POLL: Do you still tip even after getting bad service?

ITDEFX

ITDEFX

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My gf and I went out to a place that we have been going to for years. We have had our shares of good servers and so so servers at that place, but the server last night was a bad one(apparently we had him before a few months ago).
Service was so bad, he even tried to rip me off on the receipt by added something that I didn't even order.

Anyways I didn't leave a tip.

What are your thoughts?
 
Yeah I do, but only around 12 percent instead of my usual 20 percent. Even if the server is terrible, the tip covers the cooks and anyone else in the kitchen, the overall dining environment, etc.

However if the service was truly an abomination and it was a restaurant that I knew I would never return to, I'd leave no tip. Leaving a small tip (like 5 percent) only makes you look like an asshole and doesn't teach them a lesson. By leaving nothing is what gives them the impression that they are the ones who were at fault.
 
I went to hooters and the service was the biggest pile of shit i've ever had. We just came from the beach so I tipped her a sand dollar.
 
[quote name='Magehart']I went to hooters and the service was the biggest pile of shit i've ever had. We just came from the beach so I tipped her a sand dollar.[/QUOTE]

lol..never been to Hooters... but I heard the wings were good.
 
After working in the server business it's hard for me to tip below 15%. If they do superb, 25%. If they socialize with me 20%. If they're doing a meh job, 15%. You have to be a shitty shitty server to get a bad tip from me.
 
Nope, I wouldn't tip at all. I usually only tip if the food/service is excellent, other than that, I rarely tip. Although, I don't eat out much and I have no money, so that might be why.
 
[quote name='ITDEFX']lol..never been to Hooters... but I heard the wings were good.[/quote]

They rock! You have to get them Daytona style though. It's teriyaki mixed with their hot sauce and it's phenomenal on the wings. I almost died eating them too quickly.

Btw, be careful which hooters you go to. We went to the Newport Beach one once, all the fat girls were working >.< . One was preggo too! Bleh. Tight shorts with a preggo belly hanging out is SO not cool.
 
I will still tip, unless service was amazingly awful. I do tip much less than usual if the service was poor, but I take into consideration mitigating circumstances like the bar being slammed.
 
Unless the server is being a dick or really sucks(never refilling my drink, constantly getting order wrong etc.) I usually tip. I don't like to punish someone just because they may be having a bad night.
 
Reality's Fringe;3178004]Unless the server is being a dick or really sucks(never refilling my drink said:
that's the thing... it wasn't a busy night last night.. the restaurant was practually empty for 7pm-9pm, when usually it's slammed.
Click to expand...
 
I went to shoneys and got a breakfast buffet today, the waitress never filled acknowledged me or asked to refill my drink, so I didn't give her a tip.

Now, if I would've ordered something off the menu I probably would've given her something.
 
ill leave a small tip, not 15%, maybe 10% or less. i can only think of two times i didnt leave a tip. actually, once i didnt leave a tip, and then another time the service was the worst ive ever had at a restaurant, instead of leaving no tip i left a nickel.
 
I generally only tip when the server is going above and beyond the call of duty.
Otherwise, either no tip or a small one (I like getting the bill to a round dollar for some reason, go figure).
The way I see it, they shouldn't get extra money from me for simply doing their job, they have to earn it.
 
just got back from pondersoa over on coldwater today and will be contacting the manager tomorrow

1. we sat with dirty plates on our table for between 15 to 30 mins

2. we had to wait around 20 mins for refills

3. they just kept dumping new food on top of older food in the buffet instead of removing the old food

they had cheese pizza and some people ripped off the chess and left the pizza part behind. Instead of throwing it out they just keep piling new pizza on top of the old crap

Im shocked this place on coldwater hasnt had it #$#$# shut down for heath reasons yet. Its the only one left in the entire fort wayne area
 
i usually tip very well, in one circumstance though, i had horrible service, a drink spilt on me with no apology from the waiter and just an overall bad night.

So needless to say the bill was 24.96
i left the change as his tip:)
I feel he deserved at least that.
 
