Waiters are understandably upset about why I don’t tip and have given many illogical reasons in support of this ridiculous practice. Here’s a rebuttal of the most common ones.
Bullshit 1: We only Pay for the Food. Service is Extra
The menu price doesn’t include just the cost of preparing the food and paying the chef. It includes the restaurant setting, the tables, the cutlery, the effort and investment that the restaurant owner has put into the dining area. Now guess what? Since I’m paying for it, the restaurant has to give it to me. And how do they accomplish this?
Waiters. Ding ding!
See without waiters, the restaurant has no way of delivering the dining experience to me that I’m paying for. I’m paying for sitting down in a nice place. I’m paying for the air conditioning. I’m paying for the nice tablecloth and for my food to be delivered to me in a reasonable time. The menu price covers all this. Waiters are just the restaurant’s way of bringing me my food. Of fulfilling their part of the contractual obligation.
Bottom line. Servers are not independent contractors. They’re not an “extra” that you have to pay for. By hook or crook, the restaurant needs to deliver the product. Whether they use waiters or conveyor belts (a term that many seem to object to), is not my business. I don’t care. The waiters can just melt into the background and let me enjoy my food in peace. If the menu includes free refills or whatever, then waiters are required to deliver that as well. Why? Because…wait for it….I paid for it!
Bullshit 2: It’s the custom. It’s ‘merica!
Yeah right. You do realize that not all customs are created equal don’t you? Slavery was a “custom” back in the day and so was race and sexual discrimination. Anyone with an ounce of integrity does what they feel is right. There are many harmless customs in the world like bowing instead of shaking hands, or using chopsticks instead of forks etc that are morally neutral. It really makes no difference if you follow them or not.
But tipping? Hell no! It’s not morally neutral. If you get better service because you’re a good tipper, then you’re essentially paying a bribe to servers to get them to do their job properly next time. All customs have a limit. And tipping is such a convenient custom isn’t it? Hell, I wish I had a custom in place for people to just throw money at me.
And just in case someone feels I don’t appreciate the US, there are many great things about this country that I love and I’ve blogged about repeatedly. Freedom of expression, the way Americans show respect to their armed forces, the politeness of people as you walk by on the road, the work culture, the individuality.
I just don’t like tipping. It’s not as if a person has to blindly accept everything in a country without judgment. There are good things. And there are bad things. Just like everywhere else.
Bullshit 3: The cost of food will increase dramatically
Someone needs to do basic math. Increasing the price of food to pay minimum wage to waiters will not double the price of food. Some have even gone so far to claim that it’ll increase 4-5 times. Ridiculous. Totally, utterly ridiculous. Let’s dissect this rubbish.
As an example, I’ll take Chili’s. A waitress at Chili’s was so kind as to comment saying that the price of food at her restaurant will increase by 3 times – $30 for a $10 burger. Using the statistics she herself gave in her comment, there are 12 waiters (at full capacity) who need to be paid minimum wage. That’s $5 extra per hour per waiter making it a net total of $60 per hour that has to be added to the price of food on a full day.
$60/hr? For 12 waiters. That’s it! It’s peanuts. If you assume even that each waiter is serving just four tables. That’s $5 an hour extra they have to make from four tables. Even if we say that each table sits for a massive two hours, the extra paid per table is way less than $5. On the total bill. Worst, worst case scenario.
You know what? Customers won’t even notice. So stop the garbage about the prices of food going up several times to pay minimum wage. It’s utter nonsense. The only reason waiters don’t want this system in place is because they earn a hell of a lot more than than minimum wage using our tips. And they come across as the victims.
Waiters are Struggling Mothers/Students
Look, it’s not as if I don’t have sympathy for those who struggle in life. I just don’t think it’s my problem. And I specially don’t like it being impinged upon me. Generosity is one thing. Having money demanded from you is something totally else. Any tip I give is out of the generosity of my heart and I expect some gratitude for helping those in need. It’s not something I have to do since…refer to Myth 1.
Bottom line: Socially mandated tipping is a scam. I can’t believe how intelligent people have been hoodwinked into it. Probably because they like to come across as “nice” people and feel sorry for servers who hover around looking expectantly. Well, I find that irritating and I won’t buy into it.
