizer, taking something off the bill...etc. I also made a point to let them know that I am sorry that I could not provide them with the proper service they deserved. If they came back, I would make sure I did everything in my power to make sure they received the best service possible.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:34 pm |
       • Dan
         

         BULL CRAP! It is precisely BECAUSE I am a waiter that I will leave NO TIP or LOWER TIP if warranted! Of all people, waitstaff know that we're there to EARN your favor "to improve performance". If I wanted a steady paycheck that had NOTHING TO DO with every single working interaction in my workday, I would NOT have taken up waiting tables! If ya can't stand the heat-STOP WAITIN' TABLES!

         July 13, 2010 at 2:35 pm |
       • Carrie
         

         I will never NOT leave a tip, and if it's normal service, it's at least 20%. If they did anything extra, it's more... Even if the service is bad, I will leave some sort of a tip. I worked as a server in college, and it's not fun to not get a tip. I would wonder what I did wrong... I would give two tables the exact same service, one would tip nice, and the other would tip nothing or very little. Cheap people just need to stay home!! If you don't expect to tip, there's plenty of places you can eat– O like maybe MCDONALDS!

         July 13, 2010 at 2:38 pm |
       • Greg
         

         I'm living proof that isn't true. I worked in half a dozen restaurants and I will not hesitate to leave no tip or one penny for terrible service. It's usually obvious to tell if the server is having an off day, or if they are just terrible at their job. In the cases where it isn't obvious I'll leave an average tip.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:43 pm |
       • Glenn
         

         Not true, Charlie. I've waitered in NYC and in high volume restaurants at Disney. I also have busboyed prior to that. A tip is never automatic. Once I 'fawne' over an expense account table', as one of the readers mentioned above, and left another table hanging and they stiffed me. And I deserved it. That experience made me a better waiter. Mind you, I'm talking about bad or inattentive service – not the food was bad or something out of control.

         On top of that, I realized that waiters are the whiners when they get a bad tip. I have never (except for the time my restaurant turned buffet) left with less than 15% tips. Waiters – If you get an unexplained bad tip, move on. You will get 20% from the next person. On top of this, your job is to carry food from Point A to Point B while the true creators, the cooks, slave away in their kitchen, sans tips. And for this and a smile on your face you get paid pretty well for having little functional skills. Shake off the bad tips, be gracious for the good.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:44 pm |
       • Kevin
         

         Everybody needs to realize that the movie "Waiting" was no joke. If you piss of the waiter he/she will probably screw with your food and/or tell the kitchen staff to do it. Like they always say "dont mess with people who handle your food". I have been in the business for a long time and I will continue to mess with peoples food if they are asses

         July 13, 2010 at 2:46 pm |
       • Glenn
         

         Not true, Charlie. I've waitered in NYC and in high volume restaurants at Disney. I also have busboyed prior to that. A tip is never automatic. Once I 'fawned' over an expense account table', as one of the readers mentioned above, and left another table hanging and they stiffed me. And I deserved it. That experience made me a better waiter. Mind you, I'm talking about bad or inattentive service – not the food was bad or something out of control.

         On top of that, I realized that waiters are big whiners when they get a bad tip. I have never (except for the time my restaurant turned buffet) left with less than 15% tips. Waiters – If you get an unexplained bad tip, move on. You will get a fat tip from someone else during the night if you're' any good. On top of this, your job is to carry food from Point A to Point B while the true creators, the cooks, slave away in their kitchen, sans tips. And for this and a smile on your face you get paid pretty well for having little functional skills. Shake off the bad tips, be gracious for the good.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:46 pm |
       • Ashley
         

         I have been a waitress, and I have also left without tipping. My friends and I ,who by the way were servers as well, left her a note explaining why we weren't tipping and that we were servers. We asked for our check not one or twice but six times. We told her that we could just pay up front if she was to busy. She repeatedly told us she would get the check for us and then proceded to take a fifteen minute smoke break instead of giving us the check. If you do work that is only worth 2.50 and hour that is what you are going to get.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:46 pm |
       • Reykjavik
         

         I worked as a server for years. It paid my way through college.

         I left no tip on one occasion for horrendous service. I did, however tip the busboy who tried as best he could to make up for my server's complete incompetance.

         I took my boyfriend out for his birthday two years ago to a burger joint near my house. We sat and waited 20 minutes for the server to show up. It was not that busy, she only had 3 two tops, but she was clearly having a blast with the other servers behind the bar. She eventually sauntered over and took our drink orders. I order a cider and my boyfriend orders a beer both in bottles. The bar is roughly 10 feet away. 15 minutes later she comes back with my cider and completely forgets my boyfriend's beer. We remind her and she gives us a snip about being patient because the bar "is super busy". There are 5 people at the bar. It takes her an astounding 15 more minutes to bring over my boyfriend's beer. She takes our order of two cheeseburgers with french fries and disapears.

         I watch our food get sit there for a few minutes on the countertop as the server jokes around with the other staff. I finally flag down the busser who gets the server to confirm that it is our food. She does not bring the food to the table, the busser does. He also brings out ketchup/mayo/mustard. We finish our food and sit there with empty drinks, empty glasses of water, clearly finished with our meal. The waitstaff is joking around by the bar. At this point the poor busser is running around like a crazy person taking care of numerous people requesting service. He brings us more water. a half an hour goes by and my boyfriend and I are really ready to leave. We wave our waitress down two or three times, twice we are ignored and the third time we are given the ONE MOMENT gesture. She is not helping another table, she is chatting behind the bar.

