Quote:
Originally posted by RG5384
I just started a waiting job this past summer, and the way people tip is so frusterating to me. I consider myself a fairly decent/compitent waiter, and have people compliment me on many occasions about my service, and yet many times those very people complimenting me don't leave near what i consider a "good" tip. So before i disclose my thoughts on "tipping" after working in a restaraunt, i'd like to hear some of yours. (p.s., if you say 7 dollars on a 65 dollar check is good don't even bother posting.....lol)
Ryan
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I have waited tables since the beginning of time, (although I no longer do now). I have seen it all. I have so many great stories I am considering writing a book with my wife. She has some great ones too.
When I first started back I worked at dumpy places the first two years. The work was hard, tip percentage was lower. As I got older, I worked in nicer places, finally working in some of the finest restaurants in town. Tips are much different then, and people are usually nicer. Contrary to how nice places are perceived, i.e. stuffy guests that are tight with the money.
I do not know where you work now, but I made much more money reading and learning about wine (big money there) and knowing every single detail about anything in the place when I came to work. That is what makes money. If you are working in a place that has a 75-100 per person check average, you could be hitting sales of 2000 and up a night easy. Do the math, it adds up. The only way to do that is know wine and really give good (unobtrusive) service.
I constantly see waiters complain about poor tips that are sucky waiters. LOL. I am certainly not saying that you are, but many servers don't look at their own habits. Some waiters expect everything to be 20% and they are never even on the floor. The think just showing up and taking the order entitles them a good tip. Wrong. Again also , the lower the restaurant, the more abuse you endure and less money too.
As for me, I used to tip crazy no matter what because I thought it was a 'union due'. LOL. Now I am not so forgiving of lousy or rude service. I'm easy though. When I go out to eat, I am never in a hurry. I do not care how long the food takes. In fact, I'd prefer it to come out slow. However, keep my drink full, don't leave dirty dishes all over my table, and don't rush me. It's not rocket science. If I get that, I give at least 20%. I like giving great tips sometimes too especially if the waiter/waitress has a special quality about them. I know what it's like to get an awesome tip. I have gotten some zingers that blew my mind and made my week! Haha My wife has me beat in the best tip department though. She works at an upscale steakhouse and on a bill of 3k, she got a 1k tip. Not too shabby.
Some people hated waiting tables through college. Others I know have masters and still work 30 hrs a week in nice places because they simply make more money. If bad tips drive you crazy try to look at the money on a monthly or weekly basis instead, look at where you are working, or honestly look at the service you are giving.