Yes,they tax us on the tips that we report. We have to report credit card tips, but no one I know claims cash tips. The unfortunate thing is that when people under tip, we suffer for that as well. We have to tip out based on us getting 15% (which in this day and age is quite outdated. Tipping should be around 20% now). So, if I get a 10% or less tip, it's basically going to bussers and bartenders. I work in a place that 99% of payments are credit cards, so I'm claiming 15% of my tips. (I also usually make a lot more, but sometimes not) The restaurant computers do that for me.Quote:
Originally Posted by gabriel;2731591;
I don't agree that parties of less than 6 should have an automatic gratuity and I am betting that this particular restaurant will stop doing that pretty quick. People don't like it and they will start getting complaints. As for parties of 6 or more, they can really be a lot of work, especially when they all want separate checks, a lot of drinking, picky eaters, etc. Many times managers won't give you more tables because they want you to pay more attention to the bigger groups. So, absolutely I will add on a gratuity- (18% before tax). There have been a few times that I have taken a risk and taken the gratuity off- and got screwed. Never again. I do wish people would add on more to the tip, but often times they won't. What people don't realize that when we get bad tips, it's insulting and hurts our feelings. If the service is so bad, at least talk to a manager. Many times I have had people hand me the check book and say "Thanks- this was great- you were great- we will be back!" and then I end up with a 10% or less tip. That won't pay my bills and makes the patron look like the cheapskate he is. (in the restaurant biz there is a funny *rule* that if a guests gives you a verbal tip(like telling us how great everything was) chances are his monetary tips sucks. It's usually true)
I give great service and I've done waitress work for years so I know that I am good. I get compliments all of the time from my guests and I do usually make a higher than average tip. So knowing that I have made a guest feel welcome, and helped them enjoy their meal without too much fuss- it especially burns when the tip is substandard.
Again-if the service is so bad that you don't feel like they deserve a good tip- that is completely valid- but please talk with a manager! Leaving a tiny tip to *give the server a message* does not work. Many times the server has no idea they were bad and they just think you are a cheap ass who doesn't know how to tip! (there are far too many out there) If you at least speak with a manager, they can go back to the server and help them with their weaknesses to improve their performance. Also, remember that some things are out of the servers' control so if the food is taking a long time, don't automatically blame them. We don't have any control over the kitchen, but at the same time, the server should be speaking with you to let you know what is going on.