exhibit a) submitted by an anonymous bystander at a lunch counter in oregon caves national park:
exhibit b) submitted by patrick in kansas city, mo, who explains: “my friends chris and katie had a rude waitress a few weeks ago. in order to tell the waitress that there was indeed a reason she wasn’t getting a tip, chris left this little note where the tip would ordinarily go.”
though i can certainly empathize, as a former food service industry worker i just can’t condone not leaving a tip. (i’m guessing there are a lot of you, however, who’d disagree.)
related: passive-aggressive linkage








732 responses so far ↓
#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: +36 
#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: +64 
#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: +5 
#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: +12 
#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: +7 
#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: +2 
#7
Ary H.
Not leaving a tip: textbook passive aggression.
Jul 29, 2007 at 12:57 pm rating: +5 
#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: +14 
#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: +6 
#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: +7 
#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: +22 
#12
MB
shame you can’t see chris’ visa number on that bill.
Jul 29, 2007 at 1:34 pm rating: +1 
#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: +5 
#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: +22 
#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: +3 
#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: +2 
#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: +23 
#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 
#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: +2 
#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: +2 
#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: +29 
#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: +7 
#23
Andy
Yeah, I must say, if you are not leaving a tip, you need to talk with a manager about WHY you are pissed.
I’ve never stiffed on a tip. The amount that is claimed on taxes is 8% of sales, so at least I tip that.
Taking crappy service and not saying anything except with how much tip you leave/don’t leave smacks of douchebaggery (whomever came up with that term here, bless you) or just plain stupidity.
Though, I must admit that the ketchup/mustard message WAS well written, with the mustard doing the underlining and all. Douchebag move, but hey.
Jul 29, 2007 at 4:14 pm rating: +1 
#24
aliastaken
I want to add that there’s almost nothing worse than a man out on a date who thinks he looks like a big-shot when he’s snotty to the waitress. If my date ever treated ‘the help’ poorly or had the nerve to stiff a server, it would certainly be our last date!
Jul 29, 2007 at 4:47 pm rating: +16 
#25
server
Where I worked (up until I walked out yesterday), I was the only server for up to 500 customers at a time. I was constantly berated, people left nasty notes on their receipts regularly, AND my boss didn’t even pay me minimum wage. I can understand if the restaurant is dead and the service is shitty to not tip, but I was trying to do the job of 25 people and no one would have put up with what I had to unless they were desperate for money. Not tipping is totally uncalled for.
Jul 29, 2007 at 5:13 pm rating: +2 
#26
eat me
you must have gotten something to have to pay a bill…was the waitress rude or inattentive cause it was busy? wtf?
Jul 29, 2007 at 5:29 pm rating: +1 
#27
Marissa
I have never been a waitress myself, but I always tip well. I only refuse to tip when the waiter/waitress was deliberately rude and the service was nothing short of appalling. Even in those instances I usually leave a dollar.
I loathe people who don’t tip for perfectly satisfactory service, but if you’re an asshole to me don’t expect me to cough up cash for your substandard service and crappy attitude. It’s not my fault you’re having a shitty day.
Jul 29, 2007 at 5:43 pm rating: +4 
#28
ginger
in the uk tips are a bonus. if i get bad service i have no problem with not tipping. to my mind if i tip someone who is rude or imcompetent i am rewarding them for being shit at their job.
it seems to me that if the folks in the u.s ought to worry about the fact that ppl are not paid a fair wage, rather than going along with the notion that tips are compulsary.
Jul 29, 2007 at 5:59 pm rating: +14 
#29
M@
I’m not loving this increasingly common phenomenon of people submitting their own notes to this site. Nowhere near as funny and makes me wonder whether the passive aggression is genuine or just contrived for the site.
Jul 29, 2007 at 7:05 pm rating: +1 
#30
M@
Prime example – how much funnier would that first note have been if it was posted by a waiter at the restaurant, who said ‘that note was fucking delicious’?
