I obviously can't read. Carry on.

1/27/2010 2:55:46 AM

I just think it's a DECENT thing to do to not whore out a food special at a bar. at least get ONE drink!

1/27/2010 2:56:18 AM

Quote :

"I could argue tipping practice all night long, but I came in here to say this as an absolute: $3 on $20 is not a good tip. thank you, and I respectfully take my leave."

i used to do shit like that. then again, i was also at bada like 3-4 times a week.

1/27/2010 2:56:30 AM

the other night i left $6 on a $35 tab.

i didnt really have any reason to stiff them. i was just thinking it was actually only $31 before tax.

i feel bad about it.

1/27/2010 2:57:58 AM

tipping on pretax is cheap. maybe you should also only tip on the things you REALLY REALLY liked

but you feel bad, so good for you

1/27/2010 2:59:15 AM

IMStoned420, I partially agree, but as I said "to an extent", such as beyond the generally accepted tipping percentage of 15-20%. Judging one's character based solely on their tip beyond the norm without taking in consideration their financial situation is what I was questioning. Does character = financially well off? I don't think so. But I do not denounce the opinion that one should not put oneself in a position to tip if one cannot afford it.

1/27/2010 3:02:35 AM

Here's the thing. The restaurant wouldn't have the promotion unless they profited from the promotion alone. Generally, the promotions happen on Mondays/Tuesdays when it's going to be slow as shit anyway.

The servers benefit because people are drawn in who usually would not be eating out at all. They will benefit just from the fact that there are customers there who would not otherwise be there.

The customers benefit because they're getting to go out to eat at a lower price than normal. Are they being cheap. Yeah, probably but that's the whole purpose of the promotion in the first place.

There's a very good chance that the servers are going to be walking away from a night like this at a lower-end place making less than minimum wage. It's no secret that Mondays-Wednesdays are the most despised in the restaurant business. But it's still money and if it wasn't worth doing it, no one would. When you work for a restaurant you can't take every individual night and say you made a certain amount because it's going to fluctuate a lot. You have to take the total amount earned over a long period of time divided by total number of hours worked to get a good picture of how good that job is. It's very give and take and 25 cent wing night is just part of the business.

1/27/2010 3:03:07 AM

^ I hope that wasn't in response to my post, because it is far from what I was talking about, albeit I'm sure much of it is true.

1/27/2010 3:07:52 AM

There's no way I can type all that out in 35 seconds

1/27/2010 3:09:06 AM

you didn't answer my question

if everyone came in and spent $4 ($1.50 tip) for 2 hours of the server's time, it'd immediately become a huge loss of cost-of-wing-money and server's-cost-of-time. the special would cease.

obviously. this isn't the case, because most people at least buy a drink to level the tab---surely the bar isn't making its money off the wings but the customers who buy the wings and whatever else thus increasing the tab.

therefore, it's cheap for one person to come in, join a party, and take advantage of the party's increased tab and only drop four bucks including tip.

1/27/2010 3:10:11 AM

^^ touche, didn't see the time

1/27/2010 3:11:46 AM

That's why I said it depends on how busy the restaurant is. If there's a wait for a table and someone's chilling there for 2 hours spending $4 then yeah, they're fucking their server. But generally on days when they have these sorts of promotions, it's less busy and that's not the case. If they get stressed out over making only $1.50 in tips off one person who they have to spend minimal time on, they've got bigger problems.

1/27/2010 3:13:26 AM

well, I sure as shit don't see a bunch of poor, unemployed, homeless patrons on wing nights. I also sure as shit don't think the bar wants that. it's not a rational thing to think the bar wants customers who spend $4 for 2 hours entertainment, regardless of the night. their food costs money, and they probably ought to fire whoever the hell thought $4/2hr should be the goal.

but it's not the goal... they know that most people will order a drink or two. due to the off night, they offer an incentive to get those drinks.

my point is, god damnit who goes to a bar and gets 10 wings for 25 cents a piece, drinks 4 waters, leaves four dollars and peaces out! that's cheap goddamnit!

1/27/2010 3:20:10 AM

Quote :

"but it's not the goal... they know that most people will order a drink or two. due to the off night, they offer an incentive to get those drinks."

you just answered your own dilemma. not everyone orders the same thing and it's these individual discrepancies between people that allow the restaurant industry to exist. you're talking about the most extreme of the cheapies. they'd have to be running a soup kitchen to expect everyone to behave like that.

