I know that you definitely treat customers differently according to how much they've tipped you in the past. (speed of service, friendliness, patience, etc). And this is fine, I totally understand!
But do you treat different types of people differently, based on how much you EXPECT from their "Type"?
For example, a 55 year old black woman tips $1 on a breakfast tab for coffee and bagel totalling $5.25. (Assuming you found this tip fair, just for example)
Would you expect a 30 year old white man to tip more than that? And if so, would you let your disappointment show toward him next time you saw him?
I really don't mean to sound racist, but those in the food service business cannot deny my example.
To put my question most basically, "Is a certain tip acceptable for some and not for others"? (Assuming you don't know who's rich or poor, because you probably don't).
2006-08-04 14:22:32 · 8 answers · asked by ThatGuy 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I was a server/waiter for 3 years and I TOTALLY understand what you're trying to say. it's happened to me before. It's your job and that's how you make money, so it's OK to think about those things. I'm not a racist, I'm hispanic, but what you're saying actually happens. Don't let your customers notice that look on your face, and please offer the BEST service you can! Sometimes you can be fooled by looks. One time I had 2 tables at the same time: Table #1: White businessmen, 30's. table #2: Black couple 30's. They businessmen had a great tab! but the black couple ate cheap dishes and didn't even order drinks... when it came to tipping the businessmen left me a 13-14% TIP, nuts! but the black couple left me a $50 bill because they had a great time, I offered them a great service and the food was good ;) It's OK to be picky with customers, but do your best. I know it's hard ...after being a server for a year I used to check out my customers ...see what kidan shoes they were, expensive watches, car keys, etc. You're there to help your customers have a great time, so my advice is do your job and enjoy it. eventually you'll geat a good tip depending on how good you are :) Old ladies are always great customers, they know sooooo much and they're interesting too!!!
2006-08-04 14:33:09 · answer #1 · answered by mchav83 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't mean this to sound rude, but your question is somewhat bizarre. Having said that, I will do my best to answer it. I was a server in various restaurants for many years and I had zero expectation in terms of what type of tip I'd receive just by looking at someone, be it their race, gender, clothing, etc. My expectation was simply that, if I met my customer's needs in terms of ensuring they received friendly, expeditious service (my goal was to make sure they never wanted for anything), then they would tip me the appropriate amount (20% of the total bill). Why would I expect any different?
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Argh! I just have to respond to "intelligent" booklady. You comments make me want to scream!!! I take it you have never been a server and know nothing about the industry. Of course you should expect the same tip from everyone (20% is standard in 2006) unless you give them substandard service. A tip is not "extra"; it is part of the server's wages. I don't know about upscale restaurants (by that, I mean 5 star, $75+ a plate venues), but most average places (Bob Evans, Applebees, Outback, etc.) pay their servers MUCH less than minimum wage because the servers receive tips AS A PART OF THEIR INCOME!!! If someone cannot afford to eat at a restaurant AND adequately tip their server (provided they receive good service), then frankly, they should not be eating there. What your are saying, "intelligent" booklady is far from intelligent. According to you, if someone is too poor to eat somewhere and tip the proper amount, then the server should suffer and end up poor themselves. You need to seriously rethink what you're saying.
2006-08-04 14:32:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was a waitress, there were definitely people I really didn't expect much of a tip from. The "just coffee" people - usually got the coins they got back as change, for example. People who griped about the menu prices but then ordered anyway, etc. These people were the ones who surprised me when they recognized and rewarded good service by tipping more than I anticipated.
Whatever you expect is what you will get if you allow yourself to react to your expectations. But if you give good service to everyone, you leave yourself open to being pleasantly surprised.
2006-08-04 14:34:54 · answer #3 · answered by Novice restauranteur 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think its wrong to generalize. im a student and ofcourse poor, and i always tip more than enough. It wouldnt be fair if someone just "assumes" that I'm not gonna tip them well and therefore won't be nice to me.
2006-08-04 14:33:42 · answer #4 · answered by heylomaylo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should not expect the same tip from everyone...and it is hard to judge people...some people can only tip what they can afford...and shouldn't be blamed for it... a tip is an extra...appreciate it as we appreciate good service...
2006-08-04 16:22:55 · answer #5 · answered by intelligentbooklady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tips r tips and people r people.it shouldnt matter what you look like or who u r when you leave a tip.A TIP IS A TIP.there for it shouldnt matter how much $ you leave.
2006-08-04 14:31:45 · answer #6 · answered by koodlez 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is giving me an ice cream headache.
2006-08-04 15:45:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you treat every customer the same no matter what they tip.
that ion the end will help you out.
after a bit they will remember you . and you make them feel welcome they will tip more!!
2006-08-04 14:34:40 · answer #8 · answered by SCRUFFY 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