Tipping

[seanchai]

Most waiters around here don't even care about tips (unless you're giving them 50%). In fact, its expected that waiters don't get tips unless you're dining at some high-class establishment.

It doesn't sound like you live in the US. Wage is heavily dependant on tips in US service jobs, and much less so in places like the UK/Ireland or the Continent. I think customary here (London) is 10%, and some places it's not customary to tip.

 

[MisterNigma]

Isnt it illegal to get under minimum wage? I think the minimum wage over here is $13, which is why nobody tips much. One of my buddies works at a crappy chain restaurant and gets paid $17 an hour.

Where in the world do you live?

In the U.S. in most states the minimum wage is $6.50 (just so we're clear US dollars) an hour. It is not at all illegal to pay less then the $6.50 as long as the employee agrees.

To be honest I think it's ridiculous for a person to be paid $17 and hour for being a waiter.


-E.Nigma

 

[spider_007]

This pisses me off so much and is the reason I don't eat out.

I don't give a flying fvck what you get paid and how many tables you need to turn out. If you’re not getting paid as much as you think your worth, find another job. The only tip you’re getting from me is my change (I hate change in my pockets).

Just like with women, restaurants in us and Canada can't aren’t even on the same level with Europe when it comes to service.... Tip is a privilege earned by going above and beyond, and not something you are intitled to. That's why they call it a "tip" and not a service charge.

If a drop a $150 on a meal, $30 is probably what it cost actually make it, the rest is profit (for $150 i can buy groceries for the entire week, and here i'm spending it for one meal)

 

[MisterNigma]

They bring you the food, they dont cook it. If you order something you dont like cause your stupid or cant read, dont stiff the server. I hated when people got mad at me because of something i had absolutely NOTHING to do with. Thats up the alley of getting mad at the server because of the price or portion size...fvckin c*nts.

Ok, so I can read, write, and have a reasonable IQ. I'm also not so concerned with portion size.

I've had these things happen to me: wrong dish brought out, dish cooked incorrectly, food brought out cold and late.

The bottom line is, the waiter represents the restaurant. If a problem arises that the waiter cannot resolve, then I don't feel I should be tipping well, or for that matter at all.

My dilemma is that sometimes it is not the waiter's fault, such as a cook not bothering to read the paper slip with the order.

It is the restaurant's fault though, and the unfortunately the waiter is the representative of the restaurant...


-E.Nigma

P.S.- I have have blown the lid with a couple restaurant managers, never the wait staff though.

 

[The Forms]

I hate tipping. I think its the biggest load of crap in the world. Don't get me wrong, I always tip well, but it pisses me off that I need to. The reason I do tip well is for most of the reasons you mentioned.

But really the whole system is crap. It is up to your boss to pay you a living wage. That's how jobs work. If he's unwilling, then that is an issue you should take up with him, not your customers.

I just think its silly to pay 8 bucks for a hamburger that isn't worth 8 bucks, then be expected to give this guy 3 bucks for bringing it to me. Why isn't his pay included in the price of the overpriced hamburger? The guy who runs the joint should be able to pay you a living wage. That's how most every other business works, I've never understood why restaurants get to do it different.

That's what pisses me off about the system. About waiters in general (I was a waiter for a year, hated it, and quit for this reason): people don't OWE you tips. This is what people give you for doing a good job. They don't owe you a damn thing. Your job is to wait on tables. Customers don't owe you tip, they give it to you. That's why I quit. I felt like a begger, like I'm shining shoes or something. I don't like being up to the mercy of some stranger as to what they feel like giving me once the whole thing is done with.

I like knowing what I'm taking home at the end of the week much more. Clearly defined rules and roles, and there's no guess work. If I do this, my boss gives me this. Much better system.

 

[Demon]

Wage is heavily dependant on tips in US service jobs...

Minimum wage laws differ from state to state. Minimum wage in California will be $7.50 USD on January 1, 2007.

What is the minimum wage for workers who receive tips?

 

[Bible_Belt]

I'm not an ***hole. I just don't tip. And people don't hold that against me because, quite frankly, I've never given them a reason to do so.

