I’ve only done this once, but the service was so bad I actually left a one penny tip. I did it to drive home the point that I didn’t forget the tip, but the service sucked. Flame me if you will, but this guy was a REAL jerk and really didn’t even deserve the penny.
Well, I don't whistle, and I don't snap my fingers. But I like spicy food, and I do tend to drink a lot of water. I say "thank you" every time the waiter fills my glass. And if my glass stands empty for a prolonged time, or if I have to politely ask for a refill, this will always be reflected in the tip.
No wonder they are pissed. Looks like they picked lousy waiters from low class places.
I worked my way through college as a waiter at a nice upscale "continental Cuisine/French" restuarant and could go home with the months rent based on three nights work (Fri. thru Sunday).
I have had friends look at me in shock when I have told them flat out that I will not have dinner with them again at any place I want to return to. Some people just do not know how to behave to wait staff.
Semen Found in Woman’s Free Yogurt Sample at Grocery Store
A 28-year-old woman was shopping with her daughter in the cereal aisle at a grocery store when she was approached by a man who offered her a sample of yogurt. After accepting the man’s yogurt sample, the woman immediately thought the sample tasted “gross and disgusting” and spit it out because she said it “tasted like semen.” (WOW!)
Read more below:
In a handwritten statement, the woman said, “I spit it out on the floor many times cuz I was upset.” The woman recalled that when she talked to manager Catherine Flores, “she told me was a Greek yoghurt. People love it has lot of protein on it.”
The woman paid for her groceries and returned home, where she told her boyfriend about the incident. She told of how Garcia had “just come with one sample just for me,” and that “he was so pushy to tell me how taste it.” The woman and her boyfriend eventually returned to the market, where they summoned police.
When questioned by cops, an “extremely nervous” Garcia denied putting bodily fluids in the yogurt container, which he admitted discarding in a trash compactor after the woman complained about the sample’s taste. An Albuquerque Police Department spokesperson said today that blood and DNA samples have been collected from the incarcerated Garcia, and that results from lab tests are expected later this week.
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/revolting/shopper-ingested-semen-tainted-yogurt-sample
LOL!
I was waiting for my boys to come out of the pool locker room the other day, and James showed up and said, "Pat won't come because he's listening to people's conversations!"
Practice for his career as an intelligence operative ...
Worst tip I ever got was a religious tract that looked like a ten dollar bill & no actual tip to go along with it. I was already a Christian, but I can guarantee that method of witnessing will be turn people off to the gospel.
I’ve always found that a little respect and common courtesy goes a long, long way at the resturant. I usually get good service, because I respond warmly and personably to my waiter/waitress as a person.
A smile returned, costs nothing. A polite greeting, with their name included is free - and often appreciated.
I do tip, I’ve had jobs like that when I was younger. But the fact of the matter is that they remember the tip, they remember the table it came from - but they will seldom remember that it was you that gave it. They deal with hundreds of new people every day.
On the other hand, act aloof when they greet you; don’t be surprised if they remain aloof when they serve you.
One of my favorite books (Patric Rothfuss) wrote in “The Name of the Wind”:
A Tinker’s debt is always paid;
Once for any simple trade;
Twice for freely-given aide
Thrice for any insult made.
Yesterday I was having lunch and waitress brought wet plates for our bread. Then had to track her down twice to get refills on drinks. Never inquired if we needed anything. I usually tip meal70% but sadly she only got 2.96 on a 12 dollar meal.
I would fire at least four of these people.
The one thing that will ensure a waitstaff person won’t get a tip is when they ask “will there be change?” Uh, yeah, there’s a fifty dollar bill in there for a twenty something bill. Better believe I want change.
I never take the wife out on Valentine's Day. Restaurants are ridiculously crowded as guys who never do anything thoughtful try to make up for it on one day. It's like the people who only go to church on Christmas and Easter.
My wife always makes us a special candlelight dinner for Valentine's day. Besides, her birthday is the same month; and I always take her out for that.
Waiters to me are usually polite if you just match their tempo as they have a routine to help them keep things together. I hate when my glass goes empty but I am also not afraid to get their attention and without even asking they usally know why and get right on it. I also tip well, usually 20%, except more at holidays and for waiters I have gotten to know and they provide that extra level of service. It is not unusual to tip extra to the kitchen staff when they go out of their way specifically for us, such as when they make a dish they no longer usually offer or provide an extra special meal near the holidays. I find most good restaurants hire good people and they do try; they goof up sometimes but rarely on purpose. I’ve had a few nasty experiences but I also have found that managers usually care to know and take action. I’ve gotten a few free meals from it and have seen a few waiters walked out. Overall, though, a smile and polite interaction goes a LONG way to a better experience, even when the waiter or kitchen staff makes a goof.
1. Be a regular.
2. Call your staff by name.
3. Tip significantly.
4. If you're getting shorted because the staff is having a hard time with another table, don't take it out on the staff, tip extra and leave a note, "this is for putting up with that brat at table 10." Smile and wink on the way out. Believe me, this one really works.
5. One bad experience, forgive. Two, take a couple of months off. If you've done 1-4 it will be noticed.
6. Never be confrontational. Nobody wins. It may make you feel better but she/he'll be bringing you your food.
How stupid are people? Is it really a “secret” that you need reservations on big days like Valentine’s? That this Saturday will be busy at restaurants?
I can relate, I have a mother-in-law like that and I always wonder what they put in my food just because I'm at the same table with her. One time, she was so bad that I got up with the excuse that I had to go to the bathroom just so I could slip the waitress an extra $10 for putting up with her crap.
Also, my mother always hated tipping. She felt that if she didn't get tipped for serving meals at home then sure as hell nobody should get tipped in a restaurant for doing what she does at home for free. Now my mother would always "hover" at the table as we were leaving and I always wondered why she did that. I eventually found out that she would take the tip off the table before leaving. When I caught her doing that, I hardly ever took her out with me again!
I was a restaurant worker myself in my younger days so I know what a thankless hard-working job it is. I automatically tip 20% and if service is exceptional, it goes up from there. People will treat you as you treat them. Very rarely have I ever been treated rudely by a waiter/waitress and any issues with the food, wait time, etc., is beyond their control so I never subtract from the tip for that.
Last two years of undergrad I waited tables and bartended at a famous but now bankrupt chain restaurant.
I didn’t eat at a chain restaurant when I was paying the check for almost 5 years after that.
NEVER ask for lemon wedges!! EVER!!
and don’t forget how many restaurants have illegal aliens prep your meals,not wearing rubber gloves and dropping food! and yes,some restaurants do drop expensive steaks and put it on the plate.(like that 10 second rule they have with fast food joints)