[surepip]

Son has been a server at our upscale BBQ Restaurant for 5 years, working summers and holidays from college, and now since he has graduated and is going to Ga.Highlands in downtown Dallas while he tries to get into Grad School, he works weekends and a shift or 2 during the week.

He worked a big party last night, along with another server, with per couple checks.

Average check was $50

On 3 of the checks he got a $5 tip, a $3 tip, and a $0 tip. The $5 tip he had to split with another server.

No problems with food, drinks, or anything else.
All said the food and service was great and seemed to have a good time.
He ended up making about $4.25 an hour on a Friday night. Less than $40 for almost a 9 hour shift.

Why do people go to a sit down dining establishment, and leave the server NOTHING?

His tips this year are down 25% from last year, and down 40% to 50% from 2 years ago.

Last weekend he had a table who questioned where the Nachos were on the menu, and he showed them. They ordered, got their drinks quickly, got the meals, and one complained about not enought meat. So son offered to get them more meat, and instead they wanted a house salad, which he obtained for them for free. AND, because the diner was upset with not enough meat [not the server's fault], all 4 at the table were given free pieces of pie.

They tipped him ZERO!

What gives people ?

He actually paid about $1 to wait on them, as Uncle takes a minimum tip percentage and adds it to what he has to pay tax on even if no tip is paid, and he has to tip out the busboys 1% regardless if he actually receives a tip. And this table stayed for an hour after they had finished eating, making son have to stay as well. And then they give him no tip. I just don't get it.

He is an experienced server and does a good job.

Why do diners treat the servers like this ?

Is this a new trend in paulding ? Son is most concerned because he can't cover his expenses [and he lives at home while waiting to get into Grad School]with what he has been bringing home.

This post has been edited by Betty Jo Bradley: 08 November 2009 - 09:21 AM
Reason for edit:: Title

[MeWhoElse]

I wish I had the answer for you. The same thing happens to my daughter. She waitress and goes to college full time. If you can't afford to tip, you shouldn't go out for dinners...

[Construction Teacher]

MeWhoElse, on 07 November 2009 - 05:48 PM, said:

If you can't afford to tip, you shouldn't go out for dinners...

Amen to that!
I try to always leave cash for a tip and try to hand it to my server personally. This way they can claim as little or all of it...whatever they want. Handing it to them eliminates a busboy or random passerby from slippining off with it.

[EJ78]

I always tip above the normal amount, if they are deserving of it. If the food is wrong..it is not always the servers fault. If you ask them for something, and they forget, yes, I get irritated, but they will still always get the normal tip. So, basically, they start out with a "fair" tip, and with good service it increases! I owned my own restaurant, and I know how tough it is for them to make a living.

[MeWhoElse]

Construction Teacher, on 07 November 2009 - 05:53 PM, said:

Amen to that!
I try to always leave cash for a tip and try to hand it to my server personally. This way they can claim as little or all of it...whatever they want. Handing it to them eliminates a busboy or random passerby from slippining off with it.

Great "tip" for the tippers!

[NavyEagle#1]

Com on this is the south.... the land of the tight wad tipper. People born and raised down here think a great tip is 10% at best. Go up north and that is the land of the tipper.

I tip decently and always 15-20% for good service.

I gather being a cheap tipper is a southern thing.

[brown*eyed*girl]

I too used to waitress and was part owner of a restaurant. I normally leave 20-25%. I have to say that when I walk in with 3 kids the waitresses don't always seem too happy. You can see the surprise when I leave a decent tip. If I felt the server did something insulting or just did an overall bad job I still leave between 15-20%. I can't help myself. I think Paulding county has some excellent waitstaff. When I was quite a bit younger I worked in Hilton Head Island. I don't remember every having a $40 night unless I was cut early. Then again, it cost quite a bit more to live there than here but still.

I hope the tips get better for your son.

[SPORTS SOURCE]

EJ78, on 07 November 2009 - 06:56 PM, said:

I always tip above the normal amount, if they are deserving of it. If the food is wrong..it is not always the servers fault. If you ask them for something, and they forget, yes, I get irritated, but they will still always get the normal tip. So, basically, they start out with a "fair" tip, and with good service it increases! I owned my own restaurant, and I know how tough it is for them to make a living.

That is my theory, too. Not to mention a server who keeps my tea glass full will be rewarded!

