I disagree that waiters should get "at least 10%" for poor service. If the service is bad, I'd make a statement about it by leaving a very small tip (not nothing -- that might be misinterpreted ignorance about having to leave a tip -- but a pointedly small one and maybe a norte on the receipt). Otherwise we are saying that you get extra money for abominable service and a waiter can expect at least a 10% tip even if you go out of your way to make your customers miserable.
It is, however, important to realize that waiters get paid well below minimum wage, often as low as $2/hr. That's why you ought to tip 10% for poor service, because you ought to be tipping much more for good service, and by eating out you are agreeing to pay part of the servers check. So many people leave really lousy tips that leaving a low tip isn't going to do anything but make the bad waiter even worse. The best way to improve service is to speak to the manager. -Emi
Having waitressed... I have two issues here. 1. Doing the math on what exactly they tipped you is TOO difficult on a busy shift... the difference between 10 and 15% is nowhere near big enough to know I did a bad job.
2. Being a waitress comes with the knowledge that if you do badly, you won't get paid. Having been a waitress I have no problem with giving someone a 5% tip for horrible service... talking to managers gets people fired... tipping badly (and maybe leaving a note) helps them fix it.
Now, I was pretty sure that standard was 15%... but I generally round up to the next multiple of five... I figure... why be anal? Plus, most people tip closer to 20% these days. If I tip a little under 20%... I have no problem... and if I tip a little over... what's the big deal? It means next time I get that server I'll get good service.
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branchandroot
tipping website
Date: 2004-03-24 07:28 am (UTC)- Anna
Re: tipping website
Date: 2004-03-24 11:12 am (UTC)-Emi
Re: tipping website
Date: 2004-03-26 07:59 pm (UTC)1. Doing the math on what exactly they tipped you is TOO difficult on a busy shift... the difference between 10 and 15% is nowhere near big enough to know I did a bad job.
2. Being a waitress comes with the knowledge that if you do badly, you won't get paid. Having been a waitress I have no problem with giving someone a 5% tip for horrible service... talking to managers gets people fired... tipping badly (and maybe leaving a note) helps them fix it.
Now, I was pretty sure that standard was 15%... but I generally round up to the next multiple of five... I figure... why be anal? Plus, most people tip closer to 20% these days. If I tip a little under 20%... I have no problem... and if I tip a little over... what's the big deal? It means next time I get that server I'll get good service.