My Rant on tipping

[PastorsWife]

Bicker...I totally agree with you...tipping is not optional. Maybe this is why WDW has had to change several of their tipping policies? Maybe too many people thought tipping was optional? I realize that a trip to WDW can be very pricey.....but that does not excuse anyone for not tipping as required.
BTW...on all of our past WDW trips, we have only had one server that did not deserve the average 18% tip!

I don't understand why WDW feels that removing a guaranteed gratuity HELPS the servers gain a larger tip, when now everyone is going to tip what they thought the meal/service was worth.

Once I saw a cartoon, people at a restaurant table with a saucer with a note in it that said "Your Tip So Far" and had some change in it. I thought that was absolutely brilliant. When I have a good server, I tip very well. When I have a poor server, the tip goes down rapidly and drastically.

I assume that at a good establishment, the waitstaff will be considerate enough to check the ticket and ensure that there is nothing odd on the bill. I also assume that waitstaff is considerate enough to tell you about hidden costs, whether it be "refills are extra" or "that salad dressing costs more". I assume that if a waitperson asks "do you want more" that it's inclusive.

If I receive the bill and see that an extra charge has been added to the bill, AND the waitperson didn't warn me, I take that extra charge and subtract it from the gratuity.
If I have a cup of coffee and it remains unfilled for an unreasonable amount of time, I subtract the cost of the coffee from the gratuity.
If I need something and see the waitperson gabbing with another staff member, the tip begins to decrease, etc.

Conversely, I tip extra if:
I have a coupon or discount and the waitperson works with me to make sure I get the best deal I can.
We want for nothing.
We see the waitperson more than "can I take your drink order", "here's your drinks, can I take your food order", "can I take your dessert order", and "here's your bill".
The waitperson takes the extra time to establish a relationship
The waitperson goes out of the way to meet a dietary need
Specials, dressings, soups, desserts are explained slowly and clearly and not rattled off faster than someone can hear in a monotone...

And before you call me a scrooge, I usually tip at least 15%. I have never tipped nothing - but I have on several occasions left a penny.

While a gratuity should be expected, so also should good service be expected. This includes promptness, concern, knowledge, and attentiveness.

Here's an interesting thought.

Back in 1990 as a 19 year old, I made about $30,000 in tips a year at a family restaurant with a bar. My boyfriend made closer to $50,000 working at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn, which is very similar to DW, overpriced theme tourist food. (I just bought a meal for 5 there and the bill was over $100 with no alcohol, and left a $20 tip for what I considered poor service.)

Conversely, my sister has a master's in biology and makes nearly $40,000 as a teacher. My husband has a Ph.D. and makes the same as a pastor.

What behaviors are we as a society rewarding? What values are we instilling in our youth?

 

[tnmomof4]

While a gratuity should be expected, so also should good service be expected. This includes promptness, concern, knowledge, and attentiveness.

Here's an interesting thought.

Back in 1990 as a 19 year old, I made about $30,000 in tips a year at a family restaurant with a bar. My boyfriend made closer to $50,000 working at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn, which is very similar to DW, overpriced theme tourist food. (I just bought a meal for 5 there and the bill was over $100 with no alcohol, and left a $20 tip for what I considered poor service.)

Conversely, my sister has a master's in biology and makes nearly $40,000 as a teacher. My husband has a Ph.D. and makes the same as a pastor.

What behaviors are we as a society rewarding? What values are we instilling in our youth?

I was a waitress for a few years. I always tried to do my best because I knew the amount of my tip wasn't necessarily based on the cost of the food, but my tip would be also based on if I did a good job. I think tipping is the right think to do. But that good service is to be expected too.

(Pastorswife: I grew up about 5 minutes from Frankenmuth. I was a waitress at Big Boy)

 

[ninjamama]

Here's an interesting thought.

Back in 1990 as a 19 year old, I made about $30,000 in tips a year at a family restaurant with a bar. My boyfriend made closer to $50,000 working at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn, which is very similar to DW, overpriced theme tourist food. (I just bought a meal for 5 there and the bill was over $100 with no alcohol, and left a $20 tip for what I considered poor service.)

