this is why your server is cranky

#1 Trickster

I’m a Swede, we only tip in this country if the service was phenomenal. On the other hand, we pay our food service workers salaries they can live on. Not tipping in the States? Not ok.

Jul 29, 2007 at 12:42 pm rating: +1

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#1.1 jt

They start getting paid at minimum wage just like everyone else in the United States.

Dec 16, 2007 at 5:46 pm rating: 0
#1.2 jaclyn

no, they don’t.

idk the exact figure but i think here in georgia they make around $3.00/hr plus tip.

Dec 16, 2007 at 6:17 pm rating: 0
#1.3 901redbone

i used to work tables and I’ve learned the average server wage in the southern states (TN, GA, AL, MS, etc) is approximately $2.13/hr + tips. I dont’ know WHAT made you think that servers make minimum wage… Not at a restaurant. I’ve worked as a cocktail waitress before and while workin THERE i was makin 6.00/hr + tips… but that’s about it…

Dec 18, 2007 at 1:10 pm rating: 0
#1.4 schm0

I have a very simple solution:

If you have a problem with your service, politely ask another employee to see the manager. Explain your situation and that your service was unsatisfactory. Not only will you feel better telling someone about it, but the feedback will be made aware to management and get back to the employee. Perhaps your server was skating on thin ice to begin with? Most likely, you’ll walk out happier than you would had you merely stiffed the employee, unless you’re the kind of person who enjoys such things.

Leaving someone no tip it all may seem gratifying (is that ironic?), but all it does is rev up the apparently “rude” waitress for her next unfortunate customer.

And just a friendly rule of thumb for all restaurant-goers:

* Most servers make precisely the average amount it takes for that employee to pay his or her total income taxes. Most do not receive a paycheck and rely on tips alone.
* If you had sub-par service, leave 10%.
* If you had average service, leave 15%.
* If you had excellent service, leave 20% or more.
* Most importantly, if you have a large group, always consider the amount of work it takes to handle such a group when determining your tip.

Dec 20, 2007 at 11:28 am rating: 0
#1.5 no one

How are those wages not illegal? Excuse my foreigner ignorance, but isn’t the point of “minimum wage” that it’s the minimum wage? Why fucking call it the minimum wage if it’s accepted nationwide that you can pay people well below it, that you can pay what amounts to nothing for slogging their guts out. How is that acceptable, or even legal, in any definition?

I’m so fucking glad my fellow Australians kicked that Bush-loving cunt Howard out before he took us even further down the road to becoming a clone of America.

Jan 24, 2008 at 7:46 pm rating: +1
#1.6 ejw

I work in the restuarant business but I am not a server. Our servers are paid $6.50 an hour. They work hard and have to deal with some rude people. They also, on average receive 40% of their tickets back in tips.

I am paid $6.50 an hour. I work hard and deal with rude people. I do not recieve any tips.

If the job is so bad paying - get a different one.

Jan 25, 2008 at 12:35 pm rating: 0
#1.7 ejw

I also must say that the average server in a six hour shift will take home $120 A DAY in tips.

I don’t mind tipping, and I do consider myself a generous tipper. I tip on how attentive the server was, and how above and beyond he/she went.

If you are angry with a server, contact the manager. I manage a restuarant and the fastest way to voice your anger, have your meal comped and PREVENT this action from happening again is to talk to a manager/supervisor.

Leaving a nasty note to the server does nothing but get your name and face circulated among staff as a jerk.

Jan 25, 2008 at 12:46 pm rating: 0
#1.8 rachael

I’d love to work where you work, if you make that kind of money. I make less than fifty a night, and I have been looking for another job for months. It’s just not worth it, but I couldn’t afford to finish school because I’m not lucky enough to have rich parents. Serving is a real job, and if they got paid minimun wage without tips, like some people on here seem to think, there would be no servers.

Feb 1, 2008 at 2:31 pm rating: 0
#1.9 Bad service=0%

Cry me a freaking river already! If you make fifty a night, five nights a week that $13,000 in tips alone, and you claim all of that on taxes right? If you include $2.50 an hour, for lets say 30 hrs a week, thats an additional $3900 a year, that brings your yearly income to $16,900. The poverty threshold for a single person under 65 is $10,488. And BTW, not everyone with a degree has rich parents, it is called student loans you sodding douche!

