Bad Service vs. Good service: Tipping Opinions

I feel if the service is really bad, the tip should reflect the service. If servers would apologize for their mistakes, I'd leave more tip, but some servers choose not to apologize, so their tip is less.

 

This is to me ideal service:

 

1. The server greets you within 3-5 minutes. The server writes down the drink order and RIGHT AFTER the server should go get the drinks, NOT checking on others until the request is fulfilled. In other words, when I order, it's MY turn now, so don't go greet the next table until you are finished with getting the soft drinks.

 

2. The server writes down the food order and IMMEDIATELY after goes put the order into the computer.

 

3. The order that is brought to my table has NOTHING missing and if there is something missing, the server should say their sorry for forgetting it. Example: a side of ranch dressing. If I ordered it with my meal, the server should reread the order BEFORE bringing it to the customer.

 

4. Check: Asking for the check and the request taking 3 minutes or so, not 10 minutes.

 

5. Ringing up the check: This shouldn't be a 10 minute wait, this should be around 3 minutes or so.

 

6. Overcharging or Undercharging: This is the responsiblity of the SERVER. I should NEVER have anything I didn't order on my bill. I also shouldn't be charged another customer's table on my credit card. This has happened to me twice. Both times I received no apology for my wait. I also feel that the server should be responsible enough to "KNOW THE MENU." I have had an experience where I was in a restaurant for the first time and the waitress charged me for a salad without an entree and I had ordered an entree. I think it's PATHETIC if the customer knows more than the wait staff about the prices. I have also had a couple of servers charge me $0.04 over the price it stated on the menu for an item. The server should tell the manager if the menu doesn't match the computer's price, NEVER, EVER, should it be the customer.

 

7. Knowing the menu: I have had times where I have ordered a dish and it stated it comes with "Bar-b-que sauce" or "Marinara sauce" and the server didn't bring it to me. I had to remind them that "It's suppose to come with such-n-such." I think it's pretty lazy when a server can't compare the menu with the plate of food. I also feel just because a customer orders something extra that the server shouldn't assume they don't want what suppose to come with the food. A couple of times, I have had servers not bring the marinara sauce that was suppose to come with mozzarella cheese sticks, just because I ordered a side of ranch along with it. The servers ASSUMED I didn't want what came with the meal. If the server had doubts, they should have ASKED me. They should NEVER assume what a customer wants.

 

8. Refills on soft drinks. I feel the server should ask the customer if they would like a refill or a customer be able to ask the server for a refill, but NEVER a refill be brought to a table without it being ordered. There should NEVER be something brought to someone's table that was never ordered. A customer should decide if they would like some more drink or even the same drink. I hate when servers make decisions for me, when it's the customer's decision if they want another refill or not, not the wait staff's.

If the serivce is shit, then DON'T tip. Simple as that. Average service=average tip. Great service= better tip.

I only tip if the service stands out. I don't have much money, why would I tip someone for average service? Almost everything I do is above average, where's my damn tip?

No question average service get average tip and poor service gets poor tip. But we all have different ideas of what constitues "average" and "poor". Personally I kinda think most of your points of "ideal" service are just a little silly. Sorry. But unless I'm starving or in a hurry (in which case I let the hostess and server know right off the bat) I could care less if the server stops to greet another table near mine on the way to getting my drink. And having my drinks automatically refilled gets points with me. I would get more annoyed having her repeatedly interrupting my conversation to ask if I wanted more. And I'm not getting my panties in a wad about a .04 overcharge.

CHICA

I could care less if the server stops to greet another table near mine on the way to getting my drink.

It bothers me because I can't wait to get, for instance, my margarita, which does take longer to make than a soft drink. Also, I feel it's like a line, when it's that table's turn, then let them take their turn. It just annoys me, because if I'm next, I feel I'm next, not someone else. I don't like waiting for things longer than necessary. That's great that it doesn't bother you though.

 

 

And having my drinks automatically refilled gets points with me. I would get more annoyed having her repeatedly interrupting my conversation to ask if I wanted more.

I switch soft drinks sometimes, so it gets annoying when servers bring a soft drink refill without asking, because it's like they are trying to order for me, when it's NOT their choice, it's MINE. I don't care if they interrupt my conversation, it's no big deal to me. I can always get back to what I was talking about after. Also, if I feel by them asking me, I know they want to please ME the customer, not their tired feet by just coming to the table with the drinks. They would make another trip to come to ask me first, which, to me, shows me they CARE about what I want and NOT what is just easier for them.