Not tipping is being an a55hole. If you don't want to tip, get your food from the grocery store or a fast-food restaurant, your alcohol from the liquor store, and drive yourself where you want to go. That would fall under "not an a55hole." But when you walk into a restaurant, sit down, and receive service, you have put yourself in the situation of owing a tip for that service. The blame for your distaste of the tipping customs does not lie on the servers, owners, or industry - it's on you for soliciting service in the first place. You are welcome to your beliefs on tipping, but then stay away from situations that require tips. Stiffing servers is something that most people really do hold against you.

 

[squirrels]

ok first of all, as a waiter, i got paid $2.13 an hour to serve ur cheap asses and run to ur beck and call. yes thats right, under half of minimum wage.

Whose fault is that? We didn't force you to take that job.

I always tip around 20%, regardless, unless the service is abysmal. But stop yer *****in'. If it's so horrible, then get a job somewhere else. Don't expect someone else to compensate you for your crummy wage.

I don't care what the social standard is, a tip is a GIFT given to reward service. I'm more than happy to pay it as long as the service is acceptable. But understand that you don't have a RIGHT to sh!t.

 

[The Forms]

Now, I can see the "I only tip good service" objection, but you must realize that there are businesses that are BUILT AROUND the notion that tipping will come. As in Las Vegas, where some bartenders make $2/hr but walk away with a couple of grand a night. How are you going to justify not tipping someone who makes $2/hr?

OK, if a business is built around the notion of not paying their employees, that doesn't mean that it is up to me to pay the employees. It is your bosses job to pay you. Not mine. If you don't like the money, get a different job. If you're just going to complain like a woman. . .

Also, "some bartenders make $2/hr but walk away with a couple of grand a night. How are you going to justify not tipping someone who makes $2/hr?"

I justify it because he makes a couple of grand a night.

Bartenders piss me off more than servers. They think they are entitled to at least a dollar for every drink they bring to you, as if pouring drinks is hard.
I've noticed that, for some reason, bartenders think that its cool to have an attitude with customers. It makes me not like them.

All they do is pour drinks. That's not a special job skill. You don't have to go to college for that. You don't have to have any special job skills for that (beyond learning what amounts of things to pour in a cup if someone's tricky and wants something that requires mixing two or more different things in a cup). Its just pouring drinks into cups. It is ridiculous for a person who pours things into cups to make a few grand a night.

 

[Latinoman]

Move the decimal point one points to the left and multiply by 2 (if very good service). Or simply move one points to the left and then ADD 1/2 of that (if normal service). That's applicable for restaurants in the U.S. and NOT in Europe.

For very good service...

If you paid $15.20. Move decimal point one times to the left ($1.520) and multiply by two...so 1.5 x 2 = $3.00. That's 20% tip.

If the service was average...do the same but instead of multiplying by two...simply add by 1/2. So... 1.5 + half of that (.75) = $2.25

For larger numbers:

If you paid $100.20. Move decimal point one times to the left ($10.02) and multiply by two...so 10.02 x 2 = $20. That's 20% tip.

If the service was average...do the same but instead of multiplying by two...simply add by 1/2. So... 10.02 + half of that (5.0) = $15

Irregardless of the service...ALWAYS tip. If you don't like the service...you can always GET UP, COMPLAINT to the manager, and LEAVE. But if you eat...then you have to pay...tip included.

 

[Latinoman]

Once again...the above is for Restaurants in the U.S.A. and its territories. In Europe it is different as in some places, tips are already included in the bill.

Also...if you are in a group of 8+ people...the tip might already be charged in your bill.

I have not read the entire thread...but I personally see as a SERIOUS character flaw when people don't tip. If you are unhappy with a service...simply get up and complain. Or never go back to the place. But if you sit and eat your meal...then you should tip. If you don't, then you have a SERIOUS character flaw. A character flaw that IN MY EYES transcends to your personal and professional life.

 

[jlr12584]

the ignorance among some people in here is upsetting to say the least. you are right, we do not have to take the job and you don't HAVE to tip. but then again, noone will work for 2 dollars an hour. therefore, next time you go to the restaurant, noone will be there to serve you. let me just get this through your head, demon, you dont have to go eat out either if you dont want.

it is expected and considered classy to not only tip, but tip graciously for a job well done. i have quit being a waiter, because i had to deal with *******s who didnt understand what it was like to be in my shoes. no, i usually dont spit in someones drink, but for a guy like demon, i think it requires it.

