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[KHarvey16]

there is people here who thinks you should give a tip for getting even bad service, I shouldn't have to guess what they think its appropriate

There are customary levels that everyone is aware of and have been mentioned here numerous times. Someone who deserves a lower tip will usually realize it and not be surprised. Surely assholes just looking to spit in your food will exist regardless of whether there is the expectation for a gratuity or not.

 

[Kinitari]

1. There shouldn't be any obligation. I've made my stance on that perfectly clear earlier in the thread. Flip side: how many people who won't tip ONLY won't if they received poor service?

2. Almost isn't minimum wage. I can't speak on that angle simply because the system in the US is as is. If I lived elsewhere where the system is completely different, then behaviors and expectations would change.

I read more of what you wrote and I see you are against the fucking with food threat to garner tips. And I don't know anyone in this thread who doesn't tip in all circumstances - if someone here NEVER tips, please speak up.

2. Well, in this persons case, he is making 40c less than Minimum wage. So can you see why many Canadian Gaffers feel hesitant when you not only are approached with an attitude of obligation and or-elses, but you also are basically paying someone above and beyond for no real good reason?

I say they make minimum wage the same across the board for everyone here in Canada, and at most I think that means a dollar increase for some wait staff. If that happened though, I would STILL get a dick stirring my cheese and brocolli soup if I didn't tip.

 

[Mik2121]

I am really trying to comprehend how some people can not tip ever. When you go to bars and clubs are you actually able to get liquor cause I don't see how you will be able to get more than one drink. Do you guys snub people like taxi drivers too or your hair dresser?

I think the problem is you think everybody here talking about not tipping is from the US. Or you just think the whole world works like the US.

Do you tip your hair dresser? :S

(come to think about it, I have tipped my hair dresser back in Spain when they were really nice to me, but not usually).

 

[KHarvey16]

But he was getting all pissy when people weren't giving him more than $1 per drink (which is like 25-33%)

I don't believe he said more than $1. A buck per drink is pretty standard just about everywhere. He wouldn't have that expectation if most people didn't do just that.

 

[agrajag]

Hell yeah I tip my hair dresser, wtf.

 

[Guled]

There are customary levels that everyone is aware of and have been mentioned here numerous times. Someone who deserves a lower tip will usually realize it and not be surprised. Surely assholes just looking to spit in your food will exist regardless of whether there is the expectation for a gratuity or not.

And I don't agree with those, 10% even if they do a bad job is not right. Only when they do an above average job should they get a tip. The thing is they expect a tip, and it self is wrong. If you are making 8.60 before tips, then you most likely are making much more then a guy on min wage

 

[DjangoReinhardt]

You suck if you don't tip at all. There are times when a waiter just has a couple bad moments or a really bad night. Sometimes something will slip off your mind, or you'll just go blank on one table. I understand if the server did everything wrong, but atleast give them 5-10%.

That's the gamble a waiter takes: They often earn more than comparable unskilled labor positions, but they may earn less if they have a "bad night". It isn't the customer's responsibility to reward failure.

Also, the worst service isn't when the server forgets things and does a bad job, its when they clearly hate their job and don't care that you can tell. These servers are usually lifers and have been doing it too long, and rarely screw up, and I always tip them atleast 15%, but I'll take missing appetizers or long waits on refills over a depressing server anyday.

I couldn't possibly care less if someone gives the appearance of not enjoying their job as long as they do it adequately when I'm engaging their services.

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

Do you tip your hair dresser? :S

Uh, yes?

 

[demon]

See this is how fucked up the system is.

It should be:

Get good service --> pay gratuity

NOT:

pay gratuity --> Get good service

and CERTAINLY NOT:

don't pay gratuity --> Jizz in my food

This pretty much sums it up. As it is, it's a fucked up system that is perpetuated by people accepting the sub-minimum-wage jobs. Not necessarily their fault if, uhh, waiting tables is all they know and it's the only job available. But it's still a system that will never die until people stop perpetuating it.

What's funny about the tipping debate is that tipping is one of the, if not the last, direct methods of merit-based compensation and progressive taxation left in western society. It's funny to see how many people don't participate in it out of "principle". I'm often left to wonder what said principles are.

