Expectation vs Gratituity

NYCMercedes · August 2014

@Viczaesar I love your Disney sloths new siggy pic!

Simply Fated · August 2014

FiancB said:
I'm actually glad that the US tips a lot, because I like getting good service. I haven't traveled a lot so correct me if I'm wrong, but I've heard in countries where tipping is less prevalent, service tends to be crap. So I will happily continue rounding up from 20% for good service- which I did even when I lived in Oregon where not only do servers make minimum wage, but the wage is at least a couple bucks higher than most of the rest of the country.

It's harder to compare country to country because it's what the people there are used to.
If you compare state to state, though... where it's easier to see the shifting...
This is all general, but according to some VERY rough studies/surveys....
In states where tips make up the majority of pay the service tends to be generally better. In states where the servers make regular minimum wage, the service tends to be just average. Not worse, though. One major difference? All tables are treated the same. Same with restaurants that apply auto-gratuity to every table. All guests are given equal attention because the server knows there is no poor outcome when it comes to their tips.

larrygaga · August 2014

I thought this would be the one internet forum untouched by the tipping argument. I was wrong.

Springs131 · August 2014

April192002 said:

I waited tables as my first real job, over 10 years ago, and while making $2.13 an hour I totally expected tips - about 15-20%. Having worked that job for a little over 3 years, I tip 18-20% for average service.
Knowing that the waiter usually has no control over how fast the food or alcohol comes out (especially when I'm sitting in the bar and able to watch the bartender) I still tip my server according to the rest of my service. If my food comes out wrong, I'll tip based on how quick they fix it (if it gets fixed pretty quick, no deduction).
I'll tip 10% if my service is horrible...and that takes a lot. I either drink alcohol or don't, it's rare that I ask for water with alcohol, so if my nonalcoholic drink sits empty for a while - deduction! If food takes a while to be served without the waiter coming by to check on us (or tell us it's delayed, or should be out soon) - deduction again! Our dirty plates staying stacked on our table (we've had to ask waiters to take away our plates so we have room on our table) - another deduction! If I can see that they're waiting on a large party, who's running them all over the place, I'm more lenient and will tip more than if they weren't.
It takes someone really special to not get a tip - but it happened once after the manager got involved (and then she too ignored us once we got our food...all we needed at that point was our drinks refilled). We handed cash to the waitress who managed to check in on us in between her tables - so sweet of her. I wrote an email to corporate to inform them of the horrible experience, especially with the manager, and they were kind enough to send a $25 gift card, though I'm sure that's standard.
If someone goes above and beyond, has a great personality, etc., they'll get 30+% from me...but it's rare (or I'm a regular there with the same waiter/waitress, so of course they give me great service for a good tip).
I didn't get tipped once - with no explanation. We weren't busy so I saw when they were sat and greeted them within a minute, got their drinks right out and food order, food came out quick and was correct, their drinks never went empty, and I only interrupted them twice when it was absolutely necessary. They asked for togo boxes when they were halfway done eating and their check, which I had on me. They waited about 5 minutes to put their payment out, I ran the card, and they sat there for a little bit more talking (still, no empty drinks and they left fries on their plate that they were still munching on so no dirty dishes sitting there). Tip - $0.00. Awesome! I just paid for them to eat. That is one of the few experiences I remember from that job after all these years.
IMO, if you're not going to leave a tip, or leave a tip less than 10% (that was the minimum amount we had to claim at the end of our shift), you should talk to the manager. The waiter/waitress may just be having an off day, they might be new, or they could be on their way out and management needs to know there were problems.
Edited - typo.

"I waited tables as my first real job, over 10 years ago,"

Doesn't sound like you have or you wouldn't say this EXTREMELY UNTRUE STATEMENT: "Knowing that the waiter usually has no control over how fast the food or alcohol comes out", here's why:

Ask yourself these questions as a server:

1. WHEN do you put in my order? Do you wait or do you go put it in immediately after taking it? If you are double sat or triple sat, you can still go put in each order into the computer after taking each table’s order. By not doing that can result in a much longer wait and that would be YOUR FAULT.

2. FORGETTING to put in an order. My husband and I have experienced this for REAL that servers ADMITTED to our faces they have FORGOTTEN TO PUT ORDERS IN. All of them were appetizers, bar drinks, and a cup of soup.

3. Did you put in the order CORRECTLY into the computer? Have had many times servers ADMITTED to our faces they did not do that correctly. Have had wrong entrées before due to our server putting in the order wrong. Have had wrong bar drinks too due to the server putting in the order wrong.

4. Did you FORGET ANYTHING I ORDERED such as a SIDE DISH? We have had this happen a number of times as well.

5. Did you DROP anything I ordered? Luckily, we have not had this happen, but I have seen a server once drop some fries from a plate before and I did have a waiter spill some margarita martini when pouring into a martini glass. In other words, it is possible, not likely, but very possible.

6. Did you remember to GET my food? We have had a server do that before. Also, we have had a number of servers forget bar drinks.

7. Did you bring out my food obviously correctly if you bring my food out? Do you realize how many times OUR OWN SERVER brings out DUH mistakes like the side dish is wrong, the entrée is wrong, something obvious is not correct bacon that isn’t covered up isn’t extra, extra crispy when you can clearly notice that it isn’t without touching anything, etc.? Every DUH mistake you bring out is YOUR FAULT I am waiting for what I did order by you wasting my time bringing me the wrong item or wrongly prepared item or forgot something. While we all make mistakes, I would have to say a good 90% of the time, servers NEVER COMPARE THE WRITTEN ORDERS TO THE FOOD, because they are TOO LAZY and DON’T CARE!!

8. Servers DO wait to put in entrée orders when appetizers, side salads, or cups of soup are ordered. THAT *IS* THE GOD’S TRUTH! Sometimes it’s TOO LONG THEY WAIT! If it’s another server, it still doesn’t make it the kitchen staff’s fault I have the wrong side dish for example since that is something that’s obvious. It’s either my server that didn’t put in my order correctly or this other server that didn’t compare the ticket to the food or that this other server did compare the ticket to the food, but just missed it(HIGHLY UNLIKELY, but possible).

9. WHEN do you come to GET MY ORDER? That part is covered in #2 below.

10. WHEN do you DECIDE to LET ME ORDER? That part is covered in #4 below.

11. WHEN do you decide to DELIVER MY FOOD? That part is covered in #1 below.

12. Do you, because they are out of something, decide to assume everyone wants the closest thing so you do the ordering for me? That part is covered in #3 below.

1. Once, we had a Red Lobster waitress had our 2 entrées on the tray as well as 2 side salads that were for a couple that wasn’t even there when we ordered. Anyway, instead of bypassing their table to hand us ours first since WE DID ORDER FIRST(common sense would tell you that it takes more time to cook food than it does to fix a side salad anyways even if it wasn’t our server that delivered our food, but it was our waitress that delivered our food), she decided to hand them theirs first off the tray. THAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS IN THE SERVER’S CONTROL TO HAND OUT THINGS OFF THE SAME TRAY IN THE ORDER IN WHICH IT WAS ORDERED IN!!

2. Once, we had a waitress that greeted us which we ordered an appetizer as well as our drinks when greeted. I saw she tucking in chairs at empty tables and pretty much doing everything but coming back to get our entrée order. Well, I found out what happened. She brought out our appetizer and when I asked she said that she wanted to wait to put in our entrée orders. The thing is, that delayed us more by not at least coming to GET our orders. That way, when the appetizer was ready, we wouldn’t have gotten delayed eating our appetizer since we then had to give our entrée orders when we could have given our entrée orders WELL BEFORE THAT and we would have gotten our entrées faster due to that she could have just left to put our entrée orders into the computer after delivering our appetizer instead of taking time to order when our appetizer was sitting in front of us. The point is, SHE delayed our entrées as well as to be able to start eating our appetizer because she could have at least TAKEN our entrée orders and then when our appetizer would have been brought out, could have immediately gone to the computer to put our entrée orders in. What she did was make us wait while our hot appetizer was sitting in front of us, we couldn’t touch it, because we had to order our entrées and could have done that wayyy before that. She also delayed our entrées because we had to spend extra time AFTER our appetizer arrived to give her our entrée orders when we could have done that wayyyy before that.

