Slog
News & ArtsTuesday, February 17, 2009
Mailbag Letter of the Day: Regarding Wallingford
Posted by Bethany Jean Clement on Tue, Feb 17, 2009 at 3:26 PM
A reader calls out the people of Wallingford:
It seems that with money, education, children, and having grown up the people of Wallingford have come to the conclusion that tipping is not something they want to do. Those that serve beer, coffee, and food and clean up after the consumption of said items are not deemed tip-worthy. Funny, I spent 3 years on the Hill as a barista, and had homeless tip, people looking like crackheads, people wanted by the law, students, alcoholics, hipsters, socially inept, hell, a mix of oddballs and the educated from all walks of life. But then moving to Wallingford, the cheap students, cheap families, cheap people, and no crackhead tranny hookers—damn how I miss them—but alas it is all in the upbringing, how your lame-ass parents raised you to be selfish. People chat, talk, serve, and go above and beyond and you use them with no thanks. You ask for the service but are not willing to pay. No wonder the economy is in the shitter.Please, people of Wallingford, students, tip those that serve you. If you wanted to dine out and had 24 bucks and you know that the meal is 24 bucks, don't go out. If you have 4 bucks and want to drink, you get a 3 dollar beer and leave the buck for the friendly bartender. If you want a mocha nonfat, triple, or a tea for here leaving a mess behind, please leave some change. If you are unable to part with change for bartenders and baristas, or at least a 15% tip to servers at dinner, stay home, clean your own dishes, make your own food and talk to yourself.
"Bill Gates in Wallingford" by El Gregein from The Stranger's flickr pool.
1
Not everyone in wallingford is wealthy or educated. When I grew up there it was a working class neighborhood and many of the people living on my mom's block are working class folks, not educated yuppies with money.
2
I always tip waiters, but something about tipping baristas just feels goofy. I feel like George Constanza - they never see it.
3
Nothing like a butthurt blanket statement to blame everyone and everything!!!
keep up the fascinating posts, Slog
keep up the fascinating posts, Slog
5
Unless the barista is hot, I don't tip someone for filling a paper cup full of coffee. I usually feel the same way about bartenders. Why should I tip 25% to someone who opened my beer bottle for me? And the worst but also cracks me up is when I see a tip cup at the counter of a fast food joint.
But waiters - always tip and tip big.
But waiters - always tip and tip big.
10
Tipping is To Insure Promptness.
People in Wallingford are laid back - thus the promptness is unnecessary.
Chances are some kids are bogarting your tips though.
People in Wallingford are laid back - thus the promptness is unnecessary.
Chances are some kids are bogarting your tips though.
11
Question; Does everyone tip on a pretax basis?
Question 2; If you tip less does that mean you can afford to go out more ensuring someone else gets a tip?
Question 2; If you tip less does that mean you can afford to go out more ensuring someone else gets a tip?
12
it's probably the presence of the many lesbians in Wallingford.
Well, they are known for being cheap, for a reason.
Well, they are known for being cheap, for a reason.
13
This sounds like the rant of a shitty server who feels entitled to making bank on every table regardless of the level of service... I am in the Biz and I am often subjected to rants like this... usually from the laziest and most incompetent servers... I would think this experience transcends the Wallingford neighborhood if it were indeed fact.... maybe I just havent been to Wallingford in awhile....
14
I lived in Wallingford, was poor, and still tipped. Though I do tip at coffee shops out of peer pressure, I almost feel that getting a drip coffee at a Starbucks is no different than goung to a fast food restaurant, and I don't tip there. In a perfect world your employers would pay you more and the "tip" would just be figured in the price of the meal.
15
Someone's bringing me food while I sit on my ass, and taking away dishes? that deserves a tip.
I'm going up to the counter to buy a thing that I clean up after myself? generally does not deserve a tip.
also, @10: http://www.snopes.com/language/acronyms/…
I'm going up to the counter to buy a thing that I clean up after myself? generally does not deserve a tip.
also, @10: http://www.snopes.com/language/acronyms/…
16
I always tip bartenders well. Even if they are just opening my bottle. They have to deal with drunks idiots all the time (which sometimes is me).
17
I often tip baristas and bartenders, but I also think not tipping is totally defensible. A tip is optional by definition, and people who complain about not getting tipped are spoiled by the regularity of their customer's generosity.
18
I'm of the same mind as elswinger. Employers should pay enough so that servers don't have to rely on tips. Raise prices by 15 percent and only ask for tips for truly exceptional service.
That said, I tip frequently and well, especially if the person does more than pour coffee into a cup or put a cookie in a paper bag, and always if I'm a regular.
That said, I tip frequently and well, especially if the person does more than pour coffee into a cup or put a cookie in a paper bag, and always if I'm a regular.
19
What if you get your coffee to go? And you don't make a mess getting sugar or cream (or, if you don't use any in the first place? Do you tip if it is just a drip coffee? Or espresso?