1/27/2010 3:22:56 AM

Quote :

"my point is, god damnit who goes to a bar and gets 10 wings for 25 cents a piece, drinks 4 waters, leaves four dollars and peaces out! that's cheap goddamnit!"

1/27/2010 3:24:41 AM

yes, therefore I'm annoyed when a cheapie comes in and sits at our previously not-cheapie table. you would too.

1/27/2010 3:25:06 AM

Quote :

"at the end of the day the cost of going out is whatever the price is plus tip. it's designed that way. if EVERYONE skimped on tips the price of the food/drinks would go up in order for the business to survive."

I'm actually quite fine with that.

That way, we can calculate what we'll end up paying and budget our money a bit better. Also, it means that restaurants would knock off the bullshit of automatically adding in 15% gratuity.

Fuck that! If I have a shitty waiter, I would like to let him know with my wallet. But, if they're going to do that shit anyway, If I get a good waiter, he's getting the 15% because they want to force the tip on me. Had they not done it, he might have gotten higher, or I may have rounded up my calculations and what not.

Not only that, many waiters are able to get double the tip from people who don't look for gratuity. So they tip them an additional 15%. They really do rip people off with that shit. Yeah, it's the customer's fault, but at the same time, the restaurants know that this shit happens.

1/27/2010 3:29:49 AM

ah, the lovely double-grat. used to love it when i worked at corporate places.

but we only would auto-grat people that historically don't tip, it's only looking out for people that are working for a living. if they don't look at their bill that's not the server's fault, nor is it a rip-off. and not tipping on top of a 15% grat (when you would have left more) because you got uppity about it is, again, a poor reflection of character. a waiter should not be penalized for trying to ensure he is paid his due, and if the service was good up to that point, what difference does it make


this is like people that don't tip delivery drivers because the restaurant assesses a delivery fee. you really think that goes to the driver? don't be a dick. if you're broke, order it take-out and pick it up yourself.

1/27/2010 3:38:04 AM

I am the authority on pretty much all things.

1/27/2010 3:44:40 AM

According to some people you're still supposed to tip for take out from places like Applebee's (I wouldn't know, I haven't eaten at Applebee's in at least 5 years).

Frankly I think it's almost comical hearing servers bitch about tips. If it's such a shit job then quit. Even with "shitty tippers" most servers are probably making in excess of $10/hour on a decent shift. That's not too bad for unskilled part time labor.

What I really loathe though is the little tip jar next to the register. I used to only see it occasionally but now it is everywhere. I'm sorry, guy at Subway, but I'm not dropping my change in your jar or writing anything on the gratuity line at Moe's or at the Chinese takeout place. You are making at least minimum wage therefore no tip. About the only place I will do this is somewhere small that I frequent regularly and know the staff like Ruckus or Baja Burrito, and then only because I know that it frequently earns me cheaper food. Hell, I don't think I've paid full price for Baja burrito more than a handful of times in my life.

1/27/2010 3:51:15 AM

Quote :

"Even with "shitty tippers" most servers are probably making in excess of $10/hour on a decent shift. That's not too bad for unskilled part time labor."

False.

1/27/2010 3:54:37 AM

^^ i never tipped at places like that. then i started dating a girl who worked at a place where that was the case and told her about how i didn't tip. she said that sucked and that it's nice to tip a dollar. i started tipping a dollar. then we broke up, and i stopped tipping because i realized it was bullshit.

1/27/2010 4:08:39 AM

Quote :

"and not tipping on top of a 15% grat (when you would have left more) because you got uppity about it is, again, a poor reflection of character."

The only reason I leave a tip is because I don't want a waiter spitting in my food if I ever come back. If you think that means I have a poor character, then so be it. While yes, I'm spiting the company, and yes it hurts the waiter, the waiter works for the company, so in a way, I'm spiting the company. Maybe they'll bitch to their manager or something, or maybe quit. I don't see why I have to be responsible for directly paying their wages. If a restaurant is going to force me to directly pay for their waiter's pay, then I'll go with it. If the waiter has a problem with him, I have no issue in telling him why he didn't get more. As far as I'm concerned, when they force gratuity on you, it is no longer gratuity. It's a tax to the company. It's not like the waiter isn't aware of it.