If it's expected and not doing it results in saliva or seminal fluid in my food at lower-class restaurants, how again is it merit-based? To say that it's "merit-based" is totally disingenuous when you know it's expected even with sub-par service. Again, what exactly am I tipping for? For them doing their job? Just pay them a decent salary in the first place, charge a little more for the food, and you won't have to worry about your staff not getting a decent living because of cheap customers. Like any other job that involves interacting with and helping customers. Not to mention how shitty and unfair and is that it's the waitstaff getting all the tips and not the people making the food itself. Again, just an all-around fucked up system.

 

[powerCAPS]

And I don't agree with those, 10% even if they do a bad job is not right. Only when they do an above average job should they get a tip. The thing is they expect a tip, and it self is wrong. If you are making 8.60 before tips, then you most likely are making much more then a guy on min wage

Hey, the system sucks, I agree. But in my opinion screwing over individuals isn't worth the trouble it causes both you and your server. If you truly believe fighting the system is worth it, then god bless you for your sacrifice of eating the meal that was about to be thrown out because someone sneezed on it before you walked in, and drinking the cocktail that the new kid accidentally made in the shaker that normally gets ashtrays emptied into it.

Your silent sacrifice in the face of insurmountable odds is commendable.

Do you tip your hair dresser? :S

In North America, of course. Because that is the custom, and although it isn't done in my country of origin, I respect the motherfucking custom of the country I have chosen to live in.

 

[Mik2121]

Uh, yes?

Sorry, I should have deleted that line. See how I said I also tipped my hairdresser in Spain (only if the service was excellent, of course).

 

[KHarvey16]

And I don't agree with those, 10% even if they do a bad job is not right. Only when they do an above average job should they get a tip. The thing is they expect a tip, and it self is wrong.

Are you not reading a single thing people are posting? I don't think anyone is saying that a tip is required regardless of service. If service is terrible and someone decides to not tip just about everyone would agree it's up to the person in that case.

They expect a tip because that's a portion of their salary! They are paid by the restaurant with this expectation. And again, changing it so that tips are not expected and the cost is incorporated into the price of food does absolutely nothing for you in terms of money. You are still paying.

 

[Divvy]

I don't believe he said more than $1. A buck per drink is pretty standard just about everywhere. He wouldn't have that expectation if most people didn't do just that.

No he said: - If you ever leave less than 10% on a bill, or tip less than $1 a drink, you are a bad customer. No ifs ands or buts.

And that's the thing I don't get. Why should he expect that 25-33% tip when waiters expect only 15-20% when their jobs are arguably more difficult. Especially when he makes 40 cents less than minimum wage.

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

So when everyone begins to do an above-average job and finally earns a tip from the cheap sons of bitches, are we then going to accept that service as average and then expect even more from them before they can again earn tips?

 

[Mik2121]

Damn I must note it down for whenever I go to the US to either...


1) Don't go back to any restaurant where I didn't give tip

2) Keep going to places where the service is quite good, because I will surely tip them and they will be nice to me!


Yay

 

[Kinitari]

Are you not reading a single thing people are posting? I don't think anyone is saying that a tip is required regardless of service. If service is terrible and someone decides to not tip just about everyone would agree it's up to the person in that case.

They expect a tip because that's a portion of their salary! They are paid by the restaurant with this expectation. And again, changing it so that tips are not expected and the cost is incorporated into the price of food does absolutely nothing for you in terms of money. You are still paying.

Question - if in the United states, wait staff and bar tenders got a minimum wage boost to... whatever the minimum wage was would you.

1. Think they would still expect tips and fuck with you if they didn't get them?
2. Still tip them, considering one of the main reasons you tip is to help them meet their minimum wage?

 

[KHarvey16]

No he said: - If you ever leave less than 10% on a bill, or tip less than $1 a drink, you are a bad customer. No ifs ands or buts.

And that's the thing I don't get. Why should he expect that 25-33% tip when waiters expect only 15-20% when their jobs are arguably more difficult. Especially when he makes 40 cents less than minimum wage.

He said less then $1, which means $1 is probably ok by him. Keep in mind also he's in Canada, where a buck is not exactly a buck. Like I said though, he wouldn't expect it unless most people did it.

Question - if in the United states, wait staff and bar tenders got a minimum wage boost to... whatever the minimum wage was would you.

1. Think they would still expect tips and fuck with you if they didn't get them?
2. Still tip them, considering one of the main reasons you tip is to help them meet their minimum wage?