[EJ78]

NavyEagle#1, on 07 November 2009 - 06:09 PM, said:

Com on this is the south.... the land of the tight wad tipper. People born and raised down here think a great tip is 10% at best. Go up north and that is the land of the tipper.

I tip decently and always 15-20% for good service.

I gather being a cheap tipper is a southern thing.

Thats why I tip well!! We were always told the average tip was double the tax amount. I do that, plus add on for good service!

[KRM]

My daughter used to wait tables and she had stories like this. I always go in with 20% and the server can go up or down from there.

I agree with the whole- don't go out if you can't tip.

[Superscoot52]

This is why I don't miss serving (has been 6 years, but you never know when I might have to return to it, with the economy and all). I tip great, and if I can't afford to tip well, I don't go.

This post has been edited by Superscoot52: 07 November 2009 - 06:32 PM

[naturegirl]

Servers work hard, they are on their feet for a long time. I always tip 15% for regular service, 20% for good service, sometimes more. I usually leave a couple of dollars even when all the servers do is bring your drinks or clean your table (Briar Patch comes to mind). I don't mind tipping someone to clean up behind me, I'm glad I don't have to do it.

Good servers deserved good tips.

[psslb]

I agree, start at 20%. The OP wrote it was an “upscale” place. Most upscale places won’t break down group checks and will frontload the tip for groups. If the diner can’t live with that, they don’t need to be in an upscale place. If I’m with a group or in a crowded place I palm the server cash upfront to hold their attention during the meal and still do the 20% at the end of the meal; of course I’m not from around here.

[Lady Raider]

we always tip good.. I use to be a waitress, so I know how hard the work is..

and I always clean the table off to LOL and put everything back where it goes, menus, salt & Pepper etc..

[jmd]

Construction Teacher, on 07 November 2009 - 05:53 PM, said:

Amen to that!
I try to always leave cash for a tip and try to hand it to my server personally. This way they can claim as little or all of it...whatever they want. Handing it to them eliminates a busboy or random passerby from slippining off with it.

I sometimes wonder if someone else doesn't pocket what is on the table. Its good to give it right to the server.

[Thoughts]

MeWhoElse, on 07 November 2009 - 05:48 PM, said:

If you can't afford to tip, you shouldn't go out for dinners...

While I personally always leave a good tip (unless I get lousy service), to the above statement I'm sure the owners of those establishments will whole heartedly disagree with you...

[MeWhoElse]

Thoughts, on 07 November 2009 - 07:55 PM, said:

While I personally always leave a good tip (unless I get lousy service), to the above statement I'm sure the owners of those establishments will whole heartedly disagree with you...

Of course they would...

[sugail]

I will try and hand the tip to the server from now on. That was a good tip. I almost always tip 20%, unless the service is just absolutely lousy.

[chindog]

My wife was a server way back when, in a state far from here. Tipping deficiencies existed there, too. We always use 20% as a general rule of thumb for the bottom of the scale. If the service provided by the waiter/waitress is substandard, the tip will go down to 15%. But 20 to 25% is usually standard. Exceptional service may merit even more.

On a $50 meal, a $10 tip should be a minimum standard.

[Lots To Do]

Funny, I'm from the South, my parents grew up in the South, most of my friends are native Southerners or long time residents, and we all have never tipped less than 15% or $2 per person whichever is greater. That's how I was raised. In fact I usually tip 20% now because I know that times are tough and servers are just getting by. In fact, if I eat at a place like a Waffle House (told ya I was Southern) I usually wind up leaving about 25% because those folks work their tails off and the food is cheap. Comment on the South my Rebel arse. I've traveled all over this country and have not seen tipping varying much at all.

NEW YORK CITY????? (read some of the comments)

[lowrider]

We start at 20% and if the waiter is over and above with service, we tip more.

If we get something for free (because something was forgotten or whatever the case) I figure the cost of that should go to the waiter, so they get a really good tip.

Now as to why tips are so bad, maybe it's the economy. But if you can't afford to tip, then you shouldn't dine out. Get it to go.

