"Need" for Extraordinary Service

[bicker]

I recently wrote:

I rarely even have any needs that warrant extraordinary service, ....

Do you feel that "need" plays a part in tipping extra for extraordinary service?

 

[OKW Lover]

Wow Bicker - tough question.

After much consideration I voted for "wouldn't tip extra". I'm still not totally comfortable with that choice - some of it is the result of a frugal yankee upbringing - but I think I'd probably at least say something about how thoughtful the person had been.

 

[raidermatt]

I rarely even have any needs that warrant extraordinary service, ....

Same here. I'm pretty low maintenance.

At the same time, however, I do appreciate somebody who is attempting to provide extraordinary service. So I do tip extra for that attempt, even if its something that I didn't really "need".

I reward the attempt because in my mind, that's what really counts. In most cases, I don't feel its reasonable for someone to be able to figure out each individual customer's needs. Its possible in some cases of course, but not all. So, my feeling is that if somebody is putting forth the extra effort for something I may personally not need, they will also be willing to put out the effort when I do need something. THAT'S the person I want in that position when the time comes, hence my appreciation via the tip.

Added in edit: For me, it really comes down to the old "its the thought that counts" adage.

 

[Lewisc]

I recently wrote: Do you feel that "need" plays a part in tipping extra for extraordinary service?

Sometimes. Examples. A waiter splits an order (for sharing) in the kitchen. A waiter arranges to get an item from another restaurant (Kona if eating at Ohana for example) for a child that doesn't like what's on the menu. A waiter sees that I'm not eating what I ordered offers to take it back and get me another entree, nothing wrong with the entree other than I don't like it.

Need doesn't play a part but if the waiter does a superior job explaining the menu items, comes back quickly after each course was served and asks if everything is OK, wait until everyone is finished before allowing the plates to be cleared and times the dinner according to my wishes would motivate me to tip on the high side (20% rounded up) even though I didn't NEED exceptional service. To some extent high menu prices compensate waiters for better service at better restaurants.

 

[AKLRULZ]

I'd definitely tip exta.

 

[bicker]

In most cases, I don't feel its reasonable for someone to be able to figure out each individual customer's needs.

How difficult is it to realize that people need what they ask for?

The "thought" counts in social situations, I agree, but not in business, IMHO, where performance is evaluated, not intent.

 

[Cass]

It depends. Sometimes tipping prior - is more like a bribe.

(ie) You arrive at your resort and the mousekeeper is out in the hall, you introduce yourself, press 50.00 into her hand and say, with a wink, that you are looking forward to a great stay.

Do you now expect extraordinary service and towel animals out the wazoo?

But wait, sorry this is the restaurant board...

Bicker I'm not really sure what you mean, how would they know your tipping intentions ahead of time?

 

[Cruz Family]

Bicker- You said how hard is it to give a person what they ask for.
Though that is very true, I love when my soda is running low and I am brought another without having to ask. A pet peeve of mine is that I always order a diet coke with lemon and I would say at least half the time there is no lemon. So even though I ordered lemon I feel as if I have a good waiter/waitress right off the bat if I actually get it (I guess that is kind sad though).
Oh and yes I am a soda addict! -notice even my smilie gets no lemon!

I guess a lot depends on what you consider extraordinary service.

 

[melomouse]

VERY Interesting, bicker!

"need" vs. "want"? Reasonable expectations vs. "special treatment"?

I have family in food service and I've done a few rounds myself...

Refilling when needed? Checking on how things are? "Pacing" the courses? The server obtaining what you asked for? These are are within normal, "expected" duties.

For me, plating a split entree in the kitchen, getting something from another kitchen or "extras" for my kids without asking is above and beyond my reasonable expectations and should be compensated accordingly. A server who can anticipate his or her customers' needs should be compensated and thus, the subtle needs that are met should be acknowledged verbally and financially.

 

[mickeyfan2]

Neither. I tip because I want to.