3. Once, we had a waitress that assumed that because they were out of raspberry topping for a cheesecake slice when we had ordered dessert that she’d bring us strawberry. Turns out, she knew when she put in the order that the computer had it the manager told us. So she did it on PURPOSE to be so lazy and uncaring as to not come to ask if we wanted the next closest thing. We didn’t, we sent it back, so she had MORE WORK. Also, she didn’t even think about what if someone is allergic to strawberries. I just honestly can’t believe someone would do that. If they are out of something, common sense would be to come to see if the next closest thing is ok. Not everyone wants the next closest thing. So it wasn’t like it was just getting the order wrong by accident or by not verifying the written order with what she was bringing or putting in the order wrong by accident, this was on PURPOSE to be LAZY and to ASSUME. I didn’t know at first that she did that. I thought at first she just was that stupid(or truly just messed up(highly doubt it)) to bring us strawberries on top of a cheesecake when we ordered raspberries.

4. Your server delays coming to get your order or delays you ordering due to personal conversation. We have had that before as well. Once, we had a waiter that we didn’t know after waiting 15 mins. for a table on Mardi Gras day ask us BEFORE we ORDERED ANYTHING “How’s y’all’s Mardi Gras” “Go to any parades.” See, I don’t mind chit chat with a stranger, but be considerate to do it AFTER we have our orders into the computer so you don’t take up our time.

We have also had servers not come to get our order due to playing around. Sometimes taking a long time or a longer time has A LOT to do with the server: My husband and I have had 3 TIMES where servers FORGOT to put food orders into the computer. We also have 6 times servers forget to get bar drinks from the bar. Once a waitress forgot to put in a bar drink into the computer. Two of the 3 times it was an appetizer and the servers ADMITTED doing so. The third time was a cup of bisque which is normally served before a meal just like a side salad is. My husband and I also have had delays due to that the servers delayed putting orders into the computer when they COULD have such as deciding to buss a table first or decide instead of a mini-greet(I’ll be right with you all), one waiter I saw decided to take a party of 6 people’s drink/appetizer orders instead of putting in our food orders into the computer. I can understand if they call you over, but if they don’t, you should be putting that order into the computer not delaying our food. The longer you wait to put in orders, the LONGER WE WAIT!! So truly think about that MOST of the time when you wait a LONG TIME for your food or bar drinks even, it could be the server’s fault. 9 times out of 10, your server had *SOMETHING* to do with the delay in most cases! That’s the GOD’S TRUTH!

Servers have SO MUCH CONTROL OVER HOW LONG YOU WAIT FOR THINGS. WHERE THE HECK ARE YOU GETTING THIS FROM, HUH??? We have had a NUMBER of times servers FORGETTING BAR DRINKS. This year, a waiter forgot my margarita from the bar, he ADMITTED SO.

Servers have A LOT of CONTROL OVER THIS. The only times they don't if it is truly a kitchen staff issue such as the kitchen staff makes the wrong food even though the order was put in correctly or lost tickets or cook drops the food, etc. Adding to the delay by forgetting obvious items or waiting to put in my order delays things even MORE SO than their errors. While it may be their fault they made an order wrong, but your fault if you put waited to put in my order when you could have put it into the computer.

You sure don't sound like you have done this job.

Continued next post:

Springs131 · August 2014

April192002 said:

I waited tables as my first real job, over 10 years ago, and while making $2.13 an hour I totally expected tips - about 15-20%. Having worked that job for a little over 3 years, I tip 18-20% for average service.
Knowing that the waiter usually has no control over how fast the food or alcohol comes out (especially when I'm sitting in the bar and able to watch the bartender) I still tip my server according to the rest of my service. If my food comes out wrong, I'll tip based on how quick they fix it (if it gets fixed pretty quick, no deduction).
I'll tip 10% if my service is horrible...and that takes a lot. I either drink alcohol or don't, it's rare that I ask for water with alcohol, so if my nonalcoholic drink sits empty for a while - deduction! If food takes a while to be served without the waiter coming by to check on us (or tell us it's delayed, or should be out soon) - deduction again! Our dirty plates staying stacked on our table (we've had to ask waiters to take away our plates so we have room on our table) - another deduction! If I can see that they're waiting on a large party, who's running them all over the place, I'm more lenient and will tip more than if they weren't.
It takes someone really special to not get a tip - but it happened once after the manager got involved (and then she too ignored us once we got our food...all we needed at that point was our drinks refilled). We handed cash to the waitress who managed to check in on us in between her tables - so sweet of her. I wrote an email to corporate to inform them of the horrible experience, especially with the manager, and they were kind enough to send a $25 gift card, though I'm sure that's standard.
If someone goes above and beyond, has a great personality, etc., they'll get 30+% from me...but it's rare (or I'm a regular there with the same waiter/waitress, so of course they give me great service for a good tip).
I didn't get tipped once - with no explanation. We weren't busy so I saw when they were sat and greeted them within a minute, got their drinks right out and food order, food came out quick and was correct, their drinks never went empty, and I only interrupted them twice when it was absolutely necessary. They asked for togo boxes when they were halfway done eating and their check, which I had on me. They waited about 5 minutes to put their payment out, I ran the card, and they sat there for a little bit more talking (still, no empty drinks and they left fries on their plate that they were still munching on so no dirty dishes sitting there). Tip - $0.00. Awesome! I just paid for them to eat. That is one of the few experiences I remember from that job after all these years.
IMO, if you're not going to leave a tip, or leave a tip less than 10% (that was the minimum amount we had to claim at the end of our shift), you should talk to the manager. The waiter/waitress may just be having an off day, they might be new, or they could be on their way out and management needs to know there were problems.
Edited - typo.

"If my food comes out wrong, I'll tip based on how quick they fix it (if it gets fixed pretty quick, no deduction)."

WHY THE HELL NOT, BECAUSE MOST OF THE TIME IT IS THEIR FAULT?

90% of the time it's the SERVER'S FAULT:

1. They can put in the order wrong into the computer or if it's a written ticket they submit, they could have written something down wrong or hard to read.

2. They could have forgotten to put in the order in the first place.

3. Servers can also misunderstand what the customer is saying such as 2 times when I ordered 2 sides of bbq sauce and the stupid idiot servers thought I didn’t want bbq sauce on my ribs when I NEVER ONCE SAID I didn’t and I didn’t say “ON THE SIDE”, I SAID SIDES, which means extra. One of those times I said extra even.

4. Most mistakes with food are visible:

A. Condiments of any kind regardless of who brings out the food can be brought out by the server ahead of time.

B. If someone orders extra crispy bacon with their pancakes, then the bacon looks limp, not stiff, and you can even see some white fat on it, guess what? MY SERVER COULD HAVE SEEN THAT TOO AND TOLD THE COOKS IT WASN'T CORRECT, TO RECOOK IT INSTEAD OF BRINGING IT TO ME WRONG IN THE FIRST PLACE!

C. Any wrong side dishes or entrees are the fault of the server if they bring out the food even if they put in the order right. You can tell the difference between a baked potato and mac n' cheese, yet, a waiter at Logan's Roadhouse was so stupid as to bring me mac n' cheese when I ordered a baked potato. I noticed it within 5 seconds of the food hitting my table. Like DUH a baked potato looks completely different from mac n' cheese.