[NC-17]

Lots To Do, on 07 November 2009 - 08:15 PM, said:

Funny, I'm from the South, my parents grew up in the South, most of my friends are native Southerners or long time residents, and we all have never tipped less than 15% or $2 per person whichever is greater. That's how I was raised. In fact I usually tip 20% now because I know that times are tough and servers are just getting by. In fact, if I eat at a place like a Waffle House (told ya I was Southern) I usually wind up leaving about 25% because those folks work their tails off and the food is cheap. Comment on the South my Rebel arse. I've traveled all over this country and have not seen tipping varying much at all.

NEW YORK CITY????? (read some of the comments)

i wouldn't let the douchey southern slam bother you if i were you.

i now how well i tip, and am proud to say i have no clue as to how they do anything up north!!!!

[Blazing Saddles]

This is very interesting.

Perhaps the patron saw lil' pip working hard and doing his job better than it had ever been done before. After the service was performed, the patron was grateful and satisfied with everything. However, maybe the patron thought about giving a tip or a greater amount to the server but decided that someone else was more deserving of the money. Perhaps the patron gave the money to the greeter at the door even though that person did nothing to earn the money. Perhaps the patron saw all the money lil' pip was making and noticed the door greeter was getting shortchanged. Perhaps the patron just made a decision to spread the wealth.

Personally, lil' pip worked hard for an expected tip and he should have been compensated for his hard worked and aparent excellent service, but what I don't understand is how big pip can have a double standard on a larger scale? Please surepip, lets be consistent with our principles.

This post has been edited by Blazing Saddles: 07 November 2009 - 09:07 PM

[Jet_man1969]

I tip REALLY well if I am using the company amex But usually tip in the 20 percent range if using my own funds.

[Lots To Do]

Jet_man1969, on 07 November 2009 - 08:59 PM, said:

I tip REALLY well if I am using the company amex But usually tip in the 20 percent range if using my own funds.

Back in ancient times when someone else held reins on the company card instead of me, they wouldn't approve a tip over 15%. Now that I own my own business and it comes out of my pocket anyway, I tip the usual 20%. (P.S. - That company was owned by a bunch of Yankees from Philadelphia )

[Superscoot52]

Blazing Saddles, on 07 November 2009 - 08:51 PM, said:

So let me get this straight. Lil' pip worked hard all day and didn't get the money he thought he was entitled to. Now big pip is upset at the person in control the money. Hmmmmmmmmm. Well well well. This is very interesting.

Perhaps the patron saw lil' pip working hard and doing his job better than it had ever been done before. After the service was performed, the patron was grateful and satisfied with everything. However, maybe the patron thought about giving a tip or a greater amount to the server but decided that someone else was more deserving of the money. Perhaps the patron gave the money to the greeter at the door even though that person did nothing to earn the money. Perhaps the patron saw all the money lil' pip was making and noticed the door greeter was getting shortchanged. Perhaps he just made a decision to spread the wealth.

Personally, lil' pip worked hard for an expected tip and he should have been compensated for his hard worked and aparent excellent service, but what I don't understand is how big pip can have a double standard on a larger scale? For God's sake, lets be consistent with our principles.

Classic "Straw Man" fallacy. I am humbled at your wisdom.

[Mr.Dis]

I go out of my way to tip good servers. Seldom have problems that are not corrected well enough. I delivered pizza years ago so I get tipping. I had a regular that NEVER tipped. I would draw that delivery, recognize it and already have the change down to the penny in my hand. Not too hard to predict the bills that will likely be given. Anyway as son as they paid I gave them the change without even looking. They never got the hint. My other observation is this. I have never been tipped by an Asian on a delivery. Now if they as a whole group do not believe in tipping then should I tip when I eat Chinese? I do but I always wonder.

[Satisfiedoutside]

surepip, on 07 November 2009 - 05:44 PM, said:

Son has been a server at our upscale BBQ Restaurant for 5 years, working summers and holidays from college, and now since he has graduated and is going to Ga.Highlands in downtown Dallas while he tries to get into Grad School, he works weekends and a shift or 2 during the week.

He worked a big party last night, along with another server, with per couple checks.

Average check was $50

On 3 of the checks he got a $5 tip, a $3 tip, and a $0 tip. The $5 tip he had to split with another server.

No problems with food, drinks, or anything else.
All said the food and service was great and seemed to have a good time.
He ended up making about $4.25 an hour on a Friday night. Less than $40 for almost a 9 hour shift.

Why do people go to a sit down dining establishment, and leave the server NOTHING?

