Tipping...can someone help a Brit out!

[Tinks1984]

Thank-you, thank-you!!

Great responses guys, helped me out lots, much appriciated!!

I'm thinking if we stick to the 15-20% of the bill depending on service (and 10% on our buffet meals) then we'll get on okay! I just don't want to be a 'frowned' upon Brit! Don't want to upset anyone!!

 

[ReggieB]

Thank-you, thank-you!!

Great responses guys, helped me out lots, much appriciated!!

I'm thinking if we stick to the 15-20% of the bill depending on service (and 10% on our buffet meals) then we'll get on okay! I just don't want to be a 'frowned' upon Brit! Don't want to upset anyone!!

You'll do fine! When I first moved here from UK, it was a real struggle to keep up with who to tip and who not to (postman & bin men at Christmas for example, can you imagine?)

I usually tip around 18%. Don't forget to tip $1 per bag if you use the bellhops/luggage folk at your hotel. Also $1 per person a day for housekeeping is usually the norm, though Disers will always debate that too!! Leave it each day, rather than at the end of your stay. None of it is obligatory though.

When the Dis gets into the tipping debate, I always remember that scene from Reservoir Dogs. I'm taking a trip to Japan next month, complete eye opener, you don't tip anyone! That'll take some getting used to!

 

[ZoZo]

Thank-you, thank-you!!

Great responses guys, helped me out lots, much appriciated!!

I'm thinking if we stick to the 15-20% of the bill depending on service (and 10% on our buffet meals) then we'll get on okay! I just don't want to be a 'frowned' upon Brit! Don't want to upset anyone!!

I think that's a great strategy. In my experience, 15% to 20% is the norm. I was surprised at how many people automatically leave 20% - I generally leave about 18% unless service is terrible. (Luckily, the local tax is 8.9%, so it's easy to figure out 18%!)

I was surprised at the poster who talked about another thread where a server thought 30% should be standard. Yikes!

 

[tinawv]

Taking off what you say here.........
When I am at Disney it is very clear to me that their prices on most (not all) table meals are over-inflated, while the service remains the same as anywhere else. So if I am paying them 15% on a tab that is already at least 30% higher than outside the world, servers are already getting more than their non-Disney counterparts. Example would be LTT dinner...$28 for a meal that I wouldn't pay more than $12 for outside the world. 15% tip for four of us is $16, and outside the world $7.20. So at Disney, I would be less inclined to leave above my 15% base. (No I do not figure in the characters as I can see them outside of LTT for free and don't feel we have gotten any more time with them inside the restaurant.)

At home I would normally start with 10% for buffet, 15% for full service and then I leave extra on that if my service was over and above. In a meal that is family style I may not leave extra because it is a set meal, left on my table for me to serve.

When we have been with DDP in the past they get an automatic 18%, some I felt were overpaid. Some I felt had done over and above and I leave an extra $5 or so, and one was so super nice to us that I left him $20 (so his tip was something like 40%). When we return with the DDP and we have to pay the tip, they will get my standard....and extra if earned.

Very good point.

 

[Springs1]

I also tip on the TOTAL bill, tax and all.

I AGREE 100% there.

And remember, as a former waitress I like to remind people that food quality is not the waitstaff's fault unless they give you attitude when you ask for replacements, etc.

Sorry, but you are SOOOOOOOOO VERY WRONG for the MOST PART, NOT ALWAYS, BUT MOST.

1. If the server puts in the order incorrectly into the computer, GUESS WHAT HAPPENS?
2. If the server FORGETS to put an order into the computer, GUESS WHAT HAPPENS?
3. If the server brings out the food(meaning NO OTHER SERVER IS INVOLVED) and there is something or things OBVIOUSLY(WITHIN SIGHT without having to TOUCH or TASTE the food to NOTICE THE MISTAKE) wrong or missing, then the SERVER is 100% at fault for "BRINGING" the food out incorrectly. A missing side dish, a missing side of ranch, a wrong entree, these are ALL COMPLETELY THE SERVER'S FAULT IF THEY BRING OUT THE FOOD as well as took the order. If I order a side of ranch, if my server brings me my food, they should COMPARE THAT WRITTEN ORDER WITH THE PLATE OF FOOD. If they did not write down the order, they are not caring and EXTREMELY LAZY, which is even MORE reason to tip lousy for a lazy server.

These things have happen to me and my husband before MANY TIMES.

Some things you cannot tell by sight such as a pickle under a bun, a burrito filling, a steak cooked medium well instead of well done, etc., you cannot just SEE that it's wrong, but MOST mistakes you CAN as long it is my server taking out the food to me. Also, ANY sides of condiments of ANY KIND can be brought out BEFORE the food is ready since they don't need cooking such as ranch, honey mustard, tartar sauce, mayo, mustard, a-1, etc., instead of depending on another server to READ the ticket and compare that ticket to the plate of food. I have had several servers throughout the years VOLUNTEER to take condiments to me no matter WHO took my food to me, because they CARED if they got my order correct at least as far as that was concerned. It does NOT take 15 or more minutes to get let's say a couple of sides of ranch for instance.