 

And I'm not getting my panties in a wad about a .04 overcharge.

It's not the $0.04 that matters the most, it's more the concept of servers that don't care if they are overcharging you, which pisses me off. Now, I have been charged SIGNIFICANT amounts such as almost $11.00 when a waiter rung up my credit card on another table. I didn't even get an apology. So, that is when I get MUCH MORE PISSED when it's a significant amount and I don't even get an apology for it. That's just plain mean and uncaring of the server not to apologize at least.

Lords, many of us have told you before on other websites and I'll tell you again. You are psychotic when it comes to food service. You have this need to be first at all times when it comes to food and drink, and your idea of dining is food dripping in tartar sauce, mayo or ranch.

 

If you want to be served "in order" go to McDonald's, get in line and place your fucking order. Restaurants don't work that way. Even in the slop places you call restaurants (Chili's and Applebees) the servers work as expeditiously as possible to please all of their guests as quickly as possible. If that means waiting an extra 10 seconds for your drink or 5 sides of sauces, I think you'll live.

 

A few links for reading pleasure into how nuts Lords can be.

 

http://www.tipping.org/discus4/messages/9/2634.html?1128399632

 

http://p066.ezboard.com/fwouldyoulikefrieswiththatfrm10.showMessage?topicID=171.topic

 

I don't know about the rest of the world but when I get out to eat I just sit back and enjoy it. This bitch spends the time counting her server's steps and getting pissed about waiting an extra 10 seconds for anything.

 

Of course I don't consider Applebees or Chili's places to eat, never mind getting fine dining service.

Lords aint shit compared to me!

 

1) A server is a server and should seen and not heard! But I have always found that when you need one they're nowhere to be found. But when you don't need them they're buzzing around with chit-chat and small talk. Listen up waiters (Vortex) people don't come to your restaraunt to listen to you gab. They come there to eat and enjoy themselves.

 

2) 90% of my experiences with wait staff follows this: I arrive thirsty and hungry. I am greeted and seated but have to wait several minutes until some waiter or waitress notices me or I have to get their damn attention because they are busy talking to their friends about how to get dried cum out of their hair. So finally they get my drink order (not a moment too soon) and they are usually pretty good about bringing it back, and taking the food order. Now I'm sitting there with my coleagues talking about heavy stuff, and all of our teas and cokes are empty and we're still thirsty. But where oh where is the waitress? Nowhere to be found! She's probably in the back talking about that dried cum again. Damn we're thirsty, but oh well we're about to make a break through on that problem we've been having all week at work. well finally the food arrives,yeah! We all start to eat, and the refills of drinks come at this time as well. Great, we're all ready, we got food and drink, so we continue with the issues at work and we are just about to get it solved and I'm in mid sentence with the break through and I'm suddenly interupted by "is everything allright?" I want to get up and break her fucking neck! I mean didn't this bitch ever learn it's not polite to interrupt? and where in the hell was she when I needed my tea refill?

 

Fuck 'em... I don't tip!

Lords aint shit compared to me!

 

1) A server is a server and should seen and not heard! But I have always found that when you need one they're nowhere to be found. But when you don't need them they're buzzing around with chit-chat and small talk. Listen up waiters (Vortex) people don't come to your restaraunt to listen to you gab. They come there to eat and enjoy themselves.

 

2) 90% of my experiences with wait staff follows this: I arrive thirsty and hungry. I am greeted and seated but have to wait several minutes until some waiter or waitress notices me or I have to get their damn attention because they are busy talking to their friends about how to get dried cum out of their hair. So finally they get my drink order (not a moment too soon) and they are usually pretty good about bringing it back, and taking the food order. Now I'm sitting there with my coleagues talking about heavy stuff, and all of our teas and cokes are empty and we're still thirsty. But where oh where is the waitress? Nowhere to be found! She's probably in the back talking about that dried cum again. Damn we're thirsty, but oh well we're about to make a break through on that problem we've been having all week at work. well finally the food arrives,yeah! We all start to eat, and the refills of drinks come at this time as well. Great, we're all ready, we got food and drink, so we continue with the issues at work and we are just about to get it solved and I'm in mid sentence with the break through and I'm suddenly interupted by "is everything allright?" I want to get up and break her fucking neck! I mean didn't this bitch ever learn it's not polite to interrupt? and where in the hell was she when I needed my tea refill?

 

Fuck 'em... I don't tip!