His tips this year are down 25% from last year, and down 40% to 50% from 2 years ago.

Last weekend he had a table who questioned where the Nachos were on the menu, and he showed them. They ordered, got their drinks quickly, got the meals, and one complained about not enought meat. So son offered to get them more meat, and instead they wanted a house salad, which he obtained for them for free. AND, because the diner was upset with not enough meat [not the server's fault], all 4 at the table were given free pieces of pie.

They tipped him ZERO!

What gives people ?

He actually paid about $1 to wait on them, as Uncle takes a minimum tip percentage and adds it to what he has to pay tax on even if no tip is paid, and he has to tip out the busboys 1% regardless if he actually receives a tip. And this table stayed for an hour after they had finished eating, making son have to stay as well. And then they give him no tip. I just don't get it.

He is an experienced server and does a good job.

Why do diners treat the servers like this ?

Is this a new trend in paulding ? Son is most concerned because he can't cover his expenses [and he lives at home while waiting to get into Grad School]with what he has been bringing home.

Did they not leave it on a check card or credit card?

That is awful!!

[Tired of Bovine Excrement]

Blazing Saddles, on 07 November 2009 - 09:51 PM, said:

This is very interesting.

Perhaps the patron saw lil' pip working hard and doing his job better than it had ever been done before. After the service was performed, the patron was grateful and satisfied with everything. However, maybe the patron thought about giving a tip or a greater amount to the server but decided that someone else was more deserving of the money. Perhaps the patron gave the money to the greeter at the door even though that person did nothing to earn the money. Perhaps the patron saw all the money lil' pip was making and noticed the door greeter was getting shortchanged. Perhaps the patron just made a decision to spread the wealth.

Personally, lil' pip worked hard for an expected tip and he should have been compensated for his hard worked and aparent excellent service, but what I don't understand is how big pip can have a double standard on a larger scale? Please surepip, lets be consistent with our principles.

Now that is funny.

[gog8tors]

Well folks I could get into which group of people tip or not either way it does not matter. I started my working life waiting tables in West Palm Beach Fl. NE you know, where the yankees go to retire. I found that they were the ones that would bring their own tea bags order a cup of hot water and one bagle to split between 4 people. Then they would try to run your ass off only to leave a dime. Yes, they thought that was the right amount to leave. I quickly learned to work 3rd shift where I made much better money. But, I digress,I was trained by a waitress that followed the snow birds this is what she taught me.

T=To
I=insure
P=prompt or proper
S=service

She also told me that a penny might be left with the tip and if there is look at it before you pick it up. If it is on heads you did a great job, tails means that you need to improve.
The way I ended up looking at it was the the money my employers paid me was to make sure my side work was done. My customers paid my real salary.

I found out that college kids don't tip well or not at all. Some tip the min. I do understand that they don't have a lot of money but they sure do have nice rides. There are some others but, I will be PC and not go into the other groups that don't tip worth a dern. Instead I will tell you the groups that do. Other wait staff, bartenders, strippers, some support staff, bikers, just your average folks that WORK for a living.

[surepip]

Blazing Saddles, on 07 November 2009 - 07:51 PM, said:

This is very interesting.

Perhaps the patron saw lil' pip working hard and doing his job better than it had ever been done before. After the service was performed, the patron was grateful and satisfied with everything. However, maybe the patron thought about giving a tip or a greater amount to the server but decided that someone else was more deserving of the money. Perhaps the patron gave the money to the greeter at the door even though that person did nothing to earn the money. Perhaps the patron saw all the money lil' pip was making and noticed the door greeter was getting shortchanged. Perhaps the patron just made a decision to spread the wealth.

Personally, lil' pip worked hard for an expected tip and he should have been compensated for his hard worked and aparent excellent service, but what I don't understand is how big pip can have a double standard on a larger scale? Please surepip, lets be consistent with our principles.

What in the hell are you spouting about?

Although you have labeled me a flaming liberal because I choose to support the POTUS, I am indeed a capitalist's capitalist. I owned my own manufacturing business with 25+ employees for close to 15 years.

I dis our current insurance system because I cannot buy a personal policy for even a 1/5 of what my wife pays as a state empoyee, and that is the primary reason she works for the state. It certainly is not for the salary.

