Do servers not want a tip?

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

I'm sorry but I still see what you did as some passive aggressive approach to see if the server will anticipate your need for a drink. But, I'm funny that way, if I was parched I'd just ask the server for a drink of water.

What the heck? Do you really think I just sit there, waiting to see if anyone will brink a drink to me? Just sitting there, claiming I am parched?

I've tried to explained multiple times that there is no passive aggressive behavior. That is it simply an example of how a server might notice, on their own, something and take care of it.

But it is obvious, to me, that you are either unwilling or unable to understand what I am saying. So I give up.

 

[wilkeliza]

I think a lot of people also don't realize it isn't always up to the server. We could only do cash runs during the day so at Starbucks if someone had given me a 10 on top of their payment I may not have been able to change it. Our store manager didn't like us breaking bills even if it hurt our tips because it meant he had to do more cash runs. Once the company went to automated cash deliveries it got even worse. There were many Sunday nights where I had no quarters a half stack of ones and a few 5s. I would have to turn away bill brraking sinoly because we didn't have they extra singles and 5s to do that for any customer that asked.

 

[lizabu]

I think a lot of people also don't realize it isn't always up to the server. We could only do cash runs during the day so at Starbucks if someone had given me a 10 on top of their payment I may not have been able to change it. Our store manager didn't like us breaking bills even if it hurt our tips because it meant he had to do more cash runs. Once the company went to automated cash deliveries it got even worse. There were many Sunday nights where I had no quarters a half stack of ones and a few 5s. I would have to turn away bill brraking sinoly because we didn't have they extra singles and 5s to do that for any customer that asked.

I think a Starbucks is a little different. It's more akin to a fast food situation. I worked in restaurants for years and servers live for tips. It's basically the main reason any of them even wait tables because the hourly wage is not great. While I'd be prepping my cook station they're doing their own prep and that included making sure they had change. I think the OPs server was just inexperienced because for an experienced server asking for change is pretty much a no brainer. And the fact that he had the same experience four times makes me wonder if it's the same restaurant or same server. The fact that four different servers at four different places didn't know what he meant just seems so odd.

 

[wilkeliza]

I think a Starbucks is a little different. It's more akin to a fast food situation. I worked in restaurants for years and servers live for tips. It's basically the main reason any of them even wait tables because the hourly wage is not great. While I'd be prepping my cook station they're doing their own prep and that included making sure they had change. I think the OPs server was just inexperienced because for an experienced server asking for change is pretty much a no brainer. And the fact that he had the same experience four times makes me wonder if it's the same restaurant or same server. The fact that four different servers at four different places didn't know what he meant just seems so odd.

Others who worked at actual restraunts have said they would have just brought the 10 back as well as asking to break a bill is different then asking for your change back. It ultimately is samantics.

 

[lizabu]

Others who worked at actual restraunts have said they would have just brought the 10 back as well as asking to break a bill is different then asking for your change back. It ultimately is samantics.

I guess...I've only worked in fine dining and at that level the servers are all pretty experienced. If it's some family restaurant anything is possible.

 

[smidgy]

For the fourth time in less than two weeks I have had a restaurant server not understand how to make change when paying cash.

Most recently the bill was $37.20. I put two twenties and a ten in with the bill and specifically asked for change. I got back two ones, eighty cents, and the same ten I had put in the folder.

I had to ask again for change for the ten, strangely the server didn't seem to grasp why.

Did they expect me to tip them 27% with the ten? Or has the education system and credit cards helped raise a generation or two that can't do basic math?

I never ask"do you need change?" I always say "I'll be right back with your change". sounds much less presumptuous.

now if it makes me make an exta tri[, so be it. but ususally they either say "no, we're good" OR "ok thanks".

then I look at the change.
I don't think she will tip be $12.80. 20% would be $7.40. I certainly don't want to give the customer only 3 options: $12.80. (not happening) $10 (not happening) or $2.80 .. quite possible, if the personis irritated.

so of course I will not assume anything and bring them the $2.80 as well as a five and five singles.

same thin with tending bar. if the change is $6 I will give them 6 singles.. otherwise I am only leaving them with a choice of tipping me one dollar or five dollars.

 

[John VN]

When I was working with money if you over paid me like that I would just give the big bill back. Nothing to do with not wanting a tip. Now if you asked me to also break the 10 into 2-5s or a 5 and 5 ones or into ones I would ablige but if it is just left in there I would think you over paid is all.

THE ABOVE!!!! I am 66yo and worked MANY YEARS AGO in a tipping job and if given that money I would have done the same thing. The problem is NOT with the worker, rather with the request. Clear as mud.

 

[mom2rtk]

I never ask"do you need change?" I always say "I'll be right back with your change". sounds much less presumptuous.

now if it makes me make an exta tri[, so be it. but ususally they either say "no, we're good" OR "ok thanks".

then I look at the change.
I don't think she will tip be $12.80. 20% would be $7.40. I certainly don't want to give the customer only 3 options: $12.80. (not happening) $10 (not happening) or $2.80 .. quite possible, if the personis irritated.

so of course I will not assume anything and bring them the $2.80 as well as a five and five singles.

same thin with tending bar. if the change is $6 I will give them 6 singles.. otherwise I am only leaving them with a choice of tipping me one dollar or five dollars.

Seems quite reasonable to me.