Rant & Rave for Friday, April 3, 2009

It is ridiculous that 15 years ago the hourly wage for servers was $2.13 per hour and it still is today.

[sherry]

it is a shame that people in the city of Lakeland don't know how to tip. We as customers need to rememeber that out servers are working for tips they don't earn minimum wage they only get $2.13 an hour.Put yourself in their place they make their pay off of us and at least they are working not sitting at the house living off of our taxes. SO PLEASE BE KIND WHEN TIPPING YOUR SERVER

[scoobys shadow]

sherry wrote:

it is a shame that people in the city of Lakeland don't know how to tip. We as customers need to rememeber that out servers are working for tips they don't earn minimum wage they only get $2.13 an hour.Put yourself in their place they make their pay off of us and at least they are working not sitting at the house living off of our taxes. SO PLEASE BE KIND WHEN TIPPING YOUR SERVER

I think the problem is nation wide. I also think a tip should be earned, not freely given if a server hasn't done a good job. I wouldn't get paid a bonus if I didn't earn it, and that's the way I feel. However, I am a very good tipper if I have gotten good service under the circumstances.

[little eddie1]

You tell her

[Ichoosetolive]

This post is humorous to me only because I had long considered posting about proper tipping because I work in the delivery business.
Same as with servers, delivery drivers typically make less than minimum and are forced to make up the difference out of their tips. Add that in with the fact that they pay their own gas (except for whatever they get out of the delivery charge, which in most cases is half or less than the charge) and use their own personal vehicles. All too often when a driver gets stiffed on their tip, they just in effect PAID you to bring you your food.
Some other things people may not know about tipping/delivery:
1) NEVER let your children pay for the food. I know you think they're little angels but kids are notorious for stealing tips.
2) Most drivers do not carry coin change and if you intend to pay with a large bill you should let the store know so they can send the driver out with the proper amount of change. Also, some places will not under any circumstances send their driver out with more than $20 after dark. This is due to safety reasons and we apologize for any inconvienience.
3) Try to tip in cash when you can, credit tips are taxed automatically.
4) Drivers remember who takes care of them, and being a generous tipper will ensure that each and every time you get priority treatment.
5) Delivery places are typically understaffed with rotating in and out drivers answering phones. Please don't be mad at us when we have to put you on hold. I hate being put on hold too, but I'm also sure the other two people ahead of you who have been waiting patiently don't really like being on hold either.
6) If the service was bad, you as a customer have the right to withhold the tip, but we know when you have a valid reason and when you're just trying to weasel your way out of two extra dollars for a twenty dollar order.
7) As someone who also has been a cook at delivery places I can say from experiences that I know that you are the reason I have a place to live and receive a paycheck every week but other than bad service there really is no valid reason not to tip the people who bring you your food so...
8) If tipping is that big of an issue for you, please order your food for carry-out.:D

[scoobys shadow]

Ichoosetolive wrote:

This post is humorous to me only because I had long considered posting about proper tipping because I work in the delivery business.
Same as with servers, delivery drivers typically make less than minimum and are forced to make up the difference out of their tips. Add that in with the fact that they pay their own gas (except for whatever they get out of the delivery charge, which in most cases is half or less than the charge) and use their own personal vehicles. All too often when a driver gets stiffed on their tip, they just in effect PAID you to bring you your food.
Some other things people may not know about tipping/delivery:
1) NEVER let your children pay for the food. I know you think they're little angels but kids are notorious for stealing tips.
2) Most drivers do not carry coin change and if you intend to pay with a large bill you should let the store know so they can send the driver out with the proper amount of change. Also, some places will not under any circumstances send their driver out with more than $20 after dark. This is due to safety reasons and we apologize for any inconvienience.
3) Try to tip in cash when you can, credit tips are taxed automatically.
4) Drivers remember who takes care of them, and being a generous tipper will ensure that each and every time you get priority treatment.
5) Delivery places are typically understaffed with rotating in and out drivers answering phones. Please don't be mad at us when we have to put you on hold. I hate being put on hold too, but I'm also sure the other two people ahead of you who have been waiting patiently don't really like being on hold either.
6) If the service was bad, you as a customer have the right to withhold the tip, but we know when you have a valid reason and when you're just trying to weasel your way out of two extra dollars for a twenty dollar order.
7) As someone who also has been a cook at delivery places I can say from experiences that I know that you are the reason I have a place to live and receive a paycheck every week but other than bad service there really is no valid reason not to tip the people who bring you your food so...
8) If tipping is that big of an issue for you, please order your food for carry-out.:D

You drivers have my respect, and admiration! I know sometimes it is so great to be able to call and have dinner delivered. I also know that I DO NOT WANT TO DO THAT KIND OF WORK! So, people, if you can afford to pay for a meal, you can afford to tip. EXCEPT if you have waited too long for the delivery, of if the person is rude. Keep in mind the weather and time of day or night because of traffic issues. Thanks to you, and be careful out there!