Jul 29, 2007 at 7:06 pm rating: 0 
#31
Writer, Rejected
Catsup with a mustard underline? Now that is one delicious passive aggressive note!
Jul 29, 2007 at 7:19 pm rating: +2 
#32
Mr. Pink
I don’t believe in tipping.
(Had to be done)
Jul 29, 2007 at 7:31 pm rating: +5 
#33
S.S.
I agree with the person who said that waiters should be paid a living wage, instead of expecting the customers to feel obligated to tip because their waiter is probably earning $2-3/hr.
That way, tipping would be given as an *extra* for a great service, a reward for being a great waiter/waitress.
Jul 29, 2007 at 7:40 pm rating: +6 
#34
Waiter
Man, the “5″ on the check total looks like a 9 to me.
$4 on $15.34. I’d take it.
“Boo you fail?” That’s probably what all Chris and Katie’s lovers say.
Bitches
Jul 29, 2007 at 7:47 pm rating: +1 
#35
Melissa
The definiton of tip, or tips is ” To Insure Prompt Service.”
Jul 29, 2007 at 7:53 pm rating: --1 
#36
katie
Whoever posted these pictures should probably blur out the account number on the credit card slip. Just a thought. Unless they are leaving it on in hopes that the waitress comes on here and orders herself some flowers with the number…
Jul 29, 2007 at 7:54 pm rating: +1 
#37
Devil's Advocate
I’m sorry but why should I pay you extra for doing your job? That’s the restaurant owners responsibility-not mine. I don’t tip the girl working the cash at Walmart for ringing through my items and bagging them, nor the one at the grocery store for doing the same, nor the mechanic for fixing my car, the person at McDonald’s or Burger King, nor the bus driver for delivering me to my stop, so why should I pay a server/waiter/waitress/bartender for doing their job? They applied for the job, knew the job description and wage when they applied then accepted the job so why should I be expected to make up the difference?
On the flip side: I had friends who worked serving jobs through university and no matter where they worked, no matter what they made for tips-at the end of the night, no matter if you gave great service and johnny was a complete asshat-the tips went into one big jar and were divided evenly amongst everyone.
Jul 29, 2007 at 7:56 pm rating: +9 
#38
E
I’ve only not tipped ONCE… and it was because the waitress was so damned rude and incompetent. A bunch of us in college went to a Denny’s late at night – a common occurance in that town. While 4 people were ordering a lot of food, my roommate and I wanted to split a milkshake and an appetizer (something we had done before at that restaurant, and did again)… mainly because we couldn’t afford a nice tip if we ordered more. She INSISTED that we had to order more, or one of us would have to leave. She was absolutely rude to the others, rolling her eyes and asking if that was all they were going to order, etc. I even overheard her talking about that “table over there” in some not so nice tones.
Well, my roommate and I figured out how much we had… and ordered enough food to use up that amount. Then, we made a production after we ate that it was all we had – it was clear why she didn’t get a tip (because she made us order more in the first place!!!)
We just smiled and left.
Jul 29, 2007 at 8:05 pm rating: +14 
#39
Anonymous
I’m sorry, but a tip is a reward for good service. It is not mine, nor any other customer’s fault that some employers choose to pay their staff well below the standard minimum wage.
That being said, if a server is incredibly rude or ignores the table other than to drop off your check, then they deserve nothing extra out of your pocket.
I tip on good/standard service, and very well on excellent service, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to add to the already exorbitant price of a meal if the server is unprofessional and rude.
Jul 29, 2007 at 8:14 pm rating: +5 
#40
dirty mary
Please. If you wait 30 minutes and no one even acknowledges your presence you walk out and let them know why. And if you can let them know in condiments…all the better, my pretties.
Jul 29, 2007 at 8:18 pm rating: +7 
#41
agirlie
I’ve only not tipped once. The waitress was rude and not accommodating. I usually tip 20% or more now. If service is really bad and awful, 10%. I don’t want to walk into a place around town and be known as a bad tipper or non-tipper.
