Posted on 09/28/2003 4:51:27 AM PDT by gunnyg
Tip means To Insure Promptness, or Tips, To Insure Promt Service... Numerous writings regarding the history of "tipping" would indicate that tipping came about centuries ago, and was paid up front to insure prompt service subsequent to you providing a gratuity. Now, the gratuity is paid after the fact; just another aspect of how backasswards things have become.
Gone are the olden days when the innkeeper's daughter was the servant administering to weary travelers at wayside inns. But today, tipping has grown into an institution unto itself, and we are "conditioned" to this with obedience, and without question, no resistence, not so much as a whimper.
In fact, we Tip with extreme loyalty and pride, as we do paying our "taxes"! Anyone who dares voice an opinion contrary to tipping, is immediately attacked by tippers--the majority--therefore, mob rule prevails. Recently, I chanced to post some of my thoughts on the above to a Internet bulletin board, and was lambasted unmercifully as a tightwad, flake, and just plain mean-spirited (where have I heard that b4?).
Some of these irate responses came from enraged waiters, waitresses, etc. (excuse me, "SERVERS") who felt that they were entitled to tips, since their employers paid them below minimum wage and they needed the tips. I'm not sure that is even so and/or legal.
Others stated that they certainly would not take another job at higher pay and have to pay taxes on that pay, ending up w/less in their pockets; whereas otherwise they did not report their total tips, etc. Hmmm...
This topic is not limited to servers, etc. Today, everybody under the sun seems to be an eligible tippee and expects a tip--and big ones too.
If you are inclined to respond/post on this board, please attempt to do so with the big picture in mind, and not personally biased, e,g., as you would if you just happen to be one of the countless tipped/insufficiently tipped servers, taxi-drivers, bellhops, etc., etc. You may respond/post on any or all of those things mentioned above, and/or related information, questions, answers, etc.
Actually, I may have been motivated on this topic after reading an article on the Internet (by a U.S. Marine, moonlighting) who was badmouthing consumers in general for thinking that they should pay only the traditional 15% tip--this arrogant xxxxxxx was sure he had more coming him, and, indeed, was irritated/enraged that some were daring enough, depriving him of his due.
Personally, I am damned sick and tired of "servers" kneeling at my table, referring to me/us as "you guys," and hearing their "sorry bout dat," (which means xxxx you!) And what really pisses me off is when I'm sitting on the end in a booth, and some jerko waiter stands on my outboard foot w/his size 12 gunboats! No, I'm wrong--what really pisses me off is sitting there waiting for my check so I can get the hell outta there, after being pestered to death from the time I was seated with service above and beyond, only for them to disappear when it is my desired time of departure--this is when they show up after you finally catch their attention and wave them down, and they still pressure you to order desert after you ask for your check! Then, if you want change, there's another wait till they come back again.
Don't get me wrong--I am not opposed to tipping because of the above listed grievances--I am opposed to tipping in principle--I work for my pay like most others--and I don't expect/demand a handout. I just thought I would pitch my favorite bitches here while I'm at it, since the opportunity presents itself.
I worked on the Ginza for five years, then the most expensive real estate in the world. During our 45 minute lunch, I could walk to any number of places and have a decent sit-down served meal for 1,000 yen ($7.50) or less. One restaurant watron lived in the same neighborhood as did I.
Compare the cost of a similar meal in Manhattan where the watron expects a tip exceeding 15% and either comutes in from Jersey or lives in broom closet tenement locally. Something, indeed, is very screwed up about our society.
This is certainly true. On a really slow day (very bad weather, etc.) it's possible for a server to make less than minimum wage, although this doesn't normally happen for good waiters and waitresses at busy restaurants.
After hearing stories from several family members who worked themselves through college by waiting tables, I'm a bit more sympathetic to those who seem to be trying, and a good bit more generous to those who do a great job.
Maybe this sounds trivial, but there doesn't seem to be an etiquette for this that I know of. The reason I tip pizza delivery drivers is because they are risking their lives every time they go out on a call, whether to bad drivers, going into bad neighborhoods, or getting a bomb strapped to their neck. Plus, if I ever get the same delivery guy in the future, I won't worry about my food being spit on. I guess tipping has become a form of bribery in that respect.
I do tip commensurate with service in restaurants, however. And if the service is bad, I won't go back there anyway, so no worries about food tampering.
Hear, hear! I'm pissed and have taken back my right NOT to tip sorry, no good, crappy service. It never fails the waitstaff has some chip on their shoulder. When you're being taken to your seat they run and leave you far behind rather than lead you as a polite hostess should. They can't seem to count and never have the correct amount of menus or place settings. They rattle off the menu at lightening speed so you have no idea what they disinterestedly mumbled and heaven forbid if you ask for a repeat. Of course you meal takes forever and your still left waiting for a place setting. In the past, waitstaff could remember what dish went to which patron, but now it's always mass confusion. Mr. M always tells them he drinks LOTS of water and it would be easier for them to leave a pitcher, but Noooo that's just not possible and it's impossible to get their attention later. We usually have to call another table's waiter over to help but he/she isn't the one who pockets the tip. And forget about the check, we usually give up and pay at the front desk. Service today is so bad I consider it a chore to go out anymore. I always feel it's a waste of time. I'd rather have a root cannal than to go to all the trouble of getting ready only to be disappointed with the outing. As to the "but I don't get paid enough" and "it's expected" reasoning for tipping, well it's hogwash. A tip is for service above and beyond the call of duty, not a requirement. Hear that? Above and beyond. It's not my job to suppliment their salaries. They agreed to accept the job at X salary and that's that. Do other workers get tips? No, the rest of us may get a raise or bonus IF and only IF they perform above expectations.
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