The system cannot change like this, it's too much a part of society. But if magically tomorrow it were like it never happened? Again, I'd probably reserve tipping for the absolute best, above and beyond type service.

 

[Guled]

Are you not reading a single thing people are posting? I don't think anyone is saying that a tip is required regardless of service. If service is terrible and someone decides to not tip just about everyone would agree it's up to the person in that case.

They expect a tip because that's a portion of their salary! They are paid by the restaurant with this expectation. And again, changing it so that tips are not expected and the cost is incorporated into the price of food does absolutely nothing for you in terms of money. You are still paying.

People have been saying tips are required regardless of service. Sure you might think its up to the person, but most likely not the one who will spit in my soup the next time I visit.

They should expect tips period. A tip is not curtain, if you expect tips then you better be extremely good at your job. Its not about the money at all, its about them expecting tips and doing things to your food if you don't

 

[Kinitari]

So when everyone begins to do an above-average job and finally earns a tip from the cheap sons of bitches, are we then going to accept that service as average and then expect even more from them before they can again earn tips?

What? Is there a universal standard for quality service that everyone keeps up to date on that I don't know about?

What people think is a good job will always be relative, I don't think people meet up and go "Man, waiters have been doing quality work more and more frequently, I think we need to expect more before start tipping again, all in favour?"

And if your point is that a person will grow accustomed to good service, thus expect that as a minimum and only tip service that exceeds his previous good service... I don't think anyone actually thinks like that. Maybe they do, but... that's a weird way to go about it. If someone does a good job, they're on the ball, don't make me feel like shit, and don't make me eat shit. They get a tip from me. I don't expect more and more every single time. If they forget to bring me food even after I ask them 3-4 times, ignore my table for about an hour with a half empty restaurant and seem mad at me for no real reason, yeah bitch you're not getting a tip. Goddamn that was the worst endless shrimp ever.

 

[KHarvey16]

People have been saying tips are required regardless of service. Sure you might think its up to the person, but most likely not the one who will spit in my soup the next time I visit.

They should expect tips period. A tip is not curtain, if you expect tips then you better be extremely good at your job. Its not about the money at all, its about them expecting tips and doing things to your food if you don't

You're making a big deal out of this for absolutely no reason. If a person ends up making $15 an hour either because I tipped them or the owner charged more for food I don't care. To me it makes no difference since I paid it either way. You can go ahead and be upset about it.

 

[Davidion]

You said it. It's a direct method of merit-based compensation. That means if someone does an extraordinary job, he deserves the tip. Then why is it EXPECTED for people to give tips ALWAYS?.

Caveat: everything I say on the subject will apply to the US restaurant/service industries only; I can't speak about those in other countries that I've little to no experience with. And I'm not targeting you specifically, but this is just my take on this whole tipping business.

I, for one, don't think it should be an expectation. However, I also consider the fact that people who are working in a restaurant, unlike most other service job workers, are not only working on below-minimum wages, but they are also waiting on you hand and foot and constantly maintaining demeanor to make your experience pleasurable. Like I said earlier, if the service is bad and/or rude, then tips should be reduced accordingly or even cut if it's really that bad. However, in my experience, I've seldomly received service so bad that it has had to come to that.

People seem to have problems getting past the idea that unless it's explicitly written out that you have to pay x-amount of dollars for y-product, then you shouldn't have to pay a cent more. Curiously, at the same time they also go ahead and assume that whatever courtesy the waitstaff extends to you is a part of their job that's compensated for by their relatively meager wages, which it often isn't the case when you consider that waiting often ranks amongst the most stressful jobs out there. Is that necessarily the customer's problem? No. However, it's a fundamentally basic social routine to be a little courteous to those who are so courteous to you.

Don't get me wrong, I think it's deplorable that waitstaff would retaliate against customers who don't tip well. And if you just always end up getting shitty service, then I can also understand why you'd not want to tip. However, on the flip side of the coin, given good service, not willing to pay a little extra because you "don't sympathize with their problems" or think that they "deserve what they get for having a dead end job" or need to stick to this "principle", well let's not pretend that that's anything other than being cheap.

 

[bill0527]

My wife and I are extremely generous tippers .. almost always 20% at the least. We've both been servers before so we know how it is.