[quote name='RAMSTORIA']ill leave a small tip, not 15%, maybe 10% or less. i can only think of two times i didnt leave a tip. actually, once i didnt leave a tip, and then another time the service was the worst ive ever had at a restaurant, instead of leaving no tip i left a nickel.[/QUOTE]

I left pocket change (less then a dollar in coins) at a Ruby Tuesday a few years back because the server took 20 minutes to bring out our drinks, 40 minutes to take our orders and another 30 mins to bring it out. Yea I know we should have walked out before placing the orders but that place was slammed that night. He didn't check up on us at all because he was too busy flirting with some chicks at a table near by. The only time he did come by was to drop the bill, and even that he took like 15 mins to pick it up since I was paying by CC and he thought it was cash payment.

Similar problems with another Ruby Tuesday when they took a very long time to bring out my dad's order (which was a cold sandwich) when they brought out the hot food first. I didn't tip well that day either and pretty much avoided RT after that as I have heard RT doesn't give good service all around.
 
[quote name='slidecage']just got back from pondersoa over on coldwater today and will be contacting the manager tomorrow

1. we sat with dirty plates on our table for between 15 to 30 mins

2. we had to wait around 20 mins for refills

3. they just kept dumping new food on top of older food in the buffet instead of removing the old food

they had cheese pizza and some people ripped off the chess and left the pizza part behind. Instead of throwing it out they just keep piling new pizza on top of the old crap

Im shocked this place on coldwater hasnt had it #$#$# shut down for heath reasons yet. Its the only one left in the entire fort wayne area[/QUOTE]

ok.. I'm going to be sick.
 
Yea but only a buck or two.

[quote name='slidecage']just got back from pondersoa [/QUOTE]

Your list is ordered wrong. This is your first problem.
 
[quote name='ITDEFX']what's pondersoa?[/QUOTE]

A shitty steakhouse with paperthin steaks that also has a buffet. As if a steak dinner isn't enough you get the buffet with your meal. Which has lots of things from salad to pasta. AKA Bonaza steakhouse in some parts of the country. Mainly old people go there, and get the buffet which is only $5 or $6 bucks for all you can eat.


http://www.ponderosasteakhouses.com/splash.htm
 
If they suck then no they dont get tipped from me.


As its been discussed before, I dont wanna hear the shitty pay scale excuse on why I need to tip. If its so shitty they can get a diff f'n job that pays better.
 
10% is the lowest i will go, but it has to be really really shitty, usually tip around 20%, lil more or less depending on the interaction and the size of the bill
 
the only time we ever get really, really good service is at the Melting pot (http://www.meltingpot.com/), plenty of privacy, really good service and interaction between you and the server and really good food. 100 bucks for dinner :O, but it's worth it every once and awhile on special dates.
 
[quote name='Liquid 2']I generally only tip when the server is going above and beyond the call of duty.
Otherwise, either no tip or a small one (I like getting the bill to a round dollar for some reason, go figure).
The way I see it, they shouldn't get extra money from me for simply doing their job, they have to earn it.[/QUOTE]

[quote name='Will']If they suck then no they dont get tipped from me.


As its been discussed before, I dont wanna hear the shitty pay scale excuse on why I need to tip. If its so shitty they can get a diff f'n job that pays better.[/QUOTE]

It's pricks like you that make me glad I left the service industry. Though, to be fair, I doubt you would have ever come into the places I worked; I never served at "Hobie's Dipshit Hut, featuring bacon-wrapped bacon bacon bacon hamburgers."

Let me be perfectly clear: IF YOU GO INTO A RESTAURANT THAT HAS WAITSTAFF, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO TIP. If you don't want to tip, either (1) go to a Taco Bell, you skint bastard, or (2) order food to go. By sitting down and being served, you enter into an implicit agreement that, in exchange for said service, you will provide a tip. It's not "extra money" (as if they're making megabucks already); it's extra money you pay for the difference in labor cost for having your fat asses fed instead of taking it home and stuffing your maws there.

There is NO excuse. NONE. You're a cheap bitch, a lazy fuck, and an embarrassment. If you can't even tip, you're not even good enough for a Waffle House.