         Finally, after 45 minutes I have had it. I walk over to her and ask her for the check. She says she will bring it right over. When she brings it all over she is all happy and smiles and "It was a pleasure to serve you". My boyfriend, whose birthday dinner was certainely made less enjoyable by the terrible service, loses his ability to stay quiet about the whole thing. He very politely explains to her that joking around with her friends behind the bar was not service. I explain to her that I was a server only a few years before and that I have always given at least 15%, even when service was not that great, but that this time the service was so terrible I was not going to give her a tip. I told her I was upset and it was only mercy that kept me from going to management (many servers can lose their jobs if a customer complains about them). She gives an obnoxious snort and then proceeds to regail me with a litany of excuses as to why she could not manage to provide any assemblance of good service. For the first time in my life I counted out exact change, wrote NO TIP HORRIBLE SERVICE – EXCEPT THE BUSSER HE SHOULD BE PROMOTED on the reciept, found the busser, gave him a 30% tip, and got out of there. I was exausted and we were there nearly three hours.

         The next day I called management.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:51 pm |
       • Experienced
         

         I have been a waiter and bartender in the past. Like everything else I have done I learned the proper way to serve, the wine list, the menus inside out and most importantly HOW TO PROVIDE QUALITY SERVICE. Because of my professional attitude I was able to support myself and pay my way through college without loans. Many of my customers were repeats who requested my service. If you want a no responsibility job, be a clerk at 7/11, it will fit your losing attitude better, if you want to make the kind of money possible as a waitstaff employee get serious. Yes I have only stiffed a wait person twice, I eat in restaurants often due to business, the lack of professionalism is appalling overall. Which is the fault of the restaurant management as much as the staff, if you don't do the job, you don't deserve the money. Problems due to short staffing or kitchen mistakes are beyond the control of the waiter/waitress but customer interaction and prompt, professional service are your job! Customers don't want to hear why you had a bad day with your spouse/ kids/ mechanic/etc. It's not about you, smile, be welcoming and informative, it's your job. If you hate it that much get another job.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:53 pm |
       • berni
         

         I have been a server and I would still leave a low tip for someone who was bad at their job. I also like to leave a note on the charge slip to let them know that the low "tip" is for bad service, not for bad food. If you are a server, that implies giving "service". The reason I eat out is so I don't have to do the work & I expect the person who is there to do their job & provide me good service. Also, I have no problem leaving 25 or 30% for fantastic service!!
         If you are in customer service, that is your MAIN job, great service to your customers. If you want to be paid hourly & not based on tips, being a server is the wrong job!!

         July 13, 2010 at 2:54 pm |
       • Rene
         

         Oh how wrong you are Charlie. I have left without tipping TWICE in the past 21 years. The first server, took our drink order, never saw her again, had her bus boy do everything else. She returned at tip time. I tipped the bus boy $20 and told her if she wanted a tip she should have been there. The second time was recently. I had to get up and refill my drink, and my family's drinks. I had to go to the kitchen window to request undelivered food. I found my waitress sitting, having dinner with other waitresses. NO TIP.
         Having been a waiter, for years may I add, I know the value of great service. I understand subpar service and it will be dealt with according to the situation. Extremely busy restaurant? Am I being too picky? Did the kitchen mess up? Guess what, you still get 20%. Ignore me, and your tip begins to dwindle faster than Obama's popularity.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:59 pm |
       • Menwa
         

         Charlie, my husband was a waiter back in the day and he will refuse to tip if the service is terrible. We haev been known to tip anywhere from $1.00 for terrible service up to 50% of the bill for terrific service. When I leave little to no tip I also tell the manager how terrible the service was. I do not put up with the excuse that the waiter was having an "off" night. You chose to serve others I do not care that your boyfriend/girlfriend dumped you or that your car broke down. I am there for service, serve me or do not expect me to reward you. Period.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:04 pm |
       • Charlie
         

         What I meant to say is I'm a complete douchebag and think that there is no reason for ever leaving a low/no tip. Sorry for the confusion.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:08 pm |
       • Gwen
         

         Don't assume that at all. They (I) most certaily would! I was a server in Las Vegas for 7 years, and about six months after moving to Miami (2006), I had such horrible service at a restaurant in South Beach (very obvious the waitress was 'favoring' other tables, extremely slow response while we could see her waiting on other groups, etc). That my party and I left without tipping. We also spoke to the manager before hand to let him know why we were not tipping, and asked if we could leave a tip that would be split among the busboys, etc (sans our waitress) so that they wouldn't be punished for her extremely poor performance, but the manager said that wasn't possible.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:12 pm |
       • Sandra S.
         

         Not true...I've been a waitress and I would refuse to leave a tip if the service was bad enough. But the fault has to be with the service, not the food or anything else that that server has no control over. Granted, the service would have to be pretty dramatically bad before I completely stiffed the server.

         I think of a tip as a report card, of sorts...it's rare, but it's possible to get someone who truly deserves an "F" (although their poor service would have to include being really rude to me to merit no tip at all...mere incompentence might result in a tip that's on the low end, but I probably wouldn't completely stiff him/her for that).

         July 13, 2010 at 3:19 pm |
       • Tim
         

         Not true, Charlie. I have worked several jobs that required tips to at least make min wage. I still will not tip if the service is bad. However, having been in similar jobs I tell them what they have done wrong in the hopes they won't screw themself out of another tip with the next customer. You cannot correct a problem you don't think exists, and the human nature is to accuse the customer of being rude due to the incorrect belief that tipping is a requirement.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:23 pm |
       • Ruth
         

         Not true. I've worked as a waitress and I have no problem not leaving a tip for lousy service.
         That's the point of tips!!!!!

         July 13, 2010 at 3:24 pm |
       • John
         

         Tip-
         Definition
         Optional payment given in addition to a required payment, usually to express appreciation for excellent service; here also called gratuity.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:31 pm |
       • J in NJ
         

         I worked for tips from the age of 16 until I was 22. You bet your @$$ I have walked out of many an establishment wihout leaving a tip. When I do tip I also deduct tax and alcohol. I am not tipping on tax or a bottle of wine that is already marked up so high I could have bought a case of it at the local spirit store for the price they charge for a single bottle.