 

 

MRIH....I dont entertain my tables unless they ask for it or want it. Otherwise i just refill your crap and dont interrupt you unless i have to. I stick around my section and do walk throughs constantly.....Most of my coworks think im "mysterious" because i dont gossip all shift long. I am doing my job. When i have one table...and they are fine and gabbing...fine ill gossip... I prefer to get in and get out. and if its not asking for your refil (lords)...then im not going to ask. but if i grab your glass and you want something different...SAY SOMETHING....dont just be a "table victim" like you were done some un-justice Lords

 

speaking of lords

 

welcome back....Its really a great thing that the owner of your DONUT shop thought you were the best. It makes your entire world of making servers lives miserasble for your demands and low tips....

 

 

but seriously babe...hon....what can you expect when you eat at lower level service chains??!

 

 

 

 

(i know many servers at these establisments....but that doens make them bad people...just their management)

 

Lords bring it on....i have worked from management to bartending to serving....you have worked at a donut shop....any arguement you have i will trump you to the point that your extra ranch loving ass will not be able to handle it......

 

so lords...here is your check...and under 3 minutes....pay up or shut the fuck up!

As a Public Service to the members of GF, CES will now TRANSLATE the original post of Lords in this thread...

 

I feel if the service is really bad, not only should one bitch and complain in an obnoxious voice like Fran Dresher

MRIH....I dont entertain my tables unless they ask for it or want it. Otherwise i just refill your crap and dont interrupt you unless i have to. I stick around my section and do walk throughs constantly.....Most of my coworks think im "mysterious" because i dont gossip all shift long. I am doing my job. When i have one table...and they are fine and gabbing...fine ill gossip... I prefer to get in and get out. and if its not asking for your refil (lords)...then im not going to ask. but if i grab your glass and you want something different...SAY SOMETHING....dont just be a "table victim" like you were done some un-justice Lords

 

speaking of lords

 

welcome back....Its really a great thing that the owner of your DONUT shop thought you were the best. It makes your entire world of making servers lives miserasble for your demands and low tips....

 

 

but seriously babe...hon....what can you expect when you eat at lower level service chains??!

 

 

 

 

(i know many servers at these establisments....but that doens make them bad people...just their management)

 

Lords bring it on....i have worked from management to bartending to serving....you have worked at a donut shop....any arguement you have i will trump you to the point that your extra ranch loving ass will not be able to handle it......

 

so lords...here is your check...and under 3 minutes....pay up or shut the fuck up!

Vortex, I'd love to eat at your restaraunt! If you do as you say you do, I'd give you a big fat tip! That's for sure!

Vortex, I'd love to eat at your restaraunt! If you do as you say you do, I'd give you a big fat tip! That's for sure!

 

 

Lemon. You're wishing again.

 

Fat tips come on fat cocks, and you don't have one.

I wouldn't blame the servers so much as the managment for your woes MRIH. In the 'Professional' type place generic robot server B is told to do certain things, like interrupt by saying "How is everything" (Note the lack of question mark.) Then they buzz off to the next table. They are told to do this o create a standerd of service. This is one of the dumbest things done in the service business. I would say that mroe people want a human to serve them, to be friendly and sometimes they enjoy to chat a little bit. They must also have the common sense to realize when/who just wants their food/drink served with a smile and for the waiter or whatever to boot it out of there and keep an eye open for empty glasses. I would like to know hat idiots accually interrupt you whaile your speaking to ask "How is everything", thats terrible. Given this was a business meeting I imagine you wern't at some greese spot on the highway, if the servers are working with business people, or anyone really, they ought to know not to interrupt. Make your intention to ask something known by merely being present and wait for your customers to acknowledge you for christs sake!

Vortex, I'd love to eat at your restaraunt! If you do as you say you do, I'd give you a big fat tip! That's for sure!

 

 

well i dont like the whole "fridays" i have to be witty even though im not good at it schtick....

 

I myself dont want to be bothered....but i do hate it when another server doesnt check back to see if my food is okay when i have had a couple of bites..

 

It may be dry or something i need to "butter it up" with this or that....

 

but i dont want them attached to the corner of my table trying to do word juggligng to entertain me while im shoveling a burger down my gullet!

 

Vorty...I thought you worked at the Cheesecake Factory?!?

Vorty...I thought you worked at the Cheesecake Factory?!?

 

 

I do...i just dont like it when a server semes like management is making them entrertain me when they obviously dont have the knack for it....

 

I have my own corporate/management stuff that i have to abide by..everything else is up to me. We have these secret shopper things and if we dont hit them we can cet suspended or even fired...