I tend to tip for more complicated drinks, like a mocha, or chai (I'm picky). And, for personality. Personality goes a long way.
I tend to tip for more complicated drinks, like a mocha, or chai (I'm picky). And, for personality. Personality goes a long way.
20
The mutating and arbitrary tipping rules, and the degree to which I hear servicepeople complain about them, make me not want to get service anywhere, ever. How did some people suddenly decide that 18%, not 15%, is the proper tip, and why? Where does it end? Why does a barista or bartender deserve a dollar more than a kid working the register at a grocery store? How much do you tip movers? Doormen? I don't know, and I'm sick of having to keep all this shit straight.
With the possible exception of the 15% tip that the tax code automatically expects waiters/waitresses to get, tips are given at one's discretion, and not an automatic entitlement for filling space. Get over it.
With the possible exception of the 15% tip that the tax code automatically expects waiters/waitresses to get, tips are given at one's discretion, and not an automatic entitlement for filling space. Get over it.
21
@18, isnt the basis of tipping founded on the idea that tipping will yield better service than a blanket charge where no one is held accountable?
22
I would have to say I don't tip for coffee, unless (as was posted above) the barista is hot. I think it makes no sense. I'm paying them an amount for a product, and they are handing it to me. I also don't tip for takeout. Eat it!
23
Tipping is good manners, but not mandatory. Performing your job as a server up to the standards under which you were hired is. You took the job agreeing to an implied, or possibly explicit, contract with your employer. You don't like the pay? Bring it up with your employer, unionize, quit. But for god's sake why do you think the person trading money to your employer for a service or good has any monetary obligation to you? Talk about misplaced anger.
24
I'll admit I am more likely to tip a bartender. If I am sitting bar the bar - yes, if the bar is very, very crowded, tips sometime help in catching the bartenders attention. But if the bar isn't that busy and I am not seated at the bar then, not so much.
25
If you have aren't seeing tips across the board and seem to have a general disdain for the neighborhood you live in, you may want to look inward. I tip wherever I go, even in Wallingford, unless the service is shitty or the barista has an attitude.
27
"No wonder the economy is in the shitter" is the new "[your behavior] makes the terrorists happy."
Or maybe I'm wrong and future economic historians will label this the Tip Crisis of '08, and somehow brokers were irresponsibly bundling options to buy speculations on service industry tips, while fraudulent financial "advisors" were greedily telling their clients "Sure, you can afford to eat at the 35th St. Bistro. Don't worry about the prices on the menu, just order what sounds good! And remember, taxes are obligatory, but a tip is voluntary!"
Or maybe I'm wrong and future economic historians will label this the Tip Crisis of '08, and somehow brokers were irresponsibly bundling options to buy speculations on service industry tips, while fraudulent financial "advisors" were greedily telling their clients "Sure, you can afford to eat at the 35th St. Bistro. Don't worry about the prices on the menu, just order what sounds good! And remember, taxes are obligatory, but a tip is voluntary!"
28
to people who don't tip bartenders for pouring your beer, go home and pour your own beer. there are people cleaning up after you, toting empty bottles, cleaning up messes, and doing your fucking dishes.
i'm sorry you don't like american restaurants, bars, bistros, delis, et fucking cetera, or their method of low-balling food costs to draw your business (you poor things!), why not save your money and eat out the next time you are in france? where at the end of the meal,THE COST WILL BE THE SAME, as your cost would be here if you had the decency to tip.
or maybe, to show how brilliant you are, you can write a little "tip" for your lucky server, and inform them that are not being paid because you are on their side, but totally smarter than them.
i'm sorry you don't like american restaurants, bars, bistros, delis, et fucking cetera, or their method of low-balling food costs to draw your business (you poor things!), why not save your money and eat out the next time you are in france? where at the end of the meal,THE COST WILL BE THE SAME, as your cost would be here if you had the decency to tip.
or maybe, to show how brilliant you are, you can write a little "tip" for your lucky server, and inform them that are not being paid because you are on their side, but totally smarter than them.
32
"Tipping" is one of those coded indicators that the job in question is....crap. If you start to fret about being tipped, the message you should be receiving is "Whoa! I need a better line of work!" Seriously. If I have to sit down for service, and the server in question doesn't fuck things up, they get 20%. Things drop off sharply after that, and if I don't have to sit down, there isn't going to be tip, period.
Jobs with tips are something you hold until you find a career. Until then, both your employer and your customers enjoy getting things cheaper at your expense.
Jobs with tips are something you hold until you find a career. Until then, both your employer and your customers enjoy getting things cheaper at your expense.
33
I only tip for service to my table and bartenders (because, as said above, they have to put up with my drunk ass). Why should a coffee shop counter person get a tip? Your "conversation" is usually uncomfortable for me, and I don't feel obliged to support your lazy, middle class, "I'm independent!" entitled ass (see your use of the term "educated" as a social indicator). Also, I suggest you share your "stay home" view with your boss and see what she says.
