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Tipping in the service industry

MilestoneMilestone Posts: 1,140
edited October 2008 in All Encompassing Trip
An article on MSN.com has prompted me to ask my fellow PJ fans their opinion. I have 2 questions:

1) When you call in a to-go order to a restaruant and go there to pick it up.......are you required to tip the person who rings you up and hands you the box of food?


2) If I order a Budweiser from a bartender, they crack the top open for me and hand me my bottle....why should I tip them? Bartenders make more than the $2.13 per hour a waitress makes.


I feel that the checkout person at the grocery store gave me more personal attention and provided me more of a service than my bartender....yet we don't tip the grocery store employee.
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Comments

  • petrocspetrocs Posts: 4,342
    1) No...no need..they did not serve you. If that was the case then you should tip the drive thru attendant.

    2) Because they opened the bottle and that is the job description...bottle opener guy / girl
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  • normnorm Posts: 31,146
    dunkman....paging dunkman :p:D


    i'll tip a bartender so he won't forget me....right? wrong? don't care....at a busy bar i'd rather spend an extra couple bucks to get better attention :)
  • MilestoneMilestone Posts: 1,140
    cutback wrote:
    dunkman....paging dunkman :p:D


    i'll tip a bartender so he won't forget me....right? wrong? don't care....at a busy bar i'd rather spend an extra couple bucks to get better attention :)


    Do you prefer to tip every time you get a drink? Or run a tab and tip at the end? There's a big difference:

    Let's say I have 6 beers at $4 each. My tab is $24.

    A 15% tip is $3.60 on the total tab.

    If I tip $1 each time, I've nearly doubled the bartender's total tip.
    11-2-2000 Portland. 12-8-2002 Seattle. 4-18-2003 Nashville. 5-30-2003 Vancouver. 10-25-2003 Bridge School. 9-2-2005 Vancouver.
    7-6-2006 Las Vegas. 7-20-2006 Portland. 7-22-2006 Gorge. 9-21-2009 Seattle. 9-22-2009 Seattle. 9-26-2009 Ridgefield. 9-25-2011 Vancouver.
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  • Jearlpam0925Jearlpam0925 Deep South Philly Posts: 17,143
    Milestone wrote:
    An article on MSN.com has prompted me to ask my fellow PJ fans their opinion. I have 2 questions:

    1) When you call in a to-go order to a restaruant and go there to pick it up.......are you required to tip the person who rings you up and hands you the box of food?


    2) If I order a Budweiser from a bartender, they crack the top open for me and hand me my bottle....why should I tip them? Bartenders make more than the $2.13 per hour a waitress makes.


    I feel that the checkout person at the grocery store gave me more personal attention and provided me more of a service than my bartender....yet we don't tip the grocery store employee.

    Hmmm, how do I approach this being that I am a bartender and used to wait tables....1) I don't tip if I'm picking up the food unless it's always great food and I know the people....This is because normally I wouldn't because I'm doing all the work....Now #2....Bartenders are only guaranteed their shift pays which are only usually in a range of $30-50...So just like waitresses they live off their tips...Also you don't have to drink at the bar, as you could drink at your place. And a lot of times, if they're a good bartender, they'll go out of their way to take orders, drinks, special requests, etc. etc. And more in part it's just the way it is...If you don't have the money to tip your bartender, then you shouldn't be at a bar.


    Anyways, since from being in the industry(and I know a lot of people feel this way that are), I know I over tip cause I know how much shit they have to put up with and how some nights you can make shit...If it's not a busy bar, I just tip at the end...Like say my bill is $50 - I'll tip $15-20...But that's just me. And if it's reeeally busy I'll leave a $1 or $2 for every beer I order just so I know I'll get served before anyone else.

    Either way - be human and JUST TIP YOUR BARTENDER.

    End rant. Thank you.
  • normnorm Posts: 31,146
    Milestone wrote:
    Do you prefer to tip every time you get a drink? Or run a tab and tip at the end? There's a big difference:

    Let's say I have 6 beers at $4 each. My tab is $24.

