Would you tip a to-go waiter?

Question

First of all, let me say that I'm going to be starting out as a to-go specific waiter at Ruby Tuesdays (a TGI Fridays style restaurant). I will be making a little more then a typical waiter there (typical server makes 2.80, I will make 4). I need this job to help me pay my way through college and you know.. SURVIVE. Hard to do off 4 dollars an hour. I will be getting your orders together (like a regular waiter would), packaging and boxing your orders and preparing all the neccessary condiments that you would need to enjoy the food. Then I will carry it all out and bring it all the way out to your car.

How can you not tip me? Your a stingy bastard, that's how. I guess there isn't really a question, so I'll just ask why your a stingy bastard.

I'm sorry If i sound bitter, it just bothers me that people wouldn't tip waiters that use those tips to live their lives. I believe there should be a mandatory tip definitely, but it's a big enterprise, so I'm sure they don't give a crap about what I think.

Answer 1

Yes, I would tip a to-go waiter....mostly because you saved me the hassle of going into the restaurant to get my order. I will NOT tip, however, counter-help. I do tip Chinese restaurant delivery drivers....for the same reason as the to-go waiter.....convenience for me is worth a lot.

Answer 2

You're venting your frustrations at the wrong people. The real stingy bastards are the owners of the entire restaurant industry. The fact that they have managed to effectively have the customers pay their employees is the biggest hoax. Minimum wage should be mandatory for every business INCLUDING those where the employees get tipped.
The only reason I tip a to go waiter is because I was a waiter for 10 years and know the pain, but I am always frustrated that I have to because the stingy bastards who run the place don't pay their people enough. One of the places I worked paid $10 per day - usually 9-10 hours of work with no break. The tips were great, so the bastards running the place took advantage of that.

Answer 3

I tip well for good service, much less for less than good service and very little (just so it is not assumed that I forgot the tip.

A To Go person is going to get a much smaller tip than a waiter serving me in the restaurant. They are not doing as much for me, therefore they have not earned as much of a tip.

If I am sitting in a restaurant, I am usually going to be there, and expect service for 30 minutes (quick lunch) to a couple of hours (dinner with friends). The waiter has to make sure that the experience is a good one, and the tip reflects their success.

A To Go person, is not doing to get nearly as much from me. They do less for each customer , but they also have a higher volume of customers.

It sounds to me that you are not going to do well at this job. Your attitude is that you are getting less than you deserve, and you already are calling people names. If that attitude shows through. I would not tip you at all.

And just so you know. I have been known to leave a $40 tip for a $60 check, if the waiter is exceptional, so I am not a "stingy bastard"

Answer 4

I guess many people do not know how low you receive the pay as a to-go waiter because we think that tip is for being waited on, and when it comes to "to-go" we think along the lines of a fast food place.

If you're not happy with the amount of tips for this position, then find a better paying job. I mean you cannot control people's ignorance on tipping to-go orders, but you can control your attitude towards life especially calling names like "stingy bastard". That goes to say you create your own adversities thinking that you have no control over them. If something is not working for you, ignorance isn't going to change overnight, then do something about it unless you enjoy having this type of outlook on life.

If your position requires below minimum wage and depends on tips as well, but due to lack of understanding on tipping to-go orders, the restaurant should put a mandatory tip on the order to solve this problem. Bring this up with your boss.

Answer 5

Go Waiter

Answer 6

I worked at sonic for 2 years in highschool as a carhop and I completely understand the "why should I tip you for just walking to my car" B.S.
I think you may not get as many tips as you should because people are stingy bastards who think you don't do crap but walk the food to the car. I had a lot of people not tipping me because of my appearance as well (20 piercings tend to scare old people). So look your "best" and put on that fake smile and make conversation. The more likeable (i know its gross to be happy all the time) you are, the more likely you are to get a decent tip.

Answer 7

I dont think it's stingy.. It think it conceptual. Most people who order food togo are doing so to avoid the whole restuarant scene, for whatever reason. People view the togo offerings as a conveniece that do not require a tip as table service might. If you are working for the tips, then you might wanna request a position change.

Answer 8

Most people do not understand all the work you do or how little a to go waiter gets paid. I myself tip 20% regardless. I guess you can tell I was a waitress myself. There should be a tip added to to go orders automatically in my opinion due to the ignorance of the public.

Answer 9

I worked as a waitress at 2 jobs to pay my way through college. I know exactally what that's like. Stingy bastards and stingy b*tches!!

Answer 10

I would tip you, I think that only makes sense. Obviously they consider you will get tips, because they are paying you under min wage. You might not get as big of tip, because you aren't hanging out with someone filling their drinks all night. I'm sure you will still get tips though.