All that ranting aside, bad service (I don't want a conversation with the server, but I do want someone who knows the menu, can recommend items, won't lie to me if I ask what days they get fish deliveries, can recommend a good wine and/or beer; I want the food delivered on time and hot; I want them to ensure everything is to our liking within 3 minutes of bringing the entrees to the table, and that's about it) will result in a lower tip. No less than 10% - any less and I'm taking advantage of them (only a damn fool would think of 10% as anything other than an intentionally shitty tip). I usually indicate my displeasure through my demeanor and questions, however. In a constructive way entirely, and not as a grouse (like I did above).
 
[quote name='mykevermin']It's pricks like you that make me glad I left the service industry. Though, to be fair, I doubt you would have ever come into the places I worked; I never served at "Hobie's Dipshit Hut, featuring bacon-wrapped bacon bacon bacon hamburgers."

Let me be perfectly clear: IF YOU GO INTO A RESTAURANT THAT HAS WAITSTAFF, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO TIP. If you don't want to tip, either (1) go to a Taco Bell, you skint bastard, or (2) order food to go. By sitting down and being served, you enter into an implicit agreement that, in exchange for said service, you will provide a tip. It's not "extra money" (as if they're making megabucks already); it's extra money you pay for the difference in labor cost for having your fat asses fed instead of taking it home and stuffing your maws there.

There is NO excuse. NONE. You're a cheap bitch, a lazy fuck, and an embarrassment. If you can't even tip, you're not even good enough for a Waffle House.[/quote]

Well said.
 
Meh, you let me know what is good, bring me my food quickly and keep my drink filled. You get a 15%-20% tip. You screw up my order and are slow or stupid you get 10% or less.

And on that note I don't eat out too much cause I can't really afford it.

Do you guys usually tip at bars as well?
 
[quote name='kube00']

Do you guys usually tip at bars as well?[/quote]

It pretty much goes without saying. I usually tip anywhere 1-3 bucks a drink depending on the price and how it's made.
 
[quote name='mykevermin']It's pricks like you that make me glad I left the service industry. Though, to be fair, I doubt you would have ever come into the places I worked; I never served at "Hobie's Dipshit Hut, featuring bacon-wrapped bacon bacon bacon hamburgers."

Let me be perfectly clear: IF YOU GO INTO A RESTAURANT THAT HAS WAITSTAFF, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO TIP. If you don't want to tip, either (1) go to a Taco Bell, you skint bastard, or (2) order food to go. By sitting down and being served, you enter into an implicit agreement that, in exchange for said service, you will provide a tip. It's not "extra money" (as if they're making megabucks already); it's extra money you pay for the difference in labor cost for having your fat asses fed instead of taking it home and stuffing your maws there.

There is NO excuse. NONE. You're a cheap bitch, a lazy fuck, and an embarrassment. If you can't even tip, you're not even good enough for a Waffle House.

All that ranting aside, bad service (I don't want a conversation with the server, but I do want someone who knows the menu, can recommend items, won't lie to me if I ask what days they get fish deliveries, can recommend a good wine and/or beer; I want the food delivered on time and hot; I want them to ensure everything is to our liking within 3 minutes of bringing the entrees to the table, and that's about it) will result in a lower tip. No less than 10% - any less and I'm taking advantage of them (only a damn fool would think of 10% as anything other than an intentionally shitty tip). I usually indicate my displeasure through my demeanor and questions, however. In a constructive way entirely, and not as a grouse (like I did above).[/QUOTE]

Take it easy, skippy. While I agree that if you get service for dining in you should pay a tip, I wouldn't say NOT leaving a tip, especially when the tip comes out to $3 or $4 would call for being named a "cheap bitch, lazy fuck, and embarrassment". Sometimes, poor service mandates poor tip, sometimes low to like 8%.


One thing I believe, though, is that truly good service deserves a big tip: 30% sometimes. I also like to fill out those cards that ask about my experience: "John was an extremely great waiter, he was kind, quick, and is one reason I'll be returning!"
 
Tip is payment for a service rendered. No service = no tip. Bad service = bad tip. I worked my ass off in retail for a lot less money than my waiter associates make in tips. So I expect my courtesy payment to be returned with courtesy service (Just as the waiters expect the opposite), whether I'm at an upscale joint or if I'm at Myke's elitist little bacon caricature joint (What does he have against bacon, anyway?).