    A 15% tip is $3.60 on the total tab.

    If I tip $1 each time, I've nearly doubled the bartender's total tip.


    i really don't know....i never gave it much thought...i'm at a bar to have a good time not to do accounting ;):D
  • Motown322Motown322 Posts: 465
    These threads are usually good for finding out who the cheap fucks are... :D

    I agree: if you can't afford to properly tip your bartender (a dollar per drink at least, IMO), stay home and drink.
  • Jearlpam0925Jearlpam0925 Deep South Philly Posts: 17,143
    Motown322 wrote:
    These threads are usually good for finding out who the cheap fucks are... :D


    Hahahahahahahah! That's exactly how these things end!! Hahahahaha!! That's glorious!
  • CoopiaCoopia Posts: 31
    1) After working in restaurants for several years, I still don't think there is a set "rule" for this. If there is a designated "togo" person doing the job, they are almost definitely making over minimum wage. However, many times the bartender gets forced into doing this job, along with waiting on people and making drinks, therefore I usually throw a couple bucks at them.

    2) When I bartended about 4 years ago, I made $4 an hour. It was more than the servers made, but still not minimum wage. After that, I worked at nicer restaurants where the bartenders only made the $2.13 minimum. It is completely up to the restaurant what they want to pay the bartender, and more often than not their cheapness takes over.

    After having been out of the industry for a couple of years, I still can't bring myself to tip less than 20% unless the server is downright rude. I just see it as a "do unto others" type of thing. My wife and I don't really have that much money, and I always figure in a nice tip when deciding where I can afford to eat. I prescribe to the notion that if I can't afford to tip correctly, I can always eat fast food, or at home
  • AyedavanitaAyedavanita Posts: 1,443
    1. Don't tip unless it's a big order. Then I'm sure there is someone making sure you get everything and taking time to bag up a big order.

    2. I've always tipped so never thought about it. If I'm "at" the bar, I do a dollar a beer and if I'm hanging around but going to the bar to get another drink, I have a tab and tip at the end.
    "You think I got my eyes closed but I'm lookin' at you the whole fuckin' time..."
  • MilestoneMilestone Posts: 1,140
    Motown322 wrote:
    These threads are usually good for finding out who the cheap fucks are... :D

    I agree: if you can't afford to properly tip your bartender (a dollar per drink at least, IMO), stay home and drink.


    That's a pretty funny reaction.

    Here's my background. I've waited tables. I've had to split my tips with the kitchen/bartender. I know how that feels.

    I've been a cook and a dishwasher, so I've also been on the receiving end of the nightly "tip out" from the waitstaff.

    I can tell you that the bartenders almost go home with the most money after doing the least amount of work.

    As a waiter, I was furious that I had to tip out my bartender who made a decent hourly wage, got all the pussy, had pockets full of tips.
    11-2-2000 Portland. 12-8-2002 Seattle. 4-18-2003 Nashville. 5-30-2003 Vancouver. 10-25-2003 Bridge School. 9-2-2005 Vancouver.
    7-6-2006 Las Vegas. 7-20-2006 Portland. 7-22-2006 Gorge. 9-21-2009 Seattle. 9-22-2009 Seattle. 9-26-2009 Ridgefield. 9-25-2011 Vancouver.
    11-29-2013 Portland. 10-16-2014 Detroit. 8-8-2018 Seattle. 8-10-2018 Seattle. 8-13-2018 Missoula.  5-10-2024 Portland.  5-30-2024 Seattle.
  • Slip KidSlip Kid Posts: 1,175
    both questions no.

    Why should I? their doing their job
    I just don't trust anything that bleeds for five days and doesn't die.
  • Shawn Smith CollectiveShawn Smith Collective Posts: 986
    Milestone wrote:
    An article on MSN.com has prompted me to ask my fellow PJ fans their opinion. I have 2 questions:

    1) When you call in a to-go order to a restaruant and go there to pick it up.......are you required to tip the person who rings you up and hands you the box of food?