Son is trying to get into an MBA program and we are supporting him whilst he does so.

So what are you babbling about?

As an aside, we had a 4-5 year run in the mid 1990s where our business was really knocking down some bucks. 3+million a year, and the profits were nice. I never complained about signing that big ass check to Uncle, because we had done well. And we paid the tax instead of trying to hide the money in offshore enterprises or other means to duck it. We also provided ALL of our employees with over 1 year service, 100% of their health care coverage. I guess in your mind that was "spreading the wealth".

We also gave a substantial end of year bonus when times were good. I guess that was "spreading the wealth" as well.

I have no interest in running a full blown manufacturing facility again as it was too many headaches. I enjoy being a workforce of "One" and pocketing the profits.

You read way too much into personal profiles of those you like to jump.'

A hard working kid deserves to get the tip he earned. Nothing more, nothing less.

And going back to the topic I posted, I agree with some of the other posters, If you cannot afford to pay the server a reasonable tip, then get your food to go and let him wait on people who might leave a tip.

And you are a Tight ass SOB if you don't.....

[Blazing Saddles]

surepip, on 07 November 2009 - 10:47 PM, said:

What in the hell are you spouting about?

Although you have labeled me a flaming liberal because I choose to support the POTUS, I am indeed a capitalist's capitalist. I owned my own manufacturing business with 25+ employees for close to 15 years.

I dis our current insurance system because I cannot buy a personal policy for even a 1/5 of what my wife pays as a state empoyee, and that is the primary reason she works for the state. It certainly is not for the salary.


As an aside, we had a 4-5 year run in the mid 1990s where our business was really knocking down some bucks. 3+million a year, and the profits were nice. I never complained about signing that big ass check to Uncle, because we had done well. And we paid the tax instead of trying to hide the money in offshore enterprises or other means to duck it. We also provided ALL of our employees with over 1 year service, 100% of their health care coverage. I guess in your mind that was "spreading the wealth".

We also gave a substantial end of year bonus when times were good. I guess that was "spreading the wealth" as well.

I have no interest in running a full blown manufacturing facility again as it was too many headaches. I enjoy being a workforce of "One" and pocketing the profits.

You read way too much into personal profiles of those you like to jump.'

There you go again with all that rage. I know your blood pressure was so high that you couldn't read the part where I said lil' pip should have been paid. As for your "spreading the wealth" description, you sure make an ass of yourself in the way you described it. Offering an employee something out of the goodness of ones heart is not "spreading the wealth" unless you rob someone else of what their entitled to. And you said it best, you want to pocket all your profits and not have to pay for something that is YOUR responsibility. Thanks for making my point. As far as reading personal profiles, that's how everyone understands others. If you want a different response then learn to present yourself in a different manner. I'm not saying your aren't nice guy or you wouldn't be an excellent conversationalist at a dinner party, but I whole heartedly disagree with your conclusions that other people should pay for your "wants". Mama always said, "If you want something bad enough, you will work hard to get it". Seems like now, you want your cake and eat it too.

[Madea]

NC-17, on 07 November 2009 - 09:35 PM, said:

i wouldn't let the douchey southern slam bother you if i were you.

i now how well i tip, and am proud to say i have no clue as to how they do anything up north!!!!

[TJB]

surepip, on 07 November 2009 - 05:44 PM, said:

Son has been a server at our upscale BBQ Restaurant for 5 years, working summers and holidays from college, and now since he has graduated and is going to Ga.Highlands in downtown Dallas while he tries to get into Grad School, he works weekends and a shift or 2 during the week.

He worked a big party last night, along with another server, with per couple checks.

Average check was $50

On 3 of the checks he got a $5 tip, a $3 tip, and a $0 tip. The $5 tip he had to split with another server.

No problems with food, drinks, or anything else.
All said the food and service was great and seemed to have a good time.
He ended up making about $4.25 an hour on a Friday night. Less than $40 for almost a 9 hour shift.

Why do people go to a sit down dining establishment, and leave the server NOTHING?

His tips this year are down 25% from last year, and down 40% to 50% from 2 years ago.

Last weekend he had a table who questioned where the Nachos were on the menu, and he showed them. They ordered, got their drinks quickly, got the meals, and one complained about not enought meat. So son offered to get them more meat, and instead they wanted a house salad, which he obtained for them for free. AND, because the diner was upset with not enough meat [not the server's fault], all 4 at the table were given free pieces of pie.