Only 1 time have I never left a tip and it was when a server at Olive Garden dumped a pitcher of water on me. She reached all the way across the table to refill my drink.. which is typically a no-no because you have an increased chance of knocking something that's sitting on the table, over on someone. Only time you reach across the table to refill a drink is if you can't get right next to the person to do it. She didn't have that problem in this case and of course, she knocked over 2 empty wine glasses and dropped the pitcher full of water right in my lap. That wasn't really the problem. I understand more than anyone that accidents happen. The problem was that she was laughing about it while walking away from the table. She told me that she would bring me some towels.. and 5 minutes later I'm still sitting there looking and feeling like I've just pissed myself. I also flagged down 2 other servers and asked if I could get some towels, but nobody seemed to really give a damn. I finally got a manager who happened to walk by and he immediately got me some towels to clean myself and the rest of the table up. If you dump shit all over someone, you don't fucking lollygag around and bother to get them some towels when its convenient for you as a server to get to it. No.. you fucking do it immediately. So no tip from me and I left her a nice note on the back of my credit card receipt explaining why.

 

[TurboLibre]

Question - if in the United states, wait staff and bar tenders got a minimum wage boost to... whatever the minimum wage was would you.

1. Think they would still expect tips and fuck with you if they didn't get them?
2. Still tip them, considering one of the main reasons you tip is to help them meet their minimum wage?

1. How can they fuck with someone if they didn't get a good tip? Tips are given after the meal, so there's not much they can do by that point. The only time a server would mess with someone (which I've never seen), would be if someone was an exception jackass to the server.

2. My habits would change a tiny bit. It wouldn't be this big deal when I'm eating with friends where we but out the calculators to see how much we need to throw down, I'll be more from the gut. I tip the people at coffee shops pretty frequently, and I think those guys make more at least minimum wage.

 

[Kinitari]

He said less then $1, which means $1 is probably ok by him. Keep in mind also he's in Canada, where a buck is not exactly a buck. Like I said though, he wouldn't expect it unless most people did it.



The system cannot change like this, it's too much a part of society. But if magically tomorrow it were like it never happened? Again, I'd probably reserve tipping for the absolute best, above and beyond type service.

I guess that's why we can't really see eye to eye. My system is almost exactly what I described - literally maybe a buck an hour less at most, and probably not even often that. Yet there is still the obligation, and still the condemnation.

But I don't think I've ever tipped a barber, mind you I haven't gone to one since I was like 14, so tipping wasn't really in my field of knowledge then.

 

[Concept17]

Damn I must note it down for whenever I go to the US to either...


1) Don't go back to any restaurant where I didn't give tip

2) Keep going to places where the service is quite good, because I will surely tip them and they will be nice to me!


Yay

Most [good] restaurants with people who know how to run the place will go out of their way to give repeat customers 'VIP' service. If you continually goto the same restaurant, and get to know one or two of the employees or managers, chances are you'll get the best server, service and free drinks. This is of course multiplied if you spend a good amount of money and especially if you tip well.

 

[Mik2121]

He said less then $1, which means $1 is probably ok by him. Keep in mind also he's in Canada, where a buck is not exactly a buck. Like I said though, he wouldn't expect it unless most people did it.



The system cannot change like this, it's too much a part of society. But if magically tomorrow it were like it never happened? Again, I'd probably reserve tipping for the absolute best, above and beyond type service.

Well, I don't know there but in places like Hong Kong they apparently started to just charge the tips on the bill, so when you go to a restaurant and it has the menu on the front, it says "service charges included". Next to the "tax included". So the price you see in the menu is what you need to pay, and when you leave and come back another day, you will get the same service and not worse because you didn't pay extra.

 

[Kinitari]

1. How can they fuck with someone if they didn't get a good tip? Tips are given after the meal, so there's not much they can do by that point. The only time a server would mess with someone (which I've never seen), would be if someone was an exception jackass to the server.

2. My habits would change a tiny bit. It wouldn't be this big deal when I'm eating with friends where we but out the calculators to see how much we need to throw down, I'll be more from the gut. I tip the people at coffee shops pretty frequently, and I think those guys make more at least minimum wage.

1. If you were a return customer "That's the douche that didn't tip me last time". Is how it usually goes down when people fuck with non-tippers.

2. What would be your reason? I know KHarvey does it because he wants to ensure the people get compensated a fair amount, and not get 2 dollars an hour, why would you still tip if they were making as much as anyone else?

