Hey, Waiter! Just How Much Extra Do You Really Expect?

[Gerald]

“Do you need change?”


Funny you should ask, because I just gave you a $10 bill, and my latte and raspberry scone came to $5.75. As much as I think you’re pleasing to look at, and you do magical things with frothy milk, I just don’t see your services commanding a 70-plus percent premium over the market rate for my breakfast.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/26/hey-waiter-just-how-much-extra-do-you-really-expect/

[Castout]

Don't you have service charge?! No tips with included service charge on the bill.

[antikristuseke]

I just dont go to places where people wait on me, i find it uncomfortable.

[mookiemookie]

This guy comes across like a raging douchenozzle. The service isn't included in the menu price, just pay your bill and tip the man/woman and be on your way. Don't go out to eat or drink if you can't afford or don't want to tip.

[Castout]

I just dont go to places where people wait on me, i find it uncomfortable.

For service and hospitality and humility you have to give my countrymen a big thumb.

Couple times when we parked our humble car in the mall the parking officers(don't know what else to call them) whose job is to assist in people parking would open the door for us. No we were not in the lobby we just parked in the mall's parking building. I felt very uncomfortable each time. I didn't have the courage to tell him don't though. Yeah they were probably hoping for tips but still I don't think working people should engage in that kind of unneeded humbling hospitality unless it's their job and they are in the hospitality industry such as hotel and tourism. People should have dignity at work and being humble for too much is unnecessary. In fact people should have pride in their work that they commit themselves to strive for better and high level of performance but I don't think putting themselves below ordinary people is really necessary and making people uncomfortable too.

[Rockstar]

Why does somebody working at a coffee shop expect to receive a tip and the person sorting trash for the same minimum wages doesn't? If the fella at the recycling center can support himself and his lifestyle without tips why can't this waiter? I mean if they think they are that deserving of more money. Then why don't they find another job instead of soaking off the customer for shoddy service?

[Gerald]

Many people in different countries, are dependent on the tip and in some countries, individuals pay tax on it, even if he or she receives no tip, so it is for me a course to give the tip, unless an extremely abnormal occurs....

[Armistead]

A few weeks ago I ordered PU from Denny's. Even if I pick it up I give the girl that boxes it up a few dollars as a tip. I tipped her and went to the counter to pay and realised I was missing a $100 bill...to pay for the food.

I asked the girl and she said I didn't give her that. She finally pulled all her money out and it was stuck perfectly to the back on a dollar bill. The kicker is...then she didn't want to give it back....The manager made her, but geesh.

[Spike88]

We're supposed to tip people at coffee shops?

Actually, thinking about it, I have seen the "tip" part on the Card receipts, always leave it 0.00. Same thing applies with burger joints/pizza places where I don't get waited on. :O:

I honestly believe the only people who should get tips are actual waiters in actual restaurants(as they do get paid a lower Minimum wage). And delivery drivers.

Although the article does seem to be nitpicking about the gratuity added to large parties. Usually, at the restaurants I go to, the added gratuity is 10% or less. That's 11% less than what I was taught was "right" to give.


Offtopic, but I once did see a "Tip" part on a receipt for a gas station. I ignored it. :haha:

[Feuer Frei!]

I have managed restaurants of all levels here in Australia, over the course of 13 or so years, from 5-star exclusive restaurants to currently managing a "bistro-style" food outlet.
In Australia it is not "obligatory" to tip, nor is it compulsory, however, a tip is given if the customer deems that he or she has been given service that they would otherwise not have expected, or that the "server" at the time went out of their way to "exceed the customer's expectations".
I stress the exceed the customer's expectations, for that is what really sets the minimum service given and service that invites a reward if you will from the customer, saying that you have exceeded their expectations.

It seems that, and this is from my extensive experience in a service industry that, the more "exclusive" or high-standard a establishment is, the more likelyhood that a tip is given. Of course the service must match the "outer appearances" of a establishment to warrant this.
In short, i tip, wether it be in a "lowly cafe", or be it in a 5 star establishment, because i was given not just service but, exceeding my expectations type of service...

I have always wondered if Australia were to adopt a pay structure similar to that of the U.S. in that hospitality service staff were only paid a small amount per hour, and relied so heavily upon tips or gratuities to make up the rest of their pay each week...
I would hazard a guess that a lot of food outlets would improve their service standards ten-fold, for there are a lot of places that offer mediocre service standards at best.
:hmmm:

[antikristuseke]

I make barely above minimum wage (about 3 usd an hour) and I make ends meet, life here is only marginally less expensive than in more western nations. The I cant make it without tips argument falls on deaf ears in most cases where tiping is concerned with me.

