Hey Dev,
My boyfriend is a tightwad. He insists on paying 12% for a tip, regardless of the quality of service. What amount do you think is sufficient?
– Jen
Dear Jen,
Servers have a tough job. They have to keep up with constant demands from multiple tables, deal with the kitchen, bite their tongues with rude customers, contend with poor base pay, and somehow show an upbeat attitude. For exceptional service, 20%+ is called for; decent service 15-20%. On the other hand, subpar service and a bad attitude shouldn’t be rewarded either; such cases would warrant a tip less than 15% (sometimes much less). A patron shouldn’t have to pay to have a bad time thanks to a server needing an attitude adjustment. Nor should a server be penalized for circumstances beyond his or her control, such as a slow kitchen or poor food quality. Tell your boyfriend that if he continues to pay 12% for decent service, then he’s going to end up being served by Hell’s minions – well done!
[Note: Dev the Dining Devil mysteriously disappeared into parts unknown and therefore we’re no longer able to continue this feature.]
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