That said, I've had some shit service, and I've always been too much a pussy to tip too far below 10%.
 
[quote name='Liquid 2']I generally only tip when the server is going above and beyond the call of duty.
Otherwise, either no tip or a small one (I like getting the bill to a round dollar for some reason, go figure).
The way I see it, they shouldn't get extra money from me for simply doing their job, they have to earn it.[/QUOTE]

Like Myke said, stick with fast food. Some restaurants, the staff gets paid under minimum wage and live off of tips.

That being said, if you're getting lousy service, tip them a penny. That way they'll know that they were servicing you bad and if they wanted the tip they should do better, no excuses whatsoever. If you don't leave anything they might think that you forgot to tip.
 
Yeah, waiters are taxed with the expectation of getting... what... 10%? 15%? tips? Small, or even no, tipping is an act of hostility, not indifference.
 
Yes, and it's the full15%. But here's the thing, I beleive in OVER tipping, so if the service is poor, they only get 15. I usually tip 20% - 25% for good service. Why? I don't know...
 
[quote name='mykevermin']It's pricks like you that make me glad I left the service industry. Though, to be fair, I doubt you would have ever come into the places I worked; I never served at "Hobie's Dipshit Hut, featuring bacon-wrapped bacon bacon bacon hamburgers."

Let me be perfectly clear: IF YOU GO INTO A RESTAURANT THAT HAS WAITSTAFF, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO TIP. If you don't want to tip, either (1) go to a Taco Bell, you skint bastard, or (2) order food to go. By sitting down and being served, you enter into an implicit agreement that, in exchange for said service, you will provide a tip. It's not "extra money" (as if they're making megabucks already); it's extra money you pay for the difference in labor cost for having your fat asses fed instead of taking it home and stuffing your maws there.

There is NO excuse. NONE. You're a cheap bitch, a lazy fuck, and an embarrassment. If you can't even tip, you're not even good enough for a Waffle House.

All that ranting aside, bad service (I don't want a conversation with the server, but I do want someone who knows the menu, can recommend items, won't lie to me if I ask what days they get fish deliveries, can recommend a good wine and/or beer; I want the food delivered on time and hot; I want them to ensure everything is to our liking within 3 minutes of bringing the entrees to the table, and that's about it) will result in a lower tip. No less than 10% - any less and I'm taking advantage of them (only a damn fool would think of 10% as anything other than an intentionally shitty tip). I usually indicate my displeasure through my demeanor and questions, however. In a constructive way entirely, and not as a grouse (like I did above).[/QUOTE]

Now I can tell you there are really cheap asses out there who will leave no tip or a lousy tip despite you going through hoops for them. I've seen this as a former server myself(11 years ago). The guy who served us was a shitty server. Just came up to us and said, "Ready to order?", not a welcome to nor can I get you something to drink? or do you want to start off with some appetizers? Sure I am not expecting a melting pot or Tom Sara's Orleans house experience. I am also not expecting a conversation with the server, with the exception of the Melting Pot, that's cause the guy is actually prepping the food infront of you. I know Fondue is cook it yourself and the place could simply have some kitchen guy bring out the food and not say shit, but it just adds more to the experience. Believe me women dig it :)

Anyways I tip over 15% because the service and food is good. I have always tipped over 15% because we go to that place often. This is the first time I have ever tipped NOTHING in that place. Last time we had that guy, he wasn't that good and I still gave him at least 15%. This is the second time he has been bad, no actually worse then last time, therefore I decided to not tip. You can't really walk into a place and pick your server. You just go wherever there is a spot for you to sit at. Speaking of spots, I could tell the bus boy didn't clean up because my gf's seat was dirty and the table was sort of wet. We have walked out of a restaurant prior to ordering because of the filthiness of the table.

To tip someone the full 15% for shitty service is saying "sure even though you did a bad job, I am going to pay you for doing a bad job." In that person's mind they will think it's ok to do a bad job and still get full tip amount and continue to do a bad job with others. If I was in his position, I would have actually came up to the customer (in private) and discuss the tip and how I could have served you better. That's called customer satisfaction. Good customer satisfaction=good tip=repeat business. We will still go back, but hopefully that guy will be out of that place.
 
