Tipping Advice from former waitgirl!

[Pixeldust Fairy]

Like I posted, I know that kids can be messy and more demanding than some. (Mine better not be or they won't go out to eat again.)
But, I did the job for so long that I can be more generous than some. Believe me, I always appreciated 20% (10% was the norm when I was waiting tables). Plus, as a bartender, you are always going to make that better drink for the $3 tip than for the .50 tip.

As a waitress, a lot of times just someone taking the moment to "tidy up" (stack their dishes) and say thank you and please for things, and not snapping your fingers at me was super great. I bet that is a biggie for many DW wait staff.

I too was a waitress for many years, I come from 3 generations of them. I have a problem with several things.

I have 4 children who never leave a mess at the table. I always stack up plates when we are finished and we always treat our server with kindness and respect. But on the flip side, servers DO NOT like to serve families. There is already a stereo type put on me when I walk into an establishment that says FAMILY=lousy tippers and messy obnoxious kids. And it shows in the way I am treated and served. Disney is a place where you will see lots of families, and I feel its a shame when the waitstaff has a bad attitude about waiting on a family. I always tip 18-20 percent every time I eat out, but I know that there are some that only tip 10% or maybe less. But thats how life goes and you knew the job when you took it. You knew the pay rate, and you knew that you would be dealing with families. It was ultimately your choice to take that job. So when waitstaff complains that they have to deal with all this I don't have any sympathy for them. I can give them an earfull on what I have to deal with on a daily basis in the Dry Cleaning business.

It seems like everyone thinks that they are entitled to the 18 or 20%.

 

[angelmav]

I have to say, I think we have a poster that is pulling everyones leg. Even the generous tippers on the dis think that 30% to start is out of line. I really do think these kind of threads do more damage than good to servers as they dont come off in too good a light.

On a personal note, I just recently I realized I am a bigger tipper than I thought since I always tip off the after tax amount. I bet that most do this in fact.

 

[Pixeldust Fairy]

I have to say, I think we have a poster that is pulling everyones leg. Even the generous tippers on the dis think that 30% to start is out of line. I really do think these kind of threads do more damage than good to servers as they dont come off in too good a light.

On a personal note, I just recently I realized I am a bigger tipper than I thought since I always tip off the after tax amount. I bet that most do this in fact.

You know I never thought of it, but I tip the taxed amount also. I always just look at the total and give the tip. I forgot tipping is pre tax.

 

[Mike N Kathy]

These tipping posts get more and more ridiculous

 

[schoen]

Lets just estimate on the low side. Say a server has 4 tables each hour. 2 tables are party of 2 ($50 bill) and 2 are party of 4 ($100 bill) thats $300. We''l say they work 5 hrs that day so thats $1,500. we''l go low and only give 10% tip thats $150 in tips for day times 5 days =$750 week times 52 weeks = $39,000 plus there hourly rate . And remember 2 things these are low estimates and WDW Dining is busy 365 days, it not like your baggage guy at a resort who during value season its slow and doens't get as many people and tips.

This is said as if this salary is some sort of absurdity Working at high end restaurants requires a lot of skill and good old fashioned hard work. Also, if a server is bringing home that much in tips they are paying out every cent of their paycheck towards taxes. Servers making this much money often owe the govt tax money (which is fine, they should have to pay taxes, they should be fired if they aren't claiming all their tips)

Bottom line, whether you are at big boy or California Grill, assume the tip (15-20%) as a cost of the meal. If you do not like the system stick to fast food or CS places. Places like panera and chipotle have made upscale CS an option. Go to these places if you don't want to tip.

 

[mom2my3kids]

I have to say, I think we have a poster that is pulling everyones leg. Even the generous tippers on the dis think that 30% to start is out of line. I really do think these kind of threads do more damage than good to servers as they dont come off in too good a light.

On a personal note, I just recently I realized I am a bigger tipper than I thought since I always tip off the after tax amount. I bet that most do this in fact.

You know I was thinking the same thing, you would think reading from the DIS boards all servers are millionaires.. Totally not true or at least in my part of southern Indiana..Heck today when a couple who's bill was only 13.20 left me over 7.00 I thought I won the lottery..

 

[TLSnell1981]

I have to say, I think we have a poster that is pulling everyones leg. Even the generous tippers on the dis think that 30% to start is out of line. I really do think these kind of threads do more damage than good to servers as they dont come off in too good a light.

On a personal note, I just recently I realized I am a bigger tipper than I thought since I always tip off the after tax amount. I bet that most do this in fact.

That was my first inclination.....but this always gets a lively debate....uh I mean conversation going.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

DF usually tips close to 30% when we eat out together. I usually tip 20% for good service, though I have tipped higher for great service, which seems to be quite often in Disney, where I'll tip 25% at some meals.