Apr 24, 2008 at 10:56 am rating: +1

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#2 Pete

I’ve worked my share of table-waiting jobs. If you want a tip, do your job. It’s pretty simple. I was stiffed on the tip very infrequently and occasionally I felt that I didn’t really deserve a tip for the service I provided.

I don’t have a lot of sympathy for bad servers who get bent out of shape because they didn’t get a tip. It’s not something you’re entitled to, it’s something you have to earn.

Jul 29, 2007 at 12:46 pm rating: +1

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#2.1 Michelle

My sentiments exactly, alot of servers I work with believe that it is an obligation for the customer to leave a tip, yet in reality it is up to that server to earn that tip! I have been a server for more than 20 yrs and i can assure you that I have good days and I have bad days but for the most part I make well over min. wage after hourly pay plus tips. It is all in how you serve your customers and never expect more than what you have given. This is one job where you almost can make your own wages. I haven’t made myself rich doing this kind of work but I enjoy it and have done well for myself.

Apr 4, 2008 at 8:48 pm rating: +1
#2.2 blahblah

Exactly! Just doing the basic job of taking my order (correctly) and serving it will get you double taxes (16.50%) from me.

My method for tipping is starting off with 15-20% depending on the type of restaurant it is. If the service is excellent, it stays at 15-20%. If the service is bad, every time the server makes a mistake, I deduct 2%. For every 5-10 mins. I have to wait after I request something (like a straw or to-go boxes), I deduct 2%. Of course, I take into account how busy the restaurant is at the time and the server’s attitude about making me wait.

When the service is bad, I don’t even bother telling the server. I just go talk to the manager. Any decent manager will 1.) apologize, 2.) change servers, 3.) offer something extra like free dessert, or 4.) comp the meal. If the manager doesn’t do something to make up for the bad service, you know not to ever come back.

Bottom line 4 me: servers need to understand that a tip is a GRATUITY, which means it’s gratuitous (unnecessarily extra). It’s an acknowledgment of your level of service. If you want more tips, provide better service…or apply to a higher end restaurant where the patrons generally tip very well.

Apr 24, 2008 at 11:35 am rating: 0

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#3 Dave

If the service is _really_ bad, of course you don’t tip. We all know that many waitresses depend on tips - shouldn’t be that way but it is - but at least a forced half smile and coming when called (and staying in a place where a signal can be seen) is a minimum - perhaps just a rounding up sort of tip. Less than that ……..

Jul 29, 2007 at 12:49 pm rating: 0

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#3.1 Meghann

For future reference, servers usually have about 5 other things to be doing WHILE they are waiting on you, such as rolling silverware, filling up dressings, arguing with cooks to make sure your food comes out the way you ordered it, helping the host seat people, and cleaning tables. So if you don’t see them, it doesn’t mean they’re sitting somewhere being lazy. It’s a hard job. If they stand around where you can see them, none of their tables will have good service because nothing will get done.

Dec 24, 2007 at 12:34 am rating: 0
#3.2 Canthz_B

In my experience, the server who tries to “help the host seat people” is really trying to steer patrons to their own stations. It is the job of the host to seat patrons and try to make sure all servers get an equal chance for tips.
If you weren’t trying to steal patrons from other servers and do the host’s job maybe you would do a better job at your own.

Dec 24, 2007 at 1:03 am rating: 0
#3.3 Meghann

if you weren’t such an idiot maybe you would know what I’m even talking about. I don’t steal customers.
you obviously just like to argue, I’m finished.

