Since this is my first post, I wanted to clear up what seems to be a big misconception. I am not sure how or why people don't understand the concept of "tipping", but now seems to be a good of a time as any to clear it up.
AND NO.. THIS IS NOT JUST FOR CUSTOMERS. SERVERS/BARTENDERS/ ETC. LISTEN UP TOO.
As a server, I get paid $2.13 an hour plus tips. Now, this is where the "misconception" may begin. I can honestly not remember the last time I got a paycheck that was over $5. Because even though I should be making it rain with the $2.13/hr, Uncle Sam still has to collect. So how does he do that you may ask? Well, the answer is actually simple. Everything I claim (which of course is 100% of what I make, because I am a law abiding citizen) is taxed and then taken out of the $2.13/hr. So once the federal tax, state tax, social security and whatever else gets their cut out of my non existent pay check, I am left with a big fat 0 and the fear of owing money at the end of the year.
Before I go any further, I personally have come to terms with the fact that as a server I do not work for a paycheck. (Because if I did, I would work in one of those shady restaurants where they give you your credit card tips on your paycheck two weeks later.)
patrons: what i previously explained, was that in majority of cases, your server or bartender, is solely working for tips. I am not saying that their livelyhood solely depends on if you are overly generous or not. But i feel like we should get a few things out in the open.
1. We are not in a jazz club from the 50's. And fifty cents doesnt exactly go as far as it use to. So unless you are just one of those guys that hates carrying change, and you're leaving cash with it, keep you're quarters grandpa.
2. Coupons, gift certificates and all that mess, are totally OK. The stigma on them is the fact that some of you out there, tip on the discounted price. Not the original total. So if you come in and would have originally spent $40 but had a $25 off, you're only shelling out $15. Keep in mind, you're server didnt do less work because you are a bargain hunter. So 20% of 15 is NOT equal to 20% of 40.
3. "Dont eat yellow snow" is not a tip. Nor is it original. Or Funny. So please, please, please, please keep your not so whitty comments and one liners to yourself.
4. The always dreaded 'verbal tip'. I personally love getting feedback from customers. A sincere Thank You or You are a great server or whatever compliment someone wants to throw my way is always appricated. But even though thats very nice, I can not take your compliment to the bank or pay my power bill with it. So please stop thinking that makes up for the tip, or lack there of.
And finally, I am begging and pleading with you. Stop asking to get "hooked up" on your drinks and lying to our faces saying you'll tip way better. First of all, you are either asking your to do one of two things. The first being steal the extra liquor in your drink. Or pay for it themselves. So, realistically you are not worth loosing a job over and being known as a thief for. And unless we're friends, I didn't invite you out and offer to pay for your drinks. All in all, its douchey. Just cough up the extra couple bucks and get a rocks pour cheapo.
and now to the servers/bartenders
as nice as it would be for tipping to be absolutely required, its not. So get off your high horse and do your damn job. Like it or not, you are catering to the customers. And no, they may not always be right. And in the restaurant industry there are always going to be picky customers. So come to terms with that already and just try to appease them. Obviously some people would rather hell freeze over then be an easy going customer, but if you actually try and still can't make them happy, then no love is lost. And here's a hint. Rolling your eyes and making it seem like waiting on them is inconvienant, IS NOT TRYING.
And if that is simply is too much for you, do everyone a favor and find a new job. Preferably nowhere near customer service.
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