         If u don't like the wages quit and get another job. Nobody is making you stay

         July 13, 2010 at 3:37 pm |
       • Jeff
         

         To all the waiters and folks who have waited above whining, cry me a river please. I have waited before in fairly nice places and if you can't keep your head straight enough to drop by your tables at least every 10 min or so to check up then you get what you deserve. Pizza Hut and your server has 8 tables and pimples a little sympathy is in order. Motto: Move your butt!

         July 13, 2010 at 3:39 pm |
       • nathan
         

         I am tired of the servers claiming they work for $2/hour. You don't, you work for at the lease minimum wage, and if you provide good service you make more. As long as you come and take my order quickly, keep my water full, and if the food is slow to come out let me know you're aware of it (I wouldn't punish a server b/c the kitchen is taking too long), I'm going to leave you at least 25%. But if you piss me off a little bit and I have to go ask somebody for more water or to take my order, you won't be seeing paper money from me. It's an incredibly easy job, just stay organized and you'll get a great tip from me.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:42 pm |
       • Morgan
         

         I waited tables and bartended for a solid four years. And I can say without a doubt that a particularly rude or offensive server can definitely deserve a goose egg.

         I would never condone stiffing someone for something like slow order placement or a kitchen error (which gets blamed on the servers far far too often), since we've all been in the weeds. But I have seen sexist, racist and just plain ignorant servers at some places on the West Coast that push the social norms so far, that they deserve to be reminded that a Tip is 'to insure proper (prompt) service' and isn't mandatory.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:46 pm |
       • Tobey
         

         Your argument doesn't hold water...

         I have been a waiter in several places and I also give tips according to service... including no tips and getting waiters fired...

         I worked hard and gave my customers great service most days and when I didn't, I got low tips... some days I made $90, others I made $4 (that was from two tables at lunch)...

         Gratuities are a reward for good service... If it shows up on my bill, I have the manager take it off... I will decide how much if any...

         Servers are slave labor and know that going into the job... Want more money, work elsewhere... Thankfully I had good managers...

         But people... if your server did well, please be sure to tip...

         July 13, 2010 at 3:47 pm |
       • Danny
         

         Her's a tip Chuck, Do your F'n job right and you'll get a tip! You ahve to earn it not just be given it for nothing

         July 13, 2010 at 3:51 pm |
       • Greg
         

         Charlie – not true at all. I was a waiter for many years and if the service is bad enough I will leave a nickle. Now, I will make sure I have given the server plenty of opportunities to correct the mistakes, though I will only wait so long. But once I have complained and the complaints of service of not been corrected, the tip I leave will be a direct eflection of the service I received. Period.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:51 pm |
       • Craig
         

         I've been both a waiter and a bartender. I know it's a hard job. As a customer, I try to be polite and accomodating. I also point out any mistakes in the check, 90% of the time they are in my favor. I also know that with the public, you cannot have a bad day(if that's you – stay home...). For good service, I usually leave a 15-20% tip. For exceptional service, I leave 25% and I make sure that the manager knows that it was exceptional. For bad service that was clearly the fault of the waiter/waitress I leave 5% and a comment as to why.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:54 pm |
       • kilroy
         

         I allways leave at least 15% if it the first bad service at particlar resturant second or third time maybe different the only thing i hate about tipping is that when you call an order in and go pick it up they still expect a tip, like not fixing food and putting in a bag or box is their job. what the crap? i dont tip at burger king or should i ?

         July 13, 2010 at 3:56 pm |
       • Mr. Beige
         

         Hey! Why does he get to be Mr. Pink?

         July 13, 2010 at 4:12 pm |
       • decredico
         

         Not true. I worked in the industry and have at times felt the ned to leave no tip and to inform management.

         July 13, 2010 at 4:19 pm |
       • Rob
         

         "The other thing people don't realize is that in certain states, you are taxed at a rate of your wage $2.15 + 8% of your checks for the night. So if you give them a 5% tip, they may end up paying to cover their taxes out of that $2.15 they earned serving you and 5 – 10 other tables"
         To SAM
         Not all servers and I would say the majority report all the tips made. Just the minimum required.

         July 13, 2010 at 4:20 pm |
       • Carol
         

         I saw my parents bust their butts waiting tables for MANY years so they could support us and I have no qualms with not leaving a tip if the service is over the top bad. My parents were damn good waiters and worked REALLY hard at their jobs. I don't think a tip should just be expected even if you haven't performed. And I hate that it's a "social norm". If you do a good job, I'll leave you a good tip.

         July 13, 2010 at 4:24 pm |
       • I "served" my time
         

         I have left a tip as low as pocket change. I was a server fro many years, and know bad service from waite staff when I see it. It has been increasingly bad in our area as of late. I am also a great tipper. If you give great service with personality, I will tip 30-40%. GReat personality can make you forget quickly about order mishaps, or one slow drink. Being a server is customer service, and that is what I am paying for. Bad customer service, bad tip.

         July 13, 2010 at 4:24 pm |
       • Cliff
         

         Former waiter here...have stiffed someone once...so I disagree.

         Knowing what it takes to do a decent to great job, I am very generous. I start with $5 or 20% whichever is higher...so a lot of times at lunch my servers do really well on a $10 check....they get a $5 tip because I think that's what the job should pay knowing how hard it is.

         The one time I stiffed the server, I talked to the manager and intentionally wrote $0 and left the server a "tip" on the back of the credit card slip explaining that I watched them stand there and talk on their phone and then with their friends at the bar while my date's frozen drink sat and melted on the bar, whipped cream melting down the sides of the glass and then watched him bring it to the table that way, wiping his hand on his apron after he set it on the table. When I asked for a new one he didn't understand what the problem was...I asked if he was new to waiting tables – he said no...I asked for the manager, he said the guy worked there for years...I pointed to the drink and the manager was aghast and fixed it right away...that earned the server NO TIP...he needed to understand that his service would lose business for the restaurant and heaven knows how many other people he did that with. As hard as it was to do it – I just could not justify rewarding that server for that service – even having been a server myself. He gives the good servers a bad name....

