An incredible experience happened to me tonight at my second job, Chili’s. I had a five top (five person table) with a $51.00 ticket leave me absolutely no tip. The strangest thing is that while the father of this family of three teenagers was not particularly engaging; he never complained about anything and never seemed upset. As for the rest of the family, I had my normal great rapport with each of them. I also brought about twenty-five drinks to the table and took great care of them.
I know it is possible that they simply forgot, and I know some of you think someone else stole the tip; but as they exited I watched from a short distance and it seemed more intentional on the father’s part. There was certainly nothing stolen, just the big goose egg.
While in Columbia, South Carolina, I many times complained about the friendliness or lack there of, concerning many of the residents. Don’t get me wrong; there were some great people there, but the east coast attitude is different than the mindset in the mid west. Despite this, the worst tip I ever got was $1.57, and while I was angry about it, I partially deserved it. I never got stiffed!
When I told one of my new co-workers, their response was welcome to Ada. I certainly hope that is not a prophecy of things to come. To make up for it, I had a great couple that left a 60% tip on two meals, an appetizer and drinks. I guess I am simply appalled at the mind set that thinks they don’t have to tip a server in a restaurant. Maybe I can tell him about Dave Ramsey next time, and he will get on the system and not come back to a restaurant for a couple of years:-)
some people in the midwest are just tightwads. I have to say that my tipping has increased over the years as I have gotten out of debt. I used to really struggle to empathize with the waiters especially when these restaraunts charge what they do for mediocre food. Not proud of it, just the way I used to be. I am a much better tipper now. There is a spirit of generosity that is birthed of The Holy Spirit. Unfortunately many give out of a sense of guilt. I guess that is good for you as the receiver but I wonder if it speaks any spiritual realities to them or do they just drop the tip and move on. Just like getting out of debt there are truths that people need to experience. May God continue to bless your endeavor to make things right in this area of your life. Just remember, you take care of what you can and let God do His thing!
Comment by Scott — August 4, 2006 @ 6:47 am
Joel,
This one brought me into the world of commentators. I waited on tables at Olive Garden here in Springfield for seven months. I did get skunked more than once, and even had to run down a table that did not even pay the check. The worst was the night I waited on a couple who were hosting some occupational missionaries. Not only did I get zero tip, I also got a Good News tract. I got into the flesh and brought their tract back to them. I informed them that I already was a follower of Jesus, and did not find any personal benefit in receiving the tract. I discovered that the best tips came from the smoking section. I am sure you will face many more opportunities for growth from this endeavor of yours. I discovered that pizza delivery was far less stressful and comparable with regards to what I made ? taking into consideration the wear and tear on the vehicle of course (Honda time). I don?t envy your pursuit of tips. It would be difficult to get me back to waiting on tables, though I have no resistance to running pizzas or steak for Steak Out.
Comment by rob horton — August 4, 2006 @ 1:27 pm
Do you ever feel like one is justified to not tip? Just curious. I was in Logans Road House in a small town here in Missouri and I received the worst service EVER. Without going into detail it was BAD. I felt like not leaving a tip, but I left a small one and a note expressing my discust. I am not saying that this particular party was justified just curious about my own experience.
Comment by Chad — August 4, 2006 @ 9:12 pm
Sorry about your lack of tip. I work as a server for about 2 years while going to school. I once served a big birthday party with perfect service and was not left a tip. On the other hand I was once left $20 from a guy whom ordered a $5.00 buffet. I was amazed to find some of the ones you work the hardest for leave the smallest amount. Hope it picks up for you.
FlyFriend of Amy’s,
Amanda
Comment by Amanda — August 5, 2006 @ 12:23 am
Joel,
Did I get eliminated from being permitted to comment here? I had left a comment between Scott and Chad, and I thought it was a valid one?
Comment by rob — August 5, 2006 @ 5:16 pm
As a veteran waitress I have to say just roll with it baby. Some tip, some don’t. I once spent an incredible amount of time helping a man cut his steak, filled his drink an amazing amount of times and refilled his bread over and over. No he didn’t stiff me, he left me a quarter.