Jul 29, 2007 at 8:19 pm rating: +1 
#42
Nick
Tipping is a cost of eating out. If waiters were paid even minimum wage, menu prices would rise. Some restaurants split tips with kitchen and bar staffs, so by stiffing based on one shitty waitron is fucking others.
And if you are the kind of schmuck who doesn’t even tip minimally for questionable service, you shouldn’t eat out.
Jul 29, 2007 at 8:20 pm rating: +2 
#43
Cindy Who
I beg to differ, Nick.
Tipping is a reward for good service, otherwise it would be listed as a service charge.
Bad service gets no tip. End of story.
Jul 29, 2007 at 8:27 pm rating: +6 
#44
dangermandownunder
A tip is not a god given right. It’s to reward good service. It do it like this:
Average adequate service 15%
Barely adequate service 10%
Crap service 0%
Good service 18%
Great service 20% +
Jul 29, 2007 at 8:41 pm rating: +5 
#45
Mike
I tip excessively for good service. For bad service, I tip whatever would bring them to minimum wage for the hour… a forty minute meal, they make 2.15 (in NC that’s what it is for waiters), they get at least a 3.40 tip. Of course, I also think it’s bullshit to tip on percentage of cost… carrying a steak is no more difficult than carrying a salad.
Jul 29, 2007 at 8:45 pm rating: +6 
#46
Sara
Anyone else notice how the receipt has the credit card number on it? Mama needs some new shoes!! Just kidding! But seriously, you should probably blur that out..
Jul 29, 2007 at 8:50 pm rating: +1 
#47
Matthew
Just because I keep seeing the argument pop up.
Everyone gets paid at least the minimum wage.
If someone’s hourly wage and hourly tips do not add up to the minimum wage then the employer MUST make up the difference.
If any server/tipped employee does not get paid at least minimum wage their employer is breaking the law.
For Further Reading: The Tip Wage Credit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tip_wage_credit
Jul 29, 2007 at 8:55 pm rating: +2 
#48
Mela
I waited tables throughout my first attempt at college and for a year after that attempt. I never once got zero-tipped, although once a pro football player left me $1.50 on a $300 bar and food tab after I refused to go back to his hotel room with him after work.
I’ve only ever zero-tipped a server myself, once, and that was when we watched her give the most excellent service in the universe to the table next to us, and left our food under the heatlamps for at least 30 minutes, never once refilled sodas, all the while taking pictures with the table next door, giving them booze on the house, and kissing their rears. I wrote a remarkable note on the credit card receipt, but it was before the days of cameraphones, or I would have submitted it here, by then.
Jul 29, 2007 at 9:00 pm rating: +3 
#49
BoggyWoggy
What about all of the other service workers out there who get no tips??? I don’t believe waitresses are earning $2-3/hour, as stated above, due to minimum wage laws. However, I could be wrong…and I’m sure someone here will blast a response to me, which is good, since that is entertaining.
I sometimes LIKE poor service, since it gives me a story to share, raises my blood pressure, and gives me a chance to “give feedback” verbally (for example: “I’m sorry. Have we done something to offend you?” That statement is SOOOOOO passive-aggressive and gets a mixed response from waiters.)
Jul 29, 2007 at 9:30 pm rating: 0 
#50
mosquito bitten
so the ketchup/mustard one is on a counter at a diner?
there must have been No One around who worked there, cuz that type of work takes a couple mins and it would be obvious to anyone around that he/she/they were maneuvering the bottles around pretty differently than if there were fries there.
i’d be afraid of getting caught.
Jul 29, 2007 at 9:41 pm rating: 0 
#51
Umm, what the hell?
Umm… If you aren’t getting paid at least minimum wage, why work there at all? And where exactly is this happening? In Canada it’s illegal to NOT pay minimum wage. Plus, I’m expected to tip, but I do more work and get paid less than most waiters/waitresses, and I’m in a skill based job instead of a “i’m just doing this til I get something better” job…. Oh well, if you do a shitty job you shouldn’t get a tip. If you don’t like your wage, leave.