         July 13, 2010 at 4:29 pm |
       • JB
         

         I believe your wrong, I am unfortunatly a server in L.A. and I also have lived out of the country. I find it to be very different in other places. People that serve others don't expect to get more out of what they do, and when the do recieve more, they really do apprciate it. Not like in L.A. or other big cities in the states, were most, not all, but most do expext to get a tip and not just a tip but 15% or more. And when someone comes around and does not give them this expected tip, they bitch and change there attitud and change there service.
         We all have to understand everyones culture and respect it. Do you know how many times people in L.A. leave tips and were not happy woith the out come? Many, I would say more then those who do not tip. Just so you know, I find these cities to have a very low service quality, just based on that. They take your plate with out asking, fill your caffe or water with out asking, go right over you to serve your neighbor.... come on people, if you ganna bitch, first learn the rights and wrongs of YOUR work. Then you will see your returns.

         July 13, 2010 at 4:39 pm |
       • Star
         

         I did it for a while and always gave great service. I expect great service where ever I spend my money. If I don't get it then I leave no tip. Plain and simple.

         July 13, 2010 at 4:50 pm |
       • tiphater
         

         Here's what i want to know. Those places with "runners" (people who just bring food but aren't waiter/waitress) probably pay those people minimum wage. As well as the bussers and kitchen staff (or more than MW) However THEY also get a cut of the tips left on the table. That's not fair. If restaurants can do well paying min wage to those, why not for wait staff as well? an extra $4 per hour will not raise the price of a all food by %50. Really the whole tip thing is just crazy. The Feds tax wait staff on a % of their total bill, but i bet they don't for any body else who is "tipped-out". I just wish i paid my price got my food and was done.

         July 13, 2010 at 4:55 pm |
       • Benita
         

         I will most definatley leave a restuarant without leaving a tip. I was a waitress for YEARS and prided myself in giving my customers great service so if I get bad service......forget it...NO TIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

         July 13, 2010 at 4:57 pm |
       • Julie
         

         Wrong! I waited tables for several years, so I know what it requires. It does not take that much effort to do it well. So, when I am treated badly by the waiter, I do not feel obligated to leave a tip. I do always try to determine if it is the fault of the waiter before I make that decision. AND asking me "do you need change back" guarantees that the tip decreases by 5%.

         July 13, 2010 at 4:59 pm |
       • Juanita
         

         I have been a server and yes I would leave without tipping if the service is that bad. I would talk to the manager first though.

         July 13, 2010 at 5:07 pm |
       • Erland Mark Oenema
         

         Not so, friend. I served tables for the better part of 5 years and as a result feel both strong fraternity to servers as well as having strong expectations of their performance/behaviour/service. The wage they receive is for taking my order and bringing me food. The tip is for them also being pleasant and welcoming, checking in with my status, doing so professionally and reading how often I want such attention. If they do no more than I'd expect from a Subway counterperson, why would I tip? I actually will do so even then, but in cases where they disappear and I'm waiting with an empty glass for even a water refill, or run out of ketchup for fries halfway through the portion, etc: I start to consider tip implications. On rare occasions I do leave $0, as they have failed to give any kind of service beyond merely recording my order and indifferently delivering it to my table.

         July 13, 2010 at 5:19 pm |
       • Phillip
         

         I have worked as a server and survived with kids. And I definitely will leave a low tip or no tip. It is a dis-service to good waiters/waitresses to just give everyone the same amount. If I am ignored or hardly attended to, then I will tip accordingly. A server that works hard to do their job should get rewarded, and a server that is lazy and doesn't care that they are supposed to be serving you shouldn't.

         July 13, 2010 at 5:58 pm |
       • Gerhard
         

         I worked as a busboy and water in fine dining. I can think of one complaint that was made about me during in roughly 6 years at the same place, and I know the senior waiters had about the same during the time i was there. Well trained servers in good restaurants make a ton of money, and the smart ones can save a lot as well. Providing good service is part of the job, and if you fail to do that you don't deserve consideration from the customer.

         I have left nothing on two occasions, and both times I told the server and manager exactly what they had done poorly. I tend increase or reduce my baseline %15 tip according to the service provided. There have been occasions when I have not tipped the waiter but instead tipped the busser and bar staff individually. On one occasion when I left %5 and explained the problems only to the manger because the waiter had disappeared I was accosted in the parking lot by the waiter: if he had expended that energy providing service chances are he would have liked his tip.

         July 13, 2010 at 6:16 pm |
       • KIOT58
         

         I completely disagree with this statement. I've done every job in a restaurant in my younger days - from cooking to bussing tables to being a waitress....i tip very well even for 'average' service - but when service sucks and it's not the fault of the kitchen, do not expect a tip from me. messing up my order, not writing down my order, bringing me the wrong food, etc will garner no tip from me

         July 13, 2010 at 6:25 pm |
       • Chris
         

         I've been a server and yes I'll leave a crappy tip if it was merited. You can tell if someone is having a rough night, and for that, I'll give the benefit of the doubt, but if my server is just an all-around ass hat, they're going to get a <5% tip from me. Tips are earned, not guaranteed.

         July 13, 2010 at 6:42 pm |
       • Raven
         

         I used to be a waitress, granted in Canada where minimum wage is minimum wage, doesn't matter if you are in a serving job. I made $6.00 an hour at the time, plus tips. And I worked for my tips. Bad service gets bad tips, plain and simple. Leave the attitude and bad day at the door, if you want to get a decent tip amount.

