"Need" for Extraordinary Service

[jx3smom]

In most cases I think I would tip extra.

 

[bicker]

In that example, bicker, my mind says,"lowering tip amount...." because the server is being HIGHLY presumptuous about WHY your potato is sitting there.... In this case, you should be asked..

And indeed, I wonder if there are cases where I shouldn't be asked. The patron may simply resent any actual presumption the server might make.

 

[melomouse]

This brings up another thought about servers...how would I tip one who comments about what we ate or didn't eat in a way that is just a little much??

(Seeing cleaned off plate)"Oh, I guess it wasreally good, huh?"

(Seeing untouched baked potato) :

• "Can I get you something else, mr. bicker?"
• "Anything wrong w/ that potato, sir?
• "Cutting down on carbs, mr.b?"
• A la PTC - "If you don't finish your potato, no broiled asparagus for you!"

Some of this can be construed as "intrusive" service. Ditto checking too often for adult beverage refills,"anything else?", etc. For this type of service, I tip my usual 18%, give or take, unless I was truly offended.

 

[raidermatt]

So perhaps I should have said that "putting forth the extra effort" only counts in social situations. It doesn't fly in business, where what matters, in the end, is the bottom-line: Did you do what I wanted you to do?

Many customers do not view these transactions as business transactions, but more as personal interactions. Of course in the end, it is a business transaction, but the customer and customer alone determines their tip, and if they view it as a personal interaction, that's what determines the tip.

Your example of bringing french fries would be a strange one. I probably should say that I wouldn't tip extra for ANY effort made. Bringing the fries without asking does have the potential to be viewed negatively and a waiter should know better than to do that.

But, along those same lines, perhaps I eat my potato last. A good waiter will ask how my meal is, but may not necessarily ask specifically about something I haven't touched. If he asks about the potato specifically, that's extra effort I did not need because my potato is fine.

But I will still tip for that because the next time, it maybe something that I didn't like. For that reason, it can be viewed as a valid business reason for tipping the effort for effort's sake. But yes, there is a personal judgement to be made as to whether the effort was focused enough and appropriate.

Yes, anticipating MY needs and addressing them is definitely a big plus and should be rewarded accordingly. Still, I'd rather have a competent server who is trying to do that than a competent server who is satisfied with being just competent. Hence an increased tip. Of course, the more they hit the mark, the better the tip.

 

[Quinn222]

I always tip 20-25%, I think that's fair even for extraordinary service.

 

[goofie4goofy]

Kind of a strange question. My Dh and I have a theory on this...we tip often and we tip very well. It's not a "bribe" for extra service, but these people work so hard. To be honest it makes me happy. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. We are generous with most everyone.

What do I call extraordinary service? When you order something and your waiter tell you not to because it is just not "good" , giving you extra glasses of wine at no charge for the wine flights, going out of their way to make you feel special and bringing the chef to the table and introducing you, even though you have not been there in 6 months you are still remembered by name and brought your favortie drink on the house, having a special dessert made up for you, getting the best table in the house without even asking. We have been given upgrades to huge suites, bottles of champagne, flowers, chocolates, wine...you name it. We don't ask for it or expect it.

This kind of stuff happens to us all the time, not just in WDW...everywhere. It's not just because we are good tippers, but because we are also nice people and the "tip" is from the heart. People remember us and we remember them....we often get handwritten thank you notes from employees in the hotels, which is so very nice. We even received a note from or casino host at the Bellagio.

The question is why wouldn't you tip extra? Does the difference of a few bucks really make a big difference in your bottom line...for most people, not really. Why not make someone happy...a little kindness and show of appreciation goes a very long way.

 

[jarestel]

In today's world, I'm happy with "ordinary" service and tip with glee when I receive it.

 

[bicker]

Many customers do not view these transactions as business transactions, but more as personal interactions.

I don't tip my friends!

Of course in the end, it is a business transaction, but the customer and customer alone determines their tip, and if they view it as a personal interaction, that's what determines the tip.

Well, that's really just a tautology of sorts: The patron always determines the tip, based on whatever criteria they want to apply. You could tip solely based on someone's name, if you really wanted to.

I wonder, though, how "effective" it is to tip based on how personable/compatible you feel you are with the server. It may be a good reflection of how much you valued the meal (and of course, you know I can get on-board with that explanation), but it doesn't sound fair to the server, who, as a result of basing the tip on personal compatibility, isn't being rewarded based on how hard they try (which doesn't matter, AFAIC), or based on how well they do their actual job (which does matter, AFAIC), or based on how much they contribute to making my meal substantially better (which does matter, AFAIC).

Your example of bringing french fries would be a strange one.

I thought it was strange to ask me for an example of something that I consider "not" something. Why don't folks who consider it a "yes" something provide examples?