Dec 24, 2007 at 7:18 pm rating: 0
#3.4 bizzle

ya canthz! have you ever worked in a restaurant? just because it is the hosts job doesnt mean they do it… besides people call in sick and servers have to help out to pick up the slack…

Feb 1, 2008 at 10:54 am rating: 0
#3.5 Canthz_B

Just so I can get comment #500..bizzle, what part of “In my experience” puzzles you? ♥

Feb 1, 2008 at 11:15 am rating: 0
#3.6 shawn p

where i work we concider our tip is our pay and our pay is our tip….well ive worked at the worst possible resturant since november ‘07 its not that its nasty cuz we strive 2 keep that place clean and i would consider my self a good server i give ok 2 excellent service but i live in a small town and 4 me on average i mite leave with $20 to $30 and yea its a good thing im only 17 but i need money as much as the next guy u kno……….like 2nite sum1 walked out and didnt pay at all and got away with it so i had to pay the ticket out of my pocket and lost $26 (half) out of my money

Feb 23, 2008 at 12:07 am rating: 0
#3.7 Skeltz

what a horrible customer you are, dave. I wonder how much spit you have ingested while dining out? Servers have shit to do, lots of it actually, and–brace yourself–the world does not revolve around you.

Apr 3, 2008 at 12:25 am rating: 0

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#4 Jeff

I tip very well (usually 20% if there are no problems), because I sympathize with people working in food service (being there previously myself), but there definitely are times when no tip is deserved. I have had about three or four times in my life where I was almost completely neglected by the waitstaff and stiffed them the tip; last time this happened they were wandering around in plain sight not doing much of anything, but would not come to the table. Even at the end of my disappointing visit I had to finally go chase them down to get the bill, so I could leave.

Jul 29, 2007 at 12:55 pm rating: +1

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#4.1 blahblah

Just like servers think customers don’t understand all they have to go through for their job, I don’t think servers quite understand some of the horrible experiences some customers have.

I have never worked as a server, but I have been a customer many, many times. The problem is that if you’ve been a customer a lot, then you’ve had a wide range of service. Getting excellent service really does raise a customer’s expectations, like “ahh, THAT’S what it’s like to get good service.” It really makes bad service stand out when we get it. My boyfriend and I disagree on tipping. He will give anyone a good tip, while I don’t believe in tipping bad service.

About a year ago, we went to Chili’s (in CA) on a Saturday. It wasn’t extremely busy. When we first walked in, the hostess was chatting loudly on her cell phone on an obvious personal call. She was looking us dead in the eye the whole time with no welcome or acknowledgment that we were customers. Then she strolled off. After a couple minutes, she came back and pointed to the booth for us to seat ourselves. After sitting for about five minutes, NO ONE came by to greet us or ask us if we wanted anything to drink. We saw several servers walk by but none stopped at our table. One server even stood nearby but still didn’t approach us. After about 10 minutes of this, I went to the hostess and politely asked for the manager. When I told the manager what happened, he called over a server that was hovering nearby eavesdropping and asked her why we hadn’t been greeted, yet. She told him that she hadn’t seen us (which was a lie because I made eye contact with her at least three times). When the manager asked me where we were seated, I pointed to a table close to the one where we were actually seated and the server corrected me by saying “No, you were sitting right THERE”. Of course, I then asked her “If you didn’t see us, how do you know where we were sitting?” (thanks, law school!) After that, the manager offered to personally serve us and comp our meal but by then I was too pissed off. I told him “Thanks, but no thanks. We’re going to try out the restaurant across the street.” Yes, I am Queen of a land called Passive Aggressiva. By the way, the new restaurant we tried was fabulous with great food and service. They got a 25% tip because of our Chili’s bitterness.

I haven’t went back to Chili’s since. Now, we only go to 4-star restaurants or better. Those places know how to provide great service.

Honorable mention for really awful service: Cheesecake Factory in San Francisco (on top of Macy’s).

Apr 24, 2008 at 11:55 am rating: 0
#4.2 Lord!

“I haven’t went back to Chili’s since. Now, we only go to 4-star restaurants or better. Those places know how to provide great service.”

Hmmm…. law school may have helped a smidge with your logic, but it did sod all for your grammar. Schmuck.

You don’t need to go to a 4-star establishment to get good service, nor do 4-star establishments serve as a guarantee against poor service.

May 7, 2008 at 5:22 pm rating: 0

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#5 Ash

I dunno, I was a server and being such, you know you have to kiss ass to get a good tip. If the server sucks that bad, they don’t need a tip because they’re obviously not working for one. I find both of these absolutely hilarious. I especially like the credit card receipt!

Jul 29, 2007 at 12:56 pm rating: --1

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#6 Jeff

Wanted to add - I would never do what is pictured in this post, even in the worst cases. Neither one of those actions is going to result in any future improvements, and if you do something like that you probably don’t want to ever go there again.