I will say that a person that just does not like the taste of the food, well that really has absolutely NOTHING to do with service at all, that's personal taste, unless the order is wrong. I have tried dishes before I absolutely hated, but I NEVER took it out on my server, because me not liking something has NOTHING to do with my server at all. I take out things that they can CONTROL, such as if they take my food to me, if there is a side dish wrong or missing or an entree wrong or missing condiments, for SURE I WILL take points off.

Them giving you "attitude" as you said to fix a situation has NOTHING at all to do with if the mistake was THEIR FAULT to begin with. If they give me attitude of any kind, they will receive nothing, because that's just plain mean and wrong. I have NEVER had a server refuse to fix a situation, but have had many more times where I was polite about the mistake and they REFUSE TO APOLOGIZE for it as if it's NOT THEIR FAULT, when those particular times it WAS. I DON'T CARE IF MY SERVER PUT IN THE ORDER CORRECTLY, BUT DELIVER IT WITH THINGS THEY CAN **SEE** ARE WRONG. I ordered my fries "lightly cooked", because Outback cooks their fries sooo dark, it's nasty tasting to me. I have had servers bring them cooked "lightly" before, so the cooks CAN do this. Our waitress brought out the food with my fries DARK as can be. I IMMEDIATELY(2-3 seconds of the plate hitting the table without TOUCHING A THING) tell her "I ordered my fries "lightly cooked", which her DEFENSIVE RESPONSE was "I put it on the ticket right," or something like that. I couldn't believe she told me that. I felt WAS SHE (((((((((((BLIND))))))))))))) that she couldn't **********SEE*********** these fries were EXTREMELY DARK BROWN. I even had told her "NOT OVERDONE" in my ORDERING DESCRIPTION WHEN I HAD ORIGINALLY ORDERED EVEN. Her tip was 12%. WHY? HER ATTITUDE GOT HER THAT. SO WHAT YOU PUT IN THE ORDER RIGHT? YOU TELL YOUR COOK TO RECOOK THE FRIES, BECAUSE THE CUSTOMER ORDERED THEM "LIGHTLY" COOKED. YOU DON'T EVER, EVER, EVER, BRING OUT FOOD WRONG YOU CAN *********SEE************ IS WRONG! My server is 100% responsible for "BRINGING" me my food to me as CORRECT AS THEY POSSIBLY CAN WITHOUT HAVING TO TOUCH OR TASTE MY FOOD TO NOTICE A MISTAKE.

I had another situation at a restaurant where my husband ordered 2 side dishes. At this restaurant, each side dish is a SEPARATE menu item as far as sandwiches went. Anyway, OUR WAITRESS brought out the food without my husband's baked potato and she even WROTE IT DOWN. Do you know what she stupidly did? For one thing, DIDN'T APOLOGIZE ONCE, which was SOOOOOO UNCARING AND MEAN. Another thing, she had the ticket on the tray and was looking at that when my husband NICELY mentioned he had ordered a baked potato INSTEAD of her WRITTEN ORDER. We have had servers before NOT put in the order correctly by FORGETTING to put in orders before or not pushing the correct buttons before, therefore, it's NOT on the TICKET, but ON THE WRITTEN ORDER INSTEAD(unless they really messed up by not writting it down correctly, which is more unlikely). Anyway, the uncaring waitress received 8%. WHY? THE WAY SHE HANDLED IT. That side dish should have been asked from the manager to be comped for forgetting it, since it was a major item, not like a condiment that is usually free. Secondly, she should have said "I am SO SORRY about that" , not even just a sorry, which she NEVER SAID ONE SORRY even. Thirdly, she should have COMPARED THAT WRITTEN ORDER IN THE KITCHEN ******************BEFORE***************************** SHE BROUGHT OUT THE FOOD OUT THE KITCHEN TO OUR TABLE TO BEGIN WITH. Her service was also kind of slow with the check and other things as well, so that's the tip she got. She was UNCARING and MEAN, SO WERE WE IN THE TIP. What goes around, comes around. Treat us the way YOU'D like to be treated as if YOU were the customer and we will treat you that way in the tip.

See, if I would have been that server, I would have NEVER brought out the food wrong to being with, but if I would have let's say for instance, I would have IMMEDIATELY said I was sorry. I would have looked at my WRITTEN ORDER, NOT the ticket, which I am guessing she probably STUPIDLY THREW IT AWAY. Thirdly, I would have asked my manager to comp at least a COKE off the customer's bill. I would have also apologized profusely even after I would have delivered the forgotten item. If she would have done all of that, she would have received at least 14% of the bill BEFORE the discount, since she would have tried to MAKE-UP for her mess up. I don't care if she put the order in 100% correctly, the fact is, THE SERVER is responsible for "BRINGING" the order out as correctly as possible. It's like DUH, if I order chicken, why are you bringing me a steak for example? The servers today seem to be SO LAZY AND UNCARING they cannot verify major food items even such as entrees and side dishes. Those are VERY IMPORTANT. We had a waiter that brought out mac & cheese when I ordered a baked potato. Being in all these situations, we were ONLY a party of 2, WHY getting these orders correct is such a task? Forgetting ranch is one thing, forgetting a major side dish that is missing or wrong or a wrong entree is getting ridiculous. I feel sometimes when things like that happen I should have given my order to the cooks PERSONALLY and GRABBED it out the kitchen, because the person BRINGING it to me(let's say is my server, not another server) doesn't verify what they HOPEFULLY WROTE DOWN as far as obvious mistakes are concerned that is.

