I though I would post on a lighter topic today. It is a minor pet-pieve of mine.
There is a miscommunication when people tip their waiter or waitress at the end of a meal. This is actually a Gratuity, or a thank you for your service. A tip is actually a T.I.P., which means "To Insure Promptness." A TIP is usally given at the beginning of a meal, to insure good service. This is especially wise if you are entertaining guests, or business clients. Woudln't it be lousy to take a client out to lunch or dinner and receive lousy service? This could jeopardize the relationship. A quick TIP to the waitress and a request to insure you and your client are well taken care of during the meal can go a long way.
If everything ends up well then you can add on a Gratuity at the end of a meal to thank the waitress for good service. Knowing the difference between a TIP and a Gratuity can go a long way in life. This is also the case in other industries where it is customary to give a TIP or Gratuity to a person, i.e. Valet's, Bellmen, Taxi Drivers etc.
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Comments: 15
Good-To-Know. :)
For instance, irt business meals etc, it's probably still a good idea for the host to take care of business with the waitstaff first; but for families herding children it's an extra step that probably shouldn't be necessary in the first place. It wasn't necessary for me when I was a waitress. I knew what my job was and I did it. I expected and accepted that when I didn't do my job as well as expected, that I wouldn't get a tip... er gratuity. :)
;-)
I usually don't TIP with family, but on occasion have found someone whose exceptional service provides for a great gratuity.
We have too ... there are certainly some really good waiters and waitresses out there. Most of them know their job and do it to the best of their ability going out of their way sometimes to do a little something special if we have the grandkids with. Gratuity for them is always a sure thing. :)
Poliwonk USA Oct 24, 2009, 5:44pm EDT
Lee you are probably the exception. One would think it common sense with regards to children. When the kids our happy, everybody's happy. If not watch out. You would be amazed though, how many waiters have never learned the rule of feed the kids first. I usually don't TIP with family, but on occasion have found someone whose exceptional service provides for a great gratuity.
IF a service;like a pizza delivery, has a "delivery fee," then I do not tip.
Many others have some "fee" like a fee from taxi companies; that have a fee before they "drop the flag."
If a service has been great, then I tip more.
If a service had been sdelevery fee," then I do not tip more than 2 pennies. I hope that the 2 cents gives the the ideal that they should do better.
Frankly, they should be given a fair wage, and tipping should be ended.