Do servers not want a tip?

[gwynne]

I'm just saying that if I'm a server, I'm trying to reduce the number of instances where someone might leave me only a $2 tip. Can't rid the world of bad tippers, but I can get people the change they might need so they won't take the easy way out and just throw down the 2 ones.

But for the fourth (or fifth?) time, I agree that if it's not working for the OP, she needs to find another way.

I get what you are saying.
But, I think there has to be some space for understanding that not every customer is honest, and not every customer is easygoing. Even on this thread I feel a bit of a harsh "edge" to some of the posts.
For some reason, tipping seems to be a bit of a sore subject. I generally don't have problems with servers. I appreciate what they do to help make our meal out enjoyable.

 

[CPanther95]

I tip well now because when I get older I don't want to feel guilty when I get home from a restaurant and realize I was having "an episode" and I left the server 2 buttons and a breath mint as a tip.

 

[RedAngie]

Goofy Dad needs a sarcasm emoticon.

Not necessary. Posters here need to have a situational awareness and infer that his posts are NEVER to be taken seriously.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Perhaps she didn't understand that you wanted change for the 10 and thought it was you that couldn't do math?

Probably. But I feel that's lack of training at the job. One of the things taught to new servers right away should be how to make change so that people can tip appropriately.

I'd be sensitive too, its not just the teens they are dumping on, its you teacher's too. According to some if you guys did your jobs right we'd have servers that know how to read minds.

In this case, I didn't take the comments that our system has failed personally as a teacher, but as more directed toward those who set curriculum. (And unfortunately, that's something we have very little say in anymore.)

 

[Oreo Cookie]

There is a very simple way to avoid this in the future. When you purposely overpay your bill because you need change for a tip, just tell the server how much you want back. Whenever I have been in the situation the OP described I have said "Here's $50, I just need $5 back". Server can usually just give me the "change" I requested right at the table. Problem solved, and I can leave without waiting for him/her to come back.

I agree, and when I pay cash this is what I always do and have never had any problems.

 

[Heidict]

I don't see a problem with what the waitress did. You weren't very clear. Possibly saying that you need change and then adding if they could break the 10 for your would not cause these issues? If I kept doing something the same way, over and over again, and I was not getting the response I wanted, I would reevaluate what I was saying and how I was saying it. Apparently, the way you are doing it isn't very clear.

 

[DawnM]

Our education system has failed us.

It is the new common core math

 

[msjprincess]

I would have just asked the server to bring me back $5 change or whatever amount I wanted.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

I didn't say it was her "job". I said I tip extra because she made my job easier for me.

It is the same when I drink lots of water during my meal and say something about being parched. If the server offers, or even better, simply brings me a "to go" cup of water (or whatever I was drinking), they get an extra tip.

(For those that have not lived in the South, it is normal to receive "to go" cups at even nice restaurants, when you request one.)

 

[SirDuff]

It is the new common core math

Can you please explain how "the new common core math" (or any kind of math education) led to this problem? The server had NO problem making the correct (from a mathematical perspective change). The issue was (depending on your stance) lack of of the OP clearly communicating her wants or lack of the server using situational awareness. Neither "error" involves math.

 

[Allison]

It is the same when I drink lots of water during my meal and say something about being parched. If the server offers, or even better, simply brings me a "to go" cup of water (or whatever I was drinking), they get an extra tip.

(For those that have not lived in the South, it is normal to receive "to go" cups at even nice restaurants, when you request one.)

I was in Savannah recently and was surprised that I was asked at restaurants if I wanted a to go cup.

 

[DawnM]

Can you please explain how "the new common core math" (or any kind of math education) led to this problem? The server had NO problem making the correct (from a mathematical perspective change). The issue was (depending on your stance) lack of of the OP clearly communicating her wants or lack of the server using situational awareness. Neither "error" involves math.

Sigh......it was a joke, a response to the previous poster saying it was the failure of our educational system.

Perhaps the server thought 20% was the $10.