When another server is involved, then if a side dish is missing, unless my server admits at fault, I won't fault THEM personally, but sorry, I will still tip accordingly, because it IS still PART OF MY SERVICE. If part of the service is not good, the tip will not be that good. I'd personally rather have my server bring me my food, because MOST of the time when another server brings the food out, it's NOT CORRECT, so I WAIT TO EAT ANYWAYS. Usually it's condiments that are forgotten such as mayo, mustard, and ranch. Those are IMPORTANT to a sandwich. The ranch is for the fries so I wouldn't order it ON the sandwich or burger. I like a little mustard, so the kitchen staff may put too much of what I actually want, so I rather put my OWN AMOUNT on myself. I like lots of mayo, so if I say "extra", some will think an extra teaspoon is enough, which for me, I probably put 2-3 TABLESPOONS of mayo on my burgers and sandwiches, so I ask for it on the side.

So quit saying food quality is not the server's fault, because MOST of the time it IS. It's very RARE that it's NOT the server's fault. If you just don't like your food, of course it's NOT the server's fault, because we all like and don't like different foods which has NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING, WHAT-SO-EVER to do with your server. If the mistake is cold food, but you know your server was not playing, that's NOT your server's fault. If the food is wrong such as missing chopped onions in a salad with covered ranch all over, meaning, the server could not SEE the onions were missing and they did not admit they put in the order wrong, then how could you fault them for that mistake when they couldn't SEE it was wrong as well as they put in the order correctly hopefully? As long as you cannot SEE the mistake, I will not fault the server unless they admit to me they messed up by putting in the order wrong into the computer.

Even if they don't give me attitude to replace the food, if they messed up, I tip according to HOW they HANDLED that mess up and HOW BIG the mess up is as well as MOST IMPORTANTLY, HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO FIX THE MESS UP IF IT WAS THEIR FAULT such as putting in the order wrong to being with or even a side ranch takes 5 minutes or more, that's getting to be a major mess up, when a missing side of ranch should take 1-2 minutes at the most.

Just understand that servers have LOTS of CONTROL over the food.

 

[KorieDWnut]

If they did not write down the order, they are not caring and EXTREMELY LAZY, which is even MORE reason to tip lousy for a lazy server.****

I just wanted to address this sentence. I always write everything down because I don't trust my memory..but I have worked places where they WANT their waitstaff not to rely on pen and paper. They want their waitstaff to memorize everything. I have worked one place that didn't allow servers to write things down. Their theory was that if you couldn't remember your table's order then it wasn't the right job for you.

 

[Mamu]

We use the DE Card. It figures in 18 % tip. If service is very good we will leave more.

I do think 15 to 20% is about right depending on the type of meal and service. Only had bad service once while at Disney.

 

[Springs1]

If they did not write down the order, they are not caring and EXTREMELY LAZY, which is even MORE reason to tip lousy for a lazy server.****

I just wanted to address this sentence. I always write everything down because I don't trust my memory..but I have worked places where they WANT their waitstaff not to rely on pen and paper. They want their waitstaff to memorize everything. I have worked one place that didn't allow servers to write things down. Their theory was that if you couldn't remember your table's order then it wasn't the right job for you.

I have heard of this before, which I feel that the restaurant owners that want to inforce not writing orders down actually get more mistakes happen in customer's dining experiences, therefore, give away money they may have not needed to in a comp for example as well as possibly losing customers to poor service.

I think MOST restaurant owners DO let the servers write down the orders and that is what I am going by. For me personally, I have never been a server, but I was counterhelp at a donut shop/diner for over 2 yrs off and on between 1998-2002, where even when I took ONE order without writing it down at the counter or booth for instance which I had already FORGOT some of what the person said when I got to the register that if they wanted cheese on their burger or wanted cajun or regular fries, so I just look at it from the fact that I couldn't remember one order very well just by memory alone that I feel MOST people are like me. I feel it is RARE to have a real good short term memory as far as taking customer's orders are concerned. I would think completely differently if my order would come out 100% correct most of the time when servers don't write the order down, which 99.9% of the time my order isn't written down, it comes out wrong somehow. It may be my husband's order messed up and not mine, but SOMETHING goes wrong. It usually is the server coming back to our table to ask "so what did you say" when they don't write the order down.

