faye, you live and work in Canada. not applicable here.
we are talking about the USA. when in Rome and all that good stuff....
I repeat: It the USA changed to a system, where servers received minumum wage, tips were not expected, (and, obviously, the bill for the food and drinks was much higher) I would find different work.
maybe servers who give so-so service would do well. as others previously stated, they wouldn't have to worry about how much the table will tip, therefore, what kind of service they are providing.
I don't worry about that. I already give good service. know most of my customers by name, what they drink, how they like their steak, ask about their family, etc etc.
I don't spend my evening at work stressing about the tips. I enjoy my job and my customers. I do my best to make sure they have an enjoyable dining experience. I often make them laugh, entertain the kids, and yet know which table wants to be "left alone".
I often receive over 20%. yet some nights are slow and my pay is small. soe nights are busy, or we have a party, or it's a holiday (I work every holiday) and I make more.
you get the good with the bad. some nights the other waitress has a great table, some nights I do. we take turns. we help each other out. if she is swamped, I'll make her salads, even if it IS her table, and vice versa. we are a team.
If we ever go to a different system, I will not be in this profession. nor will most of the professional servers. and if you don't want to tip, or want to tip poorly, you can find whatever excuse you want. doesn't matter to us.
(and,
as alwaysI am speaking of good service). if you get crappy service, you can tip less. see how that works???
I stand by my earlier post.