[Rockstar]

I have always wondered if Australia were to adopt a pay structure similar to that of the U.S. in that hospitality service staff were only paid a small amount per hour, and relied so heavily upon tips or gratuities to make up the rest of their pay each week...
I would hazard a guess that a lot of food outlets would improve their service standards ten-fold, for there are a lot of places that offer mediocre service standards at best.

Maybe, however as a customer here in the U.S. I get the impression I am expected to fork over a tip regardless of the quality of service. Fer cryin' outloud even drive thrus have a tip jar sitting in the window.

Don't get me wrong I do take note of service and compensate accordingly. But I refuse to tip because someones thinks they don't get paid enough. If that's the reason then they should quit and seek employment elsewhere.

[mookiemookie]

Maybe, however as a customer here in the U.S. I get the impression I am expected to fork over a tip regardless of the quality of service. Fer cryin' outloud even drive thrus have a tip jar sitting in the window.

Don't get me wrong I do take note of service and compensate accordingly. But I refuse to tip because someones thinks they don't get paid enough. If that's the reason then they should quit and seek employment elsewhere.

If every waiter quit and got a job elsewhere, who would wait tables? Some people, especially in this job environment, cannot get another job. Waiters make $2.13 an hour, as they are expected to make up the rest in tips.

I agree with you that everyone with their hand out doesn't deserve a tip. I cross out the tip section of the receipt at my local sandwich shop where I get takeaway lunch. But an actual waiter or bartender? 20% standard. Less if they screw up, more if I feel like they did a good job.

If someone can't afford to tip or has some kind of ethical stance against it, then they should stay at home.

[Onkel Neal]

I have to agree with Mookie. The main reason I tip wait service is I know their pay is about $2.25 an hour without tips. I don't like the system. I would be happier if they got paid at least minimum wage, and then tips. But the reality is, part of their pay comes directly from me and I can't stiff a guy who is waiting on me.

I have my favorite haunts to eat at: Dot's, Emma's Tex Mex Grill, Busy Bee. The waitresses there know and love me, cause I take care of them. A happy waiter/waitress is part of the dining experience.

[Sailor Steve]

Waiters make $2.13 an hour, as they are expected to make up the rest in tips.
And they have to file taxes based on expected tips, not what they actually get.

I agree with you that everyone with their hand out doesn't deserve a tip. I cross out the tip section of the receipt at my local sandwich shop where I get takeaway lunch. But an actual waiter or bartender? 20% standard. Less if they screw up, more if I feel like they did a good job.
I also hate the 'tip jars' on the counter at just about every fast food place I frequent.

I have my favorite haunts to eat at: Dot's, Emma's Tex Mex Grill, Busy Bee. The waitresses there know and love me, cause I take care of them. A happy waiter/waitress is part of the dining experience.
:yep:

After our Thursday 'Game Nights' we always go to the same Denny's. The night waiter there likes us and takes good care of us, and we make sure he is amply rewarded for his excellent service. :sunny:

[Onkel Neal]

After our Thursday 'Game Nights' we always go to the same Denny's. The night waiter there likes us and takes good care of us, and we make sure he is amply rewarded for his excellent service. :sunny:

Yeah. If a guy cannot tip at least 10%, eat at home. Or McDonald's.

[Sailor Steve]

Yeah. If a guy cannot tip at least 10%, eat at home. Or McDonald's.
Here in Utah it seems to be a tradition to see who can tip the least.

I always start at 20%, then round up to the nearest whole dollar. And I'm dirt-poor.

[McBeck]

Me and my wife travel all over the world and I go to India as a part of my job, so I always take great care in finding out what the local tipping policy is before I go.

However, as a standard I only tip if I get waited on. I don't tip places where I drive up to a window and get it over the counter.

If I get waited on and the service is either non-existing or very poor, then I dont tip. Ex: I went to a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown in SF. The service was extremely poor and borderline rude. When I got my change back, I didn't leave any for tip and the lady looked at me and pointed to the bowl yelling "TIP-TIP!!" I replied "I don't think so..." and left with her curses in Chinese trailing me.
That being said - If I get a good service, I will tip well!