Thanks for being clearly being the epitome of all Indian people. The selfish, water-no-ice, no tipping, scum of the earth.
In America tipping is not mandatory; instead it’s a gesture of appreciation. In the article, you mentioned the menu price only includes the cost of preparing food, paying the chef, and etc.; nowhere does state you have to pay for service. However by going to a sit-down restaurant, you are agreeing to pay for the experience that would be unavailable at any standard fast-food restaurant. Tipping is a way of showing gratitude; it also motives waiters to provide better service. When comparing workers at a fast-food restaurant to a sit-down restaurant, you can see that servers at sit-down restaurant are friendlier and make the restaurant experience much more pleasant. It’s not focused solely on providing you with food to get you out as quickly as possible. When you walk into a fast-food restaurant like McDonalds, you have to stand in line to place your order; then wait to retrieve your food to a table, if there are any tables even available. You must get up yourself to ask for refills or to get any condiments and utensils. After eating your food, you would need to clean up the table and throw away your trash. You are basically acting as your own waiter and busboy. However at a sit-down restaurant, all of these things, plus more, is done for you. Waiters find a nice clean table for you, allowing you to sit down and rest while they constantly refill your glass, bring your food out piping hot, and provide you with any extra condiments or utensils you may need. They even clean up after you once you are finished with your meal. Overall, you argue that waiters are demanding tips for all the wrong reasons such as tipping is extra. I agree that tipping is extra and is not mandatory, but it’s not forced upon customers, unless you have a party of six or more. There is no law stating that you have to give tip. Also if money is a big struggle for you, instead of leaving a money tip, you could leave servers tips on how to be a better server or any problems you encountered.
In reply to tracy
Not true. Swanky restaurants have far higher menu prices. Do you know why? Because it includes the ambiance, the air conditioning, the tables, the cutlery etc. I’m already paying for all that. Now I just need to sit back and let the restaurant deliver the experience to me that I paid for.
How does the restaurant deliver this? Using waiters! Without waiters, the restaurant would have no way of giving me what I’m paying good money for. I don’t have to provide another cent.
Remember the menu price doesn’t just include the cost of food and operations. It also includes the experience of sitting down at a nice place and eating. Now I have to pay 20% extra just to receive what has already been promised? Not gonna happen!
In reply to bhagwad
Yup you do…your just cheap…nothing more nothing less.
In reply to Keith
You’re*
In reply to bhagwad
You do realize fancy restaurants are more expensive because the raw materials to make the ambiance, and the food are more expensive right? regardless of if you believe it or not food is more expensive in places that don’t require tips. In European cultures they do not tip, yes, BUT the cost of the food is much more expensive. overall if you don’t agree with tipping then boycott restaurants that expect you to tip. Don’t voluntarily take money, that servers could be making with other (reasonable) tables, out of their pockets. and besides with all of these dumb ads on your page i’m sure you can afford it.
In reply to Zach
That is the most ridiculous argument made on this page……
Food prices have NOTHING to do with whether a staff is tipped or not. I owned a restaurant, and NONE of my suppliers gave me pricing based on any other criteria other than what they paid, and how much I was purchasing from them.
In reply to bhagwad
News Flash-The Internal Revenue Service ASSUMES people in the service industry get tipped and include them, like it or not, in that employee’s tax liability. So, when you stiff them, not only are you being waited on by them, you are actually TAKING money out of THEIR pocket come tax time…Now justify that.
In reply to bhagwad
thats just plain out rude and disrespectful. no matter how many arguments you have or how much you express your opinion, you still sounds like an a-hole. And if your happy in life being like that than I feel sorry for you. I was a waitress when I was younger and NEVER did I threaten to spit in someones food either, You are just that disrespectful that you would think any waitress would thinking that. If you cant leave a at least a $1 then you must just be broke.
