Customer service, or not...happens everywhere...

[adorshki]

But being subtle doesn't always work around here.

Doesn't seem to work for Hooters, either.
Just sayin'.

 

[Scratch]

Coulda/shoulda jumped in around page two, Frono. Surprised it took you so long...

 

[davismanLV]

Hi Tom,

Well all in all it sounds like a completely vile and immoral system. How do we as customers help to disestablish the system ? Only eat in Union restaurants that pay their staff a decent wage ? (how are these restaurants and estasblishments recognized ?).

Of course I'm thinking now of all my friends and rellies that have visited the states and told me how cheap it is to eat out there ( Well of course it is if you arent paying the staff any wages....)

Cheers, Ian

Yes, fairly vile and unfair. However, it is in place and I am at a loss as to how to change it. Mostly, I guess, just remember to tip well for good or great service. And tell all your countrymen about the custom. If you patronize union restaurants you still have to tip the same.... so boycotting MY restaurant to make a point about something doesn't really work.

Just come and visit and enjoy and eat and drink and have a great time. Just don't forget to tip. 18 to 20% is usual and customary. If you get bad service, less of course, and don't be afraid to tell the management about any issues. That's what they're there for.....

 

[fronobulax]

Coulda/shoulda jumped in around page two, Frono. Surprised it took you so long...

It's just me, but I'd rather clean up after a train wreck than endure countless posts, PMs and snide remarks about censorship. In this particular case it was polite, I was seeing different opinions being presented where both sides were listening and reacting, and tipping is a subject of interest to a working guitarist. Might help understand why the wait staff at the gig is cranky, or why you don't get comped at the bar or why the tip jar at your feet remains empty.

But, for the future, if you or anyone else think moderation (in the green sense) is called for, just use the Report button on the post or PM a mod. I, at least, am much faster to react if I know someone else is questioning things.

 

[adorshki]

If you get bad service, less of course, and don't be afraid to tell the management about any issues. That's what they're there for.....

Yes, I spoke too soon with my earlier snarky comment about glueing fishing line to a nickel. I should have known better since I've had 3 friends including 2 girlfriends in the serving biz.
Even though it doesn't affect me directly, I do think it a form of unjust taxation to arbitrarily add 10% of a server's sales to their income. On the other hand, I also know of situations where an owner has skimmed the tip pool before divvying it up so I'm not satisfied with that as a good solution for accurate reporting either.
I can't remember the last time I actually had a problem with a server big enough to bring to a manager. My bad memories have more to do with preparation problems/delays.

 

[gjmalcyon]

So cash isn't really king, unless you work for one of those restaurants that gjmalcyon mentioned that charge their servers to convert tips (which is a total scam). I have had people actually tell me since they're leaving cash, they can tip me less because it's "untraceable" or some such nonsense. :shock: Seriously?

I'm not making that up: http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/0 ... card-fees/

Philly has become a great restaurant town, and servers and the restaurant industry in general are enough of a political force that you have bills introduced in Philadelphia City Council to deal with restaurant owners taking tip money from their servers.

 

[davismanLV]

Sadly, I had NO DOUBT that you were being honest. Whenever there is a bad system in place for income.... there are shifty employers who are ready and willing to exploit it. Another reason for eliminating tipping, I'd say.

 

[adorshki]

Another reason for eliminating tipping, I'd say.

I think cows everywhere would agree with you.