[mookiemookie]

And interesting and potentially provocative question - are black folks truly worse tippers, or is it a sort of self fulfilling prophecy where the server expects to be stiffed, thus offering subpar service that one wouldn't tip for in any case?

My experience, along with that of friends in the service industry say it's the former, and not the latter. Of course you can't make a blanket judgement and say ALL black folks are lousy tippers, because they're not, but there certainly seems to be something to the stereotype.

[Gerald]

Giving tip I do, whether it is not included, you get service and think it is reasonable so it is natural to give, and in many countries, where it is known that they do not have high wages

[FIREWALL]

This guy comes across like a raging douchenozzle. The service isn't included in the menu price, just pay your bill and tip the man/woman and be on your way. Don't go out to eat or drink if you can't afford or don't want to tip.

What he said. :yep:

[Rockstar]

I have to agree with Mookie. The main reason I tip wait service is I know their pay is about $2.25 an hour without tips. I don't like the system. I would be happier if they got paid at least minimum wage, and then tips. But the reality is, part of their pay comes directly from me and I can't stiff a guy who is waiting on me.

I have my favorite haunts to eat at: Dot's, Emma's Tex Mex Grill, Busy Bee. The waitresses there know and love me, cause I take care of them. A happy waiter/waitress is part of the dining experience.


You have your favorite waitresses and you take care of them. On the flip side of that coin you are now their favorite customer. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But I would think it was on account how they treated you as a customer first. They are then working for that tip and I would certainly and most generously appreciate what they do just the same as you. Good service friendly atmosphere, is not personal its just good for business and good for generous tips.

But for me to pay additional monies and call it a tip because I perceive employer is stiffing the employee is not a reason for me to open up the wallet. It isn't about feeling sorry for them, they make the first move not me. I can and have on many occasion gone somewhere else to eat.

[FIREWALL]

Giving tip I do, whether it is not included, you get service and think it is reasonable so it is natural to give, and in many countries, where it is known that they do not have high wages

If every waiter quit and got a job elsewhere, who would wait tables? Some people, especially in this job environment, cannot get another job. Waiters make $2.13 an hour, as they are expected to make up the rest in tips.

I agree with you that everyone with their hand out doesn't deserve a tip. I cross out the tip section of the receipt at my local sandwich shop where I get takeaway lunch. But an actual waiter or bartender? 20% standard. Less if they screw up, more if I feel like they did a good job.

If someone can't afford to tip or has some kind of ethical stance against it, then they should stay at home.

Again. What he said. :up:

[FIREWALL]

I have to agree with Mookie. The main reason I tip wait service is I know their pay is about $2.25 an hour without tips. I don't like the system. I would be happier if they got paid at least minimum wage, and then tips. But the reality is, part of their pay comes directly from me and I can't stiff a guy who is waiting on me.

I have my favorite haunts to eat at: Dot's, Emma's Tex Mex Grill, Busy Bee. The waitresses there know and love me, cause I take care of them. A happy waiter/waitress is part of the dining experience.


And also what he said. :up:

[Gerald]

Again. What he said. :up: You have the answer in your hand, :()1:

[Armistead]

I can remember as a teen getting paid like a $1.25 and tips made up the amount to min. wage, about $2. something then. What sucks then I waited the front table, most waited 5. All tips went into a bin and were split with all employees except the cooks....and we worked our arses off.

[mookiemookie]

I can remember as a teen getting paid like a $1.25 and tips made up the amount to min. wage, about $2. something then. What sucks then I waited the front table, most waited 5. All tips went into a bin and were split with all employees except the cooks....and we worked our arses off.

A lot of states now have laws against tip pooling with managers or other regularly salaried employees. But I would wager that many employers do it anyways, as they're counting on servers and bartenders not knowing the law or not wanting to rock the boat.

[tater]

My standard tip is a rough 20% I round to nearest whole buck, usually, sometimes down, but never below 15% unless the service stinks (and I know many in the restaurant business, and know the difference between the front and back problems wise, so I only down tip for bad SERVICE, not problems in back).

Places we go a lot I will sometimes buy drinks for the kitchen, too. Do that and you get treated very well indeed.

[FIREWALL]

My standard tip is a rough 20% I round to nearest whole buck, usually, sometimes down, but never below 15% unless the service stinks (and I know many in the restaurant business, and know the difference between the front and back problems wise, so I only down tip for bad SERVICE, not problems in back).