 

[Tricia1972]

DF usually tips close to 30% when we eat out together. I usually tip 20% for good service, though I have tipped higher for great service, which seems to be quite often in Disney, where I'll tip 25% at some meals.

I really think that's fantastic that there are so many good tippers out there, and I have no problem with people tipping well, and servers who are tipped well.

Like I said previously, my feathers only get ruffled when I sense entitlement from servers that they deserve a fantastic tip because they came to work and did the bare minimum that they had to do.

Tipping well is a very good thing!

 

[PrincessAurora]

Speaking as a former server:

First - everyone get off the 30% thing. The OP said in her post and also repeated that this is what SHE PERSONALLY uses as a base and deducts from there. She DID NOT say that everyone should use 30% as a standard.

Second - Yes we all pay taxes. Guess what? Servers are taxed on their tickets (8% of the total bill for each table) and their wages (usually minimum). What makes this unfair is that not all tipped jobs are taxed. Hairdressers, limo drivers, massage technicians, to name a few are not subjected to a minimum reporting of their services or fares by their employer. The government just assumes people cheat but with servers they have a way to get their cut. With other jobs, not so much.

Third - I don't expect more money for messy kids but it would be nice. I usually told the hostess not to put small children/babies in my section. (Sorry but I'd say 7 out of 10 of those tables were an issue. The sorry state of parenting.) However there were the times when a family would leave an unholy mess of soggy smashed saltines all over the table and the floor and the busboy would REFUSE to clean it. Therefore if I want another party at my table, guess who cleans it?

Fourth - I personally like the adage "Tell me what kind of tip you'll leave so I know what service to give you". It works in reverse as well "Tell me what kind of service you're going to give me so I know how much to tip." Though once the meal is over, you already know what kind of service you got. I could smile, be prompt, refill glasses, give great service and get stiffed or 10% for a table of 10. If I had known that, I wouldn't have worked so damn hard for you.

Fifth - I too am picky on service. I don't blame the waitress for the food. That is the chefs job but I do blame them for chatting in the side station for a long time when they should be working. Check your tables, ask if they want dessert, box food and get their check out quickly when they don't want anything else.

Sixth - I know that I had to split tips with the busboys and the bartender. I refused to tip the dishwashers since I tip who works directly for me. The busboys clear and set my tables, the bartender gets my drinks. When I tend bar, I tip the dishwashers since they wash and bring my glasses.

Whew. OK, I'm done. Don't agree with the 30% as a standard though she is entitled to it. Her point on the way servers work is dead on. Also what is really sad is that overall, women are the worst tippers. Especially "ladies that lunch" and I hate being lumped in with my gender since I tip well. Usually I mention that I use to wait tables and then my service improves. Ladies, don't be so damn cheap. Just because some guy isn't paying for your food doesn't mean you can't cough up a few extra bucks for your salad during your "ladies spa lunches".

 

[my3disneygirls]

This is why I wish I could negotiate with the server at the beginning. I'm always willing to pay a premium for good service.

If a client calls me at 5:30 and says they need something the next day, I'm a lot more willing to work another six hours with something approaching a smile on my face if it's a client that is generally nice to me and usually considerate of my time. If the client is always a demanding jerk I'm not nearly as happy about the situation. Of course the job still gets done, but I'm more likely to feel sullen about doing it. The waitperson is in a similar situation...it's not like he/she can just not serve your table if you're difficult. They still have to perform, but how they do the work is definitely something open to influence.

I agree with you there. I worked in retail for ages and if someone walked in acting like a complete jerk demanding things and demeaning me, they got crappy service. Anyone who was nice I did anything I could to make them happy. I would work with someone for two hours helping them select clothes, there is no way I want to invest that kind of time in someone who is belittling me.

Being an ex-waitress (many moons ago) and the Mom of a 3rd yr.(full time) college student who works evenings as a waiter....... I can't help but think......there are a whole lot of people who need to put on an apron and spend a few evenings as a server!!!! It's not as glamorous or profitable as it looks.

And to those of you who simply say...."If you don't like it, find a new career" .....some people, my son for instance, is limited in his job options, while attending college full time.

PS.....It's not easy being a "great" server....I remember, I sucked!!!

I don't think anyone feels that being a server is glamorous. People in the service industry work hard. I was a supervisor in a store and have had people trying to return used underwear. Or finding used tampons in the pockets of jeans or dirty diapers in the fitting rooms. At this particular job I had dealt with that and more for 9.00 an hour and that was one of my better jobs. Overall I spent over 10 years in retail management. I have all the respect in the world for anyone in retail or in food service, but just because you are a server does not mean you are entitled to a tip. I am very easy going, but if the server is rude or ignores us the tip will suffer.

 

[Pixeldust Fairy]

Ok, let me ask a question.