I don't feel it looks more professional to not write down the order. It really makes me WORRY about if my order will come out correct or not when I sometimes even asked a server to write down the order, even have given my OWN written order at times, which they refused, and of course the order comes out wrong.

I feel if the restaurant owner doesn't want you to write down the order, I wouldn't work there, because sooooo many more mistakes will end up happening more than likely. I feel what kind of tips you are going to make making more mistakes than what you could be?

For the restaurant owners that do let the servers write down the orders, if the server chooses not to write it down and it comes out wrong, it makes me take off more points off the tip for not at least TRYING to REMEMBER. Some restaurants I know for sure let servers write down orders from frequently going to the same restaurants, so if I see one server not writing it down the next time I go, I seriously doubt they all of a sudden changed their policy as well as I can take notice if other servers are writing down orders in the restaurant while I am there.

Writing the orders down doesn't EVER guarantee correct orders, but it sure does help some. The key is to REREAD the written order as well as write it, which me and my husband have had orders completely wrong or forgotten even when they were written down.

I really hate the restaurant owners that want servers not to write down orders. That is really frustrating as a frequent diner.

 

[marlynnp]

She's Baaaaaaaaaccckkkkk!

 

[loco4dis]

I AGREE 100% there.



Sorry, but you are SOOOOOOOOO VERY WRONG for the MOST PART, NOT ALWAYS, BUT MOST.

1. If the server puts in the order incorrectly into the computer, GUESS WHAT HAPPENS?
2. If the server FORGETS to put an order into the computer, GUESS WHAT HAPPENS?
3. If the server brings out the food(meaning NO OTHER SERVER IS INVOLVED) and there is something or things OBVIOUSLY(WITHIN SIGHT without having to TOUCH or TASTE the food to NOTICE THE MISTAKE) wrong or missing, then the SERVER is 100% at fault for "BRINGING" the food out incorrectly. A missing side dish, a missing side of ranch, a wrong entree, these are ALL COMPLETELY THE SERVER'S FAULT IF THEY BRING OUT THE FOOD as well as took the order. If I order a side of ranch, if my server brings me my food, they should COMPARE THAT WRITTEN ORDER WITH THE PLATE OF FOOD. If they did not write down the order, they are not caring and EXTREMELY LAZY, which is even MORE reason to tip lousy for a lazy server.

These things have happen to me and my husband before MANY TIMES.

Some things you cannot tell by sight such as a pickle under a bun, a burrito filling, a steak cooked medium well instead of well done, etc., you cannot just SEE that it's wrong, but MOST mistakes you CAN as long it is my server taking out the food to me. Also, ANY sides of condiments of ANY KIND can be brought out BEFORE the food is ready since they don't need cooking such as ranch, honey mustard, tartar sauce, mayo, mustard, a-1, etc., instead of depending on another server to READ the ticket and compare that ticket to the plate of food. I have had several servers throughout the years VOLUNTEER to take condiments to me no matter WHO took my food to me, because they CARED if they got my order correct at least as far as that was concerned. It does NOT take 15 or more minutes to get let's say a couple of sides of ranch for instance.

I will say that a person that just does not like the taste of the food, well that really has absolutely NOTHING to do with service at all, that's personal taste, unless the order is wrong. I have tried dishes before I absolutely hated, but I NEVER took it out on my server, because me not liking something has NOTHING to do with my server at all. I take out things that they can CONTROL, such as if they take my food to me, if there is a side dish wrong or missing or an entree wrong or missing condiments, for SURE I WILL take points off.

Them giving you "attitude" as you said to fix a situation has NOTHING at all to do with if the mistake was THEIR FAULT to begin with. If they give me attitude of any kind, they will receive nothing, because that's just plain mean and wrong. I have NEVER had a server refuse to fix a situation, but have had many more times where I was polite about the mistake and they REFUSE TO APOLOGIZE for it as if it's NOT THEIR FAULT, when those particular times it WAS. I DON'T CARE IF MY SERVER PUT IN THE ORDER CORRECTLY, BUT DELIVER IT WITH THINGS THEY CAN **SEE** ARE WRONG. I ordered my fries "lightly cooked", because Outback cooks their fries sooo dark, it's nasty tasting to me. I have had servers bring them cooked "lightly" before, so the cooks CAN do this. Our waitress brought out the food with my fries DARK as can be. I IMMEDIATELY(2-3 seconds of the plate hitting the table without TOUCHING A THING) tell her "I ordered my fries "lightly cooked", which her DEFENSIVE RESPONSE was "I put it on the ticket right," or something like that. I couldn't believe she told me that. I felt WAS SHE (((((((((((BLIND))))))))))))) that she couldn't **********SEE*********** these fries were EXTREMELY DARK BROWN. I even had told her "NOT OVERDONE" in my ORDERING DESCRIPTION WHEN I HAD ORIGINALLY ORDERED EVEN. Her tip was 12%. WHY? HER ATTITUDE GOT HER THAT. SO WHAT YOU PUT IN THE ORDER RIGHT? YOU TELL YOUR COOK TO RECOOK THE FRIES, BECAUSE THE CUSTOMER ORDERED THEM "LIGHTLY" COOKED. YOU DON'T EVER, EVER, EVER, BRING OUT FOOD WRONG YOU CAN *********SEE************ IS WRONG! My server is 100% responsible for "BRINGING" me my food to me as CORRECT AS THEY POSSIBLY CAN WITHOUT HAVING TO TOUCH OR TASTE MY FOOD TO NOTICE A MISTAKE.