         July 13, 2010 at 7:13 pm |
       • Sharla
         

         So, you think that regardless on how horrible you are treated by your serer that they still deserve extra money from me? I work my butt off for my money and I expect that from anyone I am giving my hard earned buck to. I tip well when my servers are deserving I normally tip 25% of the bill because I know that people are struggling. But if you think for 1 second that I would leave anything for someone who is not working as hard as I do for my cash then they just don't deserve it. It is not my issue that you have had a bad or "off" day your job is to suck it up, put your big girl panties on and walk your ass to my table with a smile on your face and do your job or I will just leave nothing for you or I will put a bunch of pennies in the bottom of a glass of water for you. Maybe it is because I work in customer service is the reason I have high expectations... who knows.

         July 13, 2010 at 7:45 pm |
       • Tina
         

         Seriously? I have waited tables off and on for over 15 years, and YES I have "stiffed" someone. One instance, I had to ask my waitress numerous times just to get ONE refill and ONE to-go box. She acted completely oblivious to the fact that I asked her for a refill 10 minutes previous. On top of that.. I had to ASK.

         I know what good service is, and that certainly wasn't good service. She was too busy chatting with her buddy at the bar to pay attention to her tables.

         July 13, 2010 at 7:49 pm |
       • Rose
         

         A tip is earned, not guaranteed. I understand servers only make $2 something an hour plus tips. But if I have a rude server and bad service, that to me says they do not care and are content making that, if they cared they would go above and beyond to EARN that tip. When I go out to eat I always plan on a 20% tip but it has to be earned. And yes I have been in a tipping position before and still feel this way. I also understand that not everything is the servers fault. however the server should be ready to fix the problem as soon as possible and as fast as possible or do something to compensate and make me happy. Tips are not guaranteed, they are earned!

         July 13, 2010 at 8:43 pm |
       • Steneg
         

         So if we don't want to tip, all we need to do is not become a waiter?

         July 13, 2010 at 10:12 pm |
       • Kate
         

         I waited tables for years in college and grad school to make ends meet. There have been a couple of times, when I've been the guest, that I have actually left no tip. Sometimes the service really is that bad, and having been a server, I know when my server could have and should have performed better. True, in many high end restaurants the serving competition is so fierce that you're almost sure to get wonderful service; however, in many lower end, but still "sit-down" restaurants, you might end up with someone who is not a professional server, but rather someone who doesn't care about customer service and just needs a job. Whatever the reason and whatever level of restaurant, a server should always do his/her best for the customer, and when that isn't possible, send the manager by for a visit to check on the table, apologize, or do whatever is necessary to ensure that guests have as lovely an evening as possible. Ultimately, it is a service industry, and as servers, it is our job to provide the best service possible. I'd never blame a guest for leaving me no tip if my service really was that bad–luckily that has never been the case. So, to servers, don't goof off or do anything unprofessional–more than 70% of the US won't tip you if you do.

         July 13, 2010 at 10:15 pm |
       • NS
         

         I have worked as a waitress and my tips had to be earned. Tips are a reward, not a given.

         July 13, 2010 at 10:34 pm |
       • Lynn
         

         I have been a server – and a really good one. I've also had 2 occasions in the literally hundreds of times I've eaten out where I've not left a tip – and a couple of other times when I sincerely wished I had not.

         Simply being a server does not guarantee a tip. Forgetting an order, getting it wrong, making excuses, not apologizing for huge errors, blaming other people, the list goes on – all of these are bad but when it is ALL of these things, then I have a problem.

         I absolutely spoke with the management on each occasion – and in one instance had a great experience which caused me to return to that restaurant – and one instance in which I got even worse treatment from the management. Surprise, surprise, the second location is no longer in business.

         July 13, 2010 at 10:51 pm |
       • Sue
         

         Agreed!!! If you can't learn how to tip, learn how to cook !!

         July 16, 2010 at 3:36 pm |
       • sammy
         

         I work in a barber shop. If you're a lousy tipper in a restaurant chances are nobody knows. Chances are good they all know you don't tip the barber well.

         July 27, 2010 at 8:15 pm |
       • KevinC
         

         Sorry, Charlie, but you are wrong on that score. I was a waiter. As such, I know what kind of job it is and am more likely to give a good tip. However, I also know what is reasonable to expect, what is the servers fault and what isn't. If I get really terrible service in the areas that are completely the responsibility of the server, you better believe I will walk out without a tip. I've only done it once or twice, but I will do it. One time I left nothing for my waiter and walked over to another waiter who took better care of me than my own waiter did and gave him the tip.

         July 29, 2010 at 1:12 pm |
       • Steven Hill
         

         ditto...

         August 27, 2010 at 11:19 am |
       • old.frt
         

         Rubbish!
         Servers are the most critical of other servers.
         They know bad service better than the average patron.
         And when they do not leave a tip, they have no hesitation to mention why to all in the establishment, and to all of their friends and acquaintances.

         September 18, 2010 at 10:34 pm |
     • Matty j
       

       I've had the same group of people come in to my establishment every week to every other week for the past year. They all "LOVE" me and voice it out loud when they come in... yet, I can point out one woman in the group that I have probably made 6 dollars off of in well, lets see, approximately 50 total visits... It's so sad that her friends feel like they have to compensate for her and others who do not tip... I take pride in my job and can't give her bad service, but, rest assured, I do not give her the time of day as far as socializing with her goes! How inconsiderate!

       July 13, 2010 at 11:50 am |
     • Steve-O
       

       I doubt this will ever be read, but often bad service is not the fault of the server. Most of the time it comes down to the amount of attention tables seem to take anymore. Diners want frivolous crap almost non-stop, and usually instantaneously. This makes waiting tables almost impossible, and the people who do it are amazing. So next time you sit down to eat consider what you actually want, pay attention to your wait-person when they ask you something, and by the god's relax and enjoy your meal without worrying about another ounce of a ridiculous sauce.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:10 pm |
       • Chris
         

         There are "needy" tables, but bad service is always the fault of a server. As a server, it was my responsibility to recognize a needy table and have extra EVERYTHING already with me; sauce, napkins, butter, bread, ice, beverages, you name it, I had extra for these bozos. Now, if a table is just beyond the realm of reason, then, oh well, you'll live to fight another day. Chalk that table up as a loss and make sure your others are well taken care of.