    No, you don't tip the cashier that rings you up. BUT - depending on the type of restaurant, you might want to tip a couple of bucks for the person that prepared it.

    For example, at a diner, when an order is called in, it's given to a server to prepare. This is the same server that's making less than minimum wage and depending on tips. The time s/he is taking to prep your order is less time on the floor tending to seated customers. With this in mind, a $2-$3 tip is well deserved. It doesn't need to be a 15-20% tip since the server isn't waiting on you and performing a full service job, but it's the right thing to do (in my opinion).

    However, if you're ordering at Chili's or a place similar to that, they often employ dedicated, salaried employees to handle their take-out orders. So you're not taking a server off the floor and cutting into their potential to earn higher tips by better servicing their tables.

    As for bartenders...I don't drink, but when I order a drink for my wife and a soda for myself, I'll leave a dollar + the loose change.


    Edit: just to put it out there...I tip 20% for servers and $2+change for food delivery (more depending on circumstances like weather or order size).
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  • Jearlpam0925Jearlpam0925 Deep South Philly Posts: 17,143
    Slip Kid wrote:
    both questions no.

    Why should I? their doing there job

    That's damn cold, son....I really don't get this outlook. Try getting a job as a bartender then talk to me...

    And yes, the only time I'm not tipping or leaving a terrible tip is if they're downright terrible...Funny story - One time in LA when we went to the Rainbow Room, cause my buddy is a huge hair metal fan, I was trying to order drinks and it took forever for the chick to notice me even though the place was dead on a Wednesday night because Powerman 5000 was there - ooooohhh wow that's sooo cool(hope you get the sarcasm)...but finally I got up there and ordered some beers and we also wanted to get fucked up so I ordered the three 3 Wisemen's...The friggin broad, at a popular bar mind you, didn't know how to make it! So I took whatever she gave me, paid my tab, STILL tipped her $20, but wrote on the tab slip "Learn how to fucking bartend." Talked to Judd Nelson while I waited for drinks and he played the megatouch, so that was cool...
  • CoopiaCoopia Posts: 31
    Slip Kid wrote:
    both questions no.

    Why should I? their doing their job


    And this would be example #1 of doing the exact opposite of my "Do unto others" philosophy.

    These people are doing their jobs which give them a discounted rate of pay, because it is a SERVICE industry where tips are an expected and necessary part of their income (which starts well below minimum wage). I understand that this is not how it works in places other than America, so if we are talking about other countries who pay a good starting wage, that is a discussion for another thread.

    I have also heard people talk about how dumb the system is that allows the restaurants to pass the costs (of paying staff) on to the customer. The employees don't set the policy, so taking your cheapness out on them doesn't prove anything to "the man", it just makes it harder for that server to make their house payment.

    PS. On that last note, the best way to get back at the industry for suggesting you tip would be to stop spending money to eat at these restaurants. Seems like that would make everyone happier, except for the restaurants, who would be losing profits.
  • Vedderlution_BabyVedderlution_Baby Posts: 2,535
    Coopia wrote:
    And this would be example #1 of doing the exact opposite of my "Do unto others" philosophy.

    These people are doing their jobs which give them a discounted rate of pay, because it is a SERVICE industry where tips are an expected and necessary part of their income (which starts well below minimum wage). I understand that this is not how it works in places other than America, so if we are talking about other countries who pay a good starting wage, that is a discussion for another thread.

    I have also heard people talk about how dumb the system is that allows the restaurants to pass the costs (of paying staff) on to the customer. The employees don't set the policy, so taking your cheapness out on them doesn't prove anything to "the man", it just makes it harder for that server to make their house payment.


    And if someone takes this approach, they'll be remembered next time they come in and treated in the proper manner.
  • Slip KidSlip Kid Posts: 1,175
    Coopia wrote:
    And this would be example #1 of doing the exact opposite of my "Do unto others" philosophy.

    These people are doing their jobs which give them a discounted rate of pay, because it is a SERVICE industry where tips are an expected and necessary part of their income (which starts well below minimum wage). I understand that this is not how it works in places other than America, so if we are talking about other countries who pay a good starting wage, that is a discussion for another thread.