 

[seanchai]

I don't give a flying fvck what you get paid and how many tables you need to turn out. If you’re not getting paid as much as you think your worth, find another job. The only tip you’re getting from me is my change (I hate change in my pockets).

Just like with women, restaurants in us and Canada can't aren’t even on the same level with Europe when it comes to service.... Tip is a privilege earned by going above and beyond, and not something you are intitled to. That's why they call it a "tip" and not a service charge.

In my experience living in Europe, American service is way beyond what you'll get even in really nice restaurants there. That might be tied to the tradition of extra monetary incentive that Americans have.

And tipping in pocket change at a sit-down restaurant is insulting. It's better to not tip at all. Tipping is a part of our culture; you can excuse yourself from it by moving, or by not participating, but throwing change at someone basically equates them to a panhandler. For the sake of all service people, carry your change home with you.

 

[oakraiderz2]

Some of you all are little b*tches. If you dont like paying for food at a restaurant, stay your cheap ass at home. You know that its gonna be overpriced. If you think not tipping is ok because youre a cheap fvck and the servers dont care, a lot of people probably dont like you, basically because youre a dilusional *******. Get another job? Sorry everyone cant make 50k a year and need a way to pay bills. All of you who dont tip have never been in an industry where you rely on tips. Im getting the vibe that even if the waiter goes out of his way to fix your sh*t youll still whine like a little b*tch cause youre like that. And to all who say, "get another job, ask for a raise"...what the fvck planet do you live on? Sorry i have to pay my bills cause im in an unfortunate situation. Try asking for a raise when EVERYONE ELSE in the industry makes the samething. Clever way in trying to justify yourself. When it really comes down to it, youre an ******* if you dont tip, no arguement. I once had some fvckers stiff me cause i didnt talk to them enough. You get sh*t for service if people know you dont tip. Just because YOURE fortunate enough to not have had to serve tables and have a comfy job doesnt mean everyone else is.

 

[MisterNigma]

Some of you all are little b*tches. If you dont like paying for food at a restaurant, stay your cheap ass at home. You know that its gonna be overpriced. If you think not tipping is ok because youre a cheap fvck and the servers dont care, a lot of people probably dont like you, basically because youre a dilusional *******. Get another job? Sorry everyone cant make 50k a year and need a way to pay bills. All of you who dont tip have never been in an industry where you rely on tips. Im getting the vibe that even if the waiter goes out of his way to fix your sh*t youll still whine like a little b*tch cause youre like that. And to all who say, "get another job, ask for a raise"...what the fvck planet do you live on? Sorry i have to pay my bills cause im in an unfortunate situation. Try asking for a raise when EVERYONE ELSE in the industry makes the samething. Clever way in trying to justify yourself. When it really comes down to it, youre an ******* if you dont tip, no arguement. I once had some fvckers stiff me cause i didnt talk to them enough. You get sh*t for service if people know you dont tip. Just because YOURE fortunate enough to not have had to serve tables and have a comfy job doesnt mean everyone else is.

Rage-Aholics Anonymous? I sense far too much anger.

If you're smart enough to post on this forum, then you're smart enough to make 30k a year, atleast. If you're not making 30k, you're lazy.

I used to work at a deli. We would cook dishes, and make sandwiches, and guess what? after your role of cook, cashier, and waiter all in one, we usually didn't get tips.

As far as not talking enough? There are certain things a waiter has to do in order to service a table. Introduce him/herself, bring menus, ask if anyone wants water. Check back about once every 5 minutes until the orders are placed. Check back about every 10 minutes until the orders are brought out. Once food arrives, and good waiter will check back atleast every 15 minutes or so. As far as drinks go, good waiters don't even wait, they refill the drinks.

There are certain things that define good service, and without a question good service should be rewarded.

Bad service though shouldn't be rewarded. Had an experience in a fridays restaurant. Came in, got a table. Guy walks over, drops two menus, says nothing and walks off. Comes back 10 minutes later "Are you read to order?" We get place our orders, for food and drink, at the same time! Guess what, we got the drinks also at the same time as we got the food. This guy showed up a total of 4 times at the table. My steak wasn't cooked the way I wanted it either. So guess what, I left him no tip. Crappy service deserves no reward.