         July 13, 2010 at 6:46 pm |
     • Cdub
       

       Suggestions as I have never been in the industry but have several friends which are. Restaurants are staffed by an educated guess of customers. If it's been raining for 3 days straight and the sun gloriously shines on day 4 for the best day of the summer, chances are your favorite outside venue will be understaffed and you may have to wait a couple minutes for a refill. The point being, if you are having trouble getting water and are upset, take a look at the waiter and if it looks like he just got back from a 10K marathon...could em some slack....

       July 13, 2010 at 12:25 pm |
     • Mark
       

       Why would you reward poor service? I waited table,bussed,tended bar & checked id's at doors. If I forgot about a table or brought the wrong food(not a kitchen mistake) I wouldn't expect to be tipped. Take some responsibility for your actions people.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:34 pm |
       • Carrie
         

         This is so true. Where I worked, we could add 15% gratuity to parties over 8, but if I feel I gave them sub par service, I didn't even put the gratuity on because I feel I would get whatever they decided to give me, or not give me.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:41 pm |
     • Nick
       

       To Mike, Nick, ohmy, and stella.

       Each of your comments have a theme. And that is, somehow the customer is low, cheap, or disrespectful for receiving poor service. Where is the logic in that? You guys are morons and if I ever heard any of that garbage come out of a waiter or waitress, I would call the manager over and see to it that you lose your jobs.

       Absolute ridiculousness. If I PAY for a service, I expect that service to be UP TO PAR or better. Your arguments are like a taxi car driver who drives like an idiot, rude, incompetent, conniving, and obnoxious who ALSO expects to be tipped. Ha! Keep dreaming.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:45 pm |
       • Alexis
         

         I am a server and let me tell you how the tipping situation breaks down. Generally, a server has to pay tip out and service charges for credit cards. The tip out is calculated based on the total sales number and not the tip amount. Usually that adds up to accounting for 10% of your sales. So for example, if you go to a restaurant as a customer and your bill is $50, then the server has to essentially spend $5 for serving you. Therefore, if you do not tip, then not only are you not paying for your service, but your server is–literally. So if your service was absolutely horrible, then you should tell a manager, but at least tip 10% so your paying for your half (i.e. the kitchen cooking your food, the hostess showing you your table). Please do not, leave $0.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:14 pm |
       • Nick
         

         I am sorry to say, but no. Going to the kitchen and getting my plate is not worth $5. Neither is taking my money or showing me my seat worth any more.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:01 pm |
       • Omar
         

         to Nick: i understand your point for complaining and not tipping, i understand but just remember that im the guy who gets all the attention and gets the refills and the better service than you! not only because im a great tipper and all waiters/waitresses are glad to take care of me but because i apreaciate what they do to get my visit a pleasant one rather than yours

         July 13, 2010 at 6:49 pm |
     • Lauren
       

       My sister was a waitress for 5 years, my best friend for 10. Though I have never been a waitress, I have given a zero tip. Normally I tip at least 20% of my bill if the wait staff does their job, 25%+ if they are great servers. The only time I gave a zero tip was because the waitress served one of my dining companions cold food, another the completely wrong order, and she completely forgot my order. Not only did we not tip, we informed the manager of our reasons. Of the 4 of us, only 1 actually received the meal they ordered at an edible temperature. I know I'm a generous tipper, my sister and my friend look at me like I'm crazy when I leave my tips. I always say "I imagine that my server is one of you and I remember how hard it was before you graduated and got your career started, I can't not tip well, that's someones sister/friend trying to get their degree", but that waitress really needed to find another line of work.

       July 13, 2010 at 12:53 pm |
       • ServerA
         

         Lauren–serving cold food is the the servers fault, its the kitchen's. The wrong order is the fault of the server if they were not paying attention or wrote down the wrong order. I think what people are forgetting is that if someone is getting paid $2.15 A HOUR that the tip you leave must not only make up for the low hourly wadge but it also has to be split with a host, bar, and clean-up. so the $6 you leave on a $30 meal is nothing. If you DO NOT have enough money to tip then you SHOULD NOT go out to eat. Customers treat service industry people like crap...no it is not cute that your child keeps throwing crackers on the floor...it is not my fault that you forgot to mention no-onions and we have to re-make your food and you have to wait for it–there are other customers...and it is not my fault for "choosing" this career–I will go right out an find a better paying job–are you hiring? Just leave a tip the 15-20% is not going to kill you.

         July 13, 2010 at 3:40 pm |
       • John
         

         ServerA- I work as a waiter and I don' have to split with anyone... quit complaining so much about the customers, you need to learn to do your job right and be happy about it and soon you will make $15-20 an hour like me.

         July 13, 2010 at 4:12 pm |
     • TExas Nomad
       

       Why not try something different next time...and leave a great tip for your waiter that gave you poor service? You don't know what is going on in the day of that person, maybe they got bumped into by the excellent waiter on their way to get your meal, and it was knocked out of their hands and they had to go back and start your order over...not their fault. What if they just found out their mother had cancer and are having a rough time of it...that they forgot your dressing 'on the side'...why not show a little compassion, and patience with the people that are paid so little to do for you what you are too LAZY to do at home?

       Leave them a big tip, just once...and you just might be the person that changes their mood, attitude, and wishes them a great day. Along with the tip, write a little note..."here's hoping your day goes better"...

       would it kill you to be nice?

       July 13, 2010 at 1:08 pm |
       • Miss B
         

         Why is anyone asking the customer "would it hurt you to be nice. Maybe the server is having a bad day".
         Well, restuarant employees aren't the only ones who have bad days. When I go out to eat, I want to eat – not to be a therapist and work someone through their 'bad day'. Yes, some people are a bit inconsiderate and may not tip, but the server shouldn't take it out on everyone else. How many of us have the luxury of going to work and taking their misery out on someone else?? Or better yet, what if I worked for the health department and was called on special assignment to investigate a restuarant's facility. Well, I'm having a bad day due to another investigation and have pre-decided this facility will pay for my irritations. Is that fair?

