Please always tip at least 15%, regardless of the service.

[usedtobedemgurl]

48. I was a waitress and I disagree with this thread.

I have worked, as a waitress, in a pizza joint as well as T.G.I.Fridays. I know what it is like to be tipped and I know what it is like to be doubly stiffed. Doubly stiffed? Yes! When someone does not give a tip and you are expected to a certain percentage of your full bill for the day with bus boys and the hostess. When I am stiffed, that money came out of my pocket.

I have also been a mystery shopper for restaurants for over twenty years so I know what to look for and who is to blame for what. Sometimes you can squarely put the blame on the waitress. For instance, I have had several waitresses that have taken our order without writing down a single thing I order. When the steak comes to me well done, instead of rare, I always send it back. It usually comes out right the second time. Then I look at the check and see the waitress who did not write down my order put the steak down as well done. Well, that is definitely her fault and why would she not write down an order for a table of five?

If I am falling short on drink and I ordered something spicy, I have been known to look around and see how many tables are filled versus how many people are working. Sometimes I will get up and refill my drink if I am close enough and the drink machine is in full view. Sometimes I wait and let my food get cold if no one is near for me to flag them down. When the waitress comes back and smells of cigarette smoke, that ticks me off. I suffered and did without because you wanted a smoke break? Have someone cover your tables.

Look, I am the type of person who went the extra mile for my tables. One table, of another waitress, wanted sausage and we had none. I drove over to McDonald's and got sausage! (a 2 minute drive) I understand barely making ends meet and I recommend "Nickled And Dimed" to anyone who will listen. I just do not believe that if someone gives me attitude or clearly bad service, I should tip them 15% of the bill. I also write on the receipt and let the person know why I tipped poorly.

As an aside, there have been two times in my life when I have not tipped a pizza delivery guy. Both times I had ordered a pizza, before, and the place got it wrong and sent out another pizza to me. I already feel that they charge through the roof to have a pizza delivered and then tell you tip is not included. So if I get a $10 any size, any topping, pizza from Pizza Hut and I am paying two to three dollars in delivery fees and I add in a five for tip, that $10 pizza turned into about $18. Then if I tipped the next delivery guy who brought me the fixed product, that now turns into a $23 pizza. You may say I could go pick up the new pizza but most of the time I order and almost pay double, the first time, is because I am in chronic pain and cannot always get out my door.

You may disagree and that is your right. This is how I feel and what I feel is right. If it helps, on good service I may tip anywhere from 20% on up. I once tipped a $100 on a $23 check. I believe in tipping, but not when it is clearly the wait person's fault.