They tipped him ZERO!

What gives people ?

He actually paid about $1 to wait on them, as Uncle takes a minimum tip percentage and adds it to what he has to pay tax on even if no tip is paid, and he has to tip out the busboys 1% regardless if he actually receives a tip. And this table stayed for an hour after they had finished eating, making son have to stay as well. And then they give him no tip. I just don't get it.

He is an experienced server and does a good job.

Why do diners treat the servers like this ?

Is this a new trend in paulding ? Son is most concerned because he can't cover his expenses [and he lives at home while waiting to get into Grad School]with what he has been bringing home.

I would venture to say most of the people who tip poorly have never worked in a restaurant. I bet they don't realize servers make 2.50 per hour and rely on tips to make a decent wage. I remember breaking my ass on an 80.00 order, only to receive a 2 dollar tip. I followed the guy out of the restaurant and returned his 2 dollar tip, telling him he needed it more than I did.

[workingforaliving]

Mr.Dis, on 07 November 2009 - 09:10 PM, said:

I go out of my way to tip good servers. Seldom have problems that are not corrected well enough. I delivered pizza years ago so I get tipping. I had a regular that NEVER tipped. I would draw that delivery, recognize it and already have the change down to the penny in my hand. Not too hard to predict the bills that will likely be given. Anyway as son as they paid I gave them the change without even looking. They never got the hint. My other observation is this. I have never been tipped by an Asian on a delivery. Now if they as a whole group do not believe in tipping then should I tip when I eat Chinese? I do but I always wonder.

This past summer, I insulted a server while in Southeast Asia. A savvy patron explained to me that tips aren't a part of their culture. We were able to get things cleared up (with apologies and explinations of cultural differences). Perhaps this is part of the reason?



As far as the tipping.....I'm okay with tipping servers, because they don't make much otherwise......but I'll be damned if I contribute to the "tip" jars at places where I KNOW they are pulling in a decent (for the type of work) pay....Coldstone and Starbucks come to mind.

[greg30127]

Several things to consider:

1) You're in Paulding. Many people who pay dinner bills are men. Men want a Hooters girl waiting on them, not a guy. Girls make more tips than guys in more rural areas. If your son worked in Buckhead or anywhere intown, his tips would be much higher. Out here, the gals have the advantage because the bill payers (again, mostly men at dinner) will tip girls higher. During lunches you tend to get many groups of women who want separate checks who (sorry ladies) ARE known to be cheap at lunch when it comes to tipping (girls or guys).

2) Yes, the South is known as being the cheapest tippers. Many years ago I attended a food and beverage conference in Pittsburgh. They had done a study and showed a chart that showed the Northeast had the best tippers, followed by the West Coast as number 2, the Midwest third, and last, the South. The general attitude here seems to be, "It 'aint my job to pay them", when it comes to tipping, and when this topic came up in this room a couple of years ago, a couple of members actually said that, too. It's a common thought pattern down here, and most still have no clue that most restaurants are allowed to pay their people under $2.50 an hour (and do). The Feds have always excluded tipped jobs from the minimum wage laws - maybe it's time to write to the White House and get that changed.

3) Last thing to consider actually falls on the servers. Servers are a lot younger today than they were years ago. Most now are 18-24. Some of them THINK they do a good job, but don't. Some of them think they are personable, but have the personality or skill set of a brick. Training is usually pretty poor. If you are a server, you need to ask yourself these things.... Do you smile? Say hello? Check drink refills regularly? Speak clearly? Do you know the days specials when asked? Do you frequently say, "I don't know, let me check.."? Do the customers see you standing in groups with each other socializing and chit-chatting when you should be checking on customers? ( A VERY frequent problem I see in places) - These are things that might have an effect on your tips. Just taking a plate to a table doesn't earn you 20% - you need to be good at your job, and ACT like the customer is important when around them.

This post has been edited by greg30127: 08 November 2009 - 01:51 AM

[bellaprincess]

surepip, on 07 November 2009 - 05:44 PM, said:

Son has been a server at our upscale BBQ Restaurant for 5 years, working summers and holidays from college, and now since he has graduated and is going to Ga.Highlands in downtown Dallas while he tries to get into Grad School, he works weekends and a shift or 2 during the week.