 

[Guled]

You're making a big deal out of this for absolutely no reason. If a person ends up making $15 an hour either because I tipped them or the owner charged more for food I don't care. To me it makes no difference since I paid it either way. You can go ahead and be upset about it.

It dose matter, if its a part of the bill I don't have to worry about this tipping bullshit. But since its not, we have people ruining customers food because they think they deserve a tip. Like I said it has nothing to do with the money and more with my views. The video in the first post summed it up quite nicely for me. I don't care what I pay on my bill, but if they want a tip they better work for it, simple as that

 

[TurboLibre]

1. If you were a return customer "That's the douche that didn't tip me last time". Is how it usually goes down when people fuck with non-tippers.

2. What would be your reason? I know KHarvey does it because he wants to ensure the people get compensated a fair amount, and not get 2 dollars an hour, why would you still tip if they were making as much as anyone else?

I just tip for service, that's how I roll. I know they appreciate the extra cash and I feel good knowing it makes them happy. I will give the bare minimum if they suck though.

 

[Atrus]

Did you think that through? Those are the only two fucking options.

And, anyway, no one works for the minimum by choice. "No, I'd rather earn less. No the minimum is enough--put your money away."

No. You can still not want to and have other options and still need to do it. One of my former co-workers for instance has a Masters in Chemistry but went to work for minimum wage part-time after her daughter was born. She has other options, and doesn't really want to work there because it's a shitty minimum wage job. She just happens to do so because staying at home is lonely and somewhere is just as good as anywhere.

Do you not believe in progressive tax rates? Do you think people who can barely make any money should be paying the same rates as the rich?

Tuition deductions, child benefits, and old age deductions are not just available to minimum wage earners.

Only if they cry about how they are entitled to additional benefits, that are arbitrarily decided upon. For instance as indicated before, why should waiters get it and check-out sales people don't?

The deductions may not be solely available to minimum wage earners, but minimum wage earners are the ones who can reduce it to a point where they pay no taxes, or put themselves into a refund position quite easily.

Maybe the federal and provincial governments provide these benefits, which you're greatly exaggerating, because employers don't provide them with living wages.

Actually, these benefits tend to be accorded based on political lobby groups and party platforms. The minimum wages were designed so that employers had provincial guidelines to follow, and that the number of electorate pissed off at the government for not doing anything would be relatively low.

And is your expectation that everyone will peruse a higher education? Is this a reasonable expectation to have for every single person? No it's not. Some people may not be university material or they rather work with their hands. If they work hard, why should they be throw under the bus?

They should. It's the one key factor in significantly improving their economic well being. If they aren't for higher education, then there is always a skilled trade, which arguably also needs some certification.

If you want to be an economic loser, don't complain about ending up as one.

This is you being circular once again. Why do you think people who earn less spend less?

Not everyone gets to choose the situation they're in.

I was pointing out that by spending less, people on minimum wage have less taxes to pay. People who earn more in Canada pay more at the Federal, Provincial and Municipal level than those on minimum wage. They earn more and pay more to subsidize your benefits. There is no reason they should be paying certain people more because those people feel they deserve it, all while other jobs get shafted.

I also deride the idea that because you're in a situation, that you can't dig yourself out. The idea that you ended up in a particular situation because you had no choice sounds to me like a pathetic, fatalistic excuse. My parents spent most of what they had just traveling to Canada, and they worked from negative equity to well over a million in what... 19 years? Amazingly easy to do in a country like Canada, provided someone isn't inept or lazy.

 

[powerCAPS]

He said less then $1, which means $1 is probably ok by him. Keep in mind also he's in Canada, where a buck is not exactly a buck. Like I said though, he wouldn't expect it unless most people did it.

At the bar I'm working at right now, $1 is mine and the other bartenders threshold for what is acceptable. Tip me a buck, and I'll have a polite chat, put your game on the TV, make whatever random drink you can imagine, and make sure your glass is never empty. Tip me 2+ and you might find a bit extra in your next drink, or a free drink when we have mistakes left over. Less than a buck and you're just not high on my radar. Nothing and I will ignore you. Whether it's right or wrong, that's the way that it is, and the way that generally works ok for getting my customers good service, the bar owner a good profit, and me a livable income.