I JUST WANT COFFEE.
I JUST WANT COFFEE.
34
Non-tippers are free riders. They are able to get their three dollar latte and such because tips keep labor costs down. If nobody tipped prices would have to go up for everyone. Since most people do tip, the cheap among us can ride for free.
35
@21,
That might be the basis, but it sure sounds like blackmail to me. An employer should be responsible for hiring competent people and firing them if their lousy service scares away customers.
That might be the basis, but it sure sounds like blackmail to me. An employer should be responsible for hiring competent people and firing them if their lousy service scares away customers.
37
Dear original writer: I DON'T pay someone to talk to me, so no, I won't tip you for that.
@23 said it perfectly.
@23 said it perfectly.
38
@35, it sounds like blackmail either way. some servers are of the attitude 'give me 15% for starters or else'
40
I tip well wherever I go, and weird things start happening. Like 2 slices and 3 beers suddenly cost 6 dollars instead of 20. Or I get invited to those new restaurant openings that only industry people seem to know about--you know the "mock dinner" where you get to try everything on the menu for free. Funny how treating the people who serve you with respect seems to come back to you in the end. I gladly tip, and will continue too. Next time you see me getting my beer before you, think about it.
41
The fact that people clean up for you is irrelevant when you consider many servers almost never tip out the dishwashers, bus boys, or back of house staff period. And don't try and tell me that dishwashers make more than servers.
42
@40, That only works if you go to a place more than once. And if the service was horrible would you pay a premium to simply have the potential perks you mentioned?
45
You tip people who wait on you because they are coming to you and their jobs require them to serve a servile function. A good rule of thumb is, if their job would have been done by a servant in "Upstairs, Downstairs", then you should tip. (I'm not being elitist when I say that either; I've been a waiter. And, that's where tipping started, when houseguests would tip the servants for good service...)Also, in many parts of the country, food servers and other tipped employees have a much, much smaller minimum wage than what is mandated for non-tipped employees so that's why it's important to tip well; their livelihoods depend on it. (and that doesn't mean you get to tip less in WA because the minimum wages are equal...)Bartenders and baristas are more food handlers than servers so that's up for debate, but if you want to insure a well made beverage, it's probably a good idea to tip something, esp if you plan on being a repeat customer...Tip jars in fast food /counter service restaurants should be ignored unless you really like the people who work there and eat there frequently. It might sound harsh, but the tip thing is getting out of control...I've seen tip jars pop up in non-food venues.
46
If you expect tips, YOU'RE WRONG. As a bartender, I loved tips, but I never expected them. Besides, I'd rather not get a tip at all than a carefully calculated "fuck you" 8 cent tip.
Oh, and Baristas don't deserve shit (including a fancy name), although I tend to tip the interesting ones.
Oh, and Baristas don't deserve shit (including a fancy name), although I tend to tip the interesting ones.
47
@34: Preach it. It'd be different if these folks made a decent wage. We (as a society) seem to think they're scum and pay them as such and then get off by not paying them the extra amount to which they're all but entitled.
So, I'll continue to tip everyone in a service industry job and berate those who don't until I see the people serving me making enough that they don't need it (check out most of Europe for what this might look like).
So, I'll continue to tip everyone in a service industry job and berate those who don't until I see the people serving me making enough that they don't need it (check out most of Europe for what this might look like).
48
No I just don't go back if I get poor service. Maybe I just know too many industry people from waiting tables years ago.
I do know that I can go to columbia city, greenlake, greenwood, u dist, and a few chioice places in belltown and have a drink on the house as soon as I get there.
I am paying a 20% tip, and getting a 25% discount. Sometimes you have to pay to play. Remember that the next time your bar bill is $35 and you leave 3 bucks. My party will have the same amount of drinks, get a $25 dollar tab, and we leave 10 bucks. I'm still 3 dollars ahead on you, and the bartender still thinks you're a douche.
I do know that I can go to columbia city, greenlake, greenwood, u dist, and a few chioice places in belltown and have a drink on the house as soon as I get there.
I am paying a 20% tip, and getting a 25% discount. Sometimes you have to pay to play. Remember that the next time your bar bill is $35 and you leave 3 bucks. My party will have the same amount of drinks, get a $25 dollar tab, and we leave 10 bucks. I'm still 3 dollars ahead on you, and the bartender still thinks you're a douche.
49
The lack of skills by the employee keep labor costs down. Minimum wage jobs typically have little to no barrier to entry.
52
let's say i go to get my hairs cut & the rockabilly chicks there are freaking out because the toilet is running over & they don't know how to stop it, so they ask me as the first male to walk in the door to help, so i go in there & turn off the water & plunge the toilet, wash up, then i get my hair cut.
then i pay full price for the cut. who owes who a tip?
then i pay full price for the cut. who owes who a tip?
53
@29 - you wish.