D. Any MISSING side dishes, appetizers, condiments, or entrees ARE the server's fault if they bring out the food as well. Have had that happen a few times or so. Our servers aren't blind, so they can tell if something is missing or not.

E. I have seen a red steak delivered to someone before at Outback which means let's say the customer ordered their steak well done, that the server could have noticed the color difference as in your example “Steak cooked rare instead of well done ? It’s not your server’s fault, they didn’t cook it, it’s the kitchen’s fault.”

F. If something LOOKS burnt such as a piece of bread with the food and the person didn't order it burnt, my server is at fault for serving me that.

G. If my server forgets an item that an entree or appetizer comes with, that's their fault if they brought me my food without the item such as a side dish or ranch.

H. I have ordered at Outback my fries "lightly cooked" "Not overdone and yellow not brown." I have had their fries before cooked the way I like them before many of times before this time I am talking about. This stupid waitress decided to blame the kitchen staff for REALLY DARK BROWN FRIES as if she was blind or something and my husband even told me he could see that they were really dark. My husband may not agree with me on every subject of course, but with that, you could EASILY tell just by LOOKING that those fries were overdone and very dark. She said she put in the order correctly. I am thinking, SO? I wish I could have said "Are you blind?" That was HER FAULT she DECIDED TO SERVE ME THOSE FRIES THAT WEREN'T CORRECT. I noticed the mistake within 3 seconds of my food being placed in front of me.

You can tell in this picture above the bacon is very crispy just by simply LOOKING at it.

You can tell in this picture above the bacon is NOT CRISPY, just by simple LOOKING at the bacon.

While the server didn't "COOK" the bacon, it's obvious to the *SERVER'S* EYES that one batch of bacon is crispy and the other isn't to decide to BRING the food to the customer wrong or not. It's my server's fault if they decide to bring me the bacon that's like in picture 2 if I ordered it crispy that she or he didn't tell the cooks it was wrong and get them to cook the bacon more instead of SERVING it wrong. WHY bring it out only for the food to be sent back?

You can clearly see the fries are overdone in the picture above if the customer ordered them "NOT OVERDONE, lightly cooked."

In this picture above, you can see the fries don't appear overdone and the bacon is NOT CRISPY. If a customer asked for their bacon to be crispy, I would REFUSE to serve it and I would have enough CARING and COMMON SENSE to get that fixed **BEFORE** I brought it to the customer only to have the customer send it back or leave me a bad tip for not caring about their food.

My server's job isn't just to bring out what the kitchen staff gives them, it's also getting the order OBVIOUSLY correct to the table as much as possible in order to get that good tip. As someone said on a blog or forum “They just want to be tipped well and will do pretty much anything reasonable to get your money”, which that IS VERY REASONABLE to think OUR SERVERS ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT THEIR TIP TO GET THINGS RIGHT TO HAVE A BETTER TIP!!

Get what I am saying here? MOST of the mistakes happen due to either your server if they bring out the food or another server that doesn't compare the ticket to the food(assuming the order was put in correctly by the original server of course).

You also can notice if someone has wing sauce "On the side" vs. "On the wings" themselves. This isn't rocket science.

Most of the things that are wrong with the food can be caught by the server if they bring out the food, even if they didn't cook it. If it's another server, they can catch obvious errors on the ticket and menu(such as menu states the item comes with bbq sauce and the ticket doesn't say "no bbq sauce") if the ticket was correctly put in by the original server that took the order. Condiments(in bottles or on the side in containers) can always be offered to be brought out ahead of time REGARDLESS of WHO brings out the food to the table.

So most of the time when the food has something wrong with it, chances are, your server or another server could have caught the mistake before it got to you in most instances. I NEVER said ALL, but in most cases, it can be caught BEFORE bringing out the food(unless another server brings out the food with the ticket wrong), because then the original server that took the order is at fault for putting the order in incorrectly into the computer.

There are few rare cases where the food being wrong is the kitchen staff's fault such as raw food(such as raw chicken), slightly undercooked or overcooked food that you'd have to CUT into to know if it was under or overcooked, or anything the server cannot see with their eyes unless they were to TOUCH the food. Things such as a pickle under a bun the server can't notice unless they lift the bun, so unless they put the order in wrong, they wouldn't be at fault, but in general most food mistakes can be caught BEFORE bringing the food to the table.

What I am saying is, MOST mistakes ARE PREVENTABLE by the SERVER if they bring your order to you that they can NOTICE things wrong by comparing those written orders to the plates of food.

Once a waiter at Chili's said "The kitchen forgot" when I had ordered 2 sides of mayo and 1 side of mustard. The thing is, my waiter brought out the food, so NO, HE HE HE HE HE FORGOT, the kitchen staff didn't step out the kitchen to bring me my food and forget obvious missing containers from my plate that aren't covered up by anything. MY WAITER DID THOUGH!!

You walk in one room in your house with a plate of food, but forget the ranch. Even if your mom or significant other plated your food, which you even told her you wanted a side of ranch for your fries, but you bring it to another room. HOW IS THAT THEIR FAULT? It's YOUR FAULT YOU LEFT THE ROOM WITHOUT THE RANCH AND DIDN'T NOTICE IT SINCE IT'S SOMETHING OBVIOUS YOU DON'T HAVE TO *TOUCH* TO NOTICE THE MISTAKE!!

Even if he didn't bring out the food, that waiter could have prevented that type of thing from being forgotten since it needs no cooking to bring it out ahead of time. It is always the person bringing out the food that is at fault for any type of mistake that you don't have to TOUCH the food to notice the mistake, unless of course, the order was put in wrong by the original server that took the order with another server bringing out the food. Of course unless, the kitchen goofs up, making it correctly even if the ticket is wrong, but that's highly unlikely scenario.

I cannot believe you honestly think that the server is not at fault for most food mistakes. WE LIVED THROUGH THE "DUH" MISTAKES, SO WE CAN SEE WITH OUR EYES WHO WAS AT FAULT!!

We had a waiter once admitted he grabbed the wrong entrée from the kitchen. It was just my husband and I. This waiter not only admitted he didn't compare the WRITTEN ORDER with the entrées he was bringing out, but also we saw he had other entrées for another table that he didn't ONCE get his pad of paper out to see WHICH ENTRÉE WENT WITH WHICH TABLE!! So 2 times he could have caught his mistake, but didn't *****TRY HIS BEST AS HE SHOULD HAVE, because that's HIS JOB**!!

He admitted that he grabbed the wrong entrée from the kitchen. He brought my husband fried shrimp w/fries when he ordered crawfish au gratin w/baked potato. Those items look NOTHING A LIKE, but yet THAT WAITER WAS TOO LAZY AND UNCARING TO VERIFY *WHAT* HE WAS BRINGING US!! We still left him 17% BTW, just to let you know since he profusely apologized TWICE and FIXED THE SITUATION IMMEDIATELY just about. We honestly shouldn’t have though, because that really didn't make him LEARN anything. If I had to do it all over again, I would have tipped 13%. It's because since that happened(a number of years ago, maybe like 4), me and my husband have had some terrible experiences. We have had good ones too of course, but the servers need to LEARN that they can't just hand you ANYTHING like McDonald's cashiers do. They are there to EARN a tip, NOT to just hand you anything.

It's very rare that it's not the server's fault. Things like if I order no pickles if you took my order and brought out my food, which there are some pickles under a bun that you'd have to lift it to see it, unless you admitted putting in the order wrong, I will assume it's the kitchen staff that is at fault and probably is.