I probably should say that I wouldn't tip extra for ANY effort made.

Which is really what I said as well.

A good waiter will ask how my meal is ... But I will still tip for that

Isn't that what a server is supposed to do? How is that "extraordinary"? I still resonate with the idea that an extraordinary tip goes for extraordinary service, such as when, based on substantial experience and effort, a server anticipates what I actually need.

 

[bicker]

What do I call extraordinary service? When you order something and your waiter tell you not to because it is just not "good"

I've read reviews from some folks who resent this sort of thing. (It didn't make sense to me why they'd resent it, either, unless they feel the server is just doing it to sound concerned. )

giving you extra glasses of wine at no charge for the wine flights

Does that even happen anymore? That's a great example though: Getting something extra that they'd normally charge for, and not tipping extra in response, would be "unjust enrichment", AFAIC. I don't think there is any time I've received something free that I didn't actually pay for it, almost 100% -- the difference is just that I pay for it via the tip instead of paying the restaurant directly for it.

going out of their way to make you feel special and bringing the chef to the table and introducing you, even though you have not been there in 6 months you are still remembered by name and brought your favortie drink on the house

Yes, these are things that I'd value -- actually remembering me, remembering what I like, and customizing the service based on "our history together". Extremely rare, though, especially at restaurants in the $20-$30 range per entree (adjusted for location), like the majority of those at WDW. That's typically something you'd encounter, now, only at restaurants in the V&A category.

having a special dessert made up for you

I wonder to what extent I'd credit the server for this versus the chef (who I don't tip). It would depend, in my mind, on how much the server was actually involved in the situation.

getting the best table in the house without even asking

The server has nothing to do with this, IMHO. Someone else, perhaps, should be tipped, but again we're talking about a completely different kind of restaurant.

And I think that's fundamental, and relevant to some other discussions going on this week. I think some people lump together all restaurants and think they're all supposed to be like each other in terms of service, when in reality there are many different grades of restaurants. TS restaurants like Chefs de France, 50s Prime Time Cafe, Le Cellier, Tony's -- these are all just one step above Appleby's, Chili's, etc. Don't let their menu prices deceive you -- they're extra high because of a location differential. A hotel room like that at the Beach Club Resort, sitting here in Burlington MA, would be at least 20% less expensive, and Burlington MA is far more expensive than where my brothers live. I think some people see entrees at $30 and think that the restaurant should be akin to the finest restaurants in their hometown, whereas the finest restaurants in their hometown really are in the same grade level as either the signature restaurants at WDW, or more likely Bistro de Paris, or even V&As.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

So perhaps I should have said that "putting forth the extra effort" only counts in social situations. It doesn't fly in business, where what matters, in the end, is the bottom-line: Did you do what I wanted you to do?

In the hospitality industry making someone feel catered to, indulged, and important is part of the business. If a waiter pulls out my chair for me, I don't need it, in a way I don't even want him to do it, but it sets a mood for the meal- I will be served and treated like a VIP. Tha is certainly worth something extra IMO.

 

[Lewisc]

Sure: I order steak and baked potato. While I'm eating, the server notices that I haven't touched my baked potato. Without asking, he brings me french fries. Nice try, no cigar.

Suppose the waiter noticed that not only weren't you touching your baked potato but also noticed that you were "stealing" fries off you nephew's plate?

Some people say the calories are attributed to the person who ordered the food, not the person who consumes it, but the people who say that are the people who need to lose weight, not the people who've lost weight.

 

[raidermatt]

I don't tip my friends!

Nor do most other people. Nonetheless, many people view interactions with service employess as personal interactions. Just whacky I guess.

Well, that's really just a tautology of sorts: The patron always determines the tip, based on whatever criteria they want to apply. You could tip solely based on someone's name, if you really wanted to.

The point was that while you may view an interaction with a waiter as an unemotional business transaction, many do not. Hence, what might make sense for you might not for others.

I wonder, though, how "effective" it is to tip based on how personable/compatible you feel you are with the server.

Good question. However, its important to note that what seems common to everyone is that extraordinary service involves anticipating a customers needs and fulfilling them. For you, that maybe asking if you liked your potato. For the next person, it maybe a willingness to make small talk or show empathy when that person says they had a bad day. All of that is a little off topic from the original question, but its important to understand.

...rewarded based on how hard they try (which doesn't matter, AFAIC),

Again, especially given the type of restaurants we are discussion, anticipation of my particular needs is difficult, and downright impossible in some cases. Therefore, making the effort to figure out what those needs are and meet them is important, even if they don't hit the mark on some things.

I personally simply appreciate the effort, but the "business justification" is that if they are making the effort, they are most likely going to meet my extra needs when I have them. Hence I prefer to have that person who will try to go above and beyond over one who does not. Coldly put, my chances of having my needs met are greater that way.