In reply to bhagwad
Fuck off you ignorant, over-entitled bastard. After reading through your article and rebuttal I have no desire to be a civilized human being towards you because you do not treat your servers as if they are human. All your little “facts” about the service industry that you feel are true simply are not. Just because you have a blog and post it on the internet does not make it fact. If it was possible I would find a way to deduct money from your paycheck every time I feel like it, and then go post on my blog about how YOU didn’t deserve that money and make fun of you for begging for your pay. If I ever see you by some crazy coincidence you’ll be begging for me to get my goddamn foot out of your ass you worthless piece of shit.
In reply to tracy
“However by going to a sit-down restaurant, you are agreeing to pay for the experience that would be unavailable at any standard fast-food restaurant.”
That’s funny. I’ve been to plenty of fast food restaurants where they’ve had people going around offering to take trash, refill drinks, etc. The service is genuine and no tip is expected. I’ve been to plenty of nicer places where a tip is expected but the service is horrible. Not everyone has to be paid a 20% tip to be an awesome human being.
And lest you claim I’m taking that sentence out of context, I would note that the following sentence is: “Tipping is a way of showing gratitude; it also motives waiters to provide better service.”
Wait, so by going to a sit-down restaurant I’m agreeing to show gratitude? It should be the other way around. The server should show gratitude that I’m coming in to patronize the restaurant, which brings in profits, which means they have a place to work.
I don’t know if you’re a server, and I don’t have that background myself (in a tipping environment), but my spidey sense goes off with your closing comment: “Also if money is a big struggle for you, instead of leaving a money tip, you could leave servers tips on how to be a better server or any problems you encountered.” I may be wrong, but I would think a picture of the receipt and incendiary comments would be up on the internet in about 10 seconds after I’d left if I gave them tips. And if I gave verbal comments it would show up as a post on someone’s Facebook page.
I really don’t mean to be harsh. I thought you had some good points in your comment, but I have to debate some of them.
In reply to haha
“Wait, so by going to a sit-down restaurant I’m agreeing to show gratitude? It should be the other way around. The server should show gratitude that I’m coming in to patronize the restaurant, which brings in profits, which means they have a place to work.”
Why should they show gratitude to you for giving them a place to work and bringing in profits when none of those profits are going to them?? You going in and not tipping isn’t helping them whatsoever, it’s actually hurting them.
In reply to to haha
I am a bit confused on your post, more on how you wrote it out. But if I am picking up on what your saying correctly then I think you are looking at this very one sided.
Yes by walking in the front door your are providing someone a job. At the same time the door had to be open for you to come in and eat. For that door to be open they have to have staff. When it comes to restaurants you are providing each other a service. Look at the name of the staff that takes care of you, they are called servers. Part of providing that service is making you feel welcome and cared for and showing gratitude and respect. You also decided to not cook yourself and have other people help you with part of your day. Show some gratitude back and be respectful. If for no other reason then being a nice person.
Sorry if I missed heard what you where trying to say.
In reply to tracy
If money is a big struggle for a person they shouldn’t be dining out, period.
Bhagwad, did you include that states such as California already pay their wait staff minimum wage (ie $8.00/hour) and are payed just the same as non-tipped workers? Why would I have to pay them extra if they all make the same?
ALso, another example–Carl’s junior–a FAST FOOD RESTAURANT–actually takes your order at your table and walks the food to your table and fetches things such as Soda and Ketchup for you. Why don’t I tip them?
In reply to Common Sense
I live in one of those states as well. And frankly, I’m glad. That means that if I do choose to tip someone for performance, it means that they will continue to be awesome. If not, oh well.
I haven’t had that experience at my local Carl’s Jr, but I’ve had it at other places. It just goes to show that people can be awesome without simultaneously putting their hand out for a tip. In fact, I bet that most of the people who go above and beyond would refuse a tip if it were offered.
Is America a 3rd world country? The civilized world pays the waiters properly so they don’t need any tips. So much easier for everybody!
In reply to ab
I take it you’re not from the U.S.?
Frankly, as someone from the U.S., I think that a difference may be that there are far better safety nets in place in other developed nations. A minimum wage exclusive of tips is one safety net, as are better unemployment programs, health care, etc. I wouldn’t be surprised if improvements in the U.S.’s unemployment and health care programs would be followed with labor reform.