 

here is what i have to do (and it can get tough if you get 4 tables sat at the same time)

 

-1 minute greet.....we have to basically say something like "be right with you" within one minute

 

-2 minute full greet......basically say my name, fish special, and soup....

 

-Drinks at table within 4 minutes of ordering

 

-bread at the table within 4 minutes of full greet

 

-if a customer gets up to got to the bathroom or something i have to have the napkin folded for them by the time they get back

 

-full desert presentation (groan this one i hate when they dont want dessert...)....which is featured cheesecake, most popular, and my favorite... (i skip this one if they dont want to see the menu...and i could get in trouble for not saying it...but if they dont want dessert i dont think they should have to listen to such a long speal...

 

-if paying by credit card i have to call them by name (preferable last name)

 

those are just basics...i probably forgot one or two... but those are my management guidlines....

 

im usually pretty dead on unless they order something like a mojito or strawberry martini wich can take over 5 minutes to make....

Vortex

-if paying by credit card i have to call them by name (preferable last name)

 

I don't personally like it when the server's call me by my name. It's really NONE of their business. It sucks that you have to do that though. Sure they'll know my name when they see the card, but I don't like when they bring me my credit card slip with my credit card as if they know me personally or something by saying my name. I don't think it's ANY of their concern WHAT my name is. NO, I don't take ANYTHING off for that, because it's not a mistake, it's just something that irks me.

Hey Lords,

 

Do you think it should be legal for you (and only you) to mount a .50cal machine gun on the hood of your car and be able to legally lay waste to anyone who offends your sensibilities on the road (or in a parking lot)?

 

Do you believe it should be legal for you to be able to carry a samarai sword with you into restaraunts and when you deem the service unworthy, you can legally proceed to decapitate the offending server?

Vortex

 

 

I don't personally like it when the server's call me by my name. It's really NONE of their business. It sucks that you have to do that though. Sure they'll know my name when they see the card, but I don't like when they bring me my credit card slip with my credit card as if they know me personally or something by saying my name. I don't think it's ANY of their concern WHAT my name is. NO, I don't take ANYTHING off for that, because it's not a mistake, it's just something that irks me.

 

 

Usually ill just say "thank you mr smith" or just say the first name on the card to see who paid it because you cant always tell. That person looks up and i say thank you...

 

but it doesnt suprise me that irks you...im suprised it isnt something you expect....since you think they should read your mind....they should know your name too..

 

or is it the fact that they know your name now and how nasty you were to them make you nervous?

Usually ill just say "thank you mr smith" or just say the first name on the card to see who paid it because you cant always tell. That person looks up and i say thank you...

 

but it doesnt suprise me that irks you...im suprised it isnt something you expect....since you think they should read your mind....they should know your name too..

 

or is it the fact that they know your name now and how nasty you were to them make you nervous?

If you must call thgem by name because your manager forces you, then "Mr. or Mrs or Ms." is respectful enough. I too, get a little suspicious (mainly because I'm paranoid) when they use my name, because it seems like they scrutinized my card (wrote down the numbers or something)

If you must call thgem by name because your manager forces you, then "Mr. or Mrs or Ms." is respectful enough. I too, get a little suspicious (mainly because I'm paranoid) when they use my name, because it seems like they scrutinized my card (wrote down the numbers or something)

 

 

i would be more paranoid by a server who changed the tip than someone writing the numbers down..

 

seen a few in my day get fired for that offense......

Vortex

Since you think they should read your mind.

 

NO, it seems like the servers try to read the CUSTOMER'S minds by bringing a refill to them that they may not want. THAT'S an example of reading someone's mind. The server HONESTLY doesn't know if that customer wants another refill of coke or whatever soft drink they ordered. That is DEFINATELY trying to read someone's mind by getting things that were NEVER requested or told by the customer.

 

Example: Let's say I order a coke and I am dining alone. My drink is finished, but honestly, I am full. So, I see the server bring me another coke without the server coming to my table to ask me or for me to tell them I want a refill. I don't even touch it. That's an example of WASTING time(for me as well as other customers), ASSUMING what a CUSTOMER wants, and WASTING products such as the coke.

 

In this example, the server TRIED to READ MY MIND, but it didn't work, because that server was WRONG!

 

I DON'T think ANYONE should try to read someone's mind. So, the statement you said that I think someone should read my mind is BS!

