I knew not to take your friend serious after that line right there. He has to get over himself if he thinks restaurant service is the most degrading work a person can do. And yes I've worked in the industry as a bus boy, server, dishwasher, counterperson, cook (in emergencies) and delivery driver at a restaurant.
Seems to me like your friend thinks people deserve a tip simply because of the job, and not because he earned it. Which is all too common in the industry.
See how much money you actually make then. The good servers, even in a small restaurant, can easily clear $15 an hour.
You think you're going to get more than a buck or two over minimum wage for restaurant work?
I go into every sit down restaurant situation the same. By the time my ass hits the seat as far as I'm concerned I'm tipping my server 25%. BUT the amount I tip continually fluctuates throughout the meal as according to the service I receive. How long did it take for them ask what we wanted to drink, how long until they take our actual ordered, how long until we get the order (I give leeway if the restaurant is packed) did they get the order right, how many times did they refill my drink.
I make little mental notes and add and subtract to the tips in increments of 5%. (I'll tip up to 50% with this system then it hits the glass ceiling)
Now I know this method sounds really anal, but it keeps me from feeling guilty if I leave 10% or less because in my mind I can justify it. Trust me being in the Washington DC area where services can be absolutely horrible (any other DC residents want to attest to how bad it can be?) I've found myself leaving no tip at times.
I make little mental notes and add and subtract to the tips in increments of 5%. (I'll tip up to 50% with this system then it hits the glass ceiling)
Now I know this method sounds really anal, but it keeps me from feeling guilty if I leave 10% or less because in my mind I can justify it. Trust me being in the Washington DC area where services can be absolutely horrible (any other DC residents want to attest to how bad it can be?) I've found myself leaving no tip at times.
I tip less, I would typically round up the figure and add a dollar or two, they still had to box it and prepare the food.
Look, I'm not going to bash you for being in the industry because thankfully someone has the nerve to put up with it. I worked foodservice long enough to see the nasty side of people... oftentimes they themselves don't even see it... ignoring the fact that gratuity-based professions are a total crock in the US (for BOTH sides of the spectrum), I think it's important to understand that people in the restaurant industry get paid "like dick" because the skill level of their work requires basic comprehension skills and some patience with people. As the restaurant quality goes up, so does the caliber of people working there and so do the tips.
I have no qualms with tipping so long as it remains the standard in our country (or tipping extra when it's well deserved) but it's well-known before you go in to the business what you are going to have to do to earn an "above average" wage, and yes, for the work you do and the training required, a waiter or waitress making ~$100 for an 8 hour shift is above average... even $75 in an 8 hour shift is quite good.
Really.. guy acts like nobody else has worked in a restaurant. I enjoy restaurant work, if it paid better I'd pursue it as a career. I found it to be stress-free (even at the busy times, I remind myself it's just food) and the camaraderie was nice and after work you leave work behind completely. Plus you get to work with food, food is what we live for.
Now I work at a cheese factory making minimum wage. The work is backbreaking at times and I get no tips. So spare me the sob story.
Totally... if there wasn't some portion of him that loved it then maybe a good hint would be to seek a new profession.
I worked foodservice for a while... I loved it because it's nearly zero responsibility work with a schedule that doesn't require "vacation time" and can usually get you some overtime on a whim when you want/need it.
Hell no, for the same reason I don't tip at McDonald's. You ain't getting tipped for the 30 seconds it took to ring me up.
I agree with you. Price of the meal shouldn't mean I have to tip more, though it is generally accepted or expected. If I go to a restaurant with a friend for an inexpensive meal and then to the same place again with another friend for an more expensive meal, why should I tip more for the expensive meal? Assume same number of items and not intensive work for cook.
Perhaps if you ate at a up scale place, you could tip more since the staff should be better trained and presented. However, the price of the items are already increased at a fancier place, so shouldn't their staff always be paid more?
A bit off topic, my big peeve on tipping is when the receipt has a tipping guide. I shouldn't be reminded of something that is my choice. AND the tipping guide starts at 18% or higher.
I kinda have to agree, on everything but the stress. Being a manager of a resturant is extremely stressful and can be completely degrading based on how big of douches the owners are.
<----- Managed two fastfood resturants. 55hrs week, 13hr shifts, managing 16 16-22 year olds at a time = stressful. Both locations made profit, one much more than the other.
^ What he said. A tip is supposed to be a gratuity based on level of service provided. No one provided a service here, unless you consider ringing you up a service.
If I eat in or have delivered, tip. If I do all the footwork, no tip.
As for the rant earlier about restaurant work sucking and thus we should tip takeout, what the hell? Why should I lose money because you took a job you hate? Fuck that. YOU switch jobs. I can't stand it when people use that "It sucks, give me money" argument. Suffering does not entitle you to my earnings. If you don't like the work, don't do it - get another job.
I do sometimes, especially if I'm picking up a pizza, and it's ready early (as in, 10 minutes after I order). Or, I'll tip if the girl ringing me up is cute. Thanks for the scenery! 
meltdown75
Lifer
- Nov 17, 2004
- 37,548
- 7
- 81
TRENDING THREADS
-
Discussion Zen 5 Speculation (EPYC Turin and Strix Point/Granite Ridge - Ryzen 9000)- Started by DisEnchantment
- Replies: 25K
-
Discussion Intel Meteor, Arrow, Lunar & Panther Lakes + WCL Discussion Threads
- Started by Tigerick
- Replies: 23K
-
Discussion Intel current and future Lakes & Rapids thread- Started by TheF34RChannel
- Replies: 23K
-
-
Facebook
Twitter