I don’t think capitalism and providing social safety nets are mutually exclusive. Look at Canada. Most Americans would probably think they’re far more socialist than the U.S., what with the higher taxes, social programs, etc., but the truth is that they are not. They just make the effort to put everyone on equal footing in case they struggle.
Actually higher end restaurants charge more because of the prep time, skill required, rarity of ingredients, and difficulty of the dish to cook. Any place that would charge you more JUST for the atmosphere would go under immediately.
You obviously don’t understand the concept of tipping, Baggy. Just admit to your lack of education on the topic along with your complete and utter lack of experience in the service field entirely and let’s move on. The “chili’s waitress” you used as an example was a perfect example of how indians(as you stated in another article) will pick out only the bad things and harp on them as examples instead of providing instances of both good and bad. No the price of the burger would not be $30 instead of $10 BUT it most likely would be around $20 for the entire meal including a drink, 1-2 sides, and the main course because of the higher costs for the restaurant for labor which trickles down to almost all aspects of the restaurant in some way or another.
It boils down to this, we tip 15-20% on a tab when we dine out because 90% of people who go to sit-down restaurants are needy as fuck and want everything done a specific way even if it means butchering an item on the menu completely so it’s how you demand it. It’s because of things like that including refilling drinks, keeping my dining area clean and prepped for the next course, and ensuring that I’m comfortable while I enjoy the conversation with my date. If you can’t see the VALUE in those services a waiter provides then you should burn whatever diploma or degree you claim to have because it’s obviously from DeVry, Then again I know your type quite well, you show up awkwardly without any reservations, alone, and dine in silence answering only in single words when you have to because you’re socially inept in the American culture so by the time your meal is done you’re already fiending to get home and write some short story raging about why it’s so unfair to tip. Next time you come in we’ll just add gratuity to your check automatically then call the police and have you arrested when you demand not to pay it :)
Oh and one more thing, you’re not the fucking reincarnate of Vishnu himself so get off your god damn high horse and call me back about the tech support issue I’m having with Windows Outlook. I don’t hire you beanies to sit around and bitch blog all day. You should be fucking thanking the US for even allowing scum like you here in the first place along with a job when you so blatantly don’t appreciate it nor deserve it.
In reply to Bagweed, the reincarnated Vishnu
“Rarity of the ingredients”…? Tell me another one! Yeah, that coke is so darn rare. And that fruit juice – ooph. They shipped it in fresh from the tropics this weekend didn’t you know?
In reply to bhagwad
I like that that was what was chosen to be picked out in that entire rant. Seems like a case of the copouts for Mr Bhagwad. Its a shame there are people who think like you. Try a job in the food service industry and then preach about what youve learned. I like to think youd change your tune, but even if you did grow up and learn something, youd probably continue on with your rant, because I assume you like the attention you get. Seems lonely and desperate to me, but thats just one man’s opinion. Just like this entire article.
In reply to Derek the Bearded Brute
Try a job somewhere else. I’ve got news for you–ALL JOBS ARE HARD. It doesn’t matter if you are a doctor, a laywer, a waiter or a janitor.
The thing is, why is it that only ONE sector is entitled to additional cash??
In reply to Common Sense
Its NOT additional, you idiot. If servers were paid minimum wage plus tips then yes, it would be additional. But since servers only get paid around four dollars an hour, its not considered “additional”. Get your facts straight before you comment and look like a fool.
In reply to Common Sense
Just fyi, that’s not additional money. That’s their paycheck. Servers don’t get paid extra for their money.
In reply to bhagwad
I don’t believe in minimum wage either. An employer and employee are both adults–they both agree to terms, the employee accepts the terms and works. If the employee is not happy, he could always leave elsewhere.
In reply to Common Sense
Darn you, Common Sense. :)
Of course the second paragraph to your story is that the employer doesn’t have anyone to work for them after all the employees leave to get better pay. The employer increases the compensation and benefits paid to employees and gets them back. With better compensation, the employees are happier. The happier employees give better service naturally, and customers are happy to pay for it. In the end, the employer has a profitable business, the employees have great jobs, and customers enjoy the great service.