Places we go a lot I will sometimes buy drinks for the kitchen, too. Do that and you get treated very well indeed.

Again What he said :up:

[Feuer Frei!]

I agree, it seems some of you are saying that if staff are expecting a tip or are giving the impression that it is your right to tip after being given service then that is wrong, a bit like the porters in hotels when they take your luggage to your rooom and won't leave until they receive a tip for their troubles. That to me is rude...
However, what is the current percentage of a account's sub total in the U.S. at the moment which is made up of a tip?
12-15%?
In relation to tip jars being near a cash register, i don't have a problem with that, nothing wrong with that, it's not forcing you to tip.
Also remember, what is the restaurant's policy on tips? Do the staff get the tips, or do management slice a percentage off the tip so that staff are left with the 'crumbs'?
In the restaurants i have managed over the years, i have always enforced the policy that if a certain staff member has received a tip from a customer in the form of cash, then that tip is for that person alone.
However i have laso had the policy that all cash tips received, be it from credit cards or cash, were totalled up for the month, i had a spread sheet for that to track who was working the most during that month and what days/nights, then divided the total tips up to be paid out to my staff into their nominated bank account.
I think that staff that have truly earned their tips should also receive those tips. Makes for good morale and also keeps up service standards.
So, when tipping, just remember: what is the establishment's policy on tips? Does the staff member get the tip? Or does management either slice off a big chunk of it? When tipping, who do you really want the tip to go to?

[August]

My standard tip is a rough 20% I round to nearest whole buck, usually, sometimes down, but never below 15% unless the service stinks (and I know many in the restaurant business, and know the difference between the front and back problems wise, so I only down tip for bad SERVICE, not problems in back).

That's pretty much my standard too, although at breakfast joints i'll usually tip the waitress about 100% since the meal is so cheap and waiting that meal is hard work.

Places we go a lot I will sometimes buy drinks for the kitchen, too. Do that and you get treated very well indeed.

I've never heard of anyone doing this before. Do restaurant owners tend to be ok with it?

[mookiemookie]

I agree, it seems some of you are saying that if staff are expecting a tip or are giving the impression that it is your right to tip after being given service then that is wrong, a bit like the porters in hotels when they take your luggage to your rooom and won't leave until they receive a tip for their troubles. That to me is rude...
However, what is the current percentage of a account's sub total in the U.S. at the moment which is made up of a tip?
12-15%?
In relation to tip jars being near a cash register, i don't have a problem with that, nothing wrong with that, it's not forcing you to tip.
Also remember, what is the restaurant's policy on tips? Do the staff get the tips, or do management slice a percentage off the tip so that staff are left with the 'crumbs'?
In the restaurants i have managed over the years, i have always enforced the policy that if a certain staff member has received a tip from a customer in the form of cash, then that tip is for that person alone.
However i have laso had the policy that all cash tips received, be it from credit cards or cash, were totalled up for the month, i had a spread sheet for that to track who was working the most during that month and what days/nights, then divided the total tips up to be paid out to my staff into their nominated bank account.
I think that staff that have truly earned their tips should also receive those tips. Makes for good morale and also keeps up service standards.
So, when tipping, just remember: what is the establishment's policy on tips? Does the staff member get the tip? Or does management either slice off a big chunk of it? When tipping, who do you really want the tip to go to?

Like I said, in many places in the U.S. there are laws specifically prohibiting management from taking any part of the tips paid to employees like waiters or bartenders.

My fiancé, for instance, is bartending to put herself through school. She splits her tips with the other bartenders, the service bartender and the barbacks (runners). Management doesn't get any of their tips, as they're paid a regular salary.

[Feuer Frei!]

Like I said, in many places in the U.S. there are laws specifically prohibiting management from taking any part of the tips paid to employees like waiters or bartenders.

Indeed, i wasn't specific, i meant in Australia.
Here tip-pooling or management taking a chunk of tips isn't against the law. Another thing that is not illegal here is any short comings from cash-ups at end of shift, are taken out of cash tips at end of shift. We don't do that at my current work place, but i have experienced that in another work place years ago. Ludicrous!

[Castout]

A few weeks ago I ordered PU from Denny's. Even if I pick it up I give the girl that boxes it up a few dollars as a tip. I tipped her and went to the counter to pay and realised I was missing a $100 bill...to pay for the food.

