15% Tips for great service are no longer acceptable. (Lisbon: home, taxi driver)

[WhipperSnapper 88]

Originally Posted by solgal

I am compelled to write this post. I know this is subject which can bring alot of negative comments about "bad servers who need to do a better job" or "don't like it, get a real job" etc. Simply trying to get the word out, if you go to a nice place for dinner and get great service (a smiling, helpful person who keeps your water glass full 90% of the time and brings your drinks and food in a timely manner), please tip more than 15% of your bill. That tip was good 20+ years ago, the minimum tip these days is 18%. If you have a great time and want to show it leave 20%. I am truly shocked at the volume of 15% tippers in the area who will say to their server "you were great, thank you so much" then leave 15%. Please spread the word.

You would hate me then. When I go out to eat, I lay five bucks on the table regardless of what the meal costs and your actions from that point on determine how much of that five bucks you get.

[Tampa Homes]

Originally Posted by solgal

I am simply comparing tips from this area to the rest of America and trust me, it's lacking.

I completely disagree with you. Again, if you're consistently getting 15% and also think that there is no room for improvement on your end, then the problem may be you and not your guests. Even after 20 years of doing a particular job, there is always room for improvement.

[Tampa Homes]

Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper 88

You would hate me then. When I go out to eat, I lay five bucks on the table regardless of what the meal costs and your actions from that point on determine how much of that five bucks you get.

I guess that would work, assuming all your meals were under 30 bucks.

Are you saying that you lay the money on the table first? While you eat?

[WhipperSnapper 88]

Originally Posted by solgal

Check on what? Please do tell.. It's called inflation... Are you a shut in?

Yeah well as your tip inflates so to does the cost of the meal, so it is as good a tip now as it was twenty years ago. { for those who choose to leave a 15 percent tip that is }

[Mike1306]

Originally Posted by solgal

Thanks, but I'm not in the burbs. I have been in the restaurant biz for over 20 years in many cities in the USA, I do not need to ask my manager for service tips, but thanks for the advice...I am simply comparing tips from this area to the rest of America and trust me, it's lacking.

The difference here, which should have been up to you to check before looking for work here, is that there are many European vacationers or part timers. Being many European restaurants pay a regular wage to the wait staff and the extra service charge is in the bill, many do not tip because it is not customary where they come from.
I really don't think that Florida is lacking as you claim though since the median wage for wait staff in Florida is around $11.42 an hour. With the states with the highest median for waitstaff being $12.34 to $13.74 but with much higher COL, I fail to see how Florida is lacking.

[algia]

OP....r u comparing FL with California by any chance? (judging by ur user name) because if u are, I can tell u ppl in Florida also don't consider the Bugaboo the "IT" stroller, and also don't live in someone else's fantasy land! ( even though we have the cooler Disney World here with 4 parks)!

[Mike1306]

Originally Posted by solgal

Check on what? Please do tell.. It's called inflation... Are you a shut in?

Inflation will raise the price on menu items and thus raise your tip.

I will add, if you are going to reply to a post it would be best to quote it so we know what you are talking about.

[stan4]

The op's description of 'great service' is my definition of doing your damn job.

[WhipperSnapper 88]

Originally Posted by Mike1306

Inflation will raise the price on menu items and thus raise your tip.

I will add, if you are going to reply to a post it would be best to quote it so we know what you are talking about.

Exactly! Thats what I told her in #36

[Tampa Homes]

Originally Posted by Mike1306

Inflation will raise the price on menu items and thus raise your tip.

I will add, if you are going to reply to a post it would be best to quote it so we know what you are talking about.

This is correct. In this sense the server actually benefits (unlike many hourly paid employees) because their pay matches inflation for the most part.