Why do people get so angry when they want to change the rules, but they can't?

Question

Last night I was waiting on a table of four senior citizens. I work in a small hole-in-the-wall restaurant where everything is old-school. I have to add my own tabs and figure out the tax, etc... SO, the house rules are that one table gets one tab. Period. No exceptions. Says so right on the menu.These people had four dinners that were VERY close in price, four waters, and OF COURSE, TWO ten dollar coupons. When I told this table we don't do separate tabs, the one old man threw a temper tantrum. He wanted to leave. I think he may have actually crapped in his Depends. I was shocked at the public display of sheer rage. I almost started laughing, I thought "Leave, I don't care", but I just told him that I didn't have time to keep explaining, it was very busy, and I wanted to spend some time with my customers that are actually nice to me. What gives? Why is separate tabs such a HUGE deal...Especially when it's such a simple one to figure out?

It's a rule. The OWNER created the rule. Chinese restaurants often do NOT provide the service that I do. They often do NOT offer alcohol, as this restaurant does. And it has to be added and taxed separately.If I were to add separate tabs for everyone, I would NOT be doing the things that make the service and atmosphere enjoyable to the customer. i wasn't rude. I was honest. The whole rest of this old man's party was visibly embarrassed by him. I was getting seated left and right. And, to the Jesus-freak that said she'd fire me, Get bent....
And to the Einstien that thinks I should get a calculator, we have one. And, as I stated earlier, this is a BUSY restaurant. Rules are made for reasons. By the owners. I am not allowed to separate tabs. THAT would get me fired.
And, P.S., I go out of my way for my customers ALL of the time. I have been doing this for 20 years. But, don't ask me to go against the guy who signs my paychecks, because it will never, ever happen.

I am going to leave this question out here a little longer. Mostly for the shocking number of people who don't actually answer the question, but want to argue with me over this plain, simple rule that is printed right on the menu for SEVERAL reasons. Another one being that there is not enough room on the cook's line to hang a separate ticket for each customer. YET ANOTHER reason...Because the tickets that were hung separately for the same table would most likely mean that that particular table would not be served at the same time. NOW>>> I never said that the customers cannot PAY separately. They most certainly CAN. They can hand me as many credit card as they want. They can split it up however they want. AND...If there was EVER a question about how to split it, I'd be happy to assist them in figuring it out. I would also like to point out that I am responsible for EVERYTHING that my customers order and every mess they make. There are no bussers or bartenders. It's all me.

AND>>>I did NOT have time to argue about something that is against the rules of the establishment. I went into the kitchen to ask the owner if we could make an exception for those people and he said no. And the old man would not stop arguing and trying to intimidate me. My question was never about the right of this restaurant to post such a rule, my question was "Why do people get so bent out of shape when they CAN'T break the rules?"
BUT...I work in two restaurants, and I'd like to point out that NEITHER of them do separate tabs.

I wonder if Miss Manners has ever been a waitress.......Oh, well, I'll be shocked if anyone else even answers this old thing...

Answer 1

They were out of line, plain and simple.

For whatever reason, your store doesn't split checks. There are people that won't go there for that, so what. Those old geezers can join that group.

However, one of the reaons why Chinese places are so popular for lunch is BECAUSE they make it very easy to go out for lunch with your co-workers by making a seperate tab for every person at the table, and most of the time, they are doing all the math themselves at the register at the time of check out, by hand.


Uhm, I've never been to a Chinese restaurant that doesn't serve alcohol. Now you service is probably above par, and it sounds like a busy place, so who cares what that old @sshole thinks, you'll probably never see him again.

Answer 2

I don't eat out often and don't go to expensive restaurants when I do and whenever we go in groups one of the first things we are asked, no matter what type of restaurant is if the meal is to be all on one bill or tab. It is a courtesy, and patrons are supposed to be right.

Maybe you could let your patrons know before they order that way they won't feel taken, I know you weren't trying to but their feelings and word of mouth are considered as important to some management in efforts to provide better service than say the competition.

I do sympathize though as I have worked as a waitress and it is a grueling job.

Answer 3

Although he was wrong to throw a temper-tantrum, your establishments policy is wrong.

You are all there to provide a service to the customers, who then pay for those services. They shouldn't have to serve you, but the other way around.

Separate checks is a perfectly reasonable thing for people to ask for. Adding the prices and taxes is part of your job. (Besides, aren't there calculating machines that do all the grunt work for that?)

But you're right about his rudeness. He shouldn't have thrown a hissy fit.

Answer 4

I agree that it's a bad rule. In the United States we generally go dutch. Invest in a $3 calculator. it makes things easier for the CUSTOMER (you remember that person that pays your salary and gives you the tip)? Your convenience shouldn't be a priority in a business. And it sounds like you were really rude to the poor guy too. I am guessing that your boss didn't give you much training on dealing with customers. Personally, I'd have fired you. Do a web search on "customer service."

Answer 5

They either can't do the math for themselves to separate the bill or they are afraid they will actually be paying for one of the other person's food! Try not to take it personally. People get very cranky when money is involved!

Answer 6

Control Issues or a Strong Will.

Answer 7

everyone is right, but just to play devils advocate i think we should all take a moment to think what it feels like to be the old people.
i totally understand the frustration on everyones part. the old people and the waitress.

Answer 8

People blow up at the most simplest things. It didn't have anything to do with the tab. Believe me.

Answer 9

Those "elderly" folks were out of line. Just because you're moldy doesn't mean you don't have to follow the rules.

Answer 10

Some people are just total jerks. Just shrug it off, you're a much better person than that douchebag could ever be.