A poll about tipping

[Coyote_Bandit]

Poll question: A poll about tipping

So three of us went to lunch. We were seated, placed our order, ate, and did not linger. Service was acceptable but not exceptional by any measure. Separate checks - all paid in cash. The waiter/waitress did not return all of the change due to any of the three of us. In each case that change was nearly a dollar - and about 10% of the ticket. Or one half of a 20% tip. Each of us handled the matter differently. What would you do?

[Dora]

1. Ask for correct change.

We used to go to a restaurant that we finally stopped going to, and this was one of the contributing factors. We kept getting shorted on our change (just the coins) by servers. When we asked for the correct change, there was always a mumbled excuse about rounding up/down. We finally complained to the manager, who seemed indifferent.

[mainegreen]

2. Since she/he did it to each of you, it wasn't an accident.

Thus, I leave no more tip. The server decided what their tip should be, and it was low. Since they tipped themselves, they would be correct, the service ended on such a low note, it could be described as terrible.

[Zuiderelle]

3. I would calculate and leave the correct tip. She probably thought that it was included and she was

being stiffed. Granted it's odd that she didn't bring the change back. Maybe she got busy and had other customers to deal with and just figured since it was only 10% that you would leave the correct tip and not expect change anyway.

Bottom line is that it sucks to wait tables, and I wouldn't spend that much time worrying about why she didn't bring change back that I was going to give her anyway, especially when it's less than I would have planned to give.

[DS1]

4. flip a buck and leave

regardless of check amount

[ferrferr]

5. That's a tough one

I don't think it's right for a waiter/waitress to keep money under the assumption that it is their tip. I might have to confront them about it, or at the very least their manager. I know it was only a few bucks, but what if the waiter/waitress keeps 10% off each ticket from a table with 8-10 people spending $20 each? That's upwards of $20, and do that a few times in the course of a day. If I spoke to a manager and they seemed to not care then I'd not give that place my business anymore.

Gods I sound like such a tightwad bitch. *rofl*

[Gormy Cuss]

6. If I had the time, I'd ask the server why the change was short.

If I got an embarrassed mumble I'd leave the remainder tip. If instead the server gave me attitude I'd say fine, if you're happy with only half the tip then I'll be on my way after I speak to the manager.

I realize it's a hard job and that there are people who stiff servers or treat them poorly but that's no excuse for keeping the change like that.

[Rabrrrrrr]

7. I'd remind her that she hasn't brought my change back.

And depending on her attitude when she gave it to me, I'd leave a proper tip or leave nothing.

[Coyote_Bandit]

8. We were seated inside

for a late lunch and our wait person was not busy. Our wait person had one to two other tables to attend to in addition to ours. There was outdoor seating which was full and quite busy. Our wait person did not help with outdoor service.

My ticket was $7.15. By withholding my change the waitperson was assured of a nearly 15% tip. I chose not to add to that. An additional dollar would have resulted in a tip over 25%. Had the wait person not presumed an entitlement to a tip I would have gladly left that additional buck. It was clear to me that withholding change due to all of us was clearly intentional.

The woman who ate the same thing I did (and had the same amount of change withheld) left a two cent tip. She said she wanted the wait person to know that she understood additional tip was due but was being withheld.

The person who had the small salad and single slice of pizza calculated the appropriate tip and left the difference in small change.

Had we not had other commitments we likely would have confronted our wait person.

The three of us usually go to lunch once a week - usually a late lunch. At some point, all of us have had opportunity to wait tables. As a result, usually we tip well. Not today. Needless to say, we will not be returning to this establishment.

Edit to add that what we were offended by was the attitude of our wait person. I know I have worked in establishments where that kind of crap got you fired.

[old mark]

9. Since that person's actions lost the restaurant

3 future customers, I would call the management and let them know why.

I used to have a tip-dependent job, and I always leave a more than customary amount if service is good, but there is no reason to stiff someone for their change.

old hussein

[east texas lib]

10. I'd offer her this tip: Good service and honesty will increase future earnings potential.

The reverse is also true.