In reply to bhagwad
Fuck off you ignorant, over-entitled bastard. After reading through your article and rebuttal I have no desire to be a civilized human being towards you because you do not treat your servers as if they are human. All your little “facts” about the service industry that you feel are true simply are not. Just because you have a blog and post it on the internet does not make it fact. If it was possible I would find a way to deduct money from your paycheck every time I feel like it, and then go post on my blog about how YOU didn’t deserve that money and make fun of you for begging for your pay. If I ever see you by some crazy coincidence you’ll be begging for me to get my goddamn foot out of your ass you worthless piece of shit.
In reply to Your Next Server
Reading comments from enraged servers made me think that they were the “over-entitled” ones. Thanks for clearing that up.
In reply to Bagweed, the reincarnated Vishnu
This is by far, the BEST comment on here. So true. Re-read it again Bagwad, douche. Learn something. GET OFF YOUR FUCKING HIGH HORSE, OR IN YOUR SHITTY COUNTRY, YOUR HIGH CAMEL!
In reply to Bagweed, the reincarnated Vishnu
“No the price of the burger would not be $30 instead of $10 BUT it most likely would be around $20 for the entire meal including a drink, 1-2 sides, and the main course because of the higher costs for the restaurant for labor which trickles down to almost all aspects of the restaurant in some way or another.”
Blah Blah Blah, how much were the sides and main course? Everything you just said here is nonsense because you haven’t established shit. main course should be ten dollars at least anyhow and then sides so it seems like not tipping somehow lowers costs somehow?
“Trickles down to almost all aspects of the restaurant” Nope, raised prices and that’s it. What you’re talking about happens only if you raise costs but can’t just raise prices to compensate. Then you have to cut corners etc.
many people will just order shit off the menu, I do it all the time or ask at worst for some shit taken out. It’s cooking not rocket science. Neither is refilling drinks or cleaning small areas. “Ensuring I’m comfortable”? What does your waiter bring you a pillow or some shit? Come ask you if you need anything aka ‘hey want to buy more shit so we get more money’ ooh what a service.
He already said bring on gratuity so you’re an idiot again, in-check gratuity takes out all the bullshit because it’s upfront
the rest of this is just racial insults personal insults etc, not sure if you’re trolling but either way shut your dipshit mouth.
In reply to Bagweed, the reincarnated Vishnu
Wow. What a shining example of American culture.
I am a waiter and I see your point in both however may I offer a counter? Will you be upfront of your viewpoint on tipping? For example, if you go to a nice restaurant, will you say to the server “listen I want to be upfront with you I’m against tipping and the most you’ll get from me is 7%.” And I would also like to know if there are any restaurants you frequent where they know your status as a poor tipper and the service you get. I think you need to look at things from both sides, waiters actually give 5% of their tips to busers, foodrunners and bartenders, so in actually we pay for your meal, however you may already know this from precious comments, you may also know that our wages are minimum wage because the rest is based on estimated tips. Please follow back on this, I’d like to have a nice debate.
Upon talking about this article and your previous article, a good friend of mine stated, “If you are really an asshole who isn’t going to tip, then let us know beforehand so we can kindly give you the most awful service you’ve ever experienced.”
In reply to Paige
In my opinion, that immature attitude is honestly hurting waiters and waitresses’ causes more than this guy, though he certainly is. The level of service shouldn’t be dependent on how much the tip is going to be. A worker’s motivation should come from inside–it’s not the customer’s responsibility to wave a carrot in front of your face to get you to perform your duties. You are hired to give good service to customers. They have a responsibility to be decent, polite human beings back to you. That’s all. You shouldn’t be motivated by solely the amount of money you’ll get from them. That’s bullshit. In a perfect world, tips should be for above and beyond. If they tell you upfront you won’t get a tip, you should still provide a decent level of service. It’s immature and purile to not do so, not to mention completely abandoning your duties. If a waiter or a waitress actually does that, he or she shouldn’t be in that field.
