How would you approach a table that did not tip the server at all or very little?

Question

At the restaurant I work at I often deal with foriegn people who are unaware of the tipping norms in the the US...how could I approuch them about the tip or lack of tip that was left?

Answer 1

I wonder how many of the people who have answered this question have ever worked as a server... I work at a Japanese restaurant in South Florida. I make $ 2.35 an hour. The service I give my customers is the best I'm able to. That's how I make my living. So to the guy who called servers " charity cases" and thinks the server's tip is included in the menu price... I hope you never come to my restaurant. Not to mention, when I eat out, I do the same as everyone else... If my server is slow, or doesn't get my order correct, or doesn't refill my drink that is reflected in my tip. But things like the kitchen being slow, having to wait in line or things like that aren't the servers fault, so it shouldn't hurt their tip. My regulars tip well because they see how some people treat us. Especially during the winter... the Canadians come for vacation- they run you ragged, and leave no tip. The signs would be a good idea if people paid attention to what is around them... Our credit card machine even tabulates( and prints on their reciept) a 10%, 15% and 20% tip. But, unfortunately, people are people, and they'll do what they want in the end. Just grin and bear it... and remember... What comes around goes around. Good luck!

Answer 2

I know it's frustrating...... ya work hard and over 1/2 your earnings are based on Tips you receive!

At the end of the day though, it is rude to tell people they have to tip or what the 'usual and customary' tip is.. like 10-15%. Some even say 15-20% now! I think that's getting a bit high, and while I OCCASIONALLY will tip 20%, it's gotta be really good service, and not the 'recording'.

A reminder on the menu (as was already stated above) or a nice friendly sign on the wall is a way to 'set it up' for a tip, without having to tell anyone... if your Hostess started to 'tell' everyone, biz would slow down because people do not WANT to feel obligated to tip. They just don't. Even GENEROUS Tippers do not like to be told THEY HAVE TO TIP X amount.

If it bothers you that much hun, get a new career.. :/ That really bites! I'm sorry :(

Answer 3

ARGH!!! OK, I feel your frustration. And, to the person who ranted about not wanting to tip... PLEASE! If you don't like tipping, go to China. I hear they don't tip very much there. But, here in America, that's the way it goes. Certain jobs require tips.
Now, on to your question... It is not your place to tell your customers that they didn't tip at all or even didn't tip well. I would go to your manager and ask that they do something like note it on the menu. They could say something like "In America, it is our custom to have the customers monetarily tip the staff based on how well their service is. If you need help, please ask the manager and they will be glad to assist you". If you get a lot of foriegn customers, that might work.
If they are the same customers that you see over and over again, you might want to ask them if they like you as a server, are you doing a good job, etc. Maybe you are doing something that they find offensive and that's why they aren't tipping well. If that's not the case, maybe ask them things about where they are from, what types of restaurants are there, how much does it cost, etc. They might get the idea that things are a little different here.
Hope that helps.

Answer 4

Ahhhh!I feel your pain. I have been a server for 15 years. what erks me even more than non-tippers is under-tippers.For those of you that said something about 10%,I dont know where you live, but in America,20% is a good tip,15% for mediocre service.For the person who complained about tippiing,I suggest you rent the movie"waiting."you might think again about screwing with people who handle your food.Asfor those who don't realize,most servers do not get paid,if they do it is 2 or 3 $ an hour. they rely solely on tips to feed their kids and pay the bills.The guy who said the word"charity case"must enjoy paying higher taxes so servers can collect welfare since he doesn't like to tip.OK,now that I got that out,what I would do about the foreigners is have a group of friends dine at your restaurant and request the table next to them while they talk loudly about how much they are going to tip.Or,you could leave that ten sitting on the table across from the non-tippers in hopes they get the hint

Answer 5

That was extremely rude. I would have told her that if she thought accusing you of stiffing her the previous day was going to get her any tip whatsoever in the future, she was sadly mistaken. Then I would have asked to speak to the manager. I suggest you do go and speak to the manager and tell him/her that you don't appreciate the way you were treated by this waitress. If the manager's handling of the situation doesn't satisfy you, I would start looking for a new diner. Those in the customer service business have gotten too far away from the "service" end of things. They need to remember that happy customers equal repeat customers. Happy customers may only tell 5 or 6 people about their experience, but unhappy customers will keep telling their story for years and may reach hundreds of people...

Answer 6

Many countries have a custom where service is included in menu prices - that is to say, no tipping is required. These foreigners are most likely unaware that you are NOT getting a tip from their bill. If you get a lot of people unfamiliar with the American custom, a reminder inside the menus would be an ideal solution. Talk to your manager about this.

Answer 7

Aren't they paying enough for the food already? Isn't service what we're paying for in the first place? Are we supposed to feel sorry for restraurant help? What are you a charity case? Many people work much harder than you do, what makes you special? What kind of a fool wants to pay more than the stated price? How come you're sore because people don't give you free money? Quite frankly, you're not worth it unless you actually do something extra. Your job is simple, you're a nameless nobody I'll never see again, paid to carry dishes around the room, not be a beggar. You don't seem to realize that your attitude drives customers away, does your owner know that? If you don't like it, get a different job, don't take it out on the customer.

Answer 8

It depends on what kind of restaurant you work at. I work at buca di beppo, an italian restauraunt, and there is no way we can tell our guests what to tip the servers. But when there's a private party or the menu is already set up, the tip is included. I knowo, it totally sucks. And it's not just foreign people, either. I'm not racist, but black people seem to run you around like crazy and leave you 10 percent or less.

Answer 9

I feel your frustration cuz I used to be a server myself. I totally disagree with the jerk who said you were whining and that you shouldn't be expected to be tipped. Hello?! Waiting on tables is a job that is heavily dependent on gratuities, and yes while the occasional customer doesn't tip or leaves a bad tip, it usually evens out with the generous tippers. But in your case, it would be appropriate in my opinion to add a reminder on a menu or a sign. In some places, big parties get automatically a certain % added to their bill. I hope you have better luck in the future!

Answer 10

if you can't afford to leave a tip when u dine out and a server serves u, unless she was exceptionally rude, u should plan to leave 10%-15% depending on how the service was. For example, if the service was adequate, then its up to u if u want to leave 10% or more if the server was courtreous (being a hottie helps too!!!) (If u enjoy gazing upon them as they saunter throughout the restaurant...)