I had another situation at a restaurant where my husband ordered 2 side dishes. At this restaurant, each side dish is a SEPARATE menu item as far as sandwiches went. Anyway, OUR WAITRESS brought out the food without my husband's baked potato and she even WROTE IT DOWN. Do you know what she stupidly did? For one thing, DIDN'T APOLOGIZE ONCE, which was SOOOOOO UNCARING AND MEAN. Another thing, she had the ticket on the tray and was looking at that when my husband NICELY mentioned he had ordered a baked potato INSTEAD of her WRITTEN ORDER. We have had servers before NOT put in the order correctly by FORGETTING to put in orders before or not pushing the correct buttons before, therefore, it's NOT on the TICKET, but ON THE WRITTEN ORDER INSTEAD(unless they really messed up by not writting it down correctly, which is more unlikely). Anyway, the uncaring waitress received 8%. WHY? THE WAY SHE HANDLED IT. That side dish should have been asked from the manager to be comped for forgetting it, since it was a major item, not like a condiment that is usually free. Secondly, she should have said "I am SO SORRY about that" , not even just a sorry, which she NEVER SAID ONE SORRY even. Thirdly, she should have COMPARED THAT WRITTEN ORDER IN THE KITCHEN ******************BEFORE***************************** SHE BROUGHT OUT THE FOOD OUT THE KITCHEN TO OUR TABLE TO BEGIN WITH. Her service was also kind of slow with the check and other things as well, so that's the tip she got. She was UNCARING and MEAN, SO WERE WE IN THE TIP. What goes around, comes around. Treat us the way YOU'D like to be treated as if YOU were the customer and we will treat you that way in the tip.

See, if I would have been that server, I would have NEVER brought out the food wrong to being with, but if I would have let's say for instance, I would have IMMEDIATELY said I was sorry. I would have looked at my WRITTEN ORDER, NOT the ticket, which I am guessing she probably STUPIDLY THREW IT AWAY. Thirdly, I would have asked my manager to comp at least a COKE off the customer's bill. I would have also apologized profusely even after I would have delivered the forgotten item. If she would have done all of that, she would have received at least 14% of the bill BEFORE the discount, since she would have tried to MAKE-UP for her mess up. I don't care if she put the order in 100% correctly, the fact is, THE SERVER is responsible for "BRINGING" the order out as correctly as possible. It's like DUH, if I order chicken, why are you bringing me a steak for example? The servers today seem to be SO LAZY AND UNCARING they cannot verify major food items even such as entrees and side dishes. Those are VERY IMPORTANT. We had a waiter that brought out mac & cheese when I ordered a baked potato. Being in all these situations, we were ONLY a party of 2, WHY getting these orders correct is such a task? Forgetting ranch is one thing, forgetting a major side dish that is missing or wrong or a wrong entree is getting ridiculous. I feel sometimes when things like that happen I should have given my order to the cooks PERSONALLY and GRABBED it out the kitchen, because the person BRINGING it to me(let's say is my server, not another server) doesn't verify what they HOPEFULLY WROTE DOWN as far as obvious mistakes are concerned that is.

When another server is involved, then if a side dish is missing, unless my server admits at fault, I won't fault THEM personally, but sorry, I will still tip accordingly, because it IS still PART OF MY SERVICE. If part of the service is not good, the tip will not be that good. I'd personally rather have my server bring me my food, because MOST of the time when another server brings the food out, it's NOT CORRECT, so I WAIT TO EAT ANYWAYS. Usually it's condiments that are forgotten such as mayo, mustard, and ranch. Those are IMPORTANT to a sandwich. The ranch is for the fries so I wouldn't order it ON the sandwich or burger. I like a little mustard, so the kitchen staff may put too much of what I actually want, so I rather put my OWN AMOUNT on myself. I like lots of mayo, so if I say "extra", some will think an extra teaspoon is enough, which for me, I probably put 2-3 TABLESPOONS of mayo on my burgers and sandwiches, so I ask for it on the side.

So quit saying food quality is not the server's fault, because MOST of the time it IS. It's very RARE that it's NOT the server's fault. If you just don't like your food, of course it's NOT the server's fault, because we all like and don't like different foods which has NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING, WHAT-SO-EVER to do with your server. If the mistake is cold food, but you know your server was not playing, that's NOT your server's fault. If the food is wrong such as missing chopped onions in a salad with covered ranch all over, meaning, the server could not SEE the onions were missing and they did not admit they put in the order wrong, then how could you fault them for that mistake when they couldn't SEE it was wrong as well as they put in the order correctly hopefully? As long as you cannot SEE the mistake, I will not fault the server unless they admit to me they messed up by putting in the order wrong into the computer.