Besides, I think the entire tipping system is bullshit. A tip is no longer a tip. It used to be a pat on the back for going above and beyond what you were to do, but now it's something that is expected. I think American society needs to re-examine the definition of a tip.

You don't tip McDonald's, or any other place, or making you your meal. There are many companies and people who we interact with who provide a service to us, yet we don't tip them for a job well done. No, we give them our business. The only reason why people tip is due to guilt because we know how the system is.

[Edited on January 27, 2010 at 4:29 AM. Reason : .]

1/27/2010 4:28:36 AM

the rule is youre supposed to tip on the normal price, even if there is a special or you have a coupon. why should a waitress be screwed over just because the restaurant is having a special, or you brought in a coupon?? ughhh....after reading this thread, it makes me glad i dont wait tables near campus anymore.

1/27/2010 4:40:14 AM

eastern bbq

1/27/2010 6:17:07 AM

i get the feeling some of you are not taking this thread as seriously as it needs to be taken

1/27/2010 6:20:25 AM

Quote :

"I don't see why I have to be responsible for directly paying their wages."

This is something I wish more people understood. I'm not chastising you or calling you an asshole, it's something you just don't know and I'm about to drop some knowledge.


Regardless of its origins, the reason tipping is now expected in the US is because it became so customary that, somewhere along the line, employers decided it was okay to pay their waiters a fraction of what was considered minimum wage. The state even went along with this and made an exception allowing it to happen. FYI, your server is probably making $2.13 an hour in NC. It gets better - this 2.13 goes to cover the taxes made on their tips, and it's very common for waiters to receive $0 paychecks every week. This means their living is solely based on your generosity.

Now why is that your problem? Let's say that we eschew the tipping system and the restaurants are forced to pay their servers at least minimum wage, more than tripling their labor cost. Where do you think that money is going to come from? Yep, you. Your $6 burger is now $9. Your 2-for-$20 at Applebees is now a steal at $30.

Now the problem is you've got a bunch of people (the kind of people willing to put up with that job for minimum wage, lest I say more) that will make the same amount of money whether you enjoy your experience or not.

Moral of the story: Don't be a dick. If you go out to eat in America, part of your cost is tipping, even if it isn't written in the bill. Be thankful you have the ability to adjust the cost of your meal to reflect the service you were provided, and don't punish a kid busting his ass to put himself through school because you're cheap.



[Edited on January 27, 2010 at 12:13 PM. Reason : ]

1/27/2010 12:04:31 PM

fuck off


besides i thought the minimum was 20%, 35% for that eastern bbq

1/27/2010 12:05:39 PM

Quote :

"^^anyone who goes to a bar BY THEMSELF that has 25 cent wing night and only orders wings and nothing else is a horrible person that we were there at the table and ordering something other than the cheap wings made it ok for her to bogart off our presence. we were subsidizing the cost of being served at a restaurant. "

you aint going to tell me what I need to eat and drink, especially when im cuttin weight and wanna chill wit my people

thats really an ideal that is crossin the line

1/27/2010 12:13:05 PM

I wen tunder 15% for the first time in a long time this past weekend at 18 Seaboard. We had like four waiters come by the table and none of them got much of anything right.

1/27/2010 12:25:55 PM

Quote :

"you aint going to tell me what I need to eat and drink, especially when im cuttin weight and wanna chill wit my people"

you can do whatever the fuck you want, trolly

1/27/2010 12:30:21 PM

like a 600lb gorilla

1/27/2010 12:31:14 PM

the plane will take off

1/27/2010 12:32:35 PM

^^^aiight then

it i absolutely hilarious that these bartendersget on here and try to tell people not only how much money they should give them (which is to a certain extent acceptable) but trying to tell people what they should be ordering

what are you going to tell people they cant come out to your bar unless they order the Kobe steak and a 150$ shot?

it just reminds me of that chick on Rehab at the Hard Rock that chased the brit into the parking lot because he only left 200 on a 600$ tab instead of 400

they fired her ass on the spot. It seems to be getting that bad based on yalls bitching, paerbol gonna chase some dude out in the parkin lot for 2 extra dollars and is gonna get knocked out or hell authorize one of his waitstaff to do the same

why does no one vouch for the cooks?