    I have also heard people talk about how dumb the system is that allows the restaurants to pass the costs (of paying staff) on to the customer. The employees don't set the policy, so taking your cheapness out on them doesn't prove anything to "the man", it just makes it harder for that server to make their house payment.

    PS. On that last note, the best way to get back at the industry for suggesting you tip would be to stop spending money to eat at these restaurants. Seems like that would make everyone happier, except for the restaurants, who would be losing profits.

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    my philosophy
    I just don't trust anything that bleeds for five days and doesn't die.
  • wolfbearwolfbear Posts: 3,965
    What I do:
    #1 - If there is a tip jar, I leave a tip.
    #2 - Either $1.00 per drink, or 20% on a tab. :)
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  • failedpersephonefailedpersephone Posts: 3,424
    Oh my god...did you start a thread on tipping????


    *shhhhhhh! don't let the Scotsman see this!!!
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  • madtowndavemadtowndave Minneapolis, MN Posts: 4,013
    1. I often tip for to go orders, especially if they are ready ON TIME!!! What I don't really understand is walking into a place like Jimmy John's, paying with my debit card, and there being a tip line. I understand that it is there because they deliver, but it is annoying. There isn't a tip line at Taco Hell, Mickey D's...etc...

    2. I usually tip a buck a drink, and I have only stiffed one bartender in my life---at the Detroit airport. He was one of the largest db's I have ever encountered in the service industry. I put my tip on the bar, listened to him berate some customers for no reason behind their back, then curse a blue streak. I had already put my tip on the bar, when he looked at me, I picked it back up and left.

    If you don't want to tip....eat/ drink at home.
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  • _Crazy_Mary__Crazy_Mary_ Posts: 1,299
    I am both a waitress & a former bartender.

    1. No need to tip on to-go food, although in the restaurant where I work it goes straight to the kitchen staff & I know they appreciate it.

    2. If you are ordering a Budweiser, we don't expect more than a quarter from you.... :rolleyes: But to all other drinkers: at least a buck a drink!
    I really screwed that up. I really Schruted it.
  • jezebeloriajezebeloria Posts: 600
    _Crazy_Mary_ wrote:
    I am both a waitress & a former bartender.

    1. No need to tip on to-go food, although in the restaurant where I work it goes straight to the kitchen staff & I know they appreciate it.

    2. If you are ordering a Budweiser, we don't expect more than a quarter from you.... :rolleyes: But to all other drinkers: at least a buck a drink!

    LOL...luv the Bud comment! I have been in the restaurant industry for 23 years now... 1st 3 serving, 17 in mgmt, and the last 3 serving once again. Couldnt wait to go back to serving. I only tip 1 place on togos and that's because I know the servers answer the phone and punch in the order. Imo if they make the effort to answer the phone then they deserve a couple bucks. If the service is up to par(except my par is kinda high cause I know I am a great server! :p ) I tip 20% on a tab...possibly more if it is warranted. Or I am a lil tipsy! :o What people don't seem to understand is that those tips pay our bills, keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. (Oh, and beer in our glasses! )

