Tips for Servers: an Open Letter


To the Servers Who Fail To Earn Their Tips:

I have heard the rumors that women are poor tippers. Maybe there’s a grain of truth to that as a stereotype; I don’t know, I have never worked in the Food Service industry. Regardless of that stereotype or any other, and despite the hour at which a person might visit your place of work, here are some extra service tips you didn’t have to work for:

  • Even if you expect that a person might tip poorly, serve them as if they’ve already left you at 25% or more. Because, really, stereotypes are just social profiling and there will always be exceptions.
  • If my girlfriend and I show up at 10 PM, don’t be sour because we’re there “so late.” Especially if the establishment doesn’t close until 2 AM.
  • The easiest way to earn yourself a low tip is to fail to fill our drinks.
  • The easiest way to earn yourself a pathetic tip is to forget to fill our drinks after we’ve specifically asked for a refill! Come ON!
  • You never know when you’re being mystery shopped. You never know when your patron is an “off-duty” mystery shopper who “knows the ropes” and won’t hesitate in filling out a comment card or going online to fill out the “contact us” form. Either way, poor service could get back to your management. Likewise, exceptional service could be worth a LOT more than a good tip.

After two sub-par dining experiences in only four days’ time, I feel the need to put this out there. I know, everyone seems to be pinching pennies lately. I bet this is resulting in less eating out as a whole, lower average spending on individual restaurant visits, and possibly even lower tips in general. I am sure any of those factors can make working at a restaurant wearying.

But poor service is NOT going to fix the problem.

After all, I could be your next patron. And as a wife and mother, I appreciate, recognize and generously tip quality service: I’m in the same line of work.

But I don’t get tips for serving spaghetti or chicken nuggets with a smile.

I know it can be thankless work. I know it can wear you down. And I know what standards you’re being held to: chances are, as a mystery shopper, I have the checklist in my car.

So do us both a favor: serve me respectfully and efficiently. I’ll make it worth your time. Otherwise, I’ll satisfy your stereotype instead, and I’ll report the bad news.

Respectfully,

Brushed & Ticked Off

PS — For the record, it takes me more time to file a negative report than to say you gave stellar service. Please, if not for your own professional well being, serve me well to save me some time and effort.