Jul 29, 2007 at 10:00 pm rating: +4 
#52
angiedmann
Katie, you are correct it was originally an acronym for To Insure Prompt Service. However, it also came from a time when you tipped BEFORE the meal.
I would just like to say something a coworker from one of the many restaurants I worked in once pointed out. When you’re having a bad day or screw up at the office your boss does not dock your pay. Why should it be considered acceptable to do the same in a restaurant? Granted, if you have a series of bad days you should be fired, but leaving a bad tip doesn’t tell the manager the server is bad and will not get said server fired. Bad service? Tell the manager.
I also think unless you’ve worked in a restaurant you can’t have a full understanding of all the things that can go wrong which are out of the server’s control and can consequently make it look like they’re doing a bad job.
Jul 29, 2007 at 10:03 pm rating: +3 
#53
der
That’s the point–there was No One around!!
Jul 29, 2007 at 10:07 pm rating: +1 
#54
angiedmann
Boggy Woggy, you’re wrong. In most states it is legal for a restaurant to pay their tipped employees half of minimum wage, and Matthew, I have personally worked in a place that did not adhere to that policy. It is also interesting to note that in any restaurant that works with computer generated checks and receipts a server is taxed based on 9% tips REGARDLESS of what the actual tips are.
Jul 29, 2007 at 10:10 pm rating: +1 
#55
restaurantess
I live and work in a restaurant in Canada, where waiters and waitresses are paid MUCH less than minimum wage. Tips are their income! And to all you assholes who stiff your servers: eventually, they’ll just start adding a 15% ’service charge’ directly to your bill.
Jul 29, 2007 at 10:23 pm rating: +2 
#56
Mama C
That’s illegal! I do payroll in Canada. All employees MUST be paid their provincial minimum wage, not including tips.
I used to be a server and I considered tips to be a bonus, not a right.
Jul 29, 2007 at 10:48 pm rating: +1 
#57
cam
In Australia, waiting staff get reasonable pay, so I only ever pay “loose change” tips. If I don’t get tips at work, why should I pay any?
U.S serving staff should strike for minimum working conditions.
Jul 29, 2007 at 11:21 pm rating: +7 
#58
Devil's Advocate
To: restaurantess-there is a 15% service charge already. Its called GST-ever hear of it?
And I would love to know where in Canada people are being paid less than minimum wage for work-its illegal and the employer not only faces massive fines, but also jail time.
Jul 30, 2007 at 12:16 am rating: 0 
#59
Michelle
I honestly do sympathize with servers, the work hard for very little money. However, it is a service industry. I tip, and I tip well…so I expect good, prompt service. And I usually get it.
However, I’ve had experiences at wonderful restaurants, that I’m a regular at, where I’ve given less than 5%…
But that was because they forgot about us for an hour. If the kitchens backed up, okay, but you can bring me my drink and let me know how long it’s gonna be.
Then you get bumped up to my everyday 15%
Jul 30, 2007 at 1:42 am rating: +3 
#60
Melody
I live in Japan and there is no tipping here. The waitstaff or taxi driver is there to meet the customer’s needs and when they are on duty that is their reason for living. Being an American, it was kind of hard to get used to – we couldn’t get over the feeling that we’d stiffed people and were always looking over our shoulders as we left the restaurant wondering if someone was going to approach our table and suddenly look totally dejected and pissed. But, that’s the way it is here and it’s quite nice since the service is always impeccable everywhere. There’s no figuring, no wondering, no discussion about how much to leave. I like it.
Jul 30, 2007 at 1:48 am rating: +5 
#61
Iskander
I’m dutch and I don’t understand…..If there is a minimum wage in the USA, why are there still people being payed LESS than the minimum wage? In my opinion the whole point of having a minimum wage is that that is the least people can get payed.
In Holland waiters get payed far more than minimum wage, and do not have to survive on tips. Tips are only given to people who do excellent jobs, as a bonus.