Things like raw chicken tenders aren't the fault of the server unless they are pink or something.

A slightly over or undercooked steak if the order was put in correctly is not the server's fault.

Also, some people assume things as well, that end up being wrong.

If another server brings out a wrong side dish or if they are missing items other than condiments, no it's not the server's fault if they put in the order correctly, but it still counts against the tip. It's part of the service.

Why also is it when you say "no pickles" or "ONLY lettuce and onions", they still have a pickle on the plate? WHY you servers can't understand that if the customer states they don't want pickles, that means on the plate, because otherwise, they'd specifically state they would have wanted it "ON THE SIDE." Think about it. WHY do I keep having servers bring me some pickles on the plate when I ordered no pickles? NO SERVERS ARE BLIND OR ILLITERATE that they cannot determine any of the obvious errors that don't have to be touched to notice the mistakes or mistake.

You should ALWAYS deduct(99.9% of the times) so they will *************LEARN TO VERIFY THE FOOD/BAR DRINKS PRIOR TO BRINGING IT OUT TO YOU IF THEY BRING IT OUT TO YOU OR BRING OUT CONDIMENTS OUT AHEAD OF TIME*********. Any delay is bad service in my opinion. If you are forgetful, you might want to write my order down next time or reread your written order. Also, if I don't get an apology, even MORE off the tip if they aren't nice enough to say they are sorry. If I get attitude of blame on someone or something else, they will not get a good tip or may not get a tip at all.

Springs131 · August 2014

April192002 said:

Knowing that the waiter usually has no control over how fast the food or alcohol comes out (especially when I'm sitting in the bar and able to watch the bartender) I still tip my server according to the rest of my service. If my food comes out wrong, I'll tip based on how quick they fix it (if it gets fixed pretty quick, no deduction).

Here's a former bartender telling you the GOD'S HONEST TRUTH. WHY would you she have to lie, huh?

http://www.cafemom.com/group/416/forums/read/13184309/how_do_you_tip_your_server?next=1#replies

AutymsMommy said :

"I was a bartender during college and I can tell you that in my bar, it was generally the servers fault when bar drinks didn't get to a table in a decent amount of time. I would make service drinks first (I could entertain my bar customers easier than you can explain to a table why it's taking so long to get a drink)... put them on the service bar and the waiters were supposed to pick them up. I can't tell you how many times those drinks would sit there for 5-10 minutes. Then I would have the server bringing the drink back complaining that the customer said it was "watered down".

*insert eyeroll*"

She isn't lying and you know it. A NUMBER of times this has happened to us, even more than I said, because I can remember more times even.

One waitress forgot to put my mai tai order into the computer because I decided to get a bar drink when I ordered my entrée. I think that's what threw her off about it, but that wasn't my fault.

You just don't want to admit the GOD'S HONEST TRUTH, WHY IS THAT, HUH???? I DON'T GET IT? Either A. You are that dumb or B. You want to lie

lyndausvi · August 2014

Springs131 · August 2014

April192002 said:

alcohol comes out (especially when I'm sitting in the bar and able to watch the bartender)

I have seen LOTS of bartenders do side work instead of serving you or serve the beer customer OVER the mixed drink customer just because theirs takes less time when the mixed drink customer ordered first(which was me). I have seen bartenders STOP making a drink to have personal conversation delaying my drink as well LOTS OF TIMES.

If you are truly watching the bartender, you will *SEE* if they are delaying your order or not. Also, if they don't make it correctly that delays your order as well.

Also, answering the phone is delaying your order as well. I know they have to do it, but some can multi-task making drinks and talk at the same time or if it's someone that asks for a to-go order, tell them to hold.

natswild · August 2014

wow. @springs131, you have some buried anger there, I was scalded just reading it!

I get the impression that YOU have never served in a restaurant, or you wouldn't be saying such shit as TOO LAZY and DON’T CARE!! I have worked as a server off and on for quite a few years, and while there has been the occasional lazy/don't care, MOST are not that way. A lot of times it comes down to it being very busy, and yes, mistakes DO happen, I totally agree with that, however saying that most servers are lazy/don't care is ridiculous.

You have the right to your opinions, but before being all judgy like above, actually try being a server, you'll sing a different tune, I guarantee it!

Simply Fated · August 2014

I have ordered at Outback my fries "lightly cooked" "Not overdone and yellow not brown."

@springs131 what you should do is go to the nearest hardware store, pick out one of those paint samples and bring them with you when you go out to eat. Just hand it over to the server and say, "I want my french fries that color."

Things like raw chicken tenders aren't the fault of the server unless they are pink or something.
How is pink chicken the server's fault? You can only tell if chicken is raw if you pull it apart. Is this something you want the server to do for you before he or she brings your food out to you? I'm sure they wouldn't mind, if you ask them to.

steph861 · August 2014

Holy hell. At least I learned that there's a character limit for each post.

Kahlyla · August 2014

Yeah...

Springs131 · August 2014

Simply Fated said:

I have ordered at Outback my fries "lightly cooked" "Not overdone and yellow not brown."

@springs131 what you should do is go to the nearest hardware store, pick out one of those paint samples and bring them with you when you go out to eat. Just hand it over to the server and say, "I want my french fries that color."

Things like raw chicken tenders aren't the fault of the server unless they are pink or something.
How is pink chicken the server's fault? You can only tell if chicken is raw if you pull it apart. Is this something you want the server to do for you before he or she brings your food out to you? I'm sure they wouldn't mind, if you ask them to.

Fries issue, you can tell if it's overdone or not just by simply *LOOKING* at it.

As far as chicken tenders go, I was thinking of a time a man sent back his chicken tenders at the donut shop/diner I worked for which probably that was in the year 2000, because they were pink. I was just saying if it something APPEARED not cooked enough, but the more I think about it, the more I say for the chicken tenders situation most likely you are right. I am just saying if something doesn't look cooked enough, don't serve it is all. So yes, I am admitting for the chicken tenders most likely the server would have to touch the food, but if it was grilled chicken, they may be able to tell if it was pink since it has no fried skin over it. Sorry for making a poor example. I am admitting I am wrong about the chicken tenders issue. You are right. I am just saying ANY foods if you can tell without touching the food it doesn't looked cooked is all.

beethery · August 2014

Holy shit. I'm not even going to ask my question now because of the tirade it will inspire. Good luck in your future visits to restaurants.

Springs131 · August 2014

natswild said:

wow. @springs131, you have some buried anger there, I was scalded just reading it!

I get the impression that YOU have never served in a restaurant, or you wouldn't be saying such shit as TOO LAZY and DON’T CARE!! I have worked as a server off and on for quite a few years, and while there has been the occasional lazy/don't care, MOST are not that way. A lot of times it comes down to it being very busy, and yes, mistakes DO happen, I totally agree with that, however saying that most servers are lazy/don't care is ridiculous.

You have the right to your opinions, but before being all judgy like above, actually try being a server, you'll sing a different tune, I guarantee it!