Conversely, my sister has a master's in biology and makes nearly $40,000 as a teacher. My husband has a Ph.D. and makes the same as a pastor.

What behaviors are we as a society rewarding? What values are we instilling in our youth?

Wow. I'm a server, and it would seem that I am not contributing enough to society. Though, I thought I was by staying at home with my children and providing a good upbringing. Serving nights and weekends allows me to be the full time parent and the employee (burning the candle at both ends, if you will). My biggest commitment is to raising my family to the best of my ability. A pretty significant contribution to the future if you ask me. I am a GREAT server, and by doing so I earn a decent living to help support my family. Sorry my job description (which one???) isn't up to snuff in YOUR caste system, or seems less deserving.

I did love the post by the mod who remembers how hard his mother worked for him......I hope my boys will feel the same some day.

 

[mom2my3kids]

Wow. I'm a server, and it would seem that I am not contributing enough to society. Though, I thought I was by staying at home with my children and providing a good upbringing. Serving nights and weekends allows me to be the full time parent and the employee (burning the candle at both ends, if you will). My biggest commitment is to raising my family to the best of my ability. A pretty significant contribution to the future if you ask me. I am a GREAT server, and by doing so I earn a decent living to help support my family. Sorry my job description (which one???) isn't up to snuff in YOUR caste system, or seems less deserving.

I did love the post by the mod who remembers how hard his mother worked for him......I hope my boys will feel the same some day.

 

[michygoomy]

That man's no troll, he's my husband!

And he has a post count of two because I wouldn't let him post on this subject under *my* account. I have my reputation to consider, 'ya know.

Oh, and thanks to the disers who are having a reasonable discussion. I certainly am sick of talking about it.

(Oh, and for the record, he's not stiffing anyone because I make sure to always take the bill.)

 

[TLSnell1981]

I do have no problem with a rule in any country but if I read that the minimum wage for a waiter is 3 or 4 dollar then I wonder how they can survive ????.

In my humble opinion just put e few dollar extra on the menu price and stop stiffing waiters.

I know I have not seen you on the boards for awhile, so you have missed some of our conversations.

There have been servers, that have stated they make from $150 -$250 per shift (night) at Disney in tips. They can survive. I believe most servers are content with their income. It's only a few that complain about how hard it is and how they deserve more. Of course, it's hard work, but not the only hard job. They are fortunate to have an employer like WDW...there are many other servers who would love to have that job.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Once I saw a cartoon, people at a restaurant table with a saucer with a note in it that said "Your Tip So Far" and had some change in it. I thought that was absolutely brilliant. When I have a good server, I tip very well. When I have a poor server, the tip goes down rapidly and drastically.

I respectfully disagree. That's demeaning to the server - to any human being.

If I have a cup of coffee and it remains unfilled for an unreasonable amount of time, I subtract the cost of the coffee from the gratuity.

I again respectfully disagree; the diner HAD at least one serving of the beverage of choice - it seems unreasonable to effectively not pay for a given item because more than one of that item was not received. Just for example: appetizer = $6, entree = $18, dessert = $4, coffee = $2. Total check $30. Fifteen percent (standard tip) of that is $4.50; instead, the server is tipped $2.50, or EIGHT-point-three percent? Doesn't make sense.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I respectfully disagree. That's demeaning to the server - to any human being.

If a server is demeaned by this....they are in the wrong buisness. That is the least of their worries. I believe some of my employees would have had a sense of humor with this one. I promise at least a couple would have asked what it would take to fill it to the top....and done it!

I again respectfully disagree; the diner HAD at least one serving of the beverage of choice - it seems unreasonable to effectively not pay for a given item because more than one of that item was not received.

They are already being paid a base ($3.70 per hour).....a tip is based on how well they perform the rest of the job. Waitstaff are in the service industry. Most understand what they have to do to make a good living.

.................

 

[kaytieeldr]

Putting the money one intends to tip, in a cup or on the table, and informing the server that this is where their tip starts - and maybe I'm reading a different post but I see NOTHING in that one that implies that the diner would ever be ADDING to the saucer (and I've seen this so-called 'advice' before) - is tantamount to one's boss in any job placing the person's wage on a desk, telling them that this is where their pay starts, and then removing money based on percieved performance.

