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.
We did this once as well. The waitress followed us out to the parking lot and told us that we forgot to leave her a tip. We responded back that we had not, that her tip was indicative of the level of service we received. She told us she was going to call the police on us. Bless her heart. I hope she found a different line of work otherwise, I fear we’re all paying her expenses each month. LOL
As I was talking off my coat, he showed up and asked, "Have you decided on a drink yet?"
He came to the table seven times before I received my food, just checking on me. Thanks for interrupting my conversation seven times!
He asked me how the food was, before I had a chance to put a single bite in my mouth.
I ordered a burger. It was large. I cut the burger in half. Before I even picked up the second half of the burger, he asked me if I wanted dessert.
I gave him 15% (I usually give 20%) just because I'm nice.
I think a penny tip is entirely appropriate for poor service. However no tip, or a 5% tip, when you have treated the wait staff poorly or made a huge mess is infuriating to me.
Agrred. This is not rocket science. Some of the best service we get is in our favorite Mexican restaurant. By the time we are seated, they are setting down the chips and salsa. Quick on the drinks, food orders, etc. A tough act to follow, even in the hi-end places. But yes, a perfect tip to get the point across. I have done it myself.
I have done that once before...and only once. I won’t go into the details of how badly the meal and service were, but here is what followed.
I was having dinner with my sister when she was a student at UNC. The “waiter” followed me next door to a bookstore and asked if there was some problem with the service.
I said, “Service? What service? It was practically nonexistent”...and named a few examples of WHY it was so bad.
His reply: “But sir, this is how I earn my living!”
I looked at him square in the eye, paused, and said: “Perhaps you should consider a different line of work.”
He said nothing, turned, and walked out of the store.
Actually, I thought that was the norm for crappy service.
Been there - done that too. The restaurant was almost empty, and it took over 20 minutes for a waiter to bring us water and menus. We looked at the menus, made our choice and closed them back up. I even stood mine up on end to let the waiter know we were done.
After another 15 - 20 minutes, he came back. Food came out in another 20 minutes or so. Both our orders got screwed up, so we sent the food back for the correct order. The wait staff were in the back doing nothing most of the time. We never got a refill on our tea either.
I actually wrote the tip on he back of the check. I suggested she pay attention to the needs of the table as to empty drinks etc. I then told the cashier that the tip was on the back of the check and left.
I have done that, and I have had it done to me. I knew it was coming when it was done to me. Sometimes sh*t happens.