The fact that the server didn't understand that she needed to break the $10 leads us to believe she/he doesn't understand how it works. I am assuming she gave the correct change because her cash register told her how much to give back.

 

[shoney]

Didn't read all the responses.
I have to say that the server probably took your request way too literal and brought you back the change. In his/her head, you were probably thought of as the fool for leaving too much. LOL

I rarely pay cash. If I do I put the normal amount to cover the bill and then hand them a $10 or a $20 and ask them to break it.

I hate when the bill is say $26.51. You put $40 down...then they come back with 1 $10 and $3 ones and the change. Now, I wouldn't leave $10 and $3 isn't enough. To me, if I were a server, I would automatically give 2 $5's instead of the $10.

Paying with credit card solves all these issues for me!

I think common sense is lacking sometimes!

 

[SirDuff]

Sigh......it was a joke, a response to the previous poster saying it was the failure of our educational system.

Perhaps the server thought 20% was the $10.

The fact that the server didn't understand that she needed to break the $10 leads us to believe she/he doesn't understand how it works. I am assuming she gave the correct change because her cash register told her how much to give back.

I should have said that I was just quoting you because it was the last post. Sorry.

We'll have to agree to disagree that the situation says anything about the server's education, ability to figure out change without using a cash register, or understanding 'how it works'.

 

[CPanther95]

It is the same when I drink lots of water during my meal and say something about being parched. If the server offers, or even better, simply brings me a "to go" cup of water (or whatever I was drinking), they get an extra tip.

I used to do something similar. Whenever a server asks if I want water I say "yes" and then scrunch up my face. If she figures out that that is the face I make when I eat lemons, and she brings lemon for my water, she gets a tip. If not, no tip.

I saved a boatload on tips, but I never got water that I wanted to drink. So now I just ask for lemon. Not only does she get a tip, but I get exactly what I wanted. All I had to do was ask her for it.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Didn't read all the responses.
I have to say that the server probably took your request way too literal and brought you back the change. In his/her head, you were probably thought of as the fool for leaving too much. LOL

I rarely pay cash. If I do I put the normal amount to cover the bill and then hand them a $10 or a $20 and ask them to break it.

I hate when the bill is say $26.51. You put $40 down...then they come back with 1 $10 and $3 ones and the change. Now, I wouldn't leave $10 and $3 isn't enough. To me, if I were a server, I would automatically give 2 $5's instead of the $10.

Paying with credit card solves all these issues for me!

I think common sense is lacking sometimes!

My father sometimes wondered if people have been taught not to think.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

I used to do something similar. Whenever a server asks if I want water I say "yes" and then scrunch up my face. If she figures out that that is the face I make when I eat lemons, and she brings lemon for my water, she gets a tip. If not, no tip.

I saved a boatload on tips, but I never got water that I wanted to drink. So now I just ask for lemon. Not only does she get a tip, but I get exactly what I wanted. All I had to do was ask her for it.

I didn't say, I don't tip if they don't offer. Nor do I, if I want it, forgo a to go cup.

But a good server will anticipate my needs. And a good server is rewarded with a better tip.

 

[mjkacmom]

I didn't say, I don't tip if they don't offer. Nor do I, if I want it, forgo a to go cup.

But a good server will anticipate my needs. And a good server is rewarded with a better tip.

Don't expect a to go cup in the north, refills aren't always free.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Don't expect a to go cup in the north, refills aren't always free.

I lived for over 30 years in the North. I know what to expect up there.

 

[MainMom]

We're right back where we started. So we're going to have to agree to disagree on that.

I think it's reasonable to assume in a restaurant that if someone includes an extra ten with the payment that they need change.

But apparently that's not working out for the OP. So it's on her to change something.

As a paying customer I expect the server to follow what I ask during my meal time and NOT make assumptions. If I say hold the mayo I don't expect a side of mayo on my plate in case I might want it or change my mind. It is my job as the customer to be specific with what I asked. The OP was not specific and the waiter should not have assumed a scenario that was not stated whether it benefitted them or not.