Jul 30, 2007 at 2:03 am rating: +3 
#62
lindsay
the only time i have ever left a bad tip was this summer. i went to dinner with some of my fellow interns (i’m an engineer, i’m female, the rest of the interns are male). our server at this restaurant was male. when he was seating us, we were the only people in the lobby area since it was a really slow night (4th of july!) and he addressed all of us as gentlemen. please note that i mentioned i’m female. then when he came back to take our drink orders, i had to wave him down because he started to leave after taking everyone else’s drink order but before taking mine. he not once refilled my water glass even though multiple times i was very obviously trying to drink from an empty glass. the only time he ever looked at me or addressed me instead of only the guys i was with was when he took my plate, which was 10 minutes after he took everyone else’s plate even though i’d been done that whole time. everyone else in my group got great service, but the server acted as if i wasn’t even there. i left a 58 cent tip (rounded to the nearest dollar) and a note as to why i gave him such a bad tip
Jul 30, 2007 at 5:08 am rating: 0 
#63
Erin
To all you compassionless non-tippers out there, I hope you are 100 per cent perfect at your job at every moment. What if for every ten minutes you slacked at work, or did your work but didn’t do a good job of pretending to be enjoying yourself, you had money deducted from your paycheck? What if your boss was hovering over you at every task throughout your day, with a mental scorecard, deciding what your salary should be, sometimes arbitrarily, for each task? And your boss changed with every task you performed, so you could never really get to know how they want things done?
Dealing with the public can be degrading and emotionally exhausting, and one of the hardest jobs out there.
Have some sympathy, and give your fellow man the benefit out of the doubt when you don’t get exactly what you want.
Jul 30, 2007 at 6:05 am rating: +7 
#64
Anonymous
Who waits 30min for service and leaves without ever interrupting a nearby server??
Jul 30, 2007 at 6:10 am rating: +1 
#65
Erin
I beg to differ Cindy Who and others. It’s a simple economic fact that you’d be paying more for your food if servers were paid more per hour. They aren’t because the understanding exists that, in this country, you tip for the service of a live human accommodating your every dining whim.
And I hope you don’t ever go back to a place you’ve left no, or a poor, tip. The reality is, servers always remember and retribution happens.
Jul 30, 2007 at 6:23 am rating: 0 
#66
Jenny
Not leaving a tip is COMPLETELY passive aggressive because more than likely – and I know from experience – the people who don’t leave tips and do sh!t like this are also the ones who don’t bother to speak to a manager and actually complain. I had times where I knew things were going rough (and I apologized every time) but people kissed my ass and never complained, never asked to talk to my boss, and then stiffed me.
My advice? If you get bad service, TELL SOMEONE. Tell a manager – they do follow up with that. On the flip side, I also make it a point to always talk to a manager when I have great service, because that deserves recognition as well.
Jul 30, 2007 at 6:30 am rating: +3 
#67
Annoyed
To all of you that keep using the comparison of having your pay docked at a normal job for making a mistake, tips are BONUS not SALARY. You DO get your bonus reduced if you screw up at a regular job.
Besides which, if you’re not the screw up waiter, it’s the kitchen’s fault, you can talk up the table and let them know that and how long the problem is going to be. It’s not the customer’s fault that their food is late and that the waiter is too much of a jerk to tell them why. If there’s a problem, say so, don’t let the poor customer waiting.
Tips aren’t supposed to be salary, and if you’re getting paid as if you are you should just leave instead of bitching here. There are lots of jobs that deserve tips more than just a person who brings food to your table… I have no idea why waiters get tips whereas teachers, doctors, mechanics, etc don’t. It is known that waiters don’t get paid well… If you don’t like the pay don’t be a waiter.