         If you weren't forced to work in the business, then stop taking it out on the customers and do your job. We all have to deal with inconsiderate people... daily.

         July 13, 2010 at 2:04 pm |
       • Nicole
         

         Years ago, when I was still in college and waiting tables to pay rent, I was working a closing shift at a busy chain restaurant in Orlando. I was already worn out from finals and it was a very busy night. On top of that, I had foreign table after foreign table and providing stellar service for little or no tip is disheartening to say the least. By the time my last table sat down (not foreign) I was over it and had full intended to quit that night. I gave them okay service. I wasn't rude, but I wasn't very attentive and I think I sighed a lot. I had a few issues with another table (from South America) and my last table saw how frustrated I was with the language barrier and differing social etiquette. At the end of their dinner I dropped off their bill (didn't even clear their dinner plates *cringe*) and went to the back to kick boxes of dressing. I came out to check on them a couple minutes later and they were gone. I looked in the book and on the back of the check they wrote, "Hope your night gets better. God bless." Under the check was cash for the bill plus $50 for me.

         I was totally stunned. I actually started crying in the middle of the dining room and felt terrible for letting outside factors detract from their experience. It was a huge turning point for me and remains to this day the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. Not for the tip, but for being so kind and understanding and for reminding me that being kind and generous will always get you further. I still have the check pinned up to my bulletin board.

         July 14, 2010 at 9:31 pm |
     • David Funk
       

       In my life I have worked for tips at times I spent 24 years in the food service industry. I find because I know how things should be I'm a very tough critic. however to get nothing from me takes a lot, do it mostly right and I am generous to a fault. If the service is is poor then 10% speaks volumes. I have on rare occasions left a penny but thats a sever insult to someone that most likely had a day of them, rather like kicking someone when there down. the best way to handle a pore experience in a restaurant is vote with you feet

       July 13, 2010 at 1:17 pm |
     • Beantown
       

       Serving people food is not a fun job but it's pretty easy to do. I order a steak, medium, with potatoes and steamed veggies. No when I have waited 40 mins & I get a steak that is well done with a side of rice and corn. Sure I could just tell the server he has gotten the order incorrect and wait another 40 mins for another one. My time is valuable, far more valuable than a minimum wage server. I look at every thing like a business. I have now paid full price for something and I have had to wait double the time for. Something has to give, and unfortunately the only thing I have control over is the waiters tip. If I could request that the chef not get paid for the 40 mins he waisted burning my steak than I would do that. As where do restaurants get off with including the tip with groups of over 8. That can translate into $100 out of my control, trust me servers enjoy the benefits a lot more then they suffer. I wish I could work all week and then for no good reason at the end get a 20% check just because I did exactly what I was hired to do.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:03 pm |
       • nicole
         

         well, Beantown. when you are hired as a server, you are hired on the condition that you will make $2.65/hr plus tips. YES, it is EXPECTED that you will tip in american society. yes, if i am a terrible server and just plain forget you, i dont deserve 20%. maybe 5%. or 0%. but if you get the food you order, drinks in your glass, and things in a timely manner (that we can control) then you leave 20%. im sorry, i was hired to be a SERVER, not a SERVANT. for that matter, if you EVER snap your fingers at me, or wave me down, i will laugh and ignore you. i am not a dog, and will NOT come when called. i usually make sure i am within speaking distance every 2-4 min if you need something you can ask me, using MANNERS for me to get it. im not a MIND READER. i didn't know you needed extra of this or that, you didnt tell me. do not EVER use the words "i obviously needed _____". ALSO, if you are on the phone, i give you your privacy i will wave, and whisper hello to acknowledge you, im not going to stand there and be ignored, and be rude trying to interrupt your conversation. put the person on hold and speak to me. do not just point and act like somebody with a nervous tick trying to find something on the menu. I am the low man on the totem pole. my managers may have a better answer why something is not on the menu. I DON'T RUN THE COMPANY. you can not affect my tip just because your food was cold/bland/not good, the place took your favorite item off the menu, or whatever. i control drinks/taking of orders/refills/ bringing things to you in a timely matter.

         let's put it this way, you leave a bad tip, and then you come back. we remember you. you not only get bad service. we usually ask the cooks to add a little something "extra" to your food. you screw with my pocket, i'll screw with your food. enjoy that big lugie in your food next time you feel like being cheap or trying to scam me out of something. my service is 98% of the time impeccable, and 2% of the time average. NEVER have i earned less than 15%, but it seems i get less from certain kinds of people. you know you need to tip, your just cheap and rude.

         remember that we touch your food the next time you want to leave a crappy tip when it was unwarranted.

         July 15, 2010 at 12:31 am |
     • Julie
       

       When I have a lousy waiter/waitress, I generally leave a 10% tip as opposed to a 15% or higher tip. There was one time, tho, that my tip came in the way of a note. It said: TIP of the day: If you were a better waiter, I'd of left you money. Food service is a thankless profession and I wouldn't do it for any amount of money, so I appreciate the people who will do it and try to show them my gratitude, but the reality is that performance is judged in every job and rewarded accordingly.

       July 13, 2010 at 2:51 pm |
     • KJ
       

       The simple fact is their are HORIBLE servers out there. Whatever their reason, I am coming to a resturant and paying money for both my food AND SERVICE. I leave a minimal tip and ALWAYS inform the manager why.