Here's some examples of servers that don't care:

I just recently had a waitress that instead of being nice when I was nice presented the issue that the price was wrong 20 cents off $9.29 on the menu, $9.49 on my check. I didn't order extra anything that would be chargeable nor did the check say that nor did anyone say I did. So instead of being nice, she *ADMITTED* she didn't check over the prices to make sure I wasn't overcharged, she said to me when I NICELY told her about that my sandwich was $9.29, not $9.49, she said I quote "I DON'T DO PRICES." First off, that's rude. Secondly, that shows that she didn't "CARE" about if she overcharged us or not. She only had 2 prices to make sure of since the soft drink prices aren't listed on the menu, so it wouldn't have taken but 30 seconds at most to *CARE* about your customer's money to make sure they are being charged correctly. While I know she can't change the prices, so can't the manager. The managers put a discount at the bottom of the check, but the thing is, she could have noticed this even before we got our food even and had the manager fix it. It's not the "CUSTOMER'S JOB" to make sure every price matches the menu. She was the *LAST PERSON* to *SEE* it, therefore, since she handed a "2" instead of a "4", that makes it her fault and easy as pie to catch. Heck, even a 6yr old can tell the difference in those numbers even. She got stiffed. Not because of the overcharge, which she could have had 10%, but instead she decided to be a bitch about it instead of apologizing, she got so DEFENSIVE about it not in a nice way. How are servers "CARING" and not "LAZY" if they aren't checking the prices against the menu to make sure you aren't overcharged? Serving is not just about serving food and drinks as correctly as you can, the CHECK COUNTS JUST AS MUCH TOO. If she "cared" she would have "DONE PRICES" by comparing the menu prices to the check prices, then gotten her manager to fix it not making us do her job for her. It's not our job to make sure we are charged right. It's HER JOB since SHE wants us to "CARE" about her money, she has to "CARE" JUST AS EQUALLY about ours.

You say it's a mistake, NO, if someone is admitting "I DIDN'T STUDY FOR A TEST" for example, gets a "F", then HOW is this *ANY* DIFFERENT? It's not a mistake if you didn't even *TRY*. It would be like saying you are missing a certain pen in a drawer but AREN'T ************WILLING TO TAKE THE EFFORT*********** BY LOOKING FOR IT AT ALL.

It's not a mistake since she ******ADMITTED******** she didn't "DO PRICES." By saying that she admitted she didn't check the prices on the menu against our check prices. That's not caring and it is lazy. Your job as a server is to do the job as CORRECTLY as you possible can to *TRY YOUR BEST*. It's not trying your best and it's not caring if you don't care if you overcharge someone or not. I am so TIRED of being overcharged on prices at restaurants. You can't imagine HOW MANY TIMES servers have done this to us. It's A LOT. If you don't check the prices on your check when you go out to eat, you should.

Twice at Outback it happened just to say. One restaurant we have hear called Copeland's of New Orleans, it happened 5 times, 4 times the SAME items.

" MOST are not that way."

Most are that way. I just recently had a server that ran the food that didn't have the 7 condiments I ordered and our waitress didn't bring them out ahead of time like she could have to have AVOIDED the entire issue. You as an employee can't depend on someone else that isn't making the tip to give a care about if the food has all the items or is correct if you aren't paying them anything. Even if they get a tip out, it's usually out of sales, an automatic thing, not out of actually earning the pay by if they get it right more money or wrong less money.

My husband and I went to a restaurant that on your first visit, you get a free half-order of fried pickles. So I was like OK. So at the end when the check came, we were charged for the fried pickles. So I told her nicely that the pickles were on there and our waitress's reaction was "They didn't take it off." I just said "no", but I want to say was "You mean **YOU** didn't get someone to take it off **BEFORE** you GAVE US THE OUR CHECK." So she takes it, no apology for an extra $3.99 on our check and it's the first item even, but yet she had time to write her "THANK YOU" on the check for her little tip points she wanted to earn, which really shows she didn't even check the bill for accuracy. Even if she did, her *REACTION* was a very BITCHY one. When she gave the check back, she didn't apologize nor did she get a manager to take a coke off the bill for our inconvenience like *I* would have if I were a server. I would have said I was "SO" SORRY about that right when I did it and after, NEVER putting blame on someone else taking it off. I know she had to get someone to take it off, but instead of her saying "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't get someone to take it off for you", she said "They didn't take it off." She was such a bitch. She said "You're welcome" when we told her "thank you" for things, but no sorry for her mistakes. She also forgot my 3 sides of mayonnaise and didn't say she was sorry. She brought out the food, so she had 2 chances to have done this either before the food came or with the food. I can't believe she couldn't admit as I would have "*I'm* so sorry I forgot to get the manager to take it off for you all." She couldn't take the blame and no sorry for charging us $3.99 for something we didn't order, that's a lot to not say you are sorry for. That's mean and it *IS* uncaring. Who knows if she did it on purpose to get a higher tip. So she reacted like she could care less about our money, SO DID WE. STIFF she got and DESERVED. She wanted to be a bitch, that's what you get. Also, the no sorrys for the 3 condiments missing, WHY? If she was a person that *CHECKED* the food, there's no way she'd miss THREE ENTIRE mayos with only 2 people if she *REALLY TRULY CHECKED THE FOOD*. I can see missing ONE and it would be a real mistake, but 3, NO. I mean if we had a lot of people in our party yeah, but not only 2 people with one person only wanting an item as it comes(my husband) and my order. You get more money by saying you are sorry as well, which she didn't. I even told her "thank you" when she brought the mayos. That's how nice I am and how much of a BITCH(UNCARING AND LAZY) she is.

We get a lot of servers like that than servers that are willing to BUST THEIR BUTT for their money and care. Most don't care and are lazy just like that. I have PLENTY more examples of WHY I feel this way.

"You have the right to your opinions, but before being all judgy like above, actually try being a server, you'll sing a different tune, I guarantee it!"

No, I disagree 100%. I am a hard worker. At the donut shop/diner I worked for back in 1998, started Martin Luther King Day that year which was around Jan. 21st, got a raise the 1st week in March that year 35 cents. WHY, because I BUST MY ASS at my jobs. I am not lazy and I *DID CARE* about my customers. I am not like these assholes that are serving us that I just mentioned. All they were concerned with was their MONEY, that's it, NOT OURS. Also, the waitress that gave us the wrong price $9.29 instead of $9.49 also got my order obviously wrong she brought out tomatoes on my club sandwich that you can see on the tray even I saw it WITHOUT TOUCHING the food since club sandwiches are served in triangles, so you can SEE tomatoes on it. For some reason she apologized for that, but not for the 20 cents overcharge. I am not sure why???? Why servers don't think they have to make sure you are charged right? That's not the customer's job to do this. They are the LAST PERSON to read the check, so they have FULL CONTROL OVER giving us the wrong numbers on a piece of paper. Even if the manager refuses to fix it, servers have a change bank, if you know about something and overcharge me on purpose, you are stealing and shouldn't get a tip. Then you are just as bad as the manager is if you go along with him.

beethery · August 2014

JESUS CHRIST, HIT THE CHILL BUTTON. REPEATEDLY.

huskypuppy14 · August 2014

Springs131 you sound very high maintenance. Yes, servers should be a little more diligent, but you are being super picky with your examples.

When I worked in a restaurant, I tried to always check to make sure that the orders were correct before bringing them out to the customers. Like the no tomato issue. However, sometimes this is the kitchen's fault, and when it's very busy, you get the food and bring it out, and sometimes something is missed. It's an honest mistake. As long as they fix it, and are nice about it, you should relax.

In regards to the extra 20 cents on your bill or missing the free fried pickles. Do you honestly think that a server checks the price against the menu when she goes to print out your bill.? She hits the button, and your check comes out. Yes, she should check it quickly to make sure it's the correct bill, but stiffing someone because they missed a free appetizer for 3.99 is asinine. Just ask her to fix it, and be done with it.

I've had lots of examples like yours where little things go wrong. They fix it and your move on. One time my husband and I were given someones else's check. Their bill was like 80 dollars and ours was supposed to be around 50. Luckily we checked it, and didn't just hand over our credit card.

People make mistakes, and as long as they are courteous and fix your problem, you shouldn't make it a big deal. Yes, if a bunch of things go wrong in the same sitting, sure call the manager over. But I'm sure you have never made a mistake in your life, right?

Also, working in a donut shop is very different than working in a sit down restaurant. Sorry, but it is.