Service with an attitude is even worse as far as I'm concerned.


-E.Nigma

P.S.- I hate people who complain about their jobs, but do nothing about it. There are always things you can do. Such as not work as hard . . .

 

[whistler]

There's a "social contract," an implicit agreement, that servers in the US and Canada will be tipped. That's why, surely, 99.9% of people tip, and that's why servers will work for as little as 2.13/hr in wages.

Servers expect a tip for decent service, and customers expect to leave a tip if the service was at least tolerable.

If you won't abide by the social contract, don't eat out. If it's their choice to be a server, it's your choice to be served. You should both face the consequences of your choice.

Or, better yet, tell the server as soon as you're seated that you don't plan on leaving a tip. At least then you won't be acting like a girl who strips naked and then leaves you with blue balls.

 

[oakraiderz2]

Rage-Aholics Anonymous? I sense far too much anger.

If you're smart enough to post on this forum, then you're smart enough to make 30k a year, atleast. If you're not making 30k, you're lazy.



P.S.- I hate people who complain about their jobs, but do nothing about it. There are always things you can do. Such as not work as hard . . .

Ignorance does make me incredibly mad. If i dont make 30k im lazy? Sorry im in school. How many college kids are making 30k?? Few. Thats probably the dumbest sh*t ive heard. Howd you come up with your arbitrary numbers? Theres NO correlation between making 30k and posting in the forum. Nice try, kiddo.

 

[MisterNigma]

Ok Buddy Boy.

Ignorance does make me incredibly mad. If i dont make 30k im lazy? Sorry im in school. How many college kids are making 30k?? Few. Thats probably the dumbest sh*t ive heard. Howd you come up with your arbitrary numbers? Theres NO correlation between making 30k and posting in the forum. Nice try, kiddo.

20 years old, I hope you're in college, but then you might very well be in high school.

Ignorance does make me incredibly mad.

^^^Arrogance is even worse.

If i dont make 30k im lazy?

^^^For a person of average intelligence and out of school? YES!

How many college kids are making 30k??

^^^Not many, but I do know a couple. Now how did the issue of school get involved here?

Theres NO correlation between making 30k and posting in the forum.

^^^Correlation is not causation! Most people of sufficient intelligence who are capable of posting in an online forum, especially a forum of this nature, are in my opinion, easily capable of making 30k a year.

Thats probably the dumbest sh*t ive heard.

^^^If that's the dumbest sh*t you've ever heard, you must live in a freaking isolation ward. Based on your hostility, I think this might actually be the case.

Howd you come up with your arbitrary numbers?

^^^ They are not completely arbitrary if you cosider that the average income of an average american is 25-30K a year. If you're going to question my numbers, then you'd better come up with some of your own. Regrettably I don't have the desire to look through census data for exact numbers, but I can assure you, I'm not far off.

Nice try, kiddo.

^^^ I wasn't trying.

Boo Hoo, so you work while you're in school, and get stiffed on a tip. From your online persona, I can only imagine why. ( In case you can't tell, that's sarcasm.)


-E.Nigma

P.S.- You'll get stiffed less if you smile more, and project less hostility. Being pissed all the time does nothing but raise blood pressure.

 

[The Forms]

...but I personally see as a SERIOUS character flaw when people don't tip.

Are you serious? Not tipping in no way shows a serious character flaw. Raping people shows a serious character flaw, killing people shows a serious character flaw. Not tipping does not show a serious character flaw.

Tipping is not a moral behavior (by that I mean you can not judge someone morally on something so rooted in convention as tipping). If someone is a good person in general, but doesn't always tip well, that doesn't make them a bad person. That doesn't show some deep issue related to their character. That doesn't show a character flaw. It just means that they don't follow this one convention.

Based on such a small behavior you can't really make any assertions about someone's character. That's ludicrous. Not tipping is the moral equivelant of not helping someone who just dropped some papers on the ground. If you want to do it that is nice of you, but it doesn't make you a bad person if you don't. It doesn't say anything about your character if you don't.

The most important thing on this issue to understand is that tips are not owed.

 

[oakraiderz2]

20 years old, I hope you're in college, but then you might very well be in high school.

EDIT: Go back and read youre previous post. Also, you dont know me, sport.