       I really don't care how bad a day you are having. I have worked in customer service, sales, and served on a chow line. You slap on a smile and bear it, because its part of your job.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:11 pm |
     • Joe from CT, not Lieberman
       

       TIPS = To Improve Personal Service. While I will rarely "stiff" a waitron (love that term – Thanks "Dick's Last Resort:") the amount I tip is directly proportional to the level of service I receive. When I get poor service, I may only leave a small amount. Conversely I am not afraid to be generous with the tip when I get good service. Having worked as a bartender, I am aware of how important tips are to my personal well being. I knew that the quality of service I provided was directly proportional to the tip I received.

       July 13, 2010 at 4:43 pm |
     • Tony
       

       I can understand if the server is not doing his/her job, as many of the comments have noted, but if a person is having a bad day or things are outside if their control, then maybe they should be cut some slack. I've been a server for years, and have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly as far as servers are concerned, and patrons as well. Servers also have to pay out "tip-share," which is a certain amount based on their sales that goes to the busboys, bartenders, and the hosts. So if you leave no tip, the server has to pay the "tip-share" amount out of his/her own pocket. Basically having to pay to have you sit at his/her table instead of actually earning money. Terrible fact, but it's true. Next time, just think about your line of work and imagine being paid $2.13/hr, and the remainder of your salary were given to you, or not, at the discretion of others. Have you ever had a bad day? Come on, cut some slack......

       July 13, 2010 at 5:04 pm |
       • Give me a break
         

         Tony, don't you think you're in the wrong line of work if YOU have to pay staff out of your wages? There are millions of servers out there getting ripped off. I would rather work as a janitor. I'd make more money and wouldn't have to pay other people money out of my own pocket, and put up with BS. The restaurant business is basically a sweat shop. You're all being worked to death for low wages, and if you don't get a tip, then you're punished by picking up the owner's slack and paying other employees money out of your pocket. That's unethical and immoral. The owner is really f'n you over. Do yourself a favor, get out of that business. Don't blame the customer for the owners' shortcomings. The restaurant industry needs a major overhaul. Some states actually pay minumum wage, and tips truly are extra. If you're that passionate about waiting tables, move to one of those states. Same goes to any server reading this.

         July 13, 2010 at 6:42 pm |
     • Michelle
       

       i do have a few things to say. it seems the topic of tipping will never go away. I am a server/bartender and i have to say i have OCD and get more compliments then i know what to do with....however with some compliments are the verbal tips..."you were the best bartender we ever had!" and i get almost nothing for a tip... just a few things to think about before going out to eat, you are correct tipping is not mandatory however it doesnt mean that you leave a little one just because you feel you have to leave something. Life happens, even at a restaurant, how often do home cooked meals come out perfect and everyone eats before it gets cold ect...restaurants are not perfect either even tho they try...sometimes the kitchen and or server are having a bad night and yes it sucks it happens to be while you are sitting there. Some tables are very needy and its not always easy to get to everyone as often as you would like. As servers/bartenders its part of our job to hear and see everything, so just cause im talking with one table while you frantically wave your arms for a napkin, im not ignoring you im just trying to be polite to whom im with at the moment. chances are i saw u in the first few seconds so please wait your turn. i hate when people say that servers/bartenders chose to take on a job knowing that the minimum wage is so low...for us young broke college students that are still without a proper degree, it suits our life for the time being and we do have to rely on tips to pay the bills and get by in life. and for others they really do enjoy it and the interactions with people and isnt that what we all aim for when choosing a job?? something that makes us happy?? dont hold it against us....i realize times are tough for everyone so if you want to make your own lemonade out of water or share a meal between 2 people then to be honest the tip should still be a great one because you are still taking up a table for the same amount of time....i dont know how else to explain why your tip should be a good one, for the 9-5ers im sure you would hate your life if your boss decided to not pay you cuz he felt you had a bad day at work, think outside the box people!! please and thank you!!!!

       July 15, 2010 at 3:37 am |
     • Steven
       

       I will ask for or look for the manager when having a big problem with food or service. On one occasion I left a penny for a very inattentive and rude waitress. Generally, however, I will leave 20% (for good service) on the food and drink portion of the bill (I don't tip on tax). I tip this percentage (20%) regardless of the type of restaurant or time of meal or it's the restaurant's location (urban or rural). Sometimes, for really outstanding service I'll tip 25% or more! In Europe the tip and tax is included with the cost of the meal. However, if the bill is 18 or 19 Euros it is customary (for good service) to round it off (to 20 Euros) and leave an extra tip.

       BTW- When I've had problems with various servers at a certain restaurant, where I've complained to management, I will stop eating there because I'm concerned that staff members would spit on or tamper with my food... it does happen and probably more often than what we want to think about. This would make a good future topic for discussion. Maybe some ex or current food servers/wait people will share what they themselves have done to food or have seen others do when there's a complaint. I've heard that some restaurant workers don't need to have a reason, except it's fun, to mess with peoples' food.

       July 16, 2010 at 1:50 pm |
     • Server
       

       Where I work we have to pay 1 or 2% of total sales every shift, so if someone spends $10, leaves no tip and they take up my table for an hour and then I have to pay 10 cents or 20 cents from my own pocket (reducing the base wage of 2.13 to less than 2 dollars) to make up for their stinginess, AND clean up after them too. Not tipping is one of the rudest things that you can do that way too many people still consider socially acceptable- but also the fact that restaurants are allowed to pay their employees so little, and make them pay other employees salaries through tip-out- needs to be changed. I'm only there trying to make money because there's not really a lot of other jobs nearby, and I pride myself on outstanding service, but have no reason to even be in that business if people are too cheap to reward excellent, pleasant service, and instead make me work for slave wages only, which is the effect when you don't tip. We're not there to work for free.

       July 17, 2010 at 5:03 am |
     • Newo
       

       I waited tables for 7 years. When the service is bad I leave 10%. You aren't just tipping waiters, you're tipping the person who cleaned that table for you, who will clean it after you leave, the person who poured your drinks, the people who washed the dishes, etc. It's called tip out. Try to be less ignorant

       June 17, 2011 at 4:14 pm |