Jul 30, 2007 at 6:54 am rating: +1 
#68
PatHMV
Ditto what anonymous #62 said. If I’ve been sitting in a restaurant more than 5 minutes without any server coming to the table, I go find a host/hostess or a manager, or even just another server, to make sure my server knows I’m there. Most of the time, it turns out that the poor server was working 10 other tables and nobody bothered to tell her she needed to work mine, too; sometimes she was working a section of the restaurant she doesn’t normally work, and so again forgot to check my table. When that happens, I certainly don’t hold it against her when it comes to the tip.
To the waiters and waitresses: Hey, most of us know that you’re human like the rest of us. But if you’re having a bad day, at least be AWARE that you’re giving bad service and apologize for it. Do that, and we may have some sympathy for you and bump up your tip to make your day better. But don’t expect the standard tip if you’ve done a sub-standard job. You don’t ask your boss for a raise right after one of your bad days, do you?
And to the managers: You really should step up to the plate and provide discounts on meals when the kitchen staff screwed up. The other night, my medium stake came out completely rare. I sent it back, politely. It came back perfectly done, and a manager brought it out, but the manager didn’t take even the slightest discount, even though my date had almost finished her meal by the time my steak came back.
And I still gave the waitress my usual 20%, even though I was mildly ticked at her for not stopping by immediately after the meal was served to make sure everything was done properly (I had to flag down a hostess to send it back)…. she was polite and apologetic and clearly overextended in her section.
Jul 30, 2007 at 6:55 am rating: +5 
#69
Andie
Around South Carolina, it’s $2.15 an hour and whatever tips you make. The companies around here don’t make sure you get at least min. wage or anything like that, so there are days where you work 12 hours, with no breaks (you don’t get scheduled breaks like every other industry) and end up with only like $20 plus your $2.15. I’ve worked in the food buisness plenty of times but I do agree that if the service is that shitty, then don’t tip.
Jul 30, 2007 at 7:05 am rating: +1 
#70
m
i am one who disagrees with leaving a tip for crappy service. why should i leave a tip if the waitstaff is going to treat me like an asshole when i come into his establishement over any other establishment to eat?
Jul 30, 2007 at 7:07 am rating: +1 
#71
Max Roswell
If you didn’t like the service, don’t tip. That’s fine.
You leave me a note like that on the check, and I’m following you into the parking lot and smashing your entitled little face into the pavement. What a douche.
Jul 30, 2007 at 7:12 am rating: +4 
#72
stephanie
Unfortunately, tips are not really optional when people make $2.13 an hour. They are factored into the pay in such a way that a person is essentially working for free if they don’t get tipped. It would be nice if they were an extra incentive for good service, but those days are long gone.
If you don’t like the service, leave a small or no-tip and leave quietly or have a reasonble discussion with the server or manager if you must.
This ketchup thing and note on the bill was just unacceptably stupid and mean-spirited.
Jul 30, 2007 at 7:23 am rating: +2 
#73
Hannah
I’ve only not left a tip once (and even then, I just left the .63 in change). This woman was awful. Here are some highlights:
- hitting on my boyfriend
- coming up behind us and coughing “gross” under her breath because he was kissing my cheek
- asking my friend where she got her shirt, and when informed it was from American Eagle, responding with a disappointing, “Oh. Nevermind.”
- instead of bringing eggplant, she brought my vegetarian boyfriend, of all things, veal, and when we sent it back, with smiles, she went on a 5 minute tirade about, “Who eats eggplant anyway? I think my MOM eats eggplant!”
-then she brought the veal back AGAIN because she forgot what we had wanted
-when we told her we didn’t want anything boxed up, she told my boyfriend that his eggplant was free, saying, “Anything for you, babe.”
Yeah. No tip for you, chick.
Jul 30, 2007 at 7:24 am rating: +4 
#74
T-Bone
I agree, Jenny 64. It’s childish to write on the counter with ketchup and mustard or leave a nasty note on the credit card receipt. For heaven’s sake– just ask for the manager and complain to them. No need to be an ill-mannered jerk.