[Edited on January 27, 2010 at 12:45 PM. Reason : h]

1/27/2010 12:44:36 PM

for the record, i've never gotten poor service at The Bar.

1/27/2010 12:46:44 PM

thats cool, he should maintain excellent service for the sake of having consistent and loyal customers rather than prostituing himself for money

customers that spread the word of how awesome his business is rather than by how hard they clamour for your money

1/27/2010 12:49:22 PM

Quote :

"what are you going to tell people they cant come out to your bar unless they order the Kobe steak and a 150$ shot?"

that is exactly what people have said. verbatim, as a matter of fact.

1/27/2010 12:50:01 PM

WHAT CRAW YOU THINK YOU'RE TOUGH? WANNA FIGH---uhhhhhh WANNA DISCUSS THIS OVER TEA?


but yeah anyway, for the record, lemme just repost this from page 1

Quote :

"i mean i didnt make this thread to bitch about bad tippers, for every handful of shitty tippers there's someone that tips so generously that it all evens out i'll be the first to admit that I make more money than I probably should as a bartender all the same, the way one tips is an interesting reflection of his or her character and people never cease to amaze me"

i should also add that even if you aren't a great tipper, if you're cool and i enjoy your presence in my bar you're still going to get that Grade A Dave service

[Edited on January 27, 2010 at 12:51 PM. Reason : beer==bar!=bare!=bear]

1/27/2010 12:50:42 PM

i just think that 3 on 20 isnt bad enough to get on here and complain about, it looks real bad on your part

like you said, it met your standard so what is the problem? really?

if your standard was 20% then thats slighty different

[Edited on January 27, 2010 at 12:52 PM. Reason : g]

1/27/2010 12:51:47 PM

why are you arguing for cheapasses

are you a cheapass


but no, $3 on $20 doesn't meet MY standard. it only meets the 15% standard. i'm not going to look down on someone for not leaving more, i just think it's cheap. that is all. i'm not bitching, the dude next to him probably left 10 on 20 which more than makes up for it.

This was a PSA, not an avenue for venting.

[Edited on January 27, 2010 at 12:56 PM. Reason : this is why i hate tipping threads. ]

1/27/2010 12:55:02 PM

then dont make em

1/27/2010 12:57:05 PM

i'm also curious as to why you'd defend cheapasses

1/27/2010 12:58:15 PM

I don't see how you can bitch about 15%.

Shit, how do you know that the person leaving the tip doesn't make less than you?

1/27/2010 12:59:30 PM

Ok. So what's the solution? Start giving a 20% tip just to hear complaints about how we should be tipping 25%. Then tip 25% just to have servers complain about not getting 30% tips.

Seems like the typical response to work related complaints in this economy is a snarky "at least you have a job". I guess that applies in this scenario as well.

1/27/2010 12:59:47 PM

laksjd

[Edited on January 27, 2010 at 1:02 PM. Reason : sadf]

1/27/2010 1:00:00 PM

Quote :

"how do you know that the person leaving the tip doesn't make less than you?"

1/27/2010 1:01:02 PM

if you'd read the thread, you'd know the answer to that


but i'll say it again


"if you can't afford an appropriate tip, you can't afford to go out"

1/27/2010 1:02:03 PM

Clearly the cheap people do not enjoy prompt service and enjoy being on the upper, somewhat oppressive side of capitalism.

1/27/2010 1:02:05 PM

$20 at a regular bar is generally 3-5 drinks. $3 should be a minimum tip.

1/27/2010 1:02:11 PM

I dont think theyre being cheap asses

and no, i tip well, i also give bums on the street a few dollars when i got it

thats not relevant, whats relevant is that leaving the minimum standard tip on a bill is considered cheap. Its bare minimum, yea, but its not cheap.

why dont you do the classy thing and put a sign on the door saying that the bar minimum is 20% and if they aint ballin they can fuck off and go to sammys

or maybe make you waitstaff do a better job?? its not like they left a dollar on the bill

Quote :

"Ok. So what's the solution? Start giving a 20% tip just to hear complaints about how we should be tipping 25%. Then tip 25% just to have servers complain about not getting 30% tips. Seems like the typical response to work related complaints in this economy is a snarky "at least you have a job". I guess that applies in this scenario as well."

thats basically whats been happening

[Edited on January 27, 2010 at 1:04 PM. Reason : d]

1/27/2010 1:03:21 PM