I asked the girl and she said I didn't give her that. She finally pulled all her money out and it was stuck perfectly to the back on a dollar bill. The kicker is...then she didn't want to give it back....The manager made her, but geesh.

yeah I feel you :yep: at least the manager agreed with you :DL

Yeah. If a guy cannot tip at least 10%, eat at home. Or McDonald's.

In the article the tip is much bigger than the menu tag that the man ordered.

[TLAM Strike]

As some of you know I work in a small Pizza joint so I would like to chime in here.

First, looking out for my delivery driver buddies here, when you order a pizza delivered and hear there is a "delivery charge" do not assume the driver gets it.

Some places charge for delivery and the owner pockets the couple of dollars. :x

If you pick up an order, especially if its a big order tipping the cooks is very appreciated by them even if its just a dollar each.

I work as a cook/counter/phones and getting a dollar or two tip on a shift makes my day.

And for the consumers out there, when using a credit card and don't want to leave a tip (:stare: your lack of a tip has been noted and logged) make a slash mark or enter 0.00 on the tip line then write in the amount on the second line (on the subject of that line for total, if you add a tip make sure the total you add matches up with the tip you added, seriously its simple addition you learned it in school). Some disreputable folk will add in a tip at the end of the night and adjust it on the credit card machine.

... and for the few women here, when ordering a pizza delivered come to the door in something sexy... you will be remembered for all time... :03:

I will say this about who tips our drivers, the nicer the house the lower the tip. At the million dollar houses you start to get people who want their change (like coinage) back. :down:

[Gerald]

It happens that I order home and pay by card, but the tip, He get it in cash,and in the hand rather than for it to be included in the draw, better and easier, for he who comes with the food

[Feuer Frei!]

Some disreputable folk will add in a tip at the end of the night and adjust it on the credit card machine.
I have heard of this happening here in Australia, in particular a certain asian fast food outlet in Sydney a few years back, they 'added' a gratuity onto the credit card payment, can't remember the amount but it was sizeable.
The law caught up with them and they were jailed.

The most prominent reason for tipping appears to be more of a guilt issue than a gratitude issue.

[Gerald]

I have heard of this happening here in Australia, in particular a certain asian fast food outlet in Sydney a few years back, they 'added' a gratuity onto the credit card payment, can't remember the amount but it was sizeable.
The law caught up with them and they were jailed.

The most prominent reason for tipping appears to be more of a guilt issue than a gratitude issue. Your description of the event, sounds like a planned crime

[frau kaleun]

As some of you know I work in a small Pizza joint so I would like to chime in here.

First, looking out for my delivery driver buddies here, when you order a pizza delivered and hear there is a "delivery charge" do not assume the driver gets it.

Most of the places I order from here have a small delivery charge, and on their web sites they make it very clear that it is NOT a tip for the driver. I've always assumed as much anyway. I always tip pretty well, cuz hey I'm eating food I didn't have to cook OR go out to get. Someone brought it to my door and I'm eating it in my peejays in front of the TV, that's worth a coupla extra bucks at least. :yep:

And I do think they pay attention... maybe it's my imagination, but I think I get my food a lot quicker now that I have a "history" with these places. The two I use most frequently, whatever delivery time they indicate when I place the order, I can usually cut in half, even during their busy times.

[the_tyrant]

hey, tipping increases service quality.
last year, my family went to Cambodia on vacation. We tipped a boarder official 10 usd, and we didn't have to wait in the long line for an hour, the official just looked at our passports, stamped it, found someone to take our luggage for us, and let us go.

according to my experience, tipping in underdeveloped countries increases service quality exponentially.

[antikristuseke]

That is called a bribe, I had a similar experience crossing from russia back to estonia. A person can legally take a bottle of vodka across withotu declaring it, I had a case. At the boarder post, i gave the guards two bottles and they tnaked me and let me cross.

[the_tyrant]

That is called a bribe, I had a similar experience crossing from russia back to estonia. A person can legally take a bottle of vodka across withotu declaring it, I had a case. At the boarder post, i gave the guards two bottles and they tnaked me and let me cross.

well, they call it "VIP service"
those boarder officials pretty much only make 50$ a month, they make the rest off western tourists

[Gerald]

Most of the places I order from here have a small delivery charge, and on their web sites they make it very clear that it is NOT a tip for the driver. I've always assumed as much anyway. I always tip pretty well, cuz hey I'm eating food I didn't have to cook OR go out to get. Someone brought it to my door and I'm eating it in my peejays in front of the TV, that's worth a coupla extra bucks at least. :yep:

And I do think they pay attention... maybe it's my imagination, but I think I get my food a lot quicker now that I have a "history" with these places. The two I use most frequently, whatever delivery time they indicate when I place the order, I can usually cut in half, even during their busy times. Since I am a very humble and passionate man, I can easily read between the lines, that any time you want to be invited to dinner or equivalent, :03:

[kranz]

and I'm eating it in my peejays in front of the TV

photo or didn't happen.

