Being Obsessed! Why Didn't you TIP Me?

Published on October 8, 2005 By borgia In Misc

I'm not one of these servers who thinks that tips are God-given right from everybody who sits in my section. I understand that "tips" is an acronym -- "to insure prompt service" -- and that sometimes, for whatever reason, people don't tip. I mean, you might have suddenly realized that you only had enough money to pay the bill and no extra -- that's cool. You might have just forgotten (I've noticed that guys on dates tend to do this...they're too nervous with their girls to remember anything, which is cute, but doesn't help me much).

Or maybe...I was just that bad?

I guess it's something kinda stupid to worry about, but when I go to bus off a table (yeah, the damned restaurant I work in is too cheap to hire extra people for that), and there's no money, I start going into this sort of weird self-analysis. Like, did I not get enough soda, or did I absent-mindedly adjust my bra in front of them right before I went to get their food (no joke, that has happened)? I remember this one friend of mine, and the people at his table saw him scratching his nose right before he brought out their appetizers. They were grossed out and left pretty quick (and yeah, that is kina gross).

Don't get the impression that I stay up at night wondering why people didn't tip me (okay well I don't do that much) but it is sort of a bummer when you spend half an hour or more trying to keep people happy and then they just walk out. I only get a fraction of minimum wage because I work for tips, too, so those bad boys are really important (because not only do I serve food, I like to eat it, too).

So what's the story? When don't you tip? And did you ever know that there are weirdo servers out there like me who obsess about it? Obsessive minds WANT TO KNOW!

Comments

Texas Wahine

on Oct 08, 2005

"tips" is an acronym -- "to insure prompt service"

I never knew that, haha.

or did I absent-mindedly adjust my bra in front of them right before I went to get their food (no joke, that has happened)?

Perky breasts always get a tip from me! Hehe.

So what's the story? When don't you tip?

To be honest, I think beyond providing good service, it depends a lot on your personal interaction with the customer. I'm more likely to tip well with a server who flirts with me...male or female...I know that seems silly, but a level of attentiveness does so much for the dining out experiences.

Welcome to JU and best wishes.

ParaTed2k

on Oct 08, 2005

Having been on both sides of the proverbial table, I tend to tip well. Joke with us, and keep my Mt. Dew flowing and you can expect 25% easy... In my younger, more disposable income days, I was known to tip 50% and in one case even a truck stop waitress (who put up with our harrassment like a pro) who we all left in excess of 100%!

On the other hand, I don't believe in leaving nothing. Nothing leaves too many questions in your mind... as your article points out so well. For rude, especially inattentive, or "gross me out the door" service, I am as expressive as I am with the great tips. I leave a nickel or a dime.

There is no ambiguity about that now is there. ;~D

borgia

on Oct 08, 2005

Yay! My first two comments!

I never knew that, haha.

I saw that in one of those cheesey training videos that they show people. "The Ideal Server" or something -- I've always thought that in 1000 years maybe some archaelogist is going to come on training videos and have a heck of a time wondering what they are.

Welcome to JU and best wishes.

Thanks!

Having been on both sides of the proverbial table, I tend to tip well.

I do that too! I think it's the whole "walk a mile in their shoes" idea. I've also got this weird tendency to wipe off my table when I go out to eat after I'm done. It gets me weird looks from friends.

I leave a nickel or a dime.

That's never happened to me, so maybe I'm doing an OK job. I think the tip is a really good way for the customer to comment on the service, a lot of people think it's just a mandatory thing. Dunno, i take my work seriously so if I got a nickel or soemthing, i'd be more embarrassed than mad.

dharmagrl

on Oct 08, 2005

So what's the story? When don't you tip?

I DON'T tip if: I have to wait half an hour for the server to come over, introduce themselves and take my drink order after I've been seated, if the wait for my food is so long that it's cold once it gets to my table (If it was the kitchen's fault then it would usually be hot - cold food means it's been sitting a while), if what I got is drastically different than what I ordered, if I have to wait ages to get my drink refilled, my empty plates cleared or the check delivered.

I DO tip when: The server is pleasant and knoweldgeable about what's on the menu, is prompt about getting both drinks, food and check, is clean and tidy in their personal appearance, and is friendly - not over friendly (see next paragraph for further explanation).

I ask for the manager if: the server openly flirts with me or my husband in front of our kids. Yes, it's happened. Some guy made a comment about what I was wearing and asked what I was doing after he got off that evening. I thought my husband was going to punch him in the face....instead he asked for the manager and told him that we wanted a different server. We got our appetizers comp'd....AND a different table and server.

Dr Guy

on Oct 08, 2005

Did you check the CC receipt?

I almost always pay with a CC. Sometimes, I leave money on the table (and then feel bad that I did not put it on the CC bill) and then other times I leave it on the CC bill (and wonder if the waiter/waitress thinks as you did).

If the service is adequate (i.e, we are not waiting and they are attentive), I tip 20%. Poor, 10%. Piss poor, 5%. I always leave a tip to indicate that I know, and then let them figure out their problems (BTW: I refuse to see the Movie Waiting).

If the service is outstanding, I tip higher. As high as 50% (never got to 100% Ted). Our (my Wife and I's) favorite restaurant, we are known so well, that if we dont like something, they know it before we say a word! Almost always they get 25% or higher. I do remember one day that this kid (probably about 18 or so) was trying very hard to be a good waiter. But the garlic knots sucked! He told us the chef was trying a new recipe. His mother (also a waitress) told us they had forgotten the baking powder!

His tip (for being diplomatic and a good waiter)? 30%! Got to love those who try to cover up for others mistakes! Not their own!

Oh, and we also told his mother he did an excellant job!

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