Customer Service.
Let me preface this post with this. I have been out with friends having a good time for 3 hours now. Traditionally (this summer) classmates have been gathering at a local bar/restaurant called Jackson's for weeks now on Friday evenings. Sometimes its a big crowd, sometimes its not. My housemates and I have declared a favorite waitress there and everything. Well, tonight was a weird situation.
I've long since been highly critical of customer service. As someone who has always considered opening a store, restaurant, bar, etc. I've been judgemental on who my servers have been. Tonight was absolutely no exception. Our server, whose name is Paul (only found out by my receipt), is one whom I've had before and been questionable about. Tonight however we sat at the worst table in the restaurant and I was in the mood to be picky. Here's what got to me:
-He never introduced himself.
-He didn't really focus on who ordered what drink.
-He frequently was rushing around (granted it was a busy night, but he was moving so fast it was hard to catch his attention).
-He let my appetizer (something served fresh) sit for 30+ minutes until another server brought the entrees... and the melted cheese on mine had solidified.
-He would reach across the whole table right infront of me without warning to refill glasses of water.
-He would ignore our table for 20+ minutes at a time.
-He never smiled.
Well, I stayed a level headed person. I normally tip generously because being a waiter is tough, but customer service is what it is and his service tonight really killed me. So, on his receipt after tipping a lonely dollar on a $15.00 tab (including drinks) I included what he did to cause such a tip, the thought that he could in fact handle such a task as serving, and a promise that if I come back and his service is better I would give him a full tip. I thought that was fair. Well, needless to say the rest of my party felt awkward. In fact, my housemate even wrote "Sorry about Sam" on her receipt to make up for it. I am what I am. Sorry, Paul. I value customer service and at a restaurant where I'm a customer once a week, I expect the same level of everyone.
Was I bold? Yes. Was I wrong? I don't necesarily think so. Anyway, I'm off to bed because I have work in the morning. Goodnight. Adios.
[EDIT]: I have drafted a letter of apology for my behavior and plan to return and give him the remainder of his tip today.
[RE-EDIT]: After much thought, I'm not going to submit an apology letter. While I do feel slightly guilty, I know that next week when I go back to the restaurant I will look for the better service and should I have Paul again I will reward him accordingly.
I've long since been highly critical of customer service. As someone who has always considered opening a store, restaurant, bar, etc. I've been judgemental on who my servers have been. Tonight was absolutely no exception. Our server, whose name is Paul (only found out by my receipt), is one whom I've had before and been questionable about. Tonight however we sat at the worst table in the restaurant and I was in the mood to be picky. Here's what got to me:
-He never introduced himself.
-He didn't really focus on who ordered what drink.
-He frequently was rushing around (granted it was a busy night, but he was moving so fast it was hard to catch his attention).
-He let my appetizer (something served fresh) sit for 30+ minutes until another server brought the entrees... and the melted cheese on mine had solidified.
-He would reach across the whole table right infront of me without warning to refill glasses of water.
-He would ignore our table for 20+ minutes at a time.
-He never smiled.
Well, I stayed a level headed person. I normally tip generously because being a waiter is tough, but customer service is what it is and his service tonight really killed me. So, on his receipt after tipping a lonely dollar on a $15.00 tab (including drinks) I included what he did to cause such a tip, the thought that he could in fact handle such a task as serving, and a promise that if I come back and his service is better I would give him a full tip. I thought that was fair. Well, needless to say the rest of my party felt awkward. In fact, my housemate even wrote "Sorry about Sam" on her receipt to make up for it. I am what I am. Sorry, Paul. I value customer service and at a restaurant where I'm a customer once a week, I expect the same level of everyone.
Was I bold? Yes. Was I wrong? I don't necesarily think so. Anyway, I'm off to bed because I have work in the morning. Goodnight. Adios.
[EDIT]: I have drafted a letter of apology for my behavior and plan to return and give him the remainder of his tip today.
[RE-EDIT]: After much thought, I'm not going to submit an apology letter. While I do feel slightly guilty, I know that next week when I go back to the restaurant I will look for the better service and should I have Paul again I will reward him accordingly.