Look, I was serious about somebody stealing your tips - usually it's either a co-worker or someone with an attitude who "borrows" the tip when the party leaves the table before the server returns.
But everyone else's points about getting lower tips if you project your own hatred of the place/neighborhood/people you work for might have a lot more to do with your tips.
Friendlier people get better tips.
Look, I was serious about somebody stealing your tips - usually it's either a co-worker or someone with an attitude who "borrows" the tip when the party leaves the table before the server returns.
But everyone else's points about getting lower tips if you project your own hatred of the place/neighborhood/people you work for might have a lot more to do with your tips.
Friendlier people get better tips.
54
@47: It'd be different if these folks made a decent wage.
They DO.
Washington state is one of the few states that don't allow restaurants to pay servers below minimum wage. Washington's minimum wage is $8.55, the highest in the nation.
They DO.
Washington state is one of the few states that don't allow restaurants to pay servers below minimum wage. Washington's minimum wage is $8.55, the highest in the nation.
55
@47: It'd be different if these folks made a decent wage.
They DO.
Washington state is one of the few states that don't allow restaurants to pay servers below minimum wage. Washington's minimum wage is $8.55, the highest in the nation.
They DO.
Washington state is one of the few states that don't allow restaurants to pay servers below minimum wage. Washington's minimum wage is $8.55, the highest in the nation.
56
@wisepunk
Yeah and my in-laws use to own a restaurant. What most people don't know is that restaurants run on a razor thin margin. Employee thief (you know like "free" drinks from the bartender or "free" slices of pizza from the wait staff) can very quickly put them out of business. Basically your buddies at these places are fucking over the owner so they can make a little extra cash from people like you. Guess what happens when the business goes under. The owner, whose dream it was to own a restaurant, the owner who never takes a fucking vacation because they are at work 24/7, suddenly loses everything including their house. What happens to your waiter and bar-tending buddies. They move on to the next restaurant and it is party time for you and your friends at a new place. (repeat cycle)
Who is the douche now? Shithead.
Yeah and my in-laws use to own a restaurant. What most people don't know is that restaurants run on a razor thin margin. Employee thief (you know like "free" drinks from the bartender or "free" slices of pizza from the wait staff) can very quickly put them out of business. Basically your buddies at these places are fucking over the owner so they can make a little extra cash from people like you. Guess what happens when the business goes under. The owner, whose dream it was to own a restaurant, the owner who never takes a fucking vacation because they are at work 24/7, suddenly loses everything including their house. What happens to your waiter and bar-tending buddies. They move on to the next restaurant and it is party time for you and your friends at a new place. (repeat cycle)
Who is the douche now? Shithead.
57
Those that don't tip (or don't tip well), most likely have not worked in the food/service industry. Your views on tipping WILL change if you do work at a place where tipping is part of your income. But, if you've commented above, saying how much you hate tipping everyone everywhere, you probably don't and won't be finding a serving job.
Also, those that don't tip well also go into a restaurant knowing that they aren't going to tip well (y'all suck, sorry).
I do my job and go above and beyond usually; however, I've found that people who are looking to not have a good time, won't have one and don't tip.
Also, those that don't tip well also go into a restaurant knowing that they aren't going to tip well (y'all suck, sorry).
I do my job and go above and beyond usually; however, I've found that people who are looking to not have a good time, won't have one and don't tip.
58
You know what? I do shit I hate at my job everyday. I have to make conversation with people I don't like, get underpaid for the amount of work I do, get treated with nominal respect, clean nasty messes, and generally go above and beyond, and no one would ever think about giving me a tip.
So shut the fuck up and be greatful that the American Culture has deemed FOOD PROVIDERS one of the few services important enough to recieve tips.
So shut the fuck up and be greatful that the American Culture has deemed FOOD PROVIDERS one of the few services important enough to recieve tips.
59
@55 Yeah. I know plenty of people who have no problem getting by on a gross annual income of $17,100. That's EASILY livable in the Seattle area, right? Totally.
I'll refer you back @34 re: cheap labor and free riders.
I'll refer you back @34 re: cheap labor and free riders.
60
Yes that IS easy. Sure you make sacrifices and it might not be FUN but it's EASY, and something that MANY of us do and we do so without attitude or expecting tips.
61
"If you are unable to part with change for bartenders and baristas, or at least a 15% tip to servers at dinner, stay home, clean your own dishes, make your own food and talk to yourself."
So a homeless guy on Broadway who spent all morning spanging up 3 bucks needs to go beg for an extra dollar to tip the barista at Vivace- or else GO HOME? Get real. What about someone who gets laid off and just wants to get a coffee and sit and read the paper at Denny's? They have to tip too? I tip at restaurants and bars, but only if the service is good. If I get ignored or otherwise shoddy service, forget about it.