Bare in mind this is just for interests sake at the bar I currently work at. Every bar will be different, depending on the market, location, size, time of day, a whole heap of things. I have worked at a bar where I worked my arse off for a quarter per drink. I got a better job. Like everyone who moves up in an industry.

But a good, safe, general rule, is a dollar a drink in most places. Obviously if you're at a super high end martini bar go higher.

 

[KHarvey16]

It dose matter, if its a part of the bill I don't have to worry about this tipping bullshit. But since its not, we have people ruining customers food because they think they deserve a tip. Like I said it has nothing to do with the money and more with my views. The video in the first post summed it up quite nicely for me. I don't care what I pay on my bill, but if they want a tip they better work for it, simple as that

I don't know why you have this idea that unless you always tip 20% someone is gonna piss on your mashed potatoes. It might happen if you eat there, get reasonable service, don't tip anything at all and then come back the next day or something. You're using this issue as a justification for your very dumb "principles."

 

[Big-E]

Atrus you are so full of shit. The whole "My parents did it so everyone can do it" is the stupidest thing one can say. Most people don't have a fucking choice. Can I ask you something? Did you pay 100% for your schooling and I mean 100%. Your parents may have been able to gain money but they sure as hell didn't teach their child empathy.

 

[Guled]

I don't know why you have this idea that unless you always tip 20% someone is gonna piss on your mashed potatoes. It might happen if you eat there, get reasonable service, don't tip anything at all and then come back the next day or something. You're using this issue as a justification for your very dumb "principles."

what part of my principles are dumb? The fact that I should only give tips to people who deserve them? Or is it the fact that I don't just conform to such a flawed and stupid system. if they deserve a tip they should get it, but no reason should it be expected. I don't give a dam what they get paid, a tip is a tip

 

[Kinitari]

At the bar I'm working at right now, $1 is mine and the other bartenders threshold for what is acceptable. Tip me a buck, and I'll keep em coming, make whatever random drink you can imagine, and make sure your glass is never empty. Tip me 2+ and you might find a bit extra in your next drink, or a free drink when we have mistakes left over. Less than a buck and you're just not high on my radar. Nothing and I will ignore you. Whether it's right or wrong, that's the way that it is, and the way that generally works ok for getting my customers good service, the bar owner a good profit, and me a livable income.

Bare in mind this is just for interests sake at the bar I currently work at. Every bar will be different, depending on the market, location, size, time of day, a whole heap of things. I have worked at a bar where I worked my arse off for a quarter per drink. I got a better job. Like everyone who moves up in an industry.

But a good, safe, general rule, is a dollar a drink in most places. Obviously if you're at a super high end martini bar go higher.

you make a lot of money if you get a dollar every drink.

If you make 20 drinks per hour, you're making 20 additional dollars an hour.

 

[powerCAPS]

what part of my principles are dumb? The fact that I should only give tips to people who deserve them? Or is it the fact that I don't just conform to such a flawed and stupid system

The fact that you're trying to justify your stinginess as a noble and just cause.

 

[TurboLibre]

what part of my principles are dumb? The fact that I should only give tips to people who deserve them? Or is it the fact that I don't just conform to such a flawed and stupid system

I'm getting the impression you think it's common for servers to mess with your food.

 

[red shoe paul]

If my waiter/waitress serves me flawlessly, 20% no doubt. If i see any attitude or i get upset with things not being done I take a few dollars off. Easy as that. With places I frequent, I try tipping well regardless.

 

[KHarvey16]

what part of my principles are dumb? The fact that I should only give tips to people who deserve them? Or is it the fact that I don't just conform to such a flawed and stupid system. if they deserve a tip they should get it, but no reason should it be expected. I don't give a dam what they get paid, a tip is a tip

Yep, looked at in the proper context your principles are dumb.

 

[Mik2121]

At the bar I'm working at right now, $1 is mine and the other bartenders threshold for what is acceptable. Tip me a buck, and I'll have a polite chat, put your game on the TV, make whatever random drink you can imagine, and make sure your glass is never empty. Tip me 2+ and you might find a bit extra in your next drink, or a free drink when we have mistakes left over. Less than a buck and you're just not high on my radar. Nothing and I will ignore you. Whether it's right or wrong, that's the way that it is, and the way that generally works ok for getting my customers good service, the bar owner a good profit, and me a livable income.