To go off on a rant for a minute, I don’t like mandatory tipping at all, and feel it’s much more honest to have waiters paid properly and the prices all be upfront so I know exactly how much I’m paying. Maybe I feel like this because I’ve never worked food service, but. Regardless, I’m never going to not tip someone, however, because it’s expected and I don’t want to look like an asshole. I also tip pretty well–as much as 30% on a smaller meal, but averaging 25% on most others, because that’s the way the system works. But that doesn’t mean that the system is okay. Because it’s really not. Waiters and waitresses’ jobs aren’t harder than most jobs, yet they’re some of the only people who get paid extra by the customer to do it. However, I’m fine paying for their wages through the cost of food and service tax and such, but it to be upfront and calculated, and I don’t want to have to feel pressured every time someone hands me the bill, and I have to slip them some money like it’s a back alley deal.
However, until the system is fixed (which will never happen by some people still clinging to outdated customs (I mean, come on, so many countries don’t make tipping mandatory–why do we?)), I’ll continue to tip the expected 15%-25%. But attitudes like this are highly unprofessional and shows a lot of immaturity. I’m assuming you or your friend work in food service, so I honestly doubt the opinion of one anonymous person on the internet is going to change your opinion, but well, there’s my opinion.
Hey homeless dude! You have a place to sleep (under the overpass) and food to eat (dumpsters) so don’t give me those puppy dog eyes and that obviously fake story about you needing money.
Hello Bhagwad,
What you are displaying here is a very Indian frame of mind that is repulsive to Americans. It is stingy, just like my old Indian landlord, who I (fortunately) will never have to deal with again. You act as though the waiter is trying to screw you over by wanting a tip, but in fact your waiter is a human being and would like to be appreciated for his or her service. Waiters have the menu memorized, they can recommend dishes based on your preferences, they bring you your food, keep your drinks refilled, deal with your grumpiness, and clean up after you. Not tipping is an American way of saying “Fuck you” to your waiter. It is the perfect way to ruin your waiter’s night. If you “just want to eat in peace” and “not be bothered by your waiter” as you stated, then why on earth are you going to a restaurant in the first place?
In reply to Daniel Verona
Seriously, as an American, I find it laughable that you all use the “indian race” card. I was born and raised in the US, yet I thoroughly hate tipping.
What does that mean?
THe waiter can easily find a job elsewhere if he/she doesn’t like it. Its capitalism folks.
In reply to Common Sense
There are not always other jobs available, even if there WERE, who would cook your food, serve your food, work at grocery stores or laundromats, etc. If everyone left the jobs where they felt unappreciated? You people do not think through all of what you say or suggest. Be a decent person and tip your servers until the system is changed to pay a fair wage. You not only come across as a jerk for not tipping, you also seem pathetic.
In reply to Common Sense
“There are not always other jobs available”
Says who? You? There are plenty of other jobs. Doesn’t matter what the pay is. A job that pays $2.13/hour is better than a job that pays $0.00/hour, right?
“who would cook your food, serve your food, work at grocery stores or laundromats, etc”
In capitalism the market opens up to a variety of things. Perhaps we will have automated services in restaurants (ie robots). THe market is based on supply and demand.
“If everyone left the jobs where they felt unappreciated?”
Its called WORK. It isn’t disneyland. I don’t care about being appreciated. I want my dollar. Trust me, most people (except for spoiled white kids) don’t care about appreciation. THey care about being able to provide for their families.
“Be a decent person and tip your servers until the system is changed to pay a fair wage”
My idea of decency may not be in line with your idea of decency and vice versa. The waiter already has a job. I would rather give my $5.00 to somone who doesn’t have a job to help them out. The waiter already makes a decent amount of moneyl.
“You not only come across as a jerk for not tipping, you also seem pathetic.” Are you the ultimate jude of waht is pathetic and what isn’t? You are one person out of 7,000,000,000. So, who cares?
In reply to Common Sense
one minute you talk about how everyone talks about the “indian race” but then all of a sudden those spoiled kids you assume to be white??
In reply to Daniel Verona
except he said that he wants them to have higher salaries and then he’ll have to pay for that instead so you know not stingy.
maybe he want to a restaurant for good food that he doesn’t have to prepare himself?
I don’t recall you ever responding to the comment I left on the other article, but I understand it was probably lost in the onslaught of (understandably) PO’d servers looking to rant.