I did go back and read the original post - I thought the poster had indicated that if she didn't (in this case) get a second cup of coffee, she would subtract the menu price of the coffee from the tip left. Nope, that's not even what she said. If her coffee cup remained empty for [what she considers] an 'unreasonable' amount of time, she subtracts the price of the coffee from the tip. She's not even making this decision based on never getting a second cup of coffee, but on it being delayed.

We don't even know what prompted this theoretical lack of an additional cup of coffee. It could be restaurant policy to not pour additional coffee unasked, x number of minutes after the last course is served. The restaurant could be closed/closing for the evening. Would a server saying, "I'm sorry, we're closed, we can't give you any more coffee", or "Restaurant policy is to not serve additional beverages after your dessert arrives", get a BETTER tip? Of course not. The server would likely suffer financially for being honest.

 

[kaytieeldr]

triplicate

 

[kaytieeldr]

Is five of the same post some kind of record? Sorry about that, folks!

 

[kaytieeldr]

duplicate

 

[kaytieeldr]

quadruplicate

 

[familyS]

kaytieeldr, either you feel really strongly about your post, or the boards are messing up again

 

[sjaakie]

I know I have not seen you on the boards for awhile, so you have missed some of our conversations.

Just have being diagnostic with breast cancer and head to cancel our vacation in WDW.
In my "good” days when the chemo isn't to bad I read the board feeling still a little bit of the magic

I made a promess to give a big tipp to all the waiters as soon as I'm aible to return to WDW.

 

[caroline1851]

I never base my tip on the quality of the food, since that is the kitchen, not the wait staff. I base my tip on service only. Horrible service gets 10%, average service gets 15% and spectactular service gets 20%.

 

[Sparkie]

My daughter is a server at a local cafe. Her base pay is $2.13 per hour. When she works as hostess her base pay is $5.00 per hour and as hostess she is not only responsible for seating tables but clearing them as well. So for both of those jobs she is paid below minimum wage. The cooks, the manager, and the dishwasher are the only people paid above minimum wage.

So... when she works as a server, she gets her base, plus her tips for the night and she "tips out" a percentage of her nights sales to the host/hostess for the night- If you think about it, the host/hostess and the server are working as a team. The host/hostess helps her turn tables by keeping them clean and refilled so why shouldnt she share a part of her tip with them? Especially since they are both paid below minimum wage.

Now as for how much money a server can make in a night or what their gross income is and are servers making big bucks and no one is starving or unable to make their mortgage- Is is wrong for people to do well? Is it wrong for people to be successful in their job? There are people who are fortunate and make more money than I do but I dont get angry at them for their success or good fortune.

On the whole tipping issue, the way I see it- there are social norms- guidelines- and just like other things we encounter- lets say the speed limit for example- some people chose to stay within the guidelines and some do not- its a personal choice. If you are a party of 6 and feel that you have received service less than the included 18% tip- speak up- discuss with a manager and negotiate- politely of course.

I must confess that I myself used to be a 10% only tipper because I like many of you did not realize how much less "sub-minimum wage" was. But since my daughter has become a server and relies on her tips I have changed my ways. At $2.13/hour she cant even buy gasoline to get to work.

 

[Tricia1972]

This is an excerpt from the Disney Contract, link to which was provided a few days ago. A server is indeed making well below minimum wage, but considering that many servers in many states are making a base wage of $2.00/hr, their base wages are 'fair' compared to other servers in other states.

I begrudge no one for making a good wage. Servers should, they work very hard. I think much of the hostility on the boards regarding Disney servers is as a result of the FEW Disney Servers who post on these threads how if you tip less than 18% you are stiffing the server and they are starving. Unfortunately those few servers have posted a lot in the past and it gets frustrating to hear them complain how they are starving to death when they are making more money than some of us are.

