You have backed up exactly what I have said. Servers no longer want to work for their tips, they feel entitled to large tips because you dare walk into the restaurant where they happen to work. 18% is not the standard for good service it is the middle ground of tipping guidlines.......20% has alwa....
1st of all, serving has always been an 'extra money' profession for me. Ive never done it as my sole job. I know I wouldnt last long if I did.
Clearly youve never been a server in central florida, at a chain restaurant. I have. Olive Garden, in Orlando. We were busy from opening to close. And some tables I made $100 or more, but others I made 10%. Not bad service. Just people who dont know/care about the rules.
I understand why Disney is doing this. Because we had the same issues at Chilis and OG. People would come in, use a coupon, and instead of making $10 off that table, Id make $5 or less. And guess what? If thats 90% of business (as it is at WDW with the dining program and DDE) then the servers at Disney arent making even close to what they should be. And they do exactly what you suggest. They quit. Which means when they cant keep servers, they either take in less guests (HA NOT an option at WDW) or they give servers more tables, so a restaurant that is meant for the server to have a 3 table section, now has an 8 table section. Which means that server gets penalized for hanging onto her job while the others quit. She wont make 20% of each of those tables, because 1 person cant give 8 tables full service like you get at Disney. So whats the managers options? They cant keep servers, because the smart ones figure out that they can make more money at restaurants on I-Drive where no one has coupons or promotions. Or they can standardize the tipping process, to make sure their employees are being compensated for the work they are doing, in a society that has set up the way servers get compensated. So that they can keep those restaurants fully staffed so as to GUARENTEE you get good service.
The things you say in your paragraphs I agree with 100%. If you work hard, you SHOULD get compensated for it. But you dont always in that proffesion. And its HIGHLY dissapointing to take care of a party of 30, have a $500 bill, and have them leave you $25. Its happened to me, and its happened to every server out there, no matter if they work at Dennys or (insert name of upscale fancy dining)
Why solve the problem by blaming it on the servers? (CHANGE PROFESSIONS) If all servers listened to your advice, youd be cooking your own food all the time.
You said you normally tip 20% for basic/good service. (and kudos to you for that) If you go to Disney, and the service is less than par, I promise it will take no more than 5 min more, to alert a manager and explain what happened. Having done management in restuarants I can tell you, THE MANAGEMENT WANTS TO MAKE YOU HAPPY and they dont want bad servers. Usually, its just a misunderstanding, and theyre usually more than happy to comp your dessert or a an entree to make up for the misunderstanding. Ntm have a good talking to with the server if he/she made a mistake.
bottom line - there are lots of cheapskates out there, and like every situation in life, the bad apples have ruined the bunch, and you're now gonna pay for the bad tippers mistakes. - Sorry. If you dont like Disneys new idea, there are several restaurants on I-Drive who would love to take your money.