So a homeless guy on Broadway who spent all morning spanging up 3 bucks needs to go beg for an extra dollar to tip the barista at Vivace- or else GO HOME? Get real. What about someone who gets laid off and just wants to get a coffee and sit and read the paper at Denny's? They have to tip too? I tip at restaurants and bars, but only if the service is good. If I get ignored or otherwise shoddy service, forget about it.
62
@56
totally true, those free perks (even if from the owner) don't do much to help the business, and the tips the bartenders get don't do much for it either. Of course, that depends if you are going to a more lo-brow spot like Tin Hat vs. a swanky high price joint like The Vessel....
totally true, those free perks (even if from the owner) don't do much to help the business, and the tips the bartenders get don't do much for it either. Of course, that depends if you are going to a more lo-brow spot like Tin Hat vs. a swanky high price joint like The Vessel....
63
Wisepunk @48:
When you receive such a discount after establishing a history of tipping generously, do you feel that you and the servers/bartenders are conspiring to defraud the business owner, or that they are empowered by that owner to adjust prices as they see fit?
When you receive such a discount after establishing a history of tipping generously, do you feel that you and the servers/bartenders are conspiring to defraud the business owner, or that they are empowered by that owner to adjust prices as they see fit?
64
I tip one barista. The one who remembers my weird order. Otherwise - I'm not leaving a mess, I'm not leaving a tip. I also don't tip for crummy service in a restaurant, at least the service in their control. (If the restaurant's insanely busy, I get that - not their fault.)
Now, that said - I live in Canada now, and these people actually get paid full wages and then get tips on top. So I get to be a bit pickier about it without feeling like I'm impacting their survival.
Now, that said - I live in Canada now, and these people actually get paid full wages and then get tips on top. So I get to be a bit pickier about it without feeling like I'm impacting their survival.
65
I used to deliver pizzas and depended on my tips. But I was good at my job so felt I deserved it. If the service sucks, isn't it my right to not tip? I have asked this question in the past and have been told by restaurant workers I should still tip 15% despite bad service. That's fucked up!
66
@65 - I feel terrible tipping less than 15% and only do so when the service is truly egregious (a server is a dick, or sits chatting with their friends while your food gets cold). Fucked up, for sure, but if someone is nice, just somewhat inept, I usually go with 15%. Probably because I don't want to look like a jerk...
67
I never tip at Vivace because of those goddamn fucking "please bus your own table" signs. It would be one thing to have on the door or something, but they have fukking silver stands with placards!
68
@56
In every (almost, there is 1) case where this happens ownership is well aware of the practice. I have lots of friends and we spend lots of money going out in big groups. But you just keep blaming me and the underpaid no good staff for your family bar shutting down. Look at it this way:
Would you rather charge me, and the 3-10 people that I can bring with me a little less and get my business, or would you rather we all go somewhere else?
Bartering is part of doing business and retail is for suckers. Like y'all.
Your staff is ripping you off? sounds like you have a business management problem! Staff giving away free drinks that you don't allow? Fire em! Real fucking simple. You might think that people who can't take a vacation, who work 24/7, who dream of opening a restaurant, might pay attention to what is going on inside the place. But it's not their fault for the business plan, its those shifty servers!
I used to go to Bluwater on greenlake years ago and the owners used to keep a free bottle of Jaeger on ice for regulars. They must be shitty businessmen, they only opened 5 sucessful restaurants in 8 years. When I brought in my company party to them and we spent $1700 on champagne alone, they made it a practice to send me a gift card every 3 months. what terrible business, enticing my friends and I to spend thousnads of dollars at their business every year. I should have to pay full price because that is the only thing fair to Mommy and Daddy. WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Trying to generalize your bullshit on to me isn't my problem.
In every (almost, there is 1) case where this happens ownership is well aware of the practice. I have lots of friends and we spend lots of money going out in big groups. But you just keep blaming me and the underpaid no good staff for your family bar shutting down. Look at it this way:
Would you rather charge me, and the 3-10 people that I can bring with me a little less and get my business, or would you rather we all go somewhere else?
Bartering is part of doing business and retail is for suckers. Like y'all.
Your staff is ripping you off? sounds like you have a business management problem! Staff giving away free drinks that you don't allow? Fire em! Real fucking simple. You might think that people who can't take a vacation, who work 24/7, who dream of opening a restaurant, might pay attention to what is going on inside the place. But it's not their fault for the business plan, its those shifty servers!
I used to go to Bluwater on greenlake years ago and the owners used to keep a free bottle of Jaeger on ice for regulars. They must be shitty businessmen, they only opened 5 sucessful restaurants in 8 years. When I brought in my company party to them and we spent $1700 on champagne alone, they made it a practice to send me a gift card every 3 months. what terrible business, enticing my friends and I to spend thousnads of dollars at their business every year. I should have to pay full price because that is the only thing fair to Mommy and Daddy. WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Trying to generalize your bullshit on to me isn't my problem.