I tip well, at home and at Disney. I have no problem rewarding good service. However, if another person feels that 15% is a good fair tip for service that they received, then they should feel free to tip that amount. No Disney server should try to dictate to them on the boards that they need to tip more. (this is not including Auto Gratuity parties of 6 or more and who use the DDE card. Disney does dictate that 18% is the minimum tip for these parties)

Tipped Classifications

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Tipped employees hired prior to October 30, 1988 and who have remained in a tipped classification

​

​

​

Job Classification

9/30/2007​

12/30/2007​

12/28/2008​

12/27/2009​

Banquet Facility H/H (T)

$4.25​

$4.40​

$4.55​

$4.70​

Banquet Service H/H (T) 7(i)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Banquet Service H/H (T)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Beverage Captain (T) 7(i)

$5.45​

$5.60​

$5.75​

$5.90​

Beverage Captain (T)

$5.45​

$5.60​

$5.75​

$5.90​

Beverage Cart H/H (T) 7(i)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Beverage Cart H/H (T)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Beverage H/H (T)

$5.90​

$5.90​

$6.05​

$6.20​

Beverage H/H Banquets (T) 7(i)

$5.10​

$5.25​

$5.40​

$5.55​

Beverage H/H Banquets (T)

$5.10​

$5.25​

$5.40​

$5.55​

Food & Bev Assistant (T)

$5.10​

$5.25​

$5.40​

$5.55​

Food & Bev Captain (T) 7(i)

$4.55​

$4.70​

$4.85​

$5.00​

Food & Bev Captain (T)

$4.55​

$4.70​

$4.85​

$5.00​

Food & Bev Dinner Show Server (T)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Food & Bev Dinner Show Svr (T) 7(i)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Food & Bev Service H/H (T)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Hospitality Service H/H (T)

$4.05​

$4.20​

$4.35​

$4.50​

Special Service H/H (T)

$4.25​

$4.40​

$4.55​

$4.70​

​

​

​

Tipped employees hired on or after 10/30/1988 or employees hired before 10/30/1988 who did not remain in a tipped classification

​

​

​

Job Classification

9/30/2007​

12/30/2007​

12/28/2008​

12/27/2009​

Banquet Facility H/H (T)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Banquet Service H/H (T) 7(i)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Banquet Service H/H (T)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Beverage Assistant (T)

$4.40​

$4.55​

$4.70​

$4.85​

Beverage Captain (T) 7(i)

$4.75​

$4.90​

$5.05​

$5.20​

Beverage Captain (T)

$4.75​

$4.90​

$5.05​

$5.20​

Beverage Cart H/H (T) 7(i)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Beverage Cart H/H (T)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Beverage H/H (T)

$5.20​

$5.20​

$5.35​

$5.50​

Beverage H/H Banquets (T) 7(i)

$4.40​

$4.55​

$4.70​

$4.85​

Beverage H/H Banquets (T)

$4.40​

$4.55​

$4.70​

$4.85​

Food & Bev Assistant (T)

$5.10​

$5.25​

$5.40​

$5.55​

Food & Bev Captain (T) 7(i)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Food & Bev Captain (T)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Food & Bev Dinner Show Server (T)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Food & Bev Dinner Show Svr (T) 7(i)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Food & Bev Service H/H (T)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Hospitality Service H/H (T)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

Special Service H/H (T)

$3.65​

$3.80​

$3.95​

$4.10​

 

[Superspectral]

Putting the money one intends to tip, in a cup or on the table, and informing the server that this is where their tip starts - and maybe I'm reading a different post but I see NOTHING in that one that implies that the diner would ever be ADDING to the saucer (and I've seen this so-called 'advice' before) - is tantamount to one's boss in any job placing the person's wage on a desk, telling them that this is where their pay starts, and then removing money based on percieved performance.

This is almost exactly what Disney is doing in the way they handle "suggesting" a tip amount. From what has been posted on the boards, the server comes back with a check with a suggested 18% and 20% tip amount pre-calculated on the check. (If paying by room key), the guest then has to write in on the check the amount of tip before the server takes the check and key back to settle the check. This is just like Disney putting the 20% tip in the cup on the table for you (using your money by the way) and then asking you to take it back, in front of the server, if you think a lesser tip is appropriate.

 

[Sparkie]

Disney isnt the only one putting tip suggestions on the check. We ate at Wings in Bham last weekend and on our check was our total and then under that was Suggested tip 15% and an amount and Suggested tip 20% and an amount. I just thought it was interesting after much discussion on these boards that Disney is printing that information on the check that I would also see it on a check at a local resturant.