Tipping - Right or Privilege
I was watching "Rehab: Party at the Hard Rock" a few nights ago (it's addicting, I'm tellin' ya!) and one of the cocktail servers was really upset because a guy gave her a $300 tip on a $3,000 tab and according to her math, she was due at least a $600 tip (because their standard is a 20% gratuity). The man gave her the tip based on her service and not on any pre-set amount. Considering the fact that she had been bugging him about a tip the majority of the time that she was serving him drinks or placing food orders, I'm sure he decided on the tip based on that. In the end, her boss fired her because, as the customer was leaving, she ran after him and shoved the bill in his face, pointing out to him that he owed her another $300.00! The boss pulled her aside and reminded her that she doesn't complain when someone tips her OVER the 20% amount, so why would she complain when they under-tip her? According to the boss, a tip is a right, not a privilege. I agree that she should have been let go for her behavior toward the customer. She made him feel cheap because he didn't leave a huge tip even after he spent over $3,000 on one tab. That's not good customer service.
In my experience with leaving tips, I always walk into a situation intent on leaving at least a 15% tip. Depending on the quality of the service, I'll leave less or more. If I'm at a restaurant and the service and my order are both high quality, I may leave 20%. If it's the opposite, then I may leave 10% or less depending on just how bad things were.
In my experience of receiving tips, I've always found that there's nothing really wrong with a small tip because at least you're getting one in the end.
In my experience with leaving tips, I always walk into a situation intent on leaving at least a 15% tip. Depending on the quality of the service, I'll leave less or more. If I'm at a restaurant and the service and my order are both high quality, I may leave 20%. If it's the opposite, then I may leave 10% or less depending on just how bad things were.
In my experience of receiving tips, I've always found that there's nothing really wrong with a small tip because at least you're getting one in the end.