69
@57- almost everyone has worked in the food service industry. I've worked fast food, retail, waitressing, bussing, bartending, etc. I still feel no need to tip the barista. I certainly didn't feel the need to whine about how little I was getting in tips at my counter job.
good day.
good day.
70
Hey, I've got an idea - why don't we just not pay service people anything at all? I mean, do these servi-trons (I, like many others here feel very uncomfortable characterizing them as actual human beings, you know?) really NEED to earn any wage at all? If $8.55 is outrageous, why not just cut the crap and take them down to $0.00? Because, really, why should I have to pay ANYTHING just so's some lazy, good-for-nothing-else waiter can keep a roof over their head?
It's not MY problem they can't do something useful with their lives, like get an MBA and go to work for an investment brokerage, like I did. So why is it my responsibility to give them more of my hard-earned money, when all they're doing is something I could do for myself at home any night of the week, if I wanted to?
All this complaining about wanting to make a "living wage", and pay for "basic necessities", be treated with a tiny bit of "dignity" when they do their dirty, scummy service-industry jobs - which, BTW I personally wouldn't touch with a ten foot mop pole - just sounds like a bunch of Communist propaganda hooey to me. I mean, seriously, where do these ingrates get off? Where did they ever get the idea they DESERVE a decent wage? It's not like they do anything useful or productive, not like me, right? They should be grateful for whatever pittance people like me - real people, with real jobs earning real money - deign to give them.
Really, I just wish all these whiny little fuckers would go away and - uh, 'scuse me, the HR Director says she needs to chat with me for a sec - be right back.
It's not MY problem they can't do something useful with their lives, like get an MBA and go to work for an investment brokerage, like I did. So why is it my responsibility to give them more of my hard-earned money, when all they're doing is something I could do for myself at home any night of the week, if I wanted to?
All this complaining about wanting to make a "living wage", and pay for "basic necessities", be treated with a tiny bit of "dignity" when they do their dirty, scummy service-industry jobs - which, BTW I personally wouldn't touch with a ten foot mop pole - just sounds like a bunch of Communist propaganda hooey to me. I mean, seriously, where do these ingrates get off? Where did they ever get the idea they DESERVE a decent wage? It's not like they do anything useful or productive, not like me, right? They should be grateful for whatever pittance people like me - real people, with real jobs earning real money - deign to give them.
Really, I just wish all these whiny little fuckers would go away and - uh, 'scuse me, the HR Director says she needs to chat with me for a sec - be right back.
71
@68- you're sooo cool, we get it. Most places I've worked, if we gave a "free drink as soon as they came in the door" to the regulars we'd be fired. Most people aren't going to get free shit at restaurants for tipping. Most people don't have parties that spend thousands on champagne.
Quit generalizing your bullshit to everyone else.
Quit generalizing your bullshit to everyone else.
72
Sorry I forgot that they don't do that outback. Make sure you have enough flair.
I wasn't aiming at you ams, but now that you wanted to join the party.
I wasn't aiming at you ams, but now that you wanted to join the party.
73
72, Wisepunk...I would say your situation is rare and doesn't apply to most people. Fuck, I go to Charlie's 4 times a week, tip 20% post tax, and still have yet to get anything out of the deal.
74
@ 68
"Bartering is part of doing business and retail is for suckers. Like y'all."
I detest sleazy hustlers like you.
You are the type of douche bag who goes into strip clubs and then tries to turn a 2 minute lap dance into a 2 year relationship.
"Bartering is part of doing business and retail is for suckers. Like y'all."
I detest sleazy hustlers like you.
You are the type of douche bag who goes into strip clubs and then tries to turn a 2 minute lap dance into a 2 year relationship.
75
Maybe I'm just a likable drunk, I don't know, blame my Jewish side. I'm at a bar right now, and I'm not getting any free ones.
76
@36 i've never worked food service in my life, i just think people like you are disgusting on principle.
77
@74.
Thanks I love you too. And the trick is to date the stripper first, then the lapdances are free. Play the game or the game plays you. You think the big client I sell to every day just accepts the price I present them first time, no questions asked? Welcome to capitalism.
Thanks I love you too. And the trick is to date the stripper first, then the lapdances are free. Play the game or the game plays you. You think the big client I sell to every day just accepts the price I present them first time, no questions asked? Welcome to capitalism.
78
@73. I agree. It doesn't happen everywhere, it doesn't happen every time. If you like the place then go with what you know. I still tip well everywhere I go because servers work hard and they deserve to get paid well. I do my part because I like to enjoy myself so I don't end up a bitter hipster asshole who can only afford to drink pbr. And if you don't know your server, tipping well will get you known.
Biggest tippers that I know? Other servers. Not uncommon to meet up with a server friend and watch them tip 20 bucks for a beer and a shot.
Biggest tippers that I know? Other servers. Not uncommon to meet up with a server friend and watch them tip 20 bucks for a beer and a shot.