Jul 29, 2007 at 12:56 pm rating: +1

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#7 Ary H.

Not leaving a tip: textbook passive aggression.

Jul 29, 2007 at 12:57 pm rating: 0

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#8 Squeaky Wheel

To Ary - It’s not passive-aggressive - it’s the way the system works. The reason servers here don’t get at least minimum wage is because tips are *expected* to cover the discrepancy, but they’re NOT guaranteed/required to. The understanding is that if you suck, you get paid less, and you learn to not be a shitty server. Frankly, I think it’s brilliant.

I will tip up to 40%, depending on whether the server is friendly, and the price of the meal. I rarely tip less than 10%. But I will not hesitate to forgo leaving a tip if the server is rude and slow. AND I will leave a note letting them know why I didn’t tip them, if it was bad enough.

Obviously there are some who just won’t tip because they’re assholes. But that’s not the case with most people.

So I think these examples are hysterical. I especially love the receipt.

Jul 29, 2007 at 1:07 pm rating: +1

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#9 j

the only time i ever didn’t leave a tip was when i asked for something with chicken (which was more expensive anyway, whatever) and the waiter brought me it without, and when i said (politely) “i ordered this with chicken” he gave me a rude look and said “no you didn’t” when i had like 4 other people who definitely heard me say “with chicken” so i didn’t leave a tip, because the customer is always right. and i did order chicken. and he was a prick. the end!

Jul 29, 2007 at 1:08 pm rating: +1

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#10 BB

I never tip more than the normal “round-up” when I’m introduced to the practice of tipping as a duty, or if I am dissatisfied with the service provided to me or other customers.

I realise that this would be a problem in the U.S., where tipping is mandatory by unwritten social laws, but I live on one of the continents where tipping still is a gesture of appreciation.

Jul 29, 2007 at 1:24 pm rating: 0

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#10.1 Tricia

What you may not realize, since you aren’t from “this continent”, is that our US servers get paid WAY WAY BELOW minimum wage because it is “expected” that they will get tipped by each customer about 15%. These people work very hard for their money - they are underappreciated for running around after dozens of people’s orders and add-ons, making sure food is hot and served correctly and that glasses remain full, but they are only “noticed” when they make a mistake with an order. Please remember that these are people, hard-working people, who do make mistakes, but are trying hard everyday for pay that is miniscule. Because my mother gets health insurance through her boss, she actually OWES HER BOSS money at the end of the week instead of getting a paycheck! 100% of her take home pay is what ever tips she gets from her customers. Remember that the next time you go out to eat here in America, please.

Dec 17, 2007 at 8:19 am rating: +1
#10.2 Cimmy

Whoa, Tricia, that was uncalled for. This Web site is not called “Passive-Aggressive Notes in America” and I do not have to tip anyone. I live in a city where there are tip jars everywhere. I am not fucking tipping the high school kid who scans my library books. And I will not hesitate to refuse a tip to someone who does not deserve one; I will, however, explain to the manager that some actions may need to be taken. Perhaps the server had a bad day. Whatever. But that is not my problem.

Your comment was just plain rude.

Dec 18, 2007 at 5:00 pm rating: 0
#10.3 Kelsey

Her comment wasn’t rude, it was stating the truth. Clearly she feels passionate about the topic, but it’s not like she called the OP names or swore or anything. No need to get defensive - she never said you had to tip librarians.

Dec 19, 2007 at 4:36 pm rating: 0
#10.4 unholyghost2003

kelsey,
you missed the part where tricia slammed the OP for being from a different country/ commenting on this topic while not being an American.

furthermore tricia did all of this while reiterating points made MANY times previously and NEVER offering a sound rebuttle as to why a server that has not done his or her job properly DESERVES or has the right to DEMAND or even (as seen other places on this thread) STEAL my money.

Dec 19, 2007 at 4:50 pm rating: 0
#10.5 Kelsey SUCKS

…which is the point I was trying to make to Sara before Kelsey came riding in on her white horse. There are other continents in the world that deserve equal time to be heard from.