Even if they don't give me attitude to replace the food, if they messed up, I tip according to HOW they HANDLED that mess up and HOW BIG the mess up is as well as MOST IMPORTANTLY, HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO FIX THE MESS UP IF IT WAS THEIR FAULT such as putting in the order wrong to being with or even a side ranch takes 5 minutes or more, that's getting to be a major mess up, when a missing side of ranch should take 1-2 minutes at the most.

Just understand that servers have LOTS of CONTROL over the food.

I'd say in your case a tip to the 50-100% range would be appropriate. Have a nice day.

 

[Hopefully]

Springs1 - What a RANT I suggest you "Get a Life"
To OP, Please ignore this rant, it is no where near representative of the majority. Sorry for the Hijack

 

[Deb & Bill]

I thought Leona Helmsley died last August.

 

[Tinks1984]

Springs1 - What a RANT I suggest you "Get a Life"
To OP, Please ignore this rant, it is no where near representative of the majority. Sorry for the Hijack

Totally ignoring all that Springs1 said, far too much said there for me to be interested to read. That and then there's nothing really in there relevant to what I asked in the first place!

Thank-you to everyone else who's answered my question though, it's been a helpful read

 

[mom2my3kids]

 

[boardom]

I'd say in your case a tip to the 50-100% range would be appropriate. Have a nice day.

 

[TaylorsDad]

I would say tip 15-20% if service is good to outstanding.
If the service is only so so tip 10-15%, and if the service is poor to awful DON'T tip. Great service that makes your dining experience "Magical" Should be rewarded, Poor service shouldnt.
And I don't think the waitstaff should be punished for things beyond his/her control,however a good waiter can usually tell if a patron is not having a pleasant dining experience and do what he or she can t make things right.
I once had a dreadful meal but the most delightful waitress who did every thing should could to make things right. Such as noticing we weren't pleased with the food and taking it back to be replaced and being very sympathetic to our disappointment. She received a tip well above the suggested 20% even though the kitchen never did deliver a decent meal.

 

[IHEARTNY]

I would say tip 15-20% if service is good to outstanding.
If the service is only so so tip 10-15%, and if the service is poor to awful DON'T tip.

I'm definitely one to be disgusted when people say "DON'T tip" I think it's uncalled for and pretty rude. I'm guessing though, that's just the difference in someone who's been a member of a wait staff before

Anyway, I understand that tips are part of a servers actual income so I don't want to really put them in throuble. And recently, in some restaurants (I don't know if this occurs at WDW) tips aren't just for the servers, they get split up by numerous other persons.

My base always starts out at 20%. Terrible service will go down to no less than 10% but excellent service: the tip will go up significantly.

I remember in San Francisco one time, my DH (then boyfriend) and I were at Johnny Rocket's just off of the Fisherman's Wharf, it was the busiet restaurant I had ever seen, ever! Anyway, our waitress was the best one I had ever seen and I am sad that I cannot remember her name but our drinks were never empty, she actually had a desirable personality in which we really enjoyed chatting with her, she came to let us know that the kitchen was getting backed up so our food was still going to be a little longer but in the mean time she brought us complimentary onion rings... everything was right about the situation. Our $47 bill was accompanied by a $20 tip

 

[TaylorsDad]

I'm definitely one to be disgusted when people say "DON'T tip" I think it's uncalled for and pretty rude. I'm guessing though, that's just the difference in someone who's been a member of a wait staff before

Anyway, I understand that tips are part of a servers actual income so I don't want to really put them in throuble. And recently, in some restaurants (I don't know if this occurs at WDW) tips aren't just for the servers, they get split up by numerous other persons.

My base always starts out at 20%. Terrible service will go down to no less than 10% but excellent service: the tip will go up significantly.

I remember in San Francisco one time, my DH (then boyfriend) and I were at Johnny Rocket's just off of the Fisherman's Wharf, it was the busiet restaurant I had ever seen, ever! Anyway, our waitress was the best one I had ever seen and I am sad that I cannot remember her name but our drinks were never empty, she actually had a desirable personality in which we really enjoyed chatting with her, she came to let us know that the kitchen was getting backed up so our food was still going to be a little longer but in the mean time she brought us complimentary onion rings... everything was right about the situation. Our $47 bill was accompanied by a $20 tip

I said if service is AWFUL don't tip. I just don't think lousy service should be rewarded at all. When we reward lousy service it gives the waitstaff no incentive to please their patrons. Why should I reward someone if they ignore my dining needs or requests. But Remember,I said truly great service should be rewarded appropriately, Yes even if the meal isn't up to par.

 

[DarthKTrava]

Totally ignoring all that Springs1 said, far too much said there for me to be interested to read. That and then there's nothing really in there relevant to what I asked in the first place!