He worked a big party last night, along with another server, with per couple checks.

Average check was $50

On 3 of the checks he got a $5 tip, a $3 tip, and a $0 tip. The $5 tip he had to split with another server.

No problems with food, drinks, or anything else.
All said the food and service was great and seemed to have a good time.
He ended up making about $4.25 an hour on a Friday night. Less than $40 for almost a 9 hour shift.

Why do people go to a sit down dining establishment, and leave the server NOTHING?

His tips this year are down 25% from last year, and down 40% to 50% from 2 years ago.

Last weekend he had a table who questioned where the Nachos were on the menu, and he showed them. They ordered, got their drinks quickly, got the meals, and one complained about not enought meat. So son offered to get them more meat, and instead they wanted a house salad, which he obtained for them for free. AND, because the diner was upset with not enough meat [not the server's fault], all 4 at the table were given free pieces of pie.

They tipped him ZERO!

What gives people ?

He actually paid about $1 to wait on them, as Uncle takes a minimum tip percentage and adds it to what he has to pay tax on even if no tip is paid, and he has to tip out the busboys 1% regardless if he actually receives a tip. And this table stayed for an hour after they had finished eating, making son have to stay as well. And then they give him no tip. I just don't get it.

He is an experienced server and does a good job.

Why do diners treat the servers like this ?

Is this a new trend in paulding ? Son is most concerned because he can't cover his expenses [and he lives at home while waiting to get into Grad School]with what he has been bringing home.

Okay I know this vent is about tipping, but where is an upscale restaurant in Paulding? Surepip from your posts you have traveled extensively, where is a $50.00 check considered upscale? (Not being snide but I can go to a chain restaurant in Paulding and easily spend $50.00 for a couple, but I would not consider any that I know of in Paulding upscale, not even close) To your post: I do believe with the economy now this might start being more commonplace. Sad for the servers. I was always taught to add 20% to my meal for the waitstaff.

[KRM]

greg30127, on 08 November 2009 - 01:48 AM, said:

Several things to consider:

1) You're in Paulding. Many people who pay dinner bills are men. Men want a Hooters girl waiting on them, not a guy. Girls make more tips than guys in more rural areas. If your son worked in Buckhead or anywhere intown, his tips would be much higher. Out here, the gals have the advantage because the bill payers (again, mostly men at dinner) will tip girls higher. During lunches you tend to get many groups of women who want separate checks who (sorry ladies) ARE known to be cheap at lunch when it comes to tipping (girls or guys).

I have waited tables. I also tip well. When I go to lunch with my GF's, we always get separate checks. All 3 of us tip very well. I really hate the thought tat all women tip cheaply. Not all of us do. Hubbby and I tip well. All he asks is that his glass of tea is always refilled. Like I said before... I go into an eating establishment with the 20% tip in mind. It is up to the server to make it go up or down. Really crappy service gets 10%. I just can't give less. They do make crappy money.

[NC-17]

KRM, on 08 November 2009 - 09:25 AM, said:

I have waited tables. I also tip well. When I go to lunch with my GF's, we always get separate checks. All 3 of us tip very well. I really hate the thought tat all women tip cheaply. Not all of us do. Hubbby and I tip well. All he asks is that his glass of tea is always refilled. Like I said before... I go into an eating establishment with the 20% tip in mind. It is up to the server to make it go up or down. Really crappy service gets 10%. I just can't give less. They do make crappy money.

my husband always has to ask me about the tip. he's used to just giving 5, regardless. at lunch, that's fine. dinner? i do the math.

[MeWhoElse]

greg30127, on 08 November 2009 - 01:48 AM, said:

Several things to consider:

1) You're in Paulding. Many people who pay dinner bills are men. Men want a Hooters girl waiting on them, not a guy. Girls make more tips than guys in more rural areas. If your son worked in Buckhead or anywhere intown, his tips would be much higher. Out here, the gals have the advantage because the bill payers (again, mostly men at dinner) will tip girls higher. During lunches you tend to get many groups of women who want separate checks who (sorry ladies) ARE known to be cheap at lunch when it comes to tipping (girls or guys).

This is nothing more than a myth, if that. I would like to see your source for a legitimate statistic. If you have ever been in the restaurant business, then you would know that this is not correct...