Re: Tipping

Isobel Archer · ‎04-04-2015

@SahmIam wrote:
When did we decide that only servers in restaurants deserve to be tipped? And why?

But we don't just tip servers. We tip many other people in other occupations: delivery people, hair and nails, dog walkers/groomers,drivers, movers, contractors, installers...the list goes on.

So I would expand that to ask why these group of workers but not all AND why in the US but not other countries? I never questioned it; I just do it because...you do.

That's very true. Years ago, my hairstylist opened her own business. She immediately made it known that despite being the owner, she still expected to be tipped. So I do 20% at least - no less. I like her. She does a great job - but why can't she just set the price where she wants it and let it go?

sunshine45 · ‎03-09-2010

@lmt wrote:
My husband and I have noticed lots of restaurant changes the last few years. These are just MY observations...…..

1. For the most part, portions have gone down while prices have gone up.

2. Remember the days when salads included lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, shredded carrots, radishes and croutons? Now they consist of lettuce and one grape tomato.

3. Remember then you ordered a burger and lettuce, tomato and onion were included? I've seen them charge $1 extra for LTO as they call it. Some places still give lettuce and tomato but onion is 50 cents extra.

4. Burgers always used to come with fries, some places are now charging extra for them.

5. Some restaurants are now charging 2% or 3% surcharge if you use a credit card to charge your meal.

6. Some places that used to include salad and bread with your meal are no longer doing so.

7. Have you seen the suggested tip on the bottom of your bill? The latest suggestions are 18%, 20%, 22% and 25%. And for the record, we always tip 20%, sometimes more if our server goes our of their way or is especially friendly.

A few months ago I read an article that claimed that young adults today (18-25) are not interested in dining in upscale or even casual dining establishments. They mostly want fast food.

I think lots of restaurants are suffering or will suffer if they start to tinker around with wages and tips.

@lmt

i have not experienced ANY of this, except for occasionally your #6. i have also noticed that those places that seemingly stopped serving bread will bring it to your table if asked. we eat out at least twice a week , usually for dinner, sometimes during happy hour.

********************************************
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein

lmt · ‎05-19-2010

@Deanie wrote:
This one takes the cake. We had eaten at a very nice restaurant with another couple and the bill was what I call substantial. They up charged us for a change in potatoes then when I requested ice for my doggie bag, charged us .75 for each small container of ice so as the food would not spoil on the way home.

@Deanie I've been in a few restaurants (casual, not fine dining) where it stated on the menu that if you request a 'take out' container, you'll be charged 50 cents. Not for ice, just for the container.

Anymore it seems that restaurants are passing more of their costs on to their customers. It costs them to buy those containers, so in the end we'll be paying for it.

lmt · ‎05-19-2010

@Isobel Archer wrote:
And there is also the practice by servers - which I have seen several times on FB where they have a meltdown if someone either doesn't leave a tip - or not one sufficient to their expectation. They then "out" the person by name to embarrass them.

True story.

A few years ago I was vacationing at the Jersey shore. I was sitting across the street from a small mom and pop restaurant. An older gentleman left the restaurant and was walking towards his car. Suddenly the waiter comes out of the restaurant, a young man in his early 20's, and actually yelled to the man that he forgot to leave him a tip. This area was very crowded with people and everyone could hear the waiter as he yelled. He didn't quietly approach the man, which would've been bad enough, no, he had to yell and embarrass the poor guy.

The man was really startled and apologized to the waiter. He pulled out some money and handed it to him. Maybe he honestly forgot about the tip, maybe the service was bad, maybe he was a cheapskate. Regardless no one should be treated that way. If I were that man, I would've walked right back in to the restaurant and asked to speak to the manager about the embarrassing way that I was treated. To actually chase after someone for not leaving a tip? You should be FIRED on the spot!!

Several times I've overheard waitresses complain because they only received a 15% tip.

lmt · ‎05-19-2010

@sunshine45 wrote:
@lmt wrote:
My husband and I have noticed lots of restaurant changes the last few years. These are just MY observations...…..

1. For the most part, portions have gone down while prices have gone up.

2. Remember the days when salads included lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, shredded carrots, radishes and croutons? Now they consist of lettuce and one grape tomato.

3. Remember then you ordered a burger and lettuce, tomato and onion were included? I've seen them charge $1 extra for LTO as they call it. Some places still give lettuce and tomato but onion is 50 cents extra.

4. Burgers always used to come with fries, some places are now charging extra for them.

5. Some restaurants are now charging 2% or 3% surcharge if you use a credit card to charge your meal.

6. Some places that used to include salad and bread with your meal are no longer doing so.

7. Have you seen the suggested tip on the bottom of your bill? The latest suggestions are 18%, 20%, 22% and 25%. And for the record, we always tip 20%, sometimes more if our server goes our of their way or is especially friendly.

A few months ago I read an article that claimed that young adults today (18-25) are not interested in dining in upscale or even casual dining establishments. They mostly want fast food.

I think lots of restaurants are suffering or will suffer if they start to tinker around with wages and tips.

@lmt

i have not experienced ANY of this, except for occasionally your #6. i have also noticed that those places that seemingly stopped serving bread will bring it to your table if asked. we eat out at least twice a week , usually for dinner, sometimes during happy hour.

@sunshine45 Whenever we dine out it seems that we always see people not eating a portion of their meal and instead of taking it home, it gets thrown out.

A good example is at Texas Roadhouse. Before they show you to your table, they grab a basket of (4) buns and place it on your table as they seat you. More than once I've seen the entire basket being thrown away because people didn't touch them. I don't know why they can't tell the hostess that they don't want the buns. Or maybe the hostess should ask if they would actually want the buns before automatically giving them.

When management sees lots of food being thrown away (like bread, buns or salads that usually accompany a meal), I imagine they start to think about no longer offering it.

Deanie · ‎03-09-2010

@lmt yes, I believe you are correct. And, I would agree.

Perhaps, if this were a mundane, just OK, place with razor thin margins I may have been more understanding. This, however, was a "pompous establishment" That was "all that" or at least the management thought it so. Therefore, I guess I will not be frequenting that restaurant. IMHO, I felt they squeezed me in charging for ice considering the bill. I can go anywhere and be treated such as that. And, so I will.