LabLove86 · August 2014

Not tip related at all but:

@springs131 - so - from what I've read (I'll be real - only about 20% of what you've written because - honestly, its just too much) you seem like the type of person who is looking for things to be messed up.

Don't get me wrong - life sucks, and shit happens. But if you're looking for things to complain about, you'll find them.

Unsolicited advice here: chill out. Stop looking for the bad and concentrate on the positive things that happen in life. You'll live longer that way.

ETA - My opinion is based solely on the replies to this thread - just an FYI really

scrunchythief · August 2014

@Springs131, I have a foolproof solution to all of those problems and it doesn't involve tipping: Stop eating at restaurants!!!

Seriously. If these simple "mistakes" are raising your stress levels this much, just cook at home and you can make everything exactly how you want it. Half of what you posted aren't even mistakes, they're preferences that you're expecting people to just know, apparently by mind reading.

Oh, and FYI, you actually can't tell if food is done by looking at the outside. That's why there are thermometers and standardized times to cook things in restaurants.

Finally, there is NO WAY for servers to "learn" what they did "wrong" simply because you don't leave a tip. If you have a real problem, just tell them and let them fix it. Not tipping will not make them realize "Of course! I should have made sure the fries were the exact color yellow she had in her head!" They can't know that, so they're most likely just going to think you're a jerk.

ETA Paragraphs.

rajahmd · August 2014

Whoa. Chill the fuck down.

Who knew we'd get a lecture on how to properly serve restaurant patrons, complete with pictures. That's something I thought I would never see on TK.

jenajjthr · August 2014

I suck at being a server. I don't have the right multitasking skills necessary for that job. Tried it multiple times, then found that I rocked at being a cashier, only have to focus on one customer at a time. That is why I give props to the ones who can do that job well, and know the ones who suck. Looking at her pictures, except for the obviously very burnt bacon one, I don't think any server, good or bad, could please her. I know that I never had the time to check tickets to to orders and I definitely couldn't remember every single order when the plate came out. I trusted that the kitchen staff got it right, they were the ones looking at the tickets. I also know if I was another server taking out the orders, I also didn't know who placed an order in first to know which plate went out first. If you are so picky that you you know dates and times, then stop going out to eat. If a place is giving you bad service multiple times, stop going there. Or go to more high end restaurants. You may pay more for your meal, but you will get a server who has more experience, less tables to deal with, a kitchen staff that doesn't have to work with tons of food going out at once and are more apt to pay attention to picky eaters (which it sounds like you are).

AlexisA01 · August 2014

Wow

Springs131 · August 2014

huskypuppy14 said:

Springs131 you sound very high maintenance. Yes, servers should be a little more diligent, but you are being super picky with your examples.

When I worked in a restaurant, I tried to always check to make sure that the orders were correct before bringing them out to the customers. Like the no tomato issue. However, sometimes this is the kitchen's fault, and when it's very busy, you get the food and bring it out, and sometimes something is missed. It's an honest mistake. As long as they fix it, and are nice about it, you should relax.

In regards to the extra 20 cents on your bill or missing the free fried pickles. Do you honestly think that a server checks the price against the menu when she goes to print out your bill.? She hits the button, and your check comes out. Yes, she should check it quickly to make sure it's the correct bill, but stiffing someone because they missed a free appetizer for 3.99 is asinine. Just ask her to fix it, and be done with it.

I've had lots of examples like yours where little things go wrong. They fix it and your move on. One time my husband and I were given someones else's check. Their bill was like 80 dollars and ours was supposed to be around 50. Luckily we checked it, and didn't just hand over our credit card.

People make mistakes, and as long as they are courteous and fix your problem, you shouldn't make it a big deal. Yes, if a bunch of things go wrong in the same sitting, sure call the manager over. But I'm sure you have never made a mistake in your life, right?

Also, working in a donut shop is very different than working in a sit down restaurant. Sorry, but it is.

"Do you honestly think that a server checks the price against the menu when she goes to print out your bill.?"

YES, her money is NOT HOLIER THAN THOU TO OURS LIKE IT'S MORE IMPORTANT OR SOMETHING. So you think that serving is just serving food and drinks, but not the check, WTH???????? SERVING IS SERVING EVERYTHING CORRECTLY from boxes, bags, check, condiment to-go containers, etc. It's NOT JUST FOOD AND DRINKS.

So WHY wouldn't I expect our server to ********CARE********** about OUR MONEY if they want us to ********CARE*********** that they only make $2.13/hr, huh? WHY do you act like we have to BOW DOWN to their money like it's more important, huh??? I DON'T GET THAT ATTITUDE LIKE THEY ARE ABOVE US, WHERE THE HELL DO YOU GET THAT FROM THAT THEIR MONEY IS ABOVE OURS THAT THEY DON'T AND SHOULDN'T CHECK OUR MONEY TO MAKE SURE *THEY* ARE CHARGING US CORRECTLY?

So we only have to care about their money, but they don't have to care about ours, WTF??? HOW IS THAT FAIR OR MORALLY RIGHT, HUH? They aren't above us in this world. WE ARE ALL ********EQUALS*********** IN THIS WORLD. NO ONE'S MONEY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYONE ELSE'S!

"She hits the button, and your check comes out. Yes, she should check it quickly to make sure it's the correct bill,"

They also should make sure they aren't billing us for extra items or wrong items as well. Especially if it's slow and/or they have time to doodle on the check writing "thank you" and signing their name.

You don't realize HOW MANY TIMES WE HAVE BEEN OVERCHARGED ON EXTRA ITEMS. LOTS OF TIMES.

If the server hits the button and the check comes out, so she's supposed to not ******CARE********* about what's on it, WTH??? As I said before, you think servers are HOLIER THAN THOU like we have to BOW DOWN like they are queen or king rather than just regular human beings. WHY IS THAT, HUH? So you think they should not *CARE* if they overcharge you or not? WHY? WHY food issues, but not check issues since ALL check issues they can notice unlike some food issues they can't notice unless they would touch the food?

Why money isn't part of the tip you feel when the tip is MONEY??? THE ENTIRE IDEA IS FOR *********EQUAL/EQUAL************CARING about money. THE SERVER CARES ABOUT OUR MONEY and THE CUSTOMER CARES ABOUT THEIR MONEY! That's how things should go.

Part of the job is charging the customer correctly, NOT just handing something you don't even know is correct. So not trying your best is somehow a nice, caring thing, WTH???

" but stiffing someone because they missed a free appetizer for 3.99 is asinine."

You don't get why we stiffed, do you? We stiffed because of what she said "*******************THEY**************************************** didn't take it off" and she didn't say she was SORRY. She BLAMED IT ON SOMEONE ELSE INSTEAD OF BEING HONEST. SHE COULDN'T ADMIT SHE WASN'T BLIND OR ILLITERATE. SHE COULDN'T ADMIT FAULT. SHE HAD TO BE AN ASS AND THEN NOT SAYING SHE WAS SORRY EVEN. That's just MEAN. WE STIFFED because she was MEAN about it. NO SORRY IS VERY MEAN FOR A HUGE OVERCHARGE OF $3.99. I expect a sorry over any overcharge, but dollars overcharge is A LOT. For every $5 at 20%, the server adds a DOLLAR to their tip. Meaning for example, if a customer's check is $50, 20% is $10 is most of you know, if the check is $55, 20% is $11 tip. They made $1 tip more off of EVERY TABLE they do that to on purpose. That's STEALING. If she did it by accident, I truly feel she would have said she was sorry at least once and she wouldn't have said "THEY" she would have said "I"m SORRY *********I************************** DIDN'T NOTICE THAT. ***********I************************ IS THE KEY ADMITTING YOU MESSED UP, NOT BLAMING IT ON SOMEONE ELSE. Lying to the customer like that is wrong. HOW CAN "THEY" not take it off if ************SHE************** NEVER GOT ANYBODY(THE MANAGER) TO TAKE IT OFF, HUH??? It's not going to magically come off without *HER* going to the manager, DUH! I think she did it ON PURPOSE. As I said, I would have asked the manager to take a coke off the bill for my customer's inconvenience and if the manager wouldn't, I would have paid for their coke. I am not like these servers that are SO SELFISH about JUST THEIR MONEY.

