awgiedawgie reminded me of this type of experience many, many years ago in San Francisco. I left THAT wonderful gal “four pennies” as I was told that in the “olden days” that was a sure sign of disrespect for that type of service !
Why would you leave a 15% tip for terrible service?! Waitresses and waiters EARN their tips. If you tip them for lousy service, you’re paying them for NOT doing their jobs.
For service that’s average, by which I mean adequate, I will tip 15%. For good service, it’s 20% or more. For poor service, I don’t tip at all – because they didn’t earn it – AND I talk to the manager and explain just what it was that sucked.
But if the service goes beyond poor to absolutely terrible, they’ll get a penny. That way not only does the manager get to hear how bad the service was, but the waitress also knows that not only did the service really suck, but she also failed to give any reason for it.
Throughout the course of the meal, I’ll give her plenty of opportunity to tell me if she’s having a bad day, or if they’re shorthanded, or if there’s SOME reason why I’m not being treated as a valued customer. If she DOES give some explanation – or tries to give one, or even just averts her eyes, like maybe it’s something she just doesn’t want to talk about – I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt, and give her a decent tip anyway. So I don’t need to discuss it with her afterward, and I’m not “avoiding conflict”.
I don’t like having to talk to a manager about one of their people, but I do it, because if they don’t know there’s a problem, it won’t get solved.
Many times, the “problem” with the service is the management. I like water when I come in, the waitress knows it. Since we have a drought, she can’t bring me water until I request it. She gets busy and it takes a while – all because of crappy management.
awgiedawgie Premium Member over 8 years ago
In all my years, I have only ever once left a waitress a single penny for her tip. This would be a perfect occasion.
Neat '33 over 8 years ago
awgiedawgie reminded me of this type of experience many, many years ago in San Francisco. I left THAT wonderful gal “four pennies” as I was told that in the “olden days” that was a sure sign of disrespect for that type of service !
David Huie Green LosersBlameOthers&It'sYOURfault over 8 years ago
mission accomplished
Jim Kerner over 8 years ago
This is the tip I would leave. Write this down. Third Horse. Fourth Race.
Jim Kerner over 8 years ago
Fortunately, I’ve never had to do that.
awgiedawgie Premium Member over 8 years ago
Why would you leave a 15% tip for terrible service?! Waitresses and waiters EARN their tips. If you tip them for lousy service, you’re paying them for NOT doing their jobs.
For service that’s average, by which I mean adequate, I will tip 15%. For good service, it’s 20% or more. For poor service, I don’t tip at all – because they didn’t earn it – AND I talk to the manager and explain just what it was that sucked.
But if the service goes beyond poor to absolutely terrible, they’ll get a penny. That way not only does the manager get to hear how bad the service was, but the waitress also knows that not only did the service really suck, but she also failed to give any reason for it.
Throughout the course of the meal, I’ll give her plenty of opportunity to tell me if she’s having a bad day, or if they’re shorthanded, or if there’s SOME reason why I’m not being treated as a valued customer. If she DOES give some explanation – or tries to give one, or even just averts her eyes, like maybe it’s something she just doesn’t want to talk about – I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt, and give her a decent tip anyway. So I don’t need to discuss it with her afterward, and I’m not “avoiding conflict”.
I don’t like having to talk to a manager about one of their people, but I do it, because if they don’t know there’s a problem, it won’t get solved.
route66paul over 8 years ago
Many times, the “problem” with the service is the management. I like water when I come in, the waitress knows it. Since we have a drought, she can’t bring me water until I request it. She gets busy and it takes a while – all because of crappy management.