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Tigerpaw123 
USA Fan
P'ville
Member since Mar 2007
7565 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/11/12 at 9:03 pm to LouisianaLady)
quote:
So to punish a server that does a damn good job simply to make a statement about how offended you are about auto gratuity makes no sense.
And to punish a customer who got horrible service with an auto grat makes no sense either, nor does paying tip on %, but it is the world we live in
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LouisianaLady
USA Fan
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Mar 2009
46893 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/11/12 at 9:07 pm to Tigerpaw123)
quote:
And to punish a customer who got horrible service with an auto grat makes no sense either, nor does paying tip on %, but it is the world we live in
But the server has nothing to do with that. As much as they might have liked to, they did NOT write the menu or create the policy. If you don't like the policy, punish the restaurant by not giving them any more of your business.
And I agree with tip on % being insane. I do just as much work serving a table that orders something and splits it as I do on a table that orders the most expensive items on the menu.
FWIW, like I said, I think this policy at Mansur's is ludicrous. Honestly, I almost always make more money on tables that do separate checks than I do if it were all together. My work is much cheaper, but most people end up leaving 30%-40% on checks under $20.. so when they're all separate and everyone does this, you make out quite well than if it were together.
This post was edited on 5/11 at 9:08 pm
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Tigerpaw123
USA Fan
P'ville
Member since Mar 2007
7565 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/11/12 at 9:21 pm to LouisianaLady)
I am not arguing about what a server goes through etc, just making a point about while it may be shitty for a server to get shorted on additional tip with a big party after giving great service, the customer has the same potential to get shite on with crappy service and auto grat...it is just the way it is, but it goes both ways
My bigger concern was the stealing
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LouisianaLady
USA Fan
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Mar 2009
46893 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/11/12 at 9:31 pm to Tigerpaw123)
Oh for sure. And yes, the stealing was addressed immediately. A lot of the younger (read: high school) employees weren't thinking about it that way and thought they were just being nice. It had to be explained to them that we may not LOSE much from giving away soft drinks (as restaurant drinks are like 300% markup), but we stop GAINING as much, profit-wise.
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Martini 
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Mar 2005
24105 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/12/12 at 8:47 am to LouisianaLady)
I don't mind the auto gratuity on large parties because I understand there are people that will stiff the server regardless and claim any number of reasons...didn't fill water fast enough, salad sucked, she had a booger etc...and it's been an industry wide policy since before I can remember.
But this other for splitting checks is just silly. And was discussed at length last night at dinner. Three couples, round table, good food, four nice bottles of wine. Check comes, three credit cards come out, split three ways, not a problem sir, three men signing and delivering at least 25% on total check including wine and tax. Thank you, no thank you, wonderful time, great service, fellowship, food and wine. Another Friday night in the books. Everyone is fat and happy and none at the table will be returning to Mansurs because of this shitty policy.
I'm in business. And in my business I have to keep people happy. And by doing that I do what is right, provide above and beyond good service as well as a quality product in a professional manner. By doing that I have developed a client list over the last thirty years that are loyal to me which allows me to have dinner and wine wherever I choose.
I choose it at places that appreciate me