We used to go to a pizzeria sth like 100 meters far from the university at which we study. Mostly during the breaks between classes, sometimes after. 1-2 beers and go back for the classes. It used to have the "serving rules" like a typical pub: you went to the bar, ordered a beer, paid, got the beer at the bar and went back to your table. 1 beer cost sth like 6 Polish zlotys (sth like 1,5 Euro). Unfortunately the owner changed his "serving rules" recently so now you order, pay and sit back and the lady brings you the beer, the bill and the change. We had an argument whether to tip that lady or not. They refused to give the tip, I refused to go there any more if we didn't want to leave her a tip so we decided to change the pub. This is how a smart strategy of the owner backfired.

[TLAM Strike]

And I do think they pay attention... maybe it's my imagination, but I think I get my food a lot quicker now that I have a "history" with these places. The two I use most frequently, whatever delivery time they indicate when I place the order, I can usually cut in half, even during their busy times. Could be, also we have been known to shift orders around so drivers can take several on one run. If you want to pizza to arrive really quick have a couple neighbors order at the same time.


One more thing in general when you see a cheap price on the menu or on a coupon it doesn't always include tax, delivery charge or toppings. If you balk at the $1.75 it costs to get peperoni think about the impression you just made... really think the driver is going to rush over with that delivery now?

This is the kind of situation we get a lot of:

Customer: I have a coupon for a cheese large pizza for 8.99... so I would like a large with peperoni, mushrooms, peppers, olives, sausage, the blood of a virgin as sauce and I would like it delivered by autogyro...
Me: that will be $587.92...
Customer: But I have a coupon that says 8.99!
Me: Tax, toppings and delivery are extra. :roll:
Customer: Fine, I'll have a large cheese for pickup...

Customer service is the worst job you can possibly have. :damn:

[mookiemookie]

Customer service is the worst job you can possibly have. :damn:

A-MEN! I think everyone should be forced to have a customer service job for a year. That way they may not be such jerks to the people who have to do it for a living.

[kranz]

so I would like a large with peperoni, mushrooms, peppers, olives, sausage, the blood of a virgin as sauce and I would like it delivered by autogyro...

:har:

[the_tyrant]

Customer service is the worst job you can possibly have. :damn:

Agreed, though in customer service i think tech service is the worst

[Gerald]

How is tech service worse, in your opinion...

[Sailor Steve]

Agreed, though in customer service i think tech service is the worst
I've delivered pizzas, I've driven skiers from our airport to the resorts, and I've answered phones for credit-card companies and cell-phone companies.

Overall, the ski-van job was the best experience and the phone-answering jobs were the worst. I haven't done tech support, but I think it would be a step up from talking to people about their bills. I finally had to quit the bank and phone company jobs because I was convinced they were cheating their customers and I couldn't lie about it anymore.

[antikristuseke]

I have done tech support, never again.

[Gerald]

I have done tech support, never again. You never say never,perhaps the new year, offers a good work in the field :yep:

[antikristuseke]

Thats about as likely as being happy after a mine takes off your leg, because you lost 20 pounds.

[Gerald]

Thats about as likely as being happy after a mine takes off your leg, because you lost 20 pounds. I'dont like mine and lose some weight,but I understand your position, in principle, are the vast majority of jobs, service-related in any way

[krashkart]

Customer service is the worst job you can possibly have. :damn:


Ugh. I was cross-trained to work the phones between deliveries. A lot of times I'd be taking an order and trying to communicate to the other drivers to go ahead of me so they could get their pies out the door. Very frustrating and stressful, especially when we were short on staff for the night. Can't say that I miss that job. OTOH I usually made good tips. :yep:

[Gerald]

Ugh. I was cross-trained to work the phones between deliveries. A lot of times I'd be taking an order and trying to communicate to the other drivers to go ahead of me so they could get their pies out the door. Very frustrating and stressful, especially when we were short on staff for the night. Can't say that I miss that job. OTOH I usually made good tips. :yep: So when can we get free drinks from you next time, we have seen, :D