Dec 19, 2007 at 6:23 pm rating: 0
#10.6 long time waiter

I think the main point here is this. Even though in other continents/countries waiters get paid an appropriate amount for their work, here we do not. It is especially frustrating when someone from another country comes here for vacation, work, etc. and either does not know or does not care what we make hourly and does not tip accordingly. I worked in restaurants for over 10 years starting at an average restaurant and making my way into fine dining. For standard, friendly service the customary tip should be 18% and up for better service. Coming from nice restaurants I am probably more nit-picky about my service than someone who has not worked in a restaurant at all, but I still VERY RARELY tip less than 15%.

Feb 27, 2008 at 6:30 pm rating: 0

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#11 Candice

I almost always tip at least 20%, and often more, when we wind up at a diner after the bar, for putting up with our drunk asses. But if the service really is bad, I have absolutely no problem with skipping the tip. Or better, fill in the tip line with “$0.01″.

Jul 29, 2007 at 1:28 pm rating: --1

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#11.1 Skeltz

WOW Candice, you are a rotten bitch. There is no other way to say it.

Apr 3, 2008 at 1:42 am rating: 0
#11.2 Skeltz is low-class

No, Skeltz: YOU are the “rotten bitch” for turning this thread into a name-calling session. You’ve insulted almost every commenter who disagrees with you. Here’s a TIP for you: Learn some manners!

Apr 24, 2008 at 12:14 pm rating: 0

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#12 MB

shame you can’t see chris’ visa number on that bill.

Jul 29, 2007 at 1:34 pm rating: 0

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#13 former waitress

The last time I waitressed was five years ago, but I still remember this couple who were nice and complimented my service, but stiffed me on the tip. They paid with a credit card, but left the tip and “total” lines blank, so I gave them the benefit of the doubt and filled in my own $5 tip. Eh, they never knew the difference!

Jul 29, 2007 at 1:51 pm rating: +1

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#13.1 Just Sayin'

Just a word of advice.. you probably shouldn’t advertise this fact. It doesn’t paint a pretty light on you, you know?

Dec 9, 2007 at 2:15 am rating: 0
#13.2 Also just sayin'

Um, that’s also illegal, it’s called credit card fraud

Dec 19, 2007 at 1:41 pm rating: 0
#13.3 Vanessa

I waited tables for many years getting through school and received many ‘verbal’ tips. “You gave us the best service! Really made our night! Thanks!” Then the big fat gooseegg in the tip line. I don’t know what people think they are giving you when they say how great you were but leave you nothing but a little more in debt to the IRS because they came in and ran up a big check. You still have to tip out the busser, bartender, food expo. Think about it folks, don’t bite the hand that feeds you!

Jan 5, 2008 at 2:43 am rating: 0
#13.4 you suck

Could be they just thought that was such a pathetic move, they figured any loser who had to wait tables for a living AND steal $5 tips wasn’t worth the trouble of dealing with.

I’m not even sure you could be any more lame. Kudos, you are a thorough low-life.

Apr 3, 2008 at 2:16 am rating: 0
#13.5 blahblah

So you stole the “nice” couple’s money? Yes, that makes me feel so much better about servers with bad attitudes.

Thanks for reminding me to cross out the tip/total lines on credit card bills/receipts.

By the way, if that couple “notices the difference”, they can call their credit card company and dispute the entire charge. And they will win.

Apr 24, 2008 at 12:17 pm rating: 0
#13.6 anon

The people who are criticising the poster for giving herself a 5$ tip have obviously never had to subsist on minimum wage in this country during a recession. Think about it before you try to make her feel bad. After all, it was only five dollars.

May 6, 2008 at 5:23 pm rating: 0

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#14 kait

my best friend happens to be a waitress, and i try to keep her in mind when it comes time to tip- and having worked behind a food counter myself, i’m pretty compassionate towards servers. when the service is at all passable i leave at least 20% (and i won’t go out if i’m not able to afford my meal plus the tip.)
however, there are times when the service is so horribly sub-par that i feel it’s necessary to forgo a tip. as stated above, tips are earned, not expected.
being young i’ve gone into resturants and been denied service (as in, no one came to give my date and i waters) because it was the business-lunch rush and two eighteen year olds weren’t of any importance. i’ve been told i was wrong when said “i ordered this without veggies” (i’m allergic to most of them). trust me, i’m pretty good at remembering to leave out ingredients that send me to the hospital.
and as a note to all the female servers out there, flirting with my boyfriend (who you assume is paying) will not earn you anything. trust me on that one. (i’m talking about handing him the bill with a ‘here you go sweetie!’ and circling the amt. in a heart with your name underneath and a ‘come back again soon!!’).
in my honest opinion, if you choose a job where your income directly depends on your performance, expect your tips to reflect a job well (or not so well) done.