1. Waitress' or waiters get a lowered pay a little over 2 bucks per hour correct?

2. Bartenders, bus boys, and hostess' are paid at least minimum wage correct?

3. Why does the server have to share tips with these people? I never had to do this when I was a waitress, in any place I worked at.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Ok, let me ask a question.

1. Waitress' or waiters get a lowered pay a little over 2 bucks per hour correct?

2. Bartenders, bus boys, and hostess' are paid at least minimum wage correct?

3. Why does the server have to share tips with these people? I never had to do this when I was a waitress, in any place I worked at.

The minimum a server can be paid is $2.13 per hour.

Not every place pays this low. Bartenders often make below minimum wage also.

Bus persons make minimum wage.

It is customary for a server to tip out these positions because they are providing service as well. They normally only receive a very small
percentage of the gratuity.

 

[i3utterfli82]

Ok, let me ask a question.

1. Waitress' or waiters get a lowered pay a little over 2 bucks per hour correct?

2. Bartenders, bus boys, and hostess' are paid at least minimum wage correct?

3. Why does the server have to share tips with these people? I never had to do this when I was a waitress, in any place I worked at.

Bartenders do NOT get paid minimum wage. They get the same as the servers, between $2.13-$3.13 hours and tips.

Servers sometime have a "tip share" where they split a portion of their tips with the host/hostess and bartenders. It is usually a percent of their SALES so if they get crappy tips that night they could be walking away with way less than 15% of their sales (for example).

The have been many times we have tipped 30%. We start at 20% and go up, rarely do we ever tip less than 20% as in general we have good service and are very friendly with our servers so they treat us good in return. I agree if your child makes a mess a little extra tip is nice.

 

[crisi]

Bartenders do NOT get paid minimum wage. They get the same as the servers, between $2.13-$3.13 hours and tips.

Servers sometime have a "tip share" where they split a portion of their tips with the host/hostess and bartenders. It is usually a percent of their SALES so if they get crappy tips that night they could be walking away with way less than 15% of their sales (for example).

The have been many times we have tipped 30%. We start at 20% and go up, rarely do we ever tip less than 20% as in general we have good service and are very friendly with our servers so they treat us good in return. I agree if your child makes a mess a little extra tip is nice.

That all depends on the state you are in. Minimum wage laws for servers and bartenders vary by state. Reporting tip requirements are, however, federal and the same across all states. Also, tipping in cash makes fraud on tip shares really easy to do - you pick up fifteen from the table, pocket five and report ten.

 

[TLSnell1981]

My kids seldom made a big mess.....now DH on the other hand...... My grandmother always told me "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar"...and it's true. Sometimes a smile or a kind word can make all the difference...and that works both ways.

 

[i3utterfli82]

That all depends on the state you are in. Minimum wage laws for servers and bartenders vary by state. Reporting tip requirements are, however, federal and the same across all states. Also, tipping in cash makes fraud on tip shares really easy to do - you pick up fifteen from the table, pocket five and report ten.

2 things.

1. For Florida, server/bartenders make the $3.13 an hour, I am not sure about other states.

2. That is why tip share is based on sales not actually tips earned. Meaning if a server has $1000 in sales they might have a tip share of 3% and have to give $30 of their tips to split between hosts/bartender, rather than a % of tips earned. SO if they only make 10% of total sales that night they still would have to give $30 tip share and walk with $70.

 

[Matt71]

As a waitress, a lot of times just someone taking the moment to "tidy up" (stack their dishes) and say thank you and please for things, and not snapping your fingers at me was super great. I bet that is a biggie for many DW wait staff.

I always do this, it's not hard to tidy up and it gets the stuff out of my way. IMO keeping your waitress in a good mood makes for a better evening and better service when you need something you can't do yourself.

I do think 30% is a bit high, unless your waitress was super awesome. I don't feel it's my responsibility to pick up the slack of the cheapskates that didn't tip, but I don't have a problem with giving someone a little extra to put a smile on their face.

When we go in March/April we'll probably tip a little more knowing what a hard time the wait staff has been having with the changes to the DDP.

 

[TLSnell1981]

If you are going to stack your dishes...please....at least don't scrape the food into one plate. That is so unappetizing to the person at the next table! I won't tip more just because the "servers are having a hard time". They are not charity cases. I will tip well for good service.....a pleasant attitude gets you more. Actually, the attitude is the most important thing to me.

 

[Matt71]

That all depends on the state you are in. Minimum wage laws for servers and bartenders vary by state. Reporting tip requirements are, however, federal and the same across all states. Also, tipping in cash makes fraud on tip shares really easy to do - you pick up fifteen from the table, pocket five and report ten.

It's my understanding that Disney employees have to claim 8% on their taxes regardless of how much they were actually tipped. Not sure if it works that way everywhere, but that is what I've read.