Friday, September 16, 2005

Verbal Tips


Ok. I did find this funny, due to the fact that most of our waitstaff is in their early 20's. Yes. I am 30, so I feel it doesn't apply to me. I don't feel as if I am entitled regardless of my service. I do believe that if the service is excellent, 20% is not too much to ask. Verbal feedback, or the "verbal tip," is also welcomed as I strive to better my performance.

I receive many "verbal tips" during each shift I work. Verbal tips are more or less an "attaboy." Just last night, two of my four tables (very slow night) told me I was the best server they had ever had. They followed that up with requesting my name so they could ask for me next time they dined with us. The compliment definitely feels good. Who doesn't like to get a pat on the back for what you do? The praise always makes my night, because that is one of the reasons I work where I do. I love to help people enjoy fine food and wine while being pampered with outstanding service. People deserve it. The other reason I work where I do is to make money. Yes, folks, I work to earn a living to help feed my family and the ravenous wolves at the door. Verbal tips feel good, but they don't pay the bills. By all means, continue to verbally tip your servers, but please, please put the money where your mouth is and also tip them well.


Both of those tables, for whom I was the "best server ever," left less than the subpar standard 15%. I don't feel as if I am entitled to 20%, but I do deserve more than a paltry 15%, if the service was that outstanding.I sometimes think that people feel vindicated they can leave a substandard tip if they also toss out a verbal tip. I believe that many people don't realize that my hourly wage is merely $2.13, just enough for the government to get their taxes. Nor do they realize that I must tip out support staff, (bussers, food runners, dish catchers, bartenders, etc.) up to 3% of my sales, not what I receive in tips. That 15% tip, quickly is deflated to just 12%. Just imagine if someone decides not to tip. I am paying others so I can work. Servers often are the ones that get short changed.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Amen , sister. Since I was a server myself I understand. I never really expected 20 percent, but when I know I gave great service and was not tipped accordingly , I was greatly disappointed. Since then I always tip 20 percent unless service was just horrible.

Anonymous said...

I hear ya! And I feel your pain! Serving was my fav job thus far, and those 20% tips really help! I've seen you in action, you're awesome!!!!!

Trevor Record said...

I've got to say.... most people my age don't have a generational sense of entitlement. In fact, most have a woefully bleak outlook of the future. Most expect to have shitty jobs their entire lives.

Laura said...

I only tip 20% I receive GREAT service. Sorry!

Rae Ann said...

I can't believe people think that verbal tips are equal to money tips. My sister once accused me of showing off when I tipped $3 on a $10 lunch. It's that kind of attitude that I just don't get. She's one of those verbal tippers.