As the waitress that said "I DON'T DO PRICES" you don't see WHY we stiffed her? Because she acted like her money was the only money that counts and ours is dirt. She also admitted by saying that she didn't check anything, which is admitting it wasn't a mistake, it was ON PURPOSE not that she wanted to overcharge us 20 cents, but on purpose that she was TOO LAZY to do her FULL JOB. HER FULL JOB IS TO CHARGE US CORRECTLY. It's just like not studying for a test and expecting to get a good grade. The main reason she got stiffed was her acting like our money wasn't JUST AS IMPORTANT AS HERS IS TO HER and the NO SORRY. I am nice if I forget to ask for something for example, I tell the server I am sorry. I am a nice person compared to these jerks.

"but stiffing someone because they missed a free appetizer for 3.99 is asinine. Just ask her to fix it, and be done with it. "

NOTHING is ASININE ABOUT IT expect for how *SHE* reacted to it. It's ASININE to say "THEY didn't take it off" as if someone is going to take it off without *HER* going to her manager first. I mean really. That makes no sense. Also, she did forgot my 3 mayos and NO SORRY for those either. You aren't thinking about she did other things wrong too that she didn't check over *BEFORE* she left the kitchen and she didn't say she was sorry for those issues. I can't call them mistakes, because she didn't try. I think she did it on purpose to overcharge us. As I said before, if *I* would have done that, I would have admitted *I* MESSED UP, NOT SOMEONE ELSE. The "ATTITUDE" she had about *THEY* didn't take it off INFURIATES ME. This happened in September of last year and it STILL MAKES ME FUME that SHE LIED TO OUR FACES about *WHO* MESSED UP. YOU DON'T DO THAT.

Viczaesar · August 2014

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! It's Springs! Guys, she's infamous for her internet server and ranch dressing rants.

ETA: Seriously, don't bother trying to engage her. She'll just drive you insane, even worse than STBMrsEverhart. Just enjoy it for the crazy that it is.

Viczaesar · August 2014

NYCMercedes said:

@Viczaesar I love your Disney sloths new siggy pic!

Thanks!

natswild · August 2014

@springs 131-unless the server is physically punching in the prices into a cash register, the prices printed on your receipt are programmed in. If there is a difference between what's on the menu and what's on the cheque, that is management's fault, they haven't updated the menus. That is in NO WAY the servers fault. For not removing the appetizer, yes, that would be her fault for not doing it, but if a server (not saying her) is extremely busy, things like that can be missed. And yes, there is a HELL of a big difference between working at a sit-down restaurant vs a donut shop! I agree with @scrunchythief and @jennajjthr-you'll be far happier if you never go to restaurants, because you will NEVER be happy with the service. Try looking for the positives in life, you'll be much happier! I swear I had paragraphs!! TK, why do you hate paragraphs so much?

afox007 · August 2014

@Springs131‌ I would love for you to come into the restaurant I currently work at. I have a few ideas where I could shove your missing condiments to make sure you get them.

Springs131 · August 2014

jenajjthr said:

I suck at being a server. I don't have the right multitasking skills necessary for that job. Tried it multiple times, then found that I rocked at being a cashier, only have to focus on one customer at a time. That is why I give props to the ones who can do that job well, and know the ones who suck. Looking at her pictures, except for the obviously very burnt bacon one, I don't think any server, good or bad, could please her. I know that I never had the time to check tickets to to orders and I definitely couldn't remember every single order when the plate came out. I trusted that the kitchen staff got it right, they were the ones looking at the tickets. I also know if I was another server taking out the orders, I also didn't know who placed an order in first to know which plate went out first. If you are so picky that you you know dates and times, then stop going out to eat. If a place is giving you bad service multiple times, stop going there. Or go to more high end restaurants. You may pay more for your meal, but you will get a server who has more experience, less tables to deal with, a kitchen staff that doesn't have to work with tons of food going out at once and are more apt to pay attention to picky eaters (which it sounds like you are).

"I know that I never had the time to check tickets to to orders and I definitely couldn't remember every single order when the plate came out."

This waiter found the time, WHY NOT YOU:

http://slickdeals.net/f/600104-thoughts-on-tipping-in-restaurants?sduid=249745&p=7915572&highlight=springs1#post7915572

Demosthenes9 said:
"Absolutely right. As a waiter, it was ultimately my responsibility to ensure that EVERYTHING was correct with your food. Cooks would plate up entrees and the expediter would "build tickets" by collecting the correct entrees, adding the side items, and placing the plates on a tray to complete the order. (at least that's how it worked just about everywhere I have been). At that point, the waiter SHOULD check each plate to see that the order is correct to include having the correct side items. Waiter should also make sure that the food is still hot and didn't "die in the window" while waiting for the order to be filled. Lastly, a waiter who actually knows what he is doing can simply look at your steak and tell with some accuracy whether it is cooked correctly or not. (There are of course exceptions where steaks are "borderline", like right between medium rare and medium, or between medium and mid well.) I have had any number of cooks yell at me because I told them to recook a steak before I even took it to the table. It doesn't take a genius to see a somewhat burnt steak sitting on a plate and to figure out that it ISN'T medium rare as ordered.) The funny thing is, if waiters took the time to pay attention to the little details like the one's Spring mentioned, they would actually have MORE time on their hands to take care of customers. Afterall, it takes maybe 30 seconds to check over an order and make sure it's correct. Failure to do so means that you now have to go all the way back to the kitchen, argue with a cook, get a replacement side item, then carry it back out to the table. That time could have been better spent taking care of other tables instead."

"I trusted that the kitchen staff got it right, they were the ones looking at the tickets."

That's STUPID of you, VERY UNCARING, and LAZY. You are admitting you didn't *CARE* about your customer's happiness, but ONLY EXPECTED YOUR END, which as I said, Demosthenes9 he found the time, WHY NOT YOU, WHY NOT YOU, WHY NOT YOU????

You shouldn't trust ANYONE you don't have to for your money. That's VERY UNCARING, STUPID, and LAZY of you. You are a MEAN PERSON, YOU REALLY ARE! You are responsible for what *YOU* do in life, NOT SOMEONE ELSE. If you *CARED*, you would have checked. There are servers we have given 25%-30% to checked my food. I even helped a waiter that won an award at Chili's for my compliments to him on the survey about how I was IMPRESSED for not giving me overdone fries. We had him for many years and gave him a $20 christmas bonus the last year he worked there on top the 25%-30% tips we gave him. You have time if you want to MAKE the time to check things over. You have time. If you have time to write "thank you" on the check and doodle, you have time. If you have time to chit chat, you have time. If you have time to clean up, you have time. You have time if you want to MAKE the time.

As I said before, WHY servers have found the time, but you couldn't? You are just lazy and uncaring is what it is.

"I definitely couldn't remember every single order when the plate came out."

I wouldn't have EVER expected that *********EVER, EVER, EVER***********. I suck at short term memory. When I took an order at the donut shop/diner if I didn't write it down, I couldn't even remember if the person said regular or cajun fries or if they wanted cheese by the time I walked to the register from the time I left them sitting at the counter or booth or table. That's how BAD my short term memory is. I would NEVER expect you to remember anything except for where you wrote something down, that's it.