    On a side note...nothing pisses me off more than people who "camp" at a table. :mad: If you intend to sit at a servers table for more than 1 turn you need to tip accordingly!!! The more tables I turn the more money I make. Please keep that in mind when all of you are dining out. Server PSA for the day. :D Thank you for listening.
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  • TerryibleTerryible Posts: 462
    Coming from New Zealand we don't tip.
    Since I have moved to the UK I tip for most things restaurants, taxis etc, but if I go to a bar for a drink I usually don’t tip, unless the services is very good, which in London is very unlikely.
    When I move back home I will continue to tip
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  • Heineken HelenHeineken Helen Posts: 18,095
    Vedderlution_Baby! wrote:
    And if someone takes this approach, they'll be remembered next time they come in and treated in the proper manner.
    Isn't it your job to treat them in the proper manner ANYWAY????? Ah I love tipping threads... SUCH bullshit. FOR the record I'm a very generous tipper if the service is Average+ (even here and at home where it's NOT really done) BUT I don't want to be told i HAVE to tip if the service is rude. I don't even care about whether it's efficient or not... but I'm big on manners!
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  • Heineken HelenHeineken Helen Posts: 18,095
    jezebeloria wrote:
    Imo if they make the effort to answer the phone then they deserve a couple bucks.
    :D again though... isn't this simply their job? If I'm working at a call centre being paid fuck all, I don't 'deserve a couple of bucks' cos I bothered to answer the phone :D
    The Astoria??? Orgazmic!
    Verona??? it's all surmountable
    Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
    Wembley? We all believe!
    Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
    Chicago 07? And love
    What a different life
    Had I not found this love with you
  • JennytreeJennytree Posts: 5,340
    Jearlpam0925 wrote:

    Either way - be human IN AMERICA and JUST TIP YOUR BARTENDER.

    Fixed your post there.

    Why doesn't your government raise the minimum wage?
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  • Heineken HelenHeineken Helen Posts: 18,095
    Jennytree wrote:
    Fixed your post there.

    Why doesn't your government raise the minimum wage?
    Oooh cos then going out for a meal will have to cost $10,000 as we only know too well in Europe :p
    The Astoria??? Orgazmic!
    Verona??? it's all surmountable
    Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
    Wembley? We all believe!
    Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
    Chicago 07? And love
    What a different life
    Had I not found this love with you
  • Vedderlution_BabyVedderlution_Baby Posts: 2,535
    Heineken Helen wrote:
    Isn't it your job to treat them in the proper manner ANYWAY????? Ah I love tipping threads... SUCH bullshit. FOR the record I'm a very generous tipper if the service is Average+ (even here and at home where it's NOT really done) BUT I don't want to be told i HAVE to tip if the service is rude. I don't even care about whether it's efficient or not... but I'm big on manners!


    I do treat them in a proper manner then entire time they're sitting at one of my tables, up until the time they walk their asses out the door. But if they fail to leave a tip and then come back, I'm not busting my ass for them like I did the first time when I could be focusing on other tables that will tip. I'm not going to spit in their food or some shit like that, but I'm not going to go out of my way to make sure that they get A+ service.


    And I think there might have been some confusion on "proper manner".
  • Heineken HelenHeineken Helen Posts: 18,095
    Vedderlution_Baby! wrote:
    I do treat them in a proper manner then entire time they're sitting at one of my tables, up until the time they walk their asses out the door. But if they fail to leave a tip and then come back, I'm not busting my ass for them like I did the first time when I could be focusing on other tables that will tip. I'm not going to spit in their food or some shit like that, but I'm not going to go out of my way to make sure that they get A+ service.


    And I think there might have been some confusion on "proper manner".
    How is that in your employers best interest though? You should be glad to have a job the way the economies are going! If you agree to accept a job, I don't think it's up to you which client's you serve quicker than others... it's a ridiculous way of doing things. And if the government had it like it is everywhere else this wouldn't even be a thread.
    The Astoria??? Orgazmic!
    Verona??? it's all surmountable
    Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
    Wembley? We all believe!
    Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
    Chicago 07? And love
    What a different life
    Had I not found this love with you
  • Jason PJason P Posts: 19,158
    1) No tip for carry out. You are not dining or being waited on.

    2) $1 tip for the bartender cracking the beer. This is good for karma and it will also ensure that you get you next beer quickly.
    Be Excellent To Each Other
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  • Solat13Solat13 Posts: 6,996
    Milestone wrote:
    Do you prefer to tip every time you get a drink? Or run a tab and tip at the end? There's a big difference:

    Let's say I have 6 beers at $4 each. My tab is $24.

    A 15% tip is $3.60 on the total tab.

    If I tip $1 each time, I've nearly doubled the bartender's total tip.


    As an ex bartender, if you left me $3.60 on a $24 dollar tab, you would be one of the last people I served the next time you came in.
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