 

[Brian Noble]

I try to tip early, tip often, and tip well.

Extraordinary service is not about meeting my needs---that's minimal service. Extraordinary service is about fulfilling desires I didn't even know I had---the "hey, that was really nice" moments.

In other words, these are things I might not have thought to complain about when they don't happen, but I appreciate when they do happen.

If a server is working hard, but doing things I don't particularly like---for example, hovering when it's clear that I don't need anything at all---then I still tip well, but not "extra". I think of these as "sins of commission", and they are usually committed by servers who are new to the restaurant, and those people will get better.

The people who get "message tips" from me are the people who make mistakes *and* are clearly don't care all that much.

 

[bicker]

The "thought" counts in social situations, I agree, but not in business, IMHO, where performance is evaluated, not intent.

Bicker I'm not really sure what you mean, how would they know your tipping intentions ahead of time?

I meant what I wrote with the opposite actors. Earlier, raidermatt said he tips extra "if somebody is putting forth the extra effort for something". 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?

 

[bicker]

For me, plating a split entree in the kitchen, getting something from another kitchen or "extras" for my kids without asking is above and beyond my reasonable expectations and should be compensated accordingly.

But my point was really "What if you didn't want 'extras'?"

A server who can anticipate his or her customers' needs should be compensated and thus, the subtle needs that are met should be acknowledged verbally and financially.

Now you're talking!!! This is exactly the critical discriminator for me: It isn't enough for the server to "anticipate" what someone, somewhere might need -- I tip extra for anticipating my needs.

 

[kimysbug]

Definatly YES

I am so low maintence that I berrley need anything
so if I get an extra crumb I'm like WOOOOHOOOOO

 

[Brian Noble]

I see what you're getting at.

I have two axes of evaluation for a waiter. One: are they trying hard. Two: do they get it right. If they are trying hard and getting it right, meeting the desires I didn't know I had, they get an exceptional tip (over 20%).

If they get it right, but aren't trying hard, and don't really do more than meet my needs, then they get a good tip: between 15-20%.

If they are trying hard, but not quite getting it right, they also get a good tip, because often the things that aren't right aren't their fault. For example, a slow order may be the kitchen's fault, not the waiter's. And, if the water stops by a few times while I'm twiddling my thumbs to tell me that he's waiting for it too and will bring it to me as soon as it comes out, then he's trying hard.

Likewise, an improperly prepared order (cold food, overdone entree, etc.) isn't held against the waiter, as long as he returns shortly after delivering it (but after I've tried it) to make sure it meets my expectations. A really great waiter, though, will figure out that something isn't right just by looking, and will ask me right away if I'd like to have it sent back, rather than leaving to let me try it on my own. However, if I get something completely different from what I ordered---that's his fault, and it will show in his tip, even if he's "trying hard".

The sins of commission (hovering, etc.) aren't penalized (at least, not much---never below 15%), but aren't rewarded either.

However, if something goes wrong, *and* you don't care, then you can expect that 25-cent tip. I've only done this a handful of times, but when I do, you've really screwed up.

 

[Brian Noble]

bicker: can you give an example of the sort of "trying hard, but doesn't matter" thing you are thinking of?

 

[bicker]

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.

 

[Cruz Family]

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.

That sure would work if I was thinking "Boy I should have ordered fries"

 

[bicker]

Yup, and would fall flat if I'm struggling with my weight!

 

[melomouse]

LOL - 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.

On the matter of getting and tipping for a different kind of "extra" - I've had servers at WDW and elsewhere do many special things for my kids. While DD is quite charming and adorable, it is DS with his odd Asperger's ways that sometimes staff finds engaging. They WILL bring him both sauce and melted butter for his pasta without asking, for instance, because he had a hard time making a choice. When he loved red, servers brought him a stack of red napkins.

If it's a request I make FOR him, that's meeting the need. If the server can anticipate what DS wants, not only does he get an extra tip, but I ask if he/she would like to be adopted!!!