[quote name='Moxio']


One thing I believe, though, is that truly good service deserves a big tip: 30% sometimes. I also like to fill out those cards that ask about my experience: "John was an extremely great waiter, he was kind, quick, and is one reason I'll be returning!"[/QUOTE]

wow 30% that must be a pretty good place.

That place I went to had a experience card but when you don't know who the hell is your server because he doesn't even say his name and just says "Ready to order?". I could have wrote something nasty on the card but it's best not to waste my time. That same place is now having a "rewards program". You get like 10 pts for every dollar you spent and 2000 pts will get you a free casadia ..geez how much have we spent in that place over the years??

I dunno, the restaurant industry employs too many college students these days who think it's an easy job to get easy money (take down the order, get the food, collect the cash) and managers need to train them better.
 
[quote name='ITDEFX']Now I can tell you there are really cheap asses out there who will leave no tip or a lousy tip despite you going through hoops for them. I've seen this as a former server myself(11 years ago). The guy who served us was a shitty server. Just came up to us and said, "Ready to order?", not a welcome to nor can I get you something to drink? or do you want to start off with some appetizers? Sure I am not expecting a melting pot or Tom Sara's Orleans house experience. I am also not expecting a conversation with the server, with the exception of the Melting Pot, that's cause the guy is actually prepping the food infront of you. I know Fondue is cook it yourself and the place could simply have some kitchen guy bring out the food and not say shit, but it just adds more to the experience. Believe me women dig it :)

Anyways I tip over 15% because the service and food is good. I have always tipped over 15% because we go to that place often. This is the first time I have ever tipped NOTHING in that place. Last time we had that guy, he wasn't that good and I still gave him at least 15%. This is the second time he has been bad, no actually worse then last time, therefore I decided to not tip. You can't really walk into a place and pick your server. You just go wherever there is a spot for you to sit at. Speaking of spots, I could tell the bus boy didn't clean up because my gf's seat was dirty and the table was sort of wet. We have walked out of a restaurant prior to ordering because of the filthiness of the table.

To tip someone the full 15% for shitty service is saying "sure even though you did a bad job, I am going to pay you for doing a bad job." In that person's mind they will think it's ok to do a bad job and still get full tip amount and continue to do a bad job with others. If I was in his position, I would have actually came up to the customer (in private) and discuss the tip and how I could have served you better. That's called customer satisfaction. Good customer satisfaction=good tip=repeat business. We will still go back, but hopefully that guy will be out of that place.[/QUOTE]

That's an interesting, subtle, point about service. I don't care about your smile or "how y'all doin'?"s. It's fine as is, and noticable in its absence. However, at a restaurant, things are dirty, prepared incorrectly, or unsatisfactory from time to time. I don't mind when things are dirty (food being an exception); but, the true sign of a server is one who immediately rectifies problematic situations ("there's something on this fork"). Any hint of an eye roll or sigh resonates with me negatively. Good service is "I'm very sorry, I'll take care of it right away." It may not be their fault, but when they quickly resolve a situation instead of telling me how the dishwasher's a heroin addict (I know about fuckin' dishwashers), that's service. It's about making me comfortable - I'm not askin' for a blowjob, just some hot food prepared how I asked, served quickly, somewhat politely, and in a clean atmosphere.
 
There has only been one situation where I haven't tipped but that was when the waitress dropped an entire plate of food into my friend's lap. That wasn't the problem, but the fact that she didn't apologize or bring any napkins or anything else to help clean up was pretty infuriating. When she tried to charge my friend for two meals because one was perfectly fine until she dropped it while bringing it out...well, that was the last straw. We had a fairly large party so she didn't go without a tip entirely, but that combined with the rest of her service didn't really convince people to give any more than 5%.

Otherwise, though, I'm always about 20% whenever and wherever I go. If I don't have enough for the tip before I sit down at a place I just don't go, simple as that. I've also given 25% for excellent service before, but the lowest I'll go for poor service tends to be around 10%.
 