[Webster]

This guy comes across like a raging douchenozzle. The service isn't included in the menu price, just pay your bill and tip the man/woman and be on your way. Don't go out to eat or drink if you can't afford or don't want to tip.


tips are supposed to be EARNED not REQUIRED


your looking in the wrong direction, the damn buisness should actually PAY the wait staff (what a unique idea :hmmm:) instead of paying them $2 an hour an expect them to beg for the rest of their pay in tips.


i am on a limited fixed income and most people (waitress included) make a lot more money then i do so i tip 10% as a norm for regular service.

i wont tip at all if ignored or get little to no attention or service if it is needed for some reason.

good service gets 15% and i will usually only tip 20% if i get very attentive and friendly service.

i never blame the waitress for the food quality (as long as its not cold) because shes not doing the cooking.

[Webster]

Why does somebody working at a coffee shop expect to receive a tip and the person sorting trash for the same minimum wages doesn't? If the fella at the recycling center can support himself and his lifestyle without tips why can't this waiter? I mean if they think they are that deserving of more money. Then why don't they find another job instead of soaking off the customer for shoddy service?


not everyone realises that most waitress get a tiny stipend of $2 or $3 an hour because the resturants arent required to pay minimum wage because it is "assumed" when their tips are added to their income it will balance out to more then what they would earn at minimum wage, this all depends on them actually getting the tips so if they dont get tips, then and only then will the resturant pay them the balance to equal minimum wage income.

its a system set up so the resturants can screw over the waitress and make the customers pay for nearly the full payroll of the wait staff in addition to the resturants making expense free cash off of the overpriced menus

[Growler]

I'd rather be remembered for tipping well than for being "that guy."

"That guy" gets remembered for being curmudgeonly, and is usually treated as such - a cycle that will perpetuate negatively until he either leaves - losing a customer to the business - or stops being "that guy."

On the other hand, I rarely have to wait for a table in local restaurants, I usually get prompt service, and occasionally - a couple of weeks ago at a local Denny's, for instance - comp meals.

Sometimes, a tip is more than a tip. I consider good tips an investment in my community and my future dining well-being.

Besides, as my wife put it: "Chicks dig generous guys."

[Sammi79]

On hearing that :sign_yeah:I shall never give a tip again!
How can I justify helping a restaurant exploit it's waitressing staff. They should pay the minimum wage and let the waiter/waitress keep their tips! The tips shouldn't be used to help a restaurant illegally underpay it's employees. :nope:

[Webster]

It happens that I order home and pay by card, but the tip, He get it in cash,and in the hand rather than for it to be included in the draw, better and easier, for he who comes with the food


yep, i always tip cash in hopes so that they can keep it off the books and tax free income

[Platapus]

Unless they live in a state where the tax laws presume a certain amount of tips and that is added to your reportable income.

I was dating a waitress about a million years ago from MN. There, for state tax purposes, her taxable income was her wages plus 6%. So if someone stiffed her for a tip not only did she not get a tip, but she is paying taxes on 6% of the tip she did not get. That can add up if a bunch of people undertip or don't tip.

Personally I think that is BS for the state to tax you on income they can't verify you received.

[Gerald]

Unless they live in a state where the tax laws presume a certain amount of tips and that is added to your reportable income.

I was dating a waitress about a million years ago from MN. There, for state tax purposes, her taxable income was her wages plus 6%. So if someone stiffed her for a tip not only did she not get a tip, but she is paying taxes on 6% of the tip she did not get. That can add up if a bunch of people undertip or don't tip.

Personally I think that is BS for the state to tax you on income they can't verify you received. But many years ago in Sweden, so you had to pay tax on any tip, you got, and if you got nothing on your service, so you had to pay taxes anyway this is 25 years ago ...Law was only for 2 years and then dropped

[Gerald]

But here is the largely spoken about food-related events, tip given in my opinion in most areas

[McBeck]

A-MEN! I think everyone should be forced to have a customer service job for a year. That way they may not be such jerks to the people who have to do it for a living.
Ill second that!
Once you have tried customer service, you look at the world differently

[Oberon]

Ill second that!
Once you have tried customer service, you look at the world differently

Third. :yep:

[Hakahura]

:sign_yeah:
Fourth, and you vow to never return to it.