Bare in mind this is just for interests sake at the bar I currently work at. Every bar will be different, depending on the market, location, size, time of day, a whole heap of things. I have worked at a bar where I worked my arse off for a quarter per drink. I got a better job. Like everyone who moves up in an industry.

But a good, safe, general rule, is a dollar a drink in most places. Obviously if you're at a super high end martini bar go higher.

You expect $1 for something that took you one minute to prepare at most?

If you work on a very busy bar where you are making drinks every couple minutes, you must be getting more than enough for living. Dang..

 

[Guled]

The fact that you're trying to justify your stinginess as a noble and just cause.

says the guy who messes with peoples drinks

Yep, looked at in the proper context your principles are dumb.

fine, my principles are dumb. Sorry I think that tips are meant for those who do above and beyond what was required of them

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

you make a lot of money if you get a dollar every drink.

If you make 20 drinks per hour, you're making 20 additional dollars an hour.

Is that really that much to you?

Entry level positions at my company as well as what I see in ads are offering around $15 an hour, and that's for skilled web development work. A bartender losing his night life to make $20 an hour to make drinks for a bunch of drunks seems appropriate to me.

 

[Divvy]

I'm getting the impression you think it's common for servers to mess with your food.

I dunno, certain posters in this thread have made it certain that such things occur on a regular basis if the server doesn't get his tip.

 

[powerCAPS]

you make a lot of money if you get a dollar every drink.

If you make 20 drinks per hour, you're making 20 additional dollars an hour.

Yep. But I don't make 20 drinks per hour every hour. Sometimes more, sometimes much much less. But yes, you can make a good living, sometimes even a great living in the service industry. No one disputes that.

 

[TurboLibre]

You expect $1 for something that took you one minute to prepare at most?

If you work on a very busy bar where you are making drinks every couple minutes, you must be getting more than enough for living. Dang..

Bartenders make bank. It's a tough job though.

 

[Big-E]

says the guy who messes with peoples drinks

Why shouldn't he if you ain't going to tip? Hes got 50 more people to serve who are tipping him why should he bend over backwards for you to get you your drink in a timely manner. His services are being used by people who want them.

 

[Kinitari]

You expect $1 for something that took you one minute to prepare at most?

If you work on a very busy bar where you are making drinks every couple minutes, you must be getting more than enough for living. Dang..

A lot of the times 'making a drink' is opening a bottle and pouring it into a glass, or filling a glass from a tap.

If the McDonalds employee expecting a buck whenever they filled my cup with Root Beer, I would be confused.

 

[Mik2121]

Is that really that much to you?

Entry level positions at my company as well as what I see in ads are offering around $15 an hour, and that's for skilled web development work. A bartender losing his night life to make $20 an hour to make drinks for a bunch of drunks seems appropriate to me.

He would get $20 + $8.40 or whatever it was he said he got paid. He is getting $38 for serving drinks (not a very hard task, I've done the same, and yes I have memorized lot of lame cocktails just because you never knew when you would get your odd order) when someone is getting paid $20 for skilled web development work, which clearly is a more difficult task than serving drinks.

So what's your point?

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

He would get $20 + $8.40 or whatever it was he said he got paid. He is getting $38 for serving drinks (not a very hard task, I've done the same, and yes I have memorized lot of lame cocktails just because you never knew when you would get your odd order) when someone is getting paid $20 for skilled web development work, which clearly is a more difficult task than serving drinks.

So what's your point?

Did you miss the entry level part? Entry level bartenders don't make that much on average.

And I feel like maybe GAF is the wrong place for this point to mean anything, but a bartender doesn't have a social night life. Seriously. In my 4 years as a waiter, that shit killed me, and I'm not even that social at all. I can't imagine how it would feel to a well-adjusted human being. Everyone makes plans, and you have to reject all of them because that's when you work, and then you sleep in late every day.

 

[Big-E]

He would get $20 + $8.40 or whatever it was he said he got paid. He is getting $38 for serving drinks (not a very hard task, I've done the same, and yes I have memorized lot of lame cocktails just because you never knew when you would get your odd order) when someone is getting paid $20 for skilled web development work, which clearly is a more difficult task than serving drinks.

So what's your point?

Difficulty is relative. Not everyone can web develop and not everyone can serve drinks either. To bring job difficulty as to what does and doesn't deserve tip is asinine.