[quote name='Kapwanil']There has only been one situation where I haven't tipped but that was when the waitress dropped an entire plate of food into my friend's lap. That wasn't the problem, but the fact that she didn't apologize or bring any napkins or anything else to help clean up was pretty infuriating. When she tried to charge my friend for two meals because one was perfectly fine until she dropped it while bringing it out...well, that was the last straw. We had a fairly large party so she didn't go without a tip entirely, but that combined with the rest of her service didn't really convince people to give any more than 5%.

Otherwise, though, I'm always about 20% whenever and wherever I go. If I don't have enough for the tip before I sit down at a place I just don't go, simple as that. I've also given 25% for excellent service before, but the lowest I'll go for poor service tends to be around 10%.[/QUOTE]

Well see, that's bullshit, ESPECIALLY when she tried to charge you for the dropped food. I would have given NO TIP at all.
 
[quote name='mykevermin']It's pricks like you that make me glad I left the service industry. Though, to be fair, I doubt you would have ever come into the places I worked; I never served at "Hobie's Dipshit Hut, featuring bacon-wrapped bacon bacon bacon hamburgers."

Let me be perfectly clear: IF YOU GO INTO A RESTAURANT THAT HAS WAITSTAFF, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO TIP. If you don't want to tip, either (1) go to a Taco Bell, you skint bastard, or (2) order food to go. By sitting down and being served, you enter into an implicit agreement that, in exchange for said service, you will provide a tip. It's not "extra money" (as if they're making megabucks already); it's extra money you pay for the difference in labor cost for having your fat asses fed instead of taking it home and stuffing your maws there.

There is NO excuse. NONE. You're a cheap bitch, a lazy fuck, and an embarrassment. If you can't even tip, you're not even good enough for a Waffle House.

All that ranting aside, bad service (I don't want a conversation with the server, but I do want someone who knows the menu, can recommend items, won't lie to me if I ask what days they get fish deliveries, can recommend a good wine and/or beer; I want the food delivered on time and hot; I want them to ensure everything is to our liking within 3 minutes of bringing the entrees to the table, and that's about it) will result in a lower tip. No less than 10% - any less and I'm taking advantage of them (only a damn fool would think of 10% as anything other than an intentionally shitty tip). I usually indicate my displeasure through my demeanor and questions, however. In a constructive way entirely, and not as a grouse (like I did above).[/QUOTE]


Where your rant for the people that always tip with the change (coins) left over from the bill? i.e older folks
 
[quote name='Graystone']Where your rant for the people that always tip with the change (coins) left over from the bill? i.e older folks[/QUOTE]

I posted that one at the "Metamucil Fan Club" forums.
 
now that I have read all your responses, I should have asked for the name of the cook and given HIM the the 20% Tip because the food was pretty good and made fast (and cooked well). The only time I have ever tipped the cook was when he hooked up my order of Fettuccine Alfredo with some grilled chicken (cause I usually order it) without charging me extra for it at a near by Tony's Italian Place. I really don't know why the industry needs to break up the tips between the servers, cooks, bus boys and so on. Just pay them 8-10 bucks an hour, with cooks making the most money (hey they do the hard work right?). Earn you pay!!!!
 
Most of the time, I do tip...but its usually no where near the 15% anyways so if they don't do a good job then of course its still gunna be under the 15%
 
As an ex-server, I tip insanely well. Of course, part of that is guilt running rampant, because I have two small kids who are well-behaved, but kids are just messy. And can be annoying in a sit down restaurant situation. But how to get them used to a restaurant situation? Eat in restaurants. So I tip well. I'm pretty forgiving of a busy night, and even an incorrect order, if it's followed with an apology and a sincere attempt to right the situation.

That said, I once left nothing. The waitress was horrible. We had pancakes and french toast, I had to go in search of syrup, finally borrowing from another table. I got coffee from a station close to us, she seated someone, walking by our dirty plates at that end of the table. My kids are begging for more milk, she's nowhere. Even had to find her to get the bill. She was chatting up the cook.

My husband goes to lay a dollar down to show her we were dissatisfied. I told him to take it back before he loses the hand it's in.

In the OP's case, I would have gone straight to management.
 
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