Thank-you to everyone else who's answered my question though, it's been a helpful read

Some people just like to hijack a thread to gripe about every little thing! Those kinds of people should JUST EAT AT HOME IF THEY'RE GONNA BE SO BLOOMIN' PICKY!!!!!

Hope your trip to Disney is MAGICAL!!!!

 

[DiszyDean]

I AGREE 100% there.



Sorry, but you are SOOOOOOOOO VERY WRONG for the MOST PART, NOT ALWAYS, BUT MOST.

1. If the server puts in the order incorrectly into the computer, GUESS WHAT HAPPENS?
2. If the server FORGETS to put an order into the computer, GUESS WHAT HAPPENS?
3. If the server brings out the food(meaning NO OTHER SERVER IS INVOLVED) and there is something or things OBVIOUSLY(WITHIN SIGHT without having to TOUCH or TASTE the food to NOTICE THE MISTAKE) wrong or missing, then the SERVER is 100% at fault for "BRINGING" the food out incorrectly. A missing side dish, a missing side of ranch, a wrong entree, these are ALL COMPLETELY THE SERVER'S FAULT IF THEY BRING OUT THE FOOD as well as took the order. If I order a side of ranch, if my server brings me my food, they should COMPARE THAT WRITTEN ORDER WITH THE PLATE OF FOOD. If they did not write down the order, they are not caring and EXTREMELY LAZY, which is even MORE reason to tip lousy for a lazy server.

These things have happen to me and my husband before MANY TIMES.

Some things you cannot tell by sight such as a pickle under a bun, a burrito filling, a steak cooked medium well instead of well done, etc., you cannot just SEE that it's wrong, but MOST mistakes you CAN as long it is my server taking out the food to me. Also, ANY sides of condiments of ANY KIND can be brought out BEFORE the food is ready since they don't need cooking such as ranch, honey mustard, tartar sauce, mayo, mustard, a-1, etc., instead of depending on another server to READ the ticket and compare that ticket to the plate of food. I have had several servers throughout the years VOLUNTEER to take condiments to me no matter WHO took my food to me, because they CARED if they got my order correct at least as far as that was concerned. It does NOT take 15 or more minutes to get let's say a couple of sides of ranch for instance.

I will say that a person that just does not like the taste of the food, well that really has absolutely NOTHING to do with service at all, that's personal taste, unless the order is wrong. I have tried dishes before I absolutely hated, but I NEVER took it out on my server, because me not liking something has NOTHING to do with my server at all. I take out things that they can CONTROL, such as if they take my food to me, if there is a side dish wrong or missing or an entree wrong or missing condiments, for SURE I WILL take points off.

Them giving you "attitude" as you said to fix a situation has NOTHING at all to do with if the mistake was THEIR FAULT to begin with. If they give me attitude of any kind, they will receive nothing, because that's just plain mean and wrong. I have NEVER had a server refuse to fix a situation, but have had many more times where I was polite about the mistake and they REFUSE TO APOLOGIZE for it as if it's NOT THEIR FAULT, when those particular times it WAS. I DON'T CARE IF MY SERVER PUT IN THE ORDER CORRECTLY, BUT DELIVER IT WITH THINGS THEY CAN **SEE** ARE WRONG. I ordered my fries "lightly cooked", because Outback cooks their fries sooo dark, it's nasty tasting to me. I have had servers bring them cooked "lightly" before, so the cooks CAN do this. Our waitress brought out the food with my fries DARK as can be. I IMMEDIATELY(2-3 seconds of the plate hitting the table without TOUCHING A THING) tell her "I ordered my fries "lightly cooked", which her DEFENSIVE RESPONSE was "I put it on the ticket right," or something like that. I couldn't believe she told me that. I felt WAS SHE (((((((((((BLIND))))))))))))) that she couldn't **********SEE*********** these fries were EXTREMELY DARK BROWN. I even had told her "NOT OVERDONE" in my ORDERING DESCRIPTION WHEN I HAD ORIGINALLY ORDERED EVEN. Her tip was 12%. WHY? HER ATTITUDE GOT HER THAT. SO WHAT YOU PUT IN THE ORDER RIGHT? YOU TELL YOUR COOK TO RECOOK THE FRIES, BECAUSE THE CUSTOMER ORDERED THEM "LIGHTLY" COOKED. YOU DON'T EVER, EVER, EVER, BRING OUT FOOD WRONG YOU CAN *********SEE************ IS WRONG! My server is 100% responsible for "BRINGING" me my food to me as CORRECT AS THEY POSSIBLY CAN WITHOUT HAVING TO TOUCH OR TASTE MY FOOD TO NOTICE A MISTAKE.