Jul 30, 2007 at 7:45 am rating: +2 
#75
Writer, Rejected
Good point, anonymous. It certainly is worth a screaming tantrum or two to get another waitron’s attention before you resort to the big catsup/mustard guns. Who says that’s childish? Isn’t that just a good old fashion capitalistic the-customer-is-always-right American-obnoxious philosophy? Not that I don’t love it, or anything. I do. But I’ve waited on many-a table in my lifetime, and I have never *not* tipped because I know what a horrible job it truly is. But I do think the condiment message is priceless. If I were the waitron and that happened in my station, I would have a good laugh over it.
Jul 30, 2007 at 8:04 am rating: +1 
#76
aliastaken
To Mike: Carrying a steak could possibly be less work than carrying a salad, since where I worked, we had to make the damn salads in addition to bringing them out to the table.
Jul 30, 2007 at 8:13 am rating: +2 
#77
JoJo Dancer
Those who have pointed out that we are missing the point about the wage issue are correct. It’s ridiculous that servers should be paid less than minimum wage and I think we first need to address this issue in America. Maybe servers would behave better if they weren’t so underpaid.
That said, a tip still shouldn’t be seen as a right because there is not set percentage that everyone tips. So much depends on the diner, the class of restaurant, etc. I’ve been known to tip as much as 40% when I’ve had outstanding service or for some reason our order was particularly difficult. I’ve also “stiffed” bad servers, but only after complaining about the service and getting no result. I agree that if you are receiving poor service you should complain to the management. It doesn’t always make a difference though. Needless to say, those are the places I choose not to return to and I let others know about the bad experience as well.
It’s a competitive economy and if you aren’t going to provide good customer service, you don’t deserve good customers.
Although I am a professional, I also work with the public. I don’t buy the excuse of “having a bad day”. That doesn’t matter to your customers and if you can’t leave it at home, then you should stay home. You’re not entitled to bring your issues to me along with my meal.
Jul 30, 2007 at 8:23 am rating: +3 
#78
vlad
the reciept thing is great
but
if some asshole writes with ketchup on my counter i will use their face for a napkin
Jul 30, 2007 at 9:00 am rating: +1 
#79
the observer
What a lot of comments!
Jul 30, 2007 at 9:02 am rating: 0 
#80
Andy
Acutally, the best thing about these signs is that they don’t make the first thing I see on this site is a rubber floating in a toilet. Whee!
Jul 30, 2007 at 10:14 am rating: 0 
#81
Ace
both of these are classic. It’s always acceptable to not give waiters a tip. A tip is an indication of good service. If the service isn’t good, then they don’t deserve a tip. Honestly, the one with the ketchup container is classic. I have to do that the next time that I go to a place that doesn’t serve me.
Jul 30, 2007 at 10:22 am rating: 0 
#82
Bake Town
If the service is bad I only tip 10% – other wise it’s 20. Servers are taxed on a percentage of their tips, it is inexcusable to not leave at least 8%.
Jul 30, 2007 at 11:09 am rating: +1 
#83
Joey
its called a GRATUITY. I think in this instance it has two meanings – GRATIS – or free, you as the customer give FREE MONEY to a wait staff. As the server it mean GRATEFUL, you provide good service and then you get said FREE MONEY.
I give tips based on service. I don’t think I should ever have to freely part with my HARD EARNED money if the recipient themselves hasn’t worked hard to earn it.
I work on phones, and no matter how shitty MY day is, it is never the fault of the person on the other end of the phone. And I treat people with utmost respect at all times. Its my job to do it, even if I have to do it through gritted teeth.
I often leave without giving a tip – and I never frequent places again that treat me poorly. I also TELL others about poor experiences, in hopes they don’t go there either!
But – when I am happy with services – I’m the type of tipper you DREAM of!!!!
Just two weeks ago, I gave a 150% tip. Yup, more than TWICE the cost of the bill.
She was wonderful, and deserved to be compensated for being polite, courteous, knowledgeable and efficient . . . .
Jul 30, 2007 at 11:11 am rating: +2 
#84