Do servers not want a tip?

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

I have never ever seen a to go cup for beverages, except a shake or smoothie (or fast food, obviously). You actually expect to take a beverage with you when you leave the restaurant?

Expect? No. How about offered? Regularly offered. It is pretty normal around here. I'd never heard of it either, until I moved here.

And you get whatever you were drinking during your meal. Okay, not whatever. They won't send you out with another milkshake or with alcohol.

Well, except in New Orleans. I'm not sure if they still do it, but last time I was there, I hadn't finished my drink, but was ready to go. They poured it into a "to go" cup and sent me on my way. Yes, with my alcoholic drink.

 

[luvsJack]

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.



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.)

But when you hand them as much as the OP did and just say "I need change", its not about not being trained or not being educated. Its about not understanding what you want. Try saying "can I get change for the $10, please" and see if you get a different response. 4 servers in a week or so? I just don't think its the servers.

 

[ColoradoDisneyFreaks]

I think more servers now are also trained to keep the original bills that are "extra" in the folder unless specifically asked to break the bill. There are more and more scam artists out there who will try and shout about having left a larger bill in the hopes that they can steal some money from the server (they'll have to make it up). Honestly, if you really checked, I bet they will verify with another staff member when they find the extra bill and return it exactly as given.

OP, don't assume that they aren't smart, assume that your communication wasn't as clear as it needs to be in order to make their jobs easier. They're now dealing with cash "defensively" due to these scammers, and can't be as proactive as they once were.

 

[Vijoge]

I just returned from breakfast and just had to share my story. The server brought us our check that totaled $22.89 so I handed her a twenty and a ten and told her I needed change. She brought back $7.11 and I just shook my head and wondered how she could not comprehend my request.

She did exactly what you asked her to do.

 

[shoney]

I never find that rude. In my experience, it is asked BEFORE they even look at the amount I have left (you know, those black folio things where you put the money inside). They are merely asking whether they need to return. That's it. Why would it be rude to assume that you haven't already accounted for the bill + tip since they've not even looked at the amount?

Personally, I think it's just being polite. But, I can see the other way too, particularly if the amount on the table is CLEARLY in excess of the tab on the bill.

IDK just a little pet peeve of mine. While I always tip, it still seems presumptuous to assume. I'm sorry if it takes a little time to get the change and walk back, it is still part of the job and part of earning the tip. Just seems like an unnecessary short cut.

I wouldn't expect a target cashier to ask if I wanted change, I don't expect a server to do it either.

Again, I will continue to use my credit card whenever can!

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

She did exactly what you asked her to do.

No. No, she didn't.

 

[luvsJack]

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 live about as deep in the south as you can get and that isn't true of every restaurant. We eat out for lunch most days and some places offer, some places will get it if you ask, some have such small to go cups its pointless to ask and some do not have to-go cups at all. So while I guess it could be seen as "normal" its not every single restaurant either. I would say it probably depends on the policy of that restaurant.

 

[gwynne]

IDK just a little pet peeve of mine. While I always tip, it still seems presumptuous to assume. I'm sorry if it takes a little time to get the change and walk back, it is still part of the job and part of earning the tip. Just seems like an unnecessary short cut.

I wouldn't expect a target cashier to ask if I wanted change, I don't expect a server to do it either.

Again, I will continue to use my credit card whenever can!

I'd rather use cash. It's easy and faster. As I mentioned upthread, I keep folded 1's and 5's (in a zip change purse that fits them) for tips.
I get the bill, add the tip, and then give it to the server and say, "We're set, we don't need change."
I don't want a bunch of coins...and really, I try to limit where I use my credit card.

 

[Vijoge]

No. No, she didn't.

Yes she did. If the PP wanted quarters for the meter she should have asked "Please bring me four quarters". Getting "change" back from a purchase doesn't imply the money will be given in coins.

 

[gwynne]

Yes she did. If the PP wanted quarters for the meter she should have asked "Please bring me four quarters". Getting "change" back from a purchase doesn't imply the money will be given in coins.

He's just kidding around, making things up. It's a joke.

 

[CPanther95]

I live about as deep in the south as you can get and that isn't true of every restaurant. We eat out for lunch most days and some places offer, some places will get it if you ask, some have such small to go cups its pointless to ask and some do not have to-go cups at all. So while I guess it could be seen as "normal" its not every single restaurant either. I would say it probably depends on the policy of that restaurant.

It's pretty common in the Carolinas. You can get a no-charge drink to go at just about any decent restaurant.

I never really noticed the contrast until MamaLovesPoohBear pointed it out, but it wasn't common up in the Philly area either.

Side Note: I don't mind tipping at a restaurant, but I do mind being solicited for charitable donations every time I check out of my grocery store.

 

[gwynne]

It's pretty common in the Carolinas. You can get a no-charge drink to go at just about any decent restaurant.

I never really noticed the contrast until MamaLovesPoohBear pointed it out, but it wasn't common up in the Philly area either.

Very nice they offer a free to go.

 

[mjkacmom]

I'd rather use cash. It's easy and faster. As I mentioned upthread, I keep folded 1's and 5's (in a zip change purse that fits them) for tips.
I get the bill, add the tip, and then give it to the server and say, "We're set, we don't need change."
I don't want a bunch of coins...and really, I try to limit where I use my credit card.

And I'm sure they appreciate that. If I don't expect change, I always let them though, but not everyone does.

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

Yes she did. If the PP wanted quarters for the meter she should have asked "Please bring me four quarters". Getting "change" back from a purchase doesn't imply the money will be given in coins.

I think you'd benefit from reading some of this thread once again as you may have misunderstood the intent and meaning of what you've read.

 

[mickeyboat]

I have waited tables before, and I have been out to eat many many times, and I would not have assumed I should break the $10. I might have wondered if the $10 had been left in the folio by mistake. I probably would have asked the customer if she would like me to break the $10 when I brought it back to the table, though. The OP did not make herself clear on what she wanted.

I have had waitstaff bring change back in small bills before. I thought it was actually a little rude because it was assumed I would tip, and that I would tip in whatever denominations I was given. I didn't realize that others might feel it a service that the waitstaff is obligated to provide. You learn something new every day.

That being said, we almost always pay by credit card. And if we are paying cash and don't need change, we always tell the waitstaff that it is all set.

 

[Cantw8]

I never find that rude. In my experience, it is asked BEFORE they even look at the amount I have left (you know, those black folio things where you put the money inside). They are merely asking whether they need to return. That's it. Why would it be rude to assume that you haven't already accounted for the bill + tip since they've not even looked at the amount?

Personally, I think it's just being polite. But, I can see the other way too, particularly if the amount on the table is CLEARLY in excess of the tab on the bill.

It's rude to me, I don't care if they look first or don't look. It is my change and I get to decide what to do with it. Do not assume just because you served me that a tip is in order.

 

[Vijoge]

I think you'd benefit from reading some of this thread once again as you may have misunderstood the intent and meaning of what you've read.

Yes, I guess I did mix up the OP with someone else's rant. Sorry.

 

[CPanther95]

Yes, I guess I did mix up the OP with someone else's rant. Sorry.

Don't apologize. Those fake rants are more fun when someone takes them and runs with it.

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

Yes, I guess I did mix up the OP with someone else's rant. Sorry.

It's all good and certainly no need to apologize. Just having some fun.

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

Don't apologize. Those fake rants are more fun when someone takes them and runs with it.

Guilty as charged.