Comment by Jami Leigh — August 6, 2006 @ 8:30 am
I knew this topic would bring people out of the woodwork. I will have more on my thoughts shortly. I haven’t had my computer on in three days, so lots of catching up to do!
Comment by Joel — August 6, 2006 @ 11:26 pm
Ridiculous
Comment by Andre — August 7, 2006 @ 9:58 am
My rule is that if you think service is bad enough to not leave a tip then it is bad enough to warrant a formal complaint with the management. For me, that has never happened. I will admit that at least once I did forget to leave a tip…but then I have also driven off without paying after filling my gas tank. Fortunately that was long before 3 dollar plus gas prices, I realized almost immediately, circled the block & quickly paid.
Most of us don’t routinely forget to tip..IMO it usually is a sign of overall disregard for others.
Comment by Claudia Green — August 7, 2006 @ 10:31 am
Personally, I agree with Claudia here; if the service is bad enough to not leave a tip, I would contact management.
When I get bad service, or inconsiderate service and it is the servers fault, I will usually leave 10%. If the service is good, I think that 20% is appropriate, if not more.
The thing I love about serving is how American it is. We all have the same opportunity at the beginning of each shift. Some will consistently do good, and some will consistently do poorly. All will have people that won’t tip well no matter what. Only the good ones will get the big tips. If you get all depressed about the guy that just stiffed you, it will affect the service you provide to the next customer and ultimately your tip. I have already noticed several whiners that complain about only making $30 or $40 per shift. With their attitudes, I’m surprised they make that much.
The opportunity is all the same, but you have to bring your “A” game every shift! No government work here!
Comment by Joel — August 7, 2006 @ 12:55 pm
One other side note, what Rob said about the smoking section and “Church” folk is often an embarrassing truth. The bar section is where the money is, and sadly the “Church” crowd expects the most and leaves the least. This has been true in every restaurant I have ever been involved in.
I guess you like your server a little more if you get a good buzz.
Comment by Joel — August 7, 2006 @ 12:59 pm
Joel-
I was a waitress for 6 years and loved it. I learned to trust God’s sovereignty in who He brought to sit at my tables. I also would pray for customers that I could be a light to and then my focus was off of how much money I made to making a difference in another person’s life.
Did I ever tell you that I waited on a gentleman my freshman year of college who ended up paying my tuition and books for all 4 years of college? Yes, it’s true. It’ll be 10 years ago this fall that that happened. So you never know who you’ll wait on.
I also loved smoking section the best because their moods seem to change easier than non-smokers. I looked on it as a challenge if they were in a bad mood to have them laughing by the end and I tried to kill them with kindness.
Have a blessed week!
Saree
Comment by Sarah Everett — August 7, 2006 @ 3:59 pm
Sareee
I had forgot about that, but I remember you telling me. That is awesome!
You are right about the smoking section people. I can usually change someone’s attitude in the first five to ten seconds, at least that is my goal. Once I have them on my side, it becomes very easy to earn the tip from there.
Take Care!
Comment by Joel — August 7, 2006 @ 11:51 pm
I love Sarah’s perspective and attitude. Waiting on tables can surely be a lesson in trust and service. I found it to be lesson in dealing with stress. I would dream about waiting on tables, and would wake up worn out. This was part of my motivation to return to Steak-Out.
Comment by rob horton — August 8, 2006 @ 6:35 pm
I TOTALLY know where you are coming from. I am a hairdresser, worked in Springfield for a while then my family and I moved to Wewoka OK. (about 45 min north of Ada) I went from being able to buy all our groceries and entertainment from my tips in Spfld to barely making enough for gas. Joel, be aware of your area…80-85% of the population are on some kind of public assistance (state paid) that does not include what tribal benefits that percentage is getting. May God Bless You!
Flybaby Tina
Comment by Tina — August 17, 2006 @ 10:36 pm