Save Your Compliment; I'll Take Cash Instead

Roommate, E: "$0 on $109!"

Me: "Wait. $0 on $109?!"

We continued on like this for a few more minutes. Same words, with a few added expletives each time.

Let me explain. My roommate, E, is a server at a place we will just call Better Than Sizzler, Too Cheap for Stark's. This was a conversation that we had this past week, and the week before, and... Actually we have this conversation far too often! The above amounts we were discussing were people's check amounts and the tip they left her, or didn't leave. NOT OK.

If you are not shocked by those figures, perhaps you are thinking, 'Maybe she didn't deserve a tip. Maybe she's a horrible server.'

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Maybe your mind went where mine did, and so I asked her, "Were you mean to them?" I know she can get a little sassy sometimes! 

"Nope!" In fact, E further explained that as she dropped the check, this group had complimented her on her "great service
!" Not just quickly or in passing, but that they had made a point to stop her and tell her what a good job she did. They then proceeded to give her NOTHING as a tip. 

To these people and anyone else who thinks it is ok to give a compliment, rather than a tip that will pay the rent, aka cash: YOU SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED OUT IN PUBLIC!

... Or anywhere for that matter. Photo credit

As someone who has worked in the restaurant industry, I can't tell you how extremely annoying the above scenario is! It's also annoying when people simply have no idea how to tip so here are a few tips (excuse the pun) if you ever dine out:

• According to itipping.com leaving between 15-20% is appropriate. You're welcome. 

I tend to go with: 15% as a "WOW, you really suck! I'd leave you nothing, but that's rude." 20% as a "Good job! Thanks!" and 20+% "You were amazing and friendly! Thank you SO much!"

• Research appropriate tipping for different countries and different situations (bars, salons, spas, hotels, etc.)

Don't forget to tip when you order to go! Yes, someone is still making your food and putting it all together for you, sometimes when they could be taking another table.

• The economy may be in a slump, but if you still dine out, the service has not changed. 

Let me repeat that, THE SERVICE HAS NOT CHANGED. Since this is true, it is not appropriate to tip less than you would have 8(ish) years ago. The people on the restaurant staff are being affected by the economy too and they probably don't wait tables for fun. 

• What I'm really trying to stay is: if you cannot afford to tip appropriately, that's sad, but you really need to live within your means so stay home and cook your own meal!

zazzle.com

I hope none of you are non tipping offenders, but if you are here's a not so fun fact: while a fairy doesn't die every time you don't tip, your server is actually paying for you to eat if you don't. Let me explain (I'm feeling like Kevin Hart right about now): Many restaurants require their servers to tip out a certain percentage of their sales, not the cash they have in their hand. This means that if you don't tip your server, your dinner check is still included in the amount that they have to tip out! 

One more thing: don't EVER snap your fingers at your server (or anyone)! That is a very quick way for your order to magically "get lost" and you to get the worst service of your life, and no one will feel bad!

In conclusion, I feel that all people should be required to work in a restaurant for at least 6 months in high school. This way, people will know what it's like and perhaps have some empathy for the people who serve them, because servers are people too. If you can't remember that, or to tip appropriately, do us all a favor and STAY HOME!