79
@68
You are so full oh shit on so many levels. There is a huge difference between the owner giving you a free shot of booze (you seem all about the "free" mother fucker don't you) than staff giving you freebies (while you gladly just suck them up) for a little extra cash in their pocket. Sure they can be fired but sometime it can take awhile to catch on, sometimes it is obvious and away they go. But being the overly generous man that my father in law was, he handed out way too many second chances in my opinion. But when you and your friends do it you think you are just too cool to be bothered with those kinds of details. The big man that you are out to skim everything that you can get. You are just a little cheap ass "punk" after all. But why do I suspect that you are exaggerating your popularity let alone everything else that you say here, so, I guess i just shouldn't care.
Oh, and by the way, in the end, a brain tumor did in my father in law and his restaurant not dishonest employees, though he definitely had his share. And they sure didn't make his life any easier.
You are so full oh shit on so many levels. There is a huge difference between the owner giving you a free shot of booze (you seem all about the "free" mother fucker don't you) than staff giving you freebies (while you gladly just suck them up) for a little extra cash in their pocket. Sure they can be fired but sometime it can take awhile to catch on, sometimes it is obvious and away they go. But being the overly generous man that my father in law was, he handed out way too many second chances in my opinion. But when you and your friends do it you think you are just too cool to be bothered with those kinds of details. The big man that you are out to skim everything that you can get. You are just a little cheap ass "punk" after all. But why do I suspect that you are exaggerating your popularity let alone everything else that you say here, so, I guess i just shouldn't care.
Oh, and by the way, in the end, a brain tumor did in my father in law and his restaurant not dishonest employees, though he definitely had his share. And they sure didn't make his life any easier.
80
Re: Wisepunk's post: In some other cities, this is actually a pretty common practice and often tacitly or actively approved of by management: For every three drinks (or so), if you're a good tipper, the fourth drink will be on the house. It's called a buyback -- sometimes the cost of the buyback is factored into the price of drinks, sometimes it's not. Sometimes the owners know, sometimes they don't.
It can be an excellent strategies for creating loyalty, and getting your patrons to send in friends or have parties at your bar. It can be much better marketing than any print or online ad campaign.
For some reason, this doesn't happen in Seattle. Is it because it seems like breaking the rules?
Either way -- a dollar per drink is pretty much the going rate, and it's not going to break the bank.
It can be an excellent strategies for creating loyalty, and getting your patrons to send in friends or have parties at your bar. It can be much better marketing than any print or online ad campaign.
For some reason, this doesn't happen in Seattle. Is it because it seems like breaking the rules?
Either way -- a dollar per drink is pretty much the going rate, and it's not going to break the bank.
81
@80 thanks for being a rational voice on this board.
While haveing my after work libations this evening, I discussed this with my bartender--he was in total agreement with me. Even though I was by myself he said that he would rather have me coming back night after night to the bar spending money than not.
My tab for this evening 9.00 for 3 full sail IPA pints with a 3.00 tip. Nice "razor thin" markup on those beers of 300% with the free one.
And it sounds like someone is a little PO'd because they didn't get to inherit a business because it was mismanaged by a sick family member. Life sucks, buy a helmet.
While haveing my after work libations this evening, I discussed this with my bartender--he was in total agreement with me. Even though I was by myself he said that he would rather have me coming back night after night to the bar spending money than not.
My tab for this evening 9.00 for 3 full sail IPA pints with a 3.00 tip. Nice "razor thin" markup on those beers of 300% with the free one.
And it sounds like someone is a little PO'd because they didn't get to inherit a business because it was mismanaged by a sick family member. Life sucks, buy a helmet.
82
I have never eaten or served in Wallingford, so I can't comment on that.
But as a person who has delivered pizzas/food to people's houses, neighborhoods do have a character. I delivered pizza to Queen Anne and Magnolia, and even though I had to go twice as far, up twice as many hills (hard on the tranny/brakes), Magnolia losers tipped me half as much as Queen Anne folk. Especially the ones in big ass houses over there. There is a suburb of Minneapolis, one of the richest ones, that used to tip about 20% of what they should have. I lost money going out that way, with gas and time spent. Jerks.
It's not about income level for potential tippers. I wouldn't care if a homeless person didn't tip me at Starbucks, but a regular, who has a special drink? Oh who am I kidding, I go to Starbucks so I don't have to tip. Those baristas have health insurance, and I don't. But I don't get fancy drinks, so that's fair.
@ wisepunk: You clearly go out way more often to way more places, but I will second your experience that loyalty is bought with the occasional freebie. I have gone to the same Cap Hill bar for years, because they'll comp a drink here and there, or give me a happy hour price on something that didn't belong in happy hour.
But as a person who has delivered pizzas/food to people's houses, neighborhoods do have a character. I delivered pizza to Queen Anne and Magnolia, and even though I had to go twice as far, up twice as many hills (hard on the tranny/brakes), Magnolia losers tipped me half as much as Queen Anne folk. Especially the ones in big ass houses over there. There is a suburb of Minneapolis, one of the richest ones, that used to tip about 20% of what they should have. I lost money going out that way, with gas and time spent. Jerks.