I had another situation at a restaurant where my husband ordered 2 side dishes. At this restaurant, each side dish is a SEPARATE menu item as far as sandwiches went. Anyway, OUR WAITRESS brought out the food without my husband's baked potato and she even WROTE IT DOWN. Do you know what she stupidly did? For one thing, DIDN'T APOLOGIZE ONCE, which was SOOOOOO UNCARING AND MEAN. Another thing, she had the ticket on the tray and was looking at that when my husband NICELY mentioned he had ordered a baked potato INSTEAD of her WRITTEN ORDER. We have had servers before NOT put in the order correctly by FORGETTING to put in orders before or not pushing the correct buttons before, therefore, it's NOT on the TICKET, but ON THE WRITTEN ORDER INSTEAD(unless they really messed up by not writting it down correctly, which is more unlikely). Anyway, the uncaring waitress received 8%. WHY? THE WAY SHE HANDLED IT. That side dish should have been asked from the manager to be comped for forgetting it, since it was a major item, not like a condiment that is usually free. Secondly, she should have said "I am SO SORRY about that" , not even just a sorry, which she NEVER SAID ONE SORRY even. Thirdly, she should have COMPARED THAT WRITTEN ORDER IN THE KITCHEN ******************BEFORE***************************** SHE BROUGHT OUT THE FOOD OUT THE KITCHEN TO OUR TABLE TO BEGIN WITH. Her service was also kind of slow with the check and other things as well, so that's the tip she got. She was UNCARING and MEAN, SO WERE WE IN THE TIP. What goes around, comes around. Treat us the way YOU'D like to be treated as if YOU were the customer and we will treat you that way in the tip.

See, if I would have been that server, I would have NEVER brought out the food wrong to being with, but if I would have let's say for instance, I would have IMMEDIATELY said I was sorry. I would have looked at my WRITTEN ORDER, NOT the ticket, which I am guessing she probably STUPIDLY THREW IT AWAY. Thirdly, I would have asked my manager to comp at least a COKE off the customer's bill. I would have also apologized profusely even after I would have delivered the forgotten item. If she would have done all of that, she would have received at least 14% of the bill BEFORE the discount, since she would have tried to MAKE-UP for her mess up. I don't care if she put the order in 100% correctly, the fact is, THE SERVER is responsible for "BRINGING" the order out as correctly as possible. It's like DUH, if I order chicken, why are you bringing me a steak for example? The servers today seem to be SO LAZY AND UNCARING they cannot verify major food items even such as entrees and side dishes. Those are VERY IMPORTANT. We had a waiter that brought out mac & cheese when I ordered a baked potato. Being in all these situations, we were ONLY a party of 2, WHY getting these orders correct is such a task? Forgetting ranch is one thing, forgetting a major side dish that is missing or wrong or a wrong entree is getting ridiculous. I feel sometimes when things like that happen I should have given my order to the cooks PERSONALLY and GRABBED it out the kitchen, because the person BRINGING it to me(let's say is my server, not another server) doesn't verify what they HOPEFULLY WROTE DOWN as far as obvious mistakes are concerned that is.

When another server is involved, then if a side dish is missing, unless my server admits at fault, I won't fault THEM personally, but sorry, I will still tip accordingly, because it IS still PART OF MY SERVICE. If part of the service is not good, the tip will not be that good. I'd personally rather have my server bring me my food, because MOST of the time when another server brings the food out, it's NOT CORRECT, so I WAIT TO EAT ANYWAYS. Usually it's condiments that are forgotten such as mayo, mustard, and ranch. Those are IMPORTANT to a sandwich. The ranch is for the fries so I wouldn't order it ON the sandwich or burger. I like a little mustard, so the kitchen staff may put too much of what I actually want, so I rather put my OWN AMOUNT on myself. I like lots of mayo, so if I say "extra", some will think an extra teaspoon is enough, which for me, I probably put 2-3 TABLESPOONS of mayo on my burgers and sandwiches, so I ask for it on the side.

So quit saying food quality is not the server's fault, because MOST of the time it IS. It's very RARE that it's NOT the server's fault. If you just don't like your food, of course it's NOT the server's fault, because we all like and don't like different foods which has NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING, WHAT-SO-EVER to do with your server. If the mistake is cold food, but you know your server was not playing, that's NOT your server's fault. If the food is wrong such as missing chopped onions in a salad with covered ranch all over, meaning, the server could not SEE the onions were missing and they did not admit they put in the order wrong, then how could you fault them for that mistake when they couldn't SEE it was wrong as well as they put in the order correctly hopefully? As long as you cannot SEE the mistake, I will not fault the server unless they admit to me they messed up by putting in the order wrong into the computer.

Even if they don't give me attitude to replace the food, if they messed up, I tip according to HOW they HANDLED that mess up and HOW BIG the mess up is as well as MOST IMPORTANTLY, HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO FIX THE MESS UP IF IT WAS THEIR FAULT such as putting in the order wrong to being with or even a side ranch takes 5 minutes or more, that's getting to be a major mess up, when a missing side of ranch should take 1-2 minutes at the most.

Just understand that servers have LOTS of CONTROL over the food.

This is quite a rant over some overcooked fries and a missing side of ranch. Are there some bad servers in the world? Sure...Are there some impossible customers in the world? Case in point.