Jul 29, 2007 at 2:20 pm rating: 0

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#14.1 blahblah

Wow, the flirting with hearts on the bill is hilarious (and absolutely ridiculous!). I have noticed that women always hand the bill to my bf, but men will hand it to me. What’s with that?? Best thing to do is put the bill in the middle. That way, you don’t risk offending anyone or causing a couple’s fight (angry people do not tip well).

And acting like the customer didn’t order what they claimed to order is a huge serving NO-NO. Some of these servers really have nerve. I went to one Italian restaurant where I ordered a substitution sauce for my pasta dish (pesto with salmon). The server actually turned up his nose and says “You want salmon with PESTO? Are you sure about that?” all disapprovingly. It took over an hour between the time we ordered and when they brought out our main dishes (the place was NOT packed at all). We were actually getting up to leave when the server finally brought out our dinner. I paid for the $15 crab cake appetizer, left no tip, and we left.

Great service tip: If you’re ever in San Francisco, an excellent restaurant for food and service is Palomino’s (on Embarcadero).

Apr 24, 2008 at 12:26 pm rating: 0

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#15 jet

A couple of times now here in Pittsburgh we’ve had awfully slow service — 10 minutes to take our order, 30 minutes before appetizers show up, while the table next to us shows up after us and gets fed before us.

I’ve complained to waiters and managers and the most we ever get is “we’re so sorry”.

When I waited tables in Houston (and lived in restaurants in the Bay Area) it was customary for a manager to comp drinks, desert, or even half the tab if there was a screwup in the kitchen. Not once in Pittsburgh has someone offered us any sort of apology that would have cut into their profit.

Jul 29, 2007 at 2:25 pm rating: 0

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#16 Jamuraa

In my view, whether it’s completely unthinkable to not leave a tip depends on the state’s laws. Some states allow restaurants to pay their waitresses less per hour because they are supposed to make up that amount in tips. I will gladly tip all the time if it is such a state. I live in a state where everyone must make at least minimum wage - regardless of tips or not. So if they do a minimum wage job (not paying attention, bring wrong food, waiting ages to get over to us even though we’re like 1 of the 4 tables in the place) I don’t tip. Acceptable, I try to shoot for 15%.

Jul 29, 2007 at 2:32 pm rating: --1

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#16.1 Len

Where I live, wait staff have a lower minimum wage, on an average day, if even half your customers leave the “standard” 15% tip, you more than make up that hourly difference, think about the cost of a meal, the number of meals served in an hour, and the tip based on that. Chances are a decent server gets much better than “standard” minimum wage if they do their job.
As such you are expected to earn that tip.
Trust me, I’m not stingy, I’ll buy my $1.50 morning coffee and pay $4.00 without a second glance because my server was cordial.
I’ll go out with the gang for a $70 a plate meal, and still we’ll leave a 30%+ tip because the server was excellent.

But if you’re rude, or lax in your duties as a server, you neglect your customers for extended periods of time, and never check up on them. Consider yourself shunned, I would be happy to leave no tip, and a note for future reference, or if I think someone who works with them is clever enough to get the joke. I’ll leave my two cents on the table.

Don’t try to shoot for anything, aim only for what is deserved. Most good servers understand this, and do a good or even great job. Those who don’t deserve to be shunned.

And if you leave a note like this, don’t be afraid to return to that restaurant, perhaps you’ll get a server who cares about what they do. Or maybe, you’ll find your previous server has improved, and you’ll be able to give yourself a pat on the back knowing you contributed to that improvement.

