Gratuity or Tipping at a Restaurant? (Cleveland: high school, salaries, pricing)

[gkleoni1]

Originally Posted by Wiggin

I always tip on the entire ticket, including the original amount if a coupon was used. [SIZE=3] [/SIZE]

Very good point! Not everyone knows you are suppose to tip on the original amount when using a coupon. My favorite was people who came in with Gift Certificate and would only tip on the amount they went over the Gift Certificate. Like spend $35 pay $10 in cash and $25 GC then tip you a whooping $2!!! These were great customers! Another thing are people with toddlers. I am now a parent and I always tip extra when my daughter makes a mess. I do try to control the situation but Gold Fish can spill. I don't really want to sweep up messes with my hand or craawl around under a booth so I recognize the extra work we created and tip more.

[cfr]

Just read all 16 pages of this thread. WOW. Young woman comes in to apply for a servers position.
While getting the application, the manager asked, do you have restaurant experience? No, how hard could it be?, they tell you want they want, you bring them their food and they tip you lotsa money.
Needless to say, with that answer, her application was filed. Customer complains to the manager of poor service. In turn, relays it to the server, it musta not been too bad, he left me $ 2 tip, bill was
around $8. Why should she care, if her money is still there. Lesson: no consequences reflected by tip received.
Penny-heads up w/tip= excellent service Penny-tails w/tip =terrible service
Quietly stating ,No I'm not a lousy tipper,I know what I left.

[ClevelandMike]

That happens all the time in the real world. Serving tables is a rough job, getting "stiffed" is evil behavior by customers. I would have spit on and thrown the 93 cent tip at the customers backs while walking out the door.

[cfr]

One time, a server was so bold as to confront the the customer about the lousy tip. The embarassed customer found out that his wife had been leaving the dollar and taking the five.
He mentioned that he couldn't understand why the servers were always unhappy to see them.
He found out and his wife was not happy that she got caught.

[baybook]

Originally Posted by ClevelandMike

That happens all the time in the real world. Serving tables is a rough job, getting "stiffed" is evil behavior by customers. I would have spit on and thrown the 93 cent tip at the customers backs while walking out the door.

See, that's the kind of attitude I like when I eat out!

[SunnyKayak]

do you guys tip at the register or do you tip at the table?
I like to tip at the register for the convience and might not have cash on me,
but server will not know it was me until end of the shift.
Since it is recorded income it now has to be reported income tax
So I like to tip at the table so the server has the option to report it but it runs a risk being picked up by a bus person,

[saralee]

Tipping is never optional for me, and 20% is standard - even when service is poor/sketchy. That's simply what I was taught. I never underestimate the service being rendered nor do I want to be remembered as "that woman" on a repeat visit.

I've run into complications here though, when dining with others. I've had people insist that tipping is unnecessary, only required with excellent service, or that $2 across the board is sufficient.

Clearly, I need to keep better company.

[himain]

I have no idea of why this thread was revived but I'll put my two cents in here...

Im a waitress and a dam good one at that. I make sure all my customers have drinks, food correct, need anything else, etc. I can honestly say that in the 10 months of serving, I've never had a bad customer complaint (that I know of) and if I thought I was going to have a problem with a table, I alerted the manager first and let them know whats going on. I can be honest and tell you that I have been rude back to a couple of people when it was needed. Yes, I'm working and your waitress but I'm not your personal slave and you cannot speak to me anyway you choose. I am still another human being. I expect respect and when you do not give it to me, then you do not get it back. (FWIW, Not just in my job but in my everyday actions as well)

When it comes to tipping, thats a whole another game. People either can't do the math or are just stupid. $5 tip on a $100 tab?? Wow thanks! A 26 person party with 4 of us on it and we got $6 each?? Wow thanks!! Party of 8 for 1 server-$4 tip??? Wow thanks!! I mean COME ON!!!!! Trust me, we DO remember who you are!! And don't get me started on the people with the kids that completely destroy the table and floor or just messy people in general. Who do you think cleans that crap up?? ME!! I can't imagine what some of these peoples houses look like! It downright scares me.

Other than that, I really don't have any problems. My customers like me, I make money and we're all happy...

[ClevelandMike]

You sound like a great server and thanks for your input. Since we are on this topic, can you share some more thoughts and experience perhaps on maybe certain types of individuals or groups that just don't tip even if you made a hint of it?

[sophialee]

Originally Posted by ClevelandMike

You sound like a great server and thanks for your input. Since we are on this topic, can you share some more thoughts and experience perhaps on maybe certain types of individuals or groups that just don't tip even if you made a hint of it?

When I used to serve we would always groan if a group of middle aged ladies came in. LOL. And if they ordered White Zinfandel...omg it was all over. Separate checks and a handful of change from each for a tip . Lol.

Not always of course, and this tended to be at lunch, not dinner.