Vortex

 

 

NO, it seems like the servers try to read the CUSTOMER'S minds by bringing a refill to them that they may not want. THAT'S an example of reading someone's mind. The server HONESTLY doesn't know if that customer wants another refill of coke or whatever soft drink they ordered. That is DEFINATELY trying to read someone's mind by getting things that were NEVER requested or told by the customer.

 

Example: Let's say I order a coke and I am dining alone. My drink is finished, but honestly, I am full. So, I see the server bring me another coke without the server coming to my table to ask me or for me to tell them I want a refill. I don't even touch it. That's an example of WASTING time(for me as well as other customers), ASSUMING what a CUSTOMER wants, and WASTING products such as the coke.

 

In this example, the server TRIED to READ MY MIND, but it didn't work, because that server was WRONG!

 

I DON'T think ANYONE should try to read someone's mind. So, the statement you said that I think someone should read my mind is BS!

 

 

ill rephrase your last line for you ".....Your mind is BS!"

 

Awww poor baby. A coke got wasted....thats a damn shame. Maybe they just were trying to read your mind because your table filled up with condiments like a hamburger bar at fudruckers...

 

 

On the other hand i have never waited at a place where they waste glasswear that they bring you fresh glasses every time. We always refill the one you have. So if im at the table i get an eyecontact and go for their glass. If they say no ill offer water and if they say no...no biggie.

 

Normal people tend to say what they want and not look helplessly at their glass lifting the table pondering the meaning of life and why someone would piss them off by trying to give you more of their FREE refils and then get ticked off for it.

 

 

You need theapy.....or at least a hole in the head

Vortex

On the other hand i have never waited at a place where they waste glasswear that they bring you fresh glasses every time. We always refill the one you have.

That is NOT how the chain restaurants do it such as Outback. Almost everytime I've gone to Outback, I have had DIFFERENT glasses of soft drink brought to me WITHOUT me requesting the refill or them asking me. MOST restaurants I have been to DON'T take your glass. I actually LIKE that the server gives me a NEW glass, because while I am waiting for my refill, I can still sip on the last few sips of my drink, instead of having nothing to sip on, especially if I am in the middle of eating my meal. Also, it may take the server a couple of minutes to come back with the refills, so it's nice to be able to have SOMETHING to sip on. I actually think it is rude when someone just grabs a glass without asking. I have had that happen before and I didn't like it. At least you seem to ask people, so that's nice of you to think of their feelings. It's RARE that I don't get a NEW glass for my soft drink.

 

Why someone would piss them off by trying to give you more of their FREE refils and then get ticked off for it.

The act of the server trying to order for the CUSTOMER. It's WASTING time that I could be getting either the check, dessert, or a DIFFERENT soft drink just THAT MUCH QUICKER if the server wouldn't make a trip to the bar to get the soft drinks and the time it takes to fill those glasses with the soft drinks for nothing if these drinks aren't wanted. It also makes the server look lazy that they don't want to make a separate trip to the table to ASK the customer and then make another trip to get the drinks if the customer wants the refills. Think about it, if 2 tables don't want refills and you go get new glasses with refills to bring to them without them acknowledging that wanted more, you just WASTED your time for people that don't want anymore drink and OTHER customer's time as well, because you could be at another table doing something that is truly wanted, instead of WASTING your time on UNWANTED drinks. NO ONE knows, unless they ask. I feel the GALL of the server to try to order for me. I am the CUSTOMER, so I am the one that gets to order, NOT them. The wait staff have NO RIGHT to order something for a customer, whether it is FREE or not. If a server gave me a slice of pineapple upside-down cake for free, I wouldn't want it because I HATE pineapples, so even if it's free, I would decline it. So what if it's free if I don't want it. It makes the customer feel obligated to take it. Just because it's free doesn't mean that customers want anymore, they may be full. You know that's the TRUTH.

 

Waste glasswear

As I said above, it's NOT wasting glasswear, it's letting customers have something to drink ALL THAT TIME they are waiting for the server to come back with the drink. The customer may be eating something spicy and would like to be able to drink something while they are eating. It's NEVER wasting glasswear. I MUCH rather have a NEW glass. Especially if I am eating something messy like ribs, I want a nice clean glass for my refill because I would have probably gotten some bar-b-que sauce on the glass.

Here's a tip Lords. Drink water. Give your poor liver a rest. Also, using a napkin will keep that BBQ sauce off of your glass. That concept is called eating like a mannered human being and not a two year old.

 

But wait a minute, you act like a two year old.

 

Never mind.

duno what yer all moaning about , if you lived in scotland you wouldnt get a free refill.

they make ya pay for every fuking bubble in your coke.