Dec 4, 2007 at 7:11 pm rating: 0

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#17 Jack

I once had a guy college preppy frat type leave me a tip of “Get a Real Job”

Unfortunately for him, my girlfriend happened to be one of his bosses at the law firm he was file clerking at….the rest of his summer sucked

Jul 29, 2007 at 3:19 pm rating: +1

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#18 Patty O. Furniture

My only food service job was a short stint at McDonald’s, but I have many friends who are waitresses. I can’t fathom leaving no tip at all, but if the service is bad I don’t leave a big tip. However that first picture isn’t passive aggressive, it’s just a douche-bag move.

Jul 29, 2007 at 3:31 pm rating: 0

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#19 Jack

btw, the reason (aside from his douchitude) that he left that charming note was that the 6th plate HE stacked on top of the pile while I was clearing slipped and I saved everything but one chicken wing bone which landed on his toe

Jul 29, 2007 at 3:34 pm rating: +1

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#20 Raye

I’ve only skipped tipping a few times in my life and only if the service was ridiculously bad. Half an hour and no service sounds pretty bad. Having said that, I would NEVER write in ketchup on the table. That’s pure assholery.

Jul 29, 2007 at 3:45 pm rating: 0

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#20.1 Len

You’re right, writing on the table in ketchup is a touch strong. You’re not creating more work for the person who is getting no money out of you.

If you have no other writing utensils available, consider using the ketchup to write on a couple of napkins.

Dec 4, 2007 at 7:15 pm rating: 0

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#21 sk

I waited tables forever, and I got stiffed on occasion. Sure, it sucks, but it’s not the end of the world. Your regulars will make up for it, and then some. I thought the ketchup was hilarious, although a total dick move. Some bitches once squirted ketchup under one of my tables (I gave them great service, they were just whores) but one of them left her sweater on accident. Guess what I used to clean up the mess?

Jul 29, 2007 at 3:54 pm rating: +2

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#21.1 noneya

haha, this is awesome! I just had to say it!

Dec 19, 2007 at 3:43 pm rating: 0
#21.2 Vanessa

I call that instant Karma!

Jan 5, 2008 at 2:50 am rating: 0

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#22 aliastaken

I’ve been a waitress. I made 2.13 an hour. People who leave no tip are just assholes. As long as the server is not flat out rude to the customer, he/she deserves a tip. So service was slow… sometimes the kitchen is backed up, the computers aren’t working, or maybe your server is new and just learning the ropes. Waiting tables is hard work. If you go out to eat, don’t be a jerk, leave something for your waitress. Her life is hard enough without the customers taking their night out as a chance to sit in judgement of her.

Jul 29, 2007 at 3:57 pm rating: +1

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#22.1 Len

That’s a rediculously low wage, even for a server. At any rate, I maintain a tip should be earned.
Slow service, and slow food are not necessarily the same thing, and the wait-staff’s tip should have no relation to the kitchen-staff.

This does not stop you as a server however, from being able to offer to get drinks, refills, or apologize for the meal taking some time.

Don’t blame the computers, the world has not always run on computers, yet food services have existed for many a long century.
If you honestly have no back up plan for when the computers fail, or you don’t know how to use a pen and paper to work out the charge, I’m sorry that your school system has failed you.

You should still do YOUR best as a server to earn that tip, despite the fact that hell froze over, the grease traps overflowed, and the new chef used too much cooking Cherri and there’s now a five alarm fire in the kitchen.

As for sitting in judgment, the only thing they will judge you on, is your skills, or lack of skills as a server.

As with any job, your work will be scrutinized, if I fuck up when fixing someone’s computer it’s my time and money that has to make up for it. If a mechanic messes up on a car, same deal. Larger corporations screw up, you end up getting law suits over it.

You are held accountable. Act like it.

Dec 4, 2007 at 7:22 pm rating: 0
#22.2 lynn

Wow. You’re an asshole. Have you ever waited on a person a day in your life? Do you have any knowlegde or experience to be making your claims? Maybe once you have done this, then you can talk about “how smoothly” things should go in the front of house when the back of the house is a disaster.

I make $2.35 an hour.

Why don’t you try it.

Dec 7, 2007 at 1:53 pm rating: 0

painfully polite and hilariously hostile writings from shared spaces the world over

this is why your server is cranky

July 29th, 2007 · 603 comments

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