First let me start off by saying that I’ve worked in the service industry for the better part of the last 10 years. I’ve been stiffed more times than I care to remember. It is disheartening to spend so much time connecting with someone only for them to leave you nothing. It’s a slap in the face, a bitter end to a lovely meal. That being said, I also have a set of regulars who visit me every Sunday night and NEVER tip. Do I mess with their food? Never. Does it effect the service they receive? Of course. I think the best way for me to approach this reply is in the same fashion of the original article.
Point one.
You believe that service is inherently included in the price you are paying for food. What you talk about in your article has more to do with the atmosphere of the restaurant rather than the service. So on this point you are right. But none of what you mentioned has anything to do with service. If that is all you’re looking for, let it be known at the beginning of the meal that you don’t intend to tip. 99% of the servers in America will NOT mess with your food, because that would be the end of their job.
What a tip pays for is service above and beyond bringing your food to your table and getting you something to drink. We try to make you smile and have a good time, we cater to your whim and wish.
If you don’t tip me, I will spend less time working for you. It’s just that simple. I’m at work to make money. I will make sure you get everything you need in a timely fashion, but I would rather spend extra time talking to and putting extra effort into people who will eventually pay me.
I mentioned earlier that I have a set of regulars who do not believe in tipping. I have never messed with their food. They come in late at night after the dinner rush for a late dinner. By that time of the night I have fewer than 4 tables and I’m working to clean up after the rush of people earlier in the day. I greet them, get their drinks and give them a minute to look over the menu. When they are ready to order, they flag me down from across the dining room where I’m vacuuming or cleaning something. When their food is ready I plate it and bring it to their table. If they need refills they again have to flag me down. This is the service they pay for, not “bad” but not overly attentive. I don’t pitch them alcohol so I don’t in fact LOSE money due to their visit, I simply give them the bare minimum that is reflective of what they have afforded me.
Point two
I go back to my example of how I approach non-tipping regulars. It is morally neutral, you don’t have to do it. I will do my job as my company requires and go about my day. I would just prefer to know ahead of time so I don’t waste my time and energy working towards a potential tip that will NEVER happen. I understand that tipping is optional, for service beyond the company standard.. and that’s what I strive to give my guests every time. Yet it is still an exchange of services. The option to tip should never be off the table before we even start our dance.
Point three
Whoever said that prices would go up 300% was out of their minds. Would prices go up? of course. The question stands at “how much?” For this we should look at our job description as it is seen by our employers, who in this scenario would be our only benefactor. To the customer we are there to create a warm environment and provide “service”, our employer trains us to strive for higher sales. To them we are salesmen/women. So our wages would then have to change to reflect this change.
As our job description would change from service worker to salesperson, we should look at other similar salespeople. Car salesmen, realtors, furniture sales (etc.) are all paid based on their sales. They are all commission based. Food sales would more than likely change to reflect this. Large companies fought hard to lower our wages, they wouldn’t just bend over and pay us a mildly higher wage and expect it all to work out. Service would drop and so would sales numbers (because we are currently trained to believe that higher ticket $$ = higher tip $$). Make us work for minimum wage, you will get minimum effort.. look at retail workers.
Food prices then would increase about 15-25% depending on the company. Low end food joints would offer the lower % to pull in penny pinchers and higher end food establishments would offer higher % to attract better salespeople. This is the only scenario where I could see tips becoming a thing of the past.
In reply to Why your reasons for not tipping are wrong
A well reasoned reply. Thank you.
In reply to bhagwad
Thank you. Most people in my industry get too heated when it comes to this topic and lose sight of their argument.
The basic idea for those who don’t want to read the whole thing is this. If you aren’t going to tip, tell us before the meal starts. You won’t receive extra attention, but you wont be messed with.. It’s not worth losing my job over.
The one thing I would like to hear your opinion on would be the scenario I proposed for price changes. Nearly every server I’ve suggested it to loves the idea (going from a service based position to a sales position), I’m curious what a man in your philosophical position thinks of the idea.
In reply to OC
I absolutely support the idea of a price rise. Whatever it takes to ensure that employers pay their employees a fair wage.