It's not about income level for potential tippers. I wouldn't care if a homeless person didn't tip me at Starbucks, but a regular, who has a special drink? Oh who am I kidding, I go to Starbucks so I don't have to tip. Those baristas have health insurance, and I don't. But I don't get fancy drinks, so that's fair.
@ wisepunk: You clearly go out way more often to way more places, but I will second your experience that loyalty is bought with the occasional freebie. I have gone to the same Cap Hill bar for years, because they'll comp a drink here and there, or give me a happy hour price on something that didn't belong in happy hour.
84
@83: Dude, if he's a server or works in the restaurant industry, Tuesday could very well be his "Friday" and he could be waiting for friends to get off work.
The weird puritanical morals that pop up here blow my mind sometimes.
The weird puritanical morals that pop up here blow my mind sometimes.
85
@80:
I think buyback policies aren't as common here as they are, say on the east coast (which is where I first experienced it), for the simple reason that our State Liquor Control Board has traditionally been so damned tight-assed about things like that.
Since the buyback is essentially giving away booze (regardless of whether it's factored into operating expenses and pricing), it's always been perceived, or perhaps has been in point of fact a citeable violation, would could potentially result in bartenders and established being written up for doing it.
Not sure if the restrictions have been relaxed on that particular point, but there does seem to have been a general loosening of the WSLCB sphincter muscles in the past several years with regards to some of these types of activities.
I think buyback policies aren't as common here as they are, say on the east coast (which is where I first experienced it), for the simple reason that our State Liquor Control Board has traditionally been so damned tight-assed about things like that.
Since the buyback is essentially giving away booze (regardless of whether it's factored into operating expenses and pricing), it's always been perceived, or perhaps has been in point of fact a citeable violation, would could potentially result in bartenders and established being written up for doing it.
Not sure if the restrictions have been relaxed on that particular point, but there does seem to have been a general loosening of the WSLCB sphincter muscles in the past several years with regards to some of these types of activities.
86
@ 81
"And it sounds like someone is a little PO'd because they didn't get to inherit a business because it was mismanaged by a sick family member. Life sucks, buy a helmet."
you obviously need to tip since you prove yourself to be such an inconsiderate dick head, its likely the only way you can buy, oops, I meant make friends.
Snotty stuck up jerks like you are the number one reason why my girlfriends and I don't frequent bars.
And by the way, I just wasted 5 seconds to google "wisepunk + seattle" and found your myspace on the top of the list just out of curiosity. Man oh man, since you are that ugly physically (as well as personally) you should really set you page to private! Now try to make an excuse for that!
"And it sounds like someone is a little PO'd because they didn't get to inherit a business because it was mismanaged by a sick family member. Life sucks, buy a helmet."
you obviously need to tip since you prove yourself to be such an inconsiderate dick head, its likely the only way you can buy, oops, I meant make friends.
Snotty stuck up jerks like you are the number one reason why my girlfriends and I don't frequent bars.
And by the way, I just wasted 5 seconds to google "wisepunk + seattle" and found your myspace on the top of the list just out of curiosity. Man oh man, since you are that ugly physically (as well as personally) you should really set you page to private! Now try to make an excuse for that!
87
Ouch thanks for the tip on myspace though. Thanks for taking what I said personally, as you felt the need to stalk me on the net. Too many crazy bitches in this town means I probably should set it to private. Done.
90
i subscribe to the "don't go out if you can't tip" mantra. however, i'd much rather be treated like a person than a soul-less robot. i like tips. hell it's the only way i can survive working 30 hrs a week. but i don't accept tips from jerks that treat me in a degrading way. luckily, i work in a place where i serve mostly peers. it's called a recession. if you can't tip, at least be appreciative and pleasant. that's worth mounds more in the end.
91
I generally tip well because I can afford to and because people working low-paying service jobs need the money more than I do.
92
You want a tip? Do your job as a professional. Pay attention to the counter. Service comes before chatting with your coworkers. Fucking make me feel reasonably welcome, I don't care if you smile or not or make small talk, but at least treat me like another human being and not a disturbance. I'm sorry it doesn't always work both ways but that's the risk you take when you accept a job serving the public.
I've lived in Seattle all my life, but why is it counter service is better in Manhattan? It's because New Yorkers won't take bad service, they'll call you on that shit. And by the way I'm one of those doormat Seattle people who will probably STILL tip you if you give me bad service, I just may not choose to come back to your little countertop fiefdom.
I've lived in Seattle all my life, but why is it counter service is better in Manhattan? It's because New Yorkers won't take bad service, they'll call you on that shit. And by the way I'm one of those doormat Seattle people who will probably STILL tip you if you give me bad service, I just may not choose to come back to your little countertop fiefdom.
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