"I also know if I was another server taking out the orders, I also didn't know who placed an order in first to know which plate went out first. "

That I will 100% totally AGREE WITH since you didn't take the order, so you wouldn't have known, DUH. My complaint was OUR OWN SERVER THAT TOOK OUR ORDERS that served it in the wrong order.

". If you are so picky that you you know dates and times,"

NO, I just have a good long term memory about things that HURT my FEELINGS.

"Or go to more high end restaurants. You may pay more for your meal, but you will get a server who has more experience, less tables to deal with, a kitchen staff that doesn't have to work with tons of food going out at once and are more apt to pay attention to picky eaters (which it sounds like you are). "

Have tried that a number of times and have had MUCH WORSE service. We have had much better service even at IHOP or Denny's even than at some fine dining restaurants. Most of the time, fine dining was worse.

"I don't think any server, good or bad, could please her."

As I stated before, LOTS of servers have pleased us over the years. You just don't to work as *HARD* as you can, you have ADMITTED SO. YOU ARE LAZY, JUST BE HONEST HERE. YOU JUST SAID YOU DIDN'T MAKE THE TIME TO CHECK ANYTHING. THAT'S 100% LAZY! That's like not studying for test. You put ZERO EFFORT, WTH DO YOU EXPECT??? This is *******ANYTHING********* IN LIFE. You weren't willing to go all out for the customer, so WHY should they go all out for your tip???? The ones that did got their HUGE TIPS and RARELY HAD COMPLAINTS. Like the waiter that we gave $20 christmas bonus to, the manager that we have known around the same amount of time at this Chili's said he rarely gets complaints. It wasn't just me. It was just an AWESOME CARING, NICE, NOT-LAZY, VERY HARD WORKER. He was one of the BEST SERVERS we *EVER* had. He BUSTED HIS ASS FOR HIS MONEY. YOU AREN'T WILLING TO DO THAT, SO WHY YOU EXPECT ANY PITY FOR IT, HUH?

beethery · August 2014

Viczaesar said:

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! It's Springs! Guys, she's infamous for her internet server and ranch dressing rants.

ETA: Seriously, don't bother trying to engage her. She'll just drive you insane, even worse than STBMrsEverhart. Just enjoy it for the crazy that it is.

LMAO this is good to know!

Springs131 · August 2014

natswild said:

@springs 131-unless the server is physically punching in the prices into a cash register, the prices printed on your receipt are programmed in. If there is a difference between what's on the menu and what's on the cheque, that is management's fault, they haven't updated the menus. That is in NO WAY the servers fault. For not removing the appetizer, yes, that would be her fault for not doing it, but if a server (not saying her) is extremely busy, things like that can be missed. And yes, there is a HELL of a big difference between working at a sit-down restaurant vs a donut shop! I agree with @scrunchythief and @jennajjthr-you'll be far happier if you never go to restaurants, because you will NEVER be happy with the service. Try looking for the positives in life, you'll be much happier! I swear I had paragraphs!! TK, why do you hate paragraphs so much?

"@springs 131-unless the server is physically punching in the prices into a cash register, the prices printed on your receipt are programmed in. If there is a difference between what's on the menu and what's on the cheque, that is management's fault, they haven't updated the menus. That is in NO WAY the servers fault."

YES IT IS 100% their fault. So you are BLIND you can't tell the difference between these two numbers $9.29 vs. 9.49?

The server notices this and gets their manager to fix it ***********BEFORE************* they give it to the customer, NOT AFTER YOU STUPID IDIOT! It's not our job to check each price, it's theirs since they are supposed to *EARN* their tip to *CARE* about what they hand you of what they can control, which this is something VERY MUCH THEY CAN CONTROL and you know it.

So the customer that doesn't work here can notice this but the server can't, WTH are you talking about???

The manager can't even change the prices at most places because CORPORATE changes the prices in the computer system. The only thing the manager usually can do is put a discount at the BOTTOM before taxes, which in this case is -$.20. The server can also take money out of their own pocket if they wish as well .20 plus tax. 22 cents(that's tax included at our tax rate 8.75%(which you mutiple 1.0875 x $9.29 and then multiply 1.0875 x $9.49, subtract the difference. That's what I figured out that they'd have to give me to cover the overcharge if they didn't get a manager to fix it.

You are STUPID, BLIND, and OBVIOUSLY ILLITERATE that you say you can't notice a (2) is not a (4). Even a 6yr old can tell you the number differences you stupid idiot. Seriously, I don't work there, but I can tell if the numbers don't match, so the server can't, WTH????????? That's BS. Unless they can't read, that's the only excuse you can give me and if they can't read, they shouldn't be a server.

The manager is not at fault since he didn't hand me numbers on a piece of paper that didn't match the menu.

If you have ever played the lottery, you do know how you see if you won, right? You take your lottery ticket with the newspaper or tv screen compare the numbers, that's all it is. WHY do you want to blame SOMEONE ELSE when the ******************LAST PERSON****************************** is the SERVER THAT IS HANDING YOU YOUR CHECK that COULD HAVE NOTICED IT?

While yes, initially, the manager should be the person to notice before the server, but managers aren't perfect, they make mistakes just like the rest of us and a lot of managers are lazy. That one that overcharged us the 20 cents admitted he didn't check over the prices to my face. So BOTH EMPLOYEES were lazy, BOTH OF THEM. NO ONE CARED ABOUT THE CUSTOMER'S MONEY. The server should care the most since they want a tip that is VOLUNTARY that they want us to care that they make only $2.13/hr, so they should *CARE* to notice this. You EARN YOUR OWN TIP IN LIFE. NO ONE IS GOING TO DO IT FOR YOU, BUT YOU! That's ANYTHING you want in life you have to ******WORK HARD FOR IT***********!

ARE YOU THIS STUPID that you mean to tell me you can compare the menu price to the check price and notice *******DUH A 2 IS NOT A 4, REALLY FOR REAL ARE YOU THIS STUPID???? SERIOUSLY????

IF THE CUSTOMER CAN NOTICE A WRONG NUMBER, SO CAN YOU! THERE'S NO EXCUSE FOR THIS!

" And yes, there is a HELL of a big difference between working at a sit-down restaurant vs a donut shop!"

I NEVER said there wasn't, did I???

" For not removing the appetizer, yes, that would be her fault for not doing it, but if a server (not saying her) is extremely busy, things like that can be missed."

Yes, but as I explained, it's not that she "missed it", it's that she didn't ADMIT FAULT NOR did she say she was sorry for our delay of being able to pay and leave. There should have been an apology. That's just COMMON COURTESY. They should have not been a "THEY" said to us in this issue. She handed us the check, could read an extra item we didn't order was on the check. We stiffed due to her being MEAN, NOT because of the overcharge itself. You don't understand that, do you? Saying "THEY" is mean rather than admitting fault. She should have just taken it, but she was VERY DEFENSIVE to make sure she wasn't penalized on the tip as if she wasn't at fault even though she knew she was. She couldn't even say she was sorry not even when she brought back the fixed check. That's how much of a bitch she was.

"because you will NEVER be happy with the service. "

As I have stated before, we have had SOME AWESOME servers over the years. I am happy when the server *CARES* about us, NOT when they are mean and uncaring as well as lazy like that. Let's say she did verify the check, but just missed it, a normal human being would have apologized. I know I would have. As I said, I have apologized when I forgot to ask for something. That's just simply being nice and I can't make a tip from them even, it comes from my *************HEART******************* which they don't seem to have.

Expectation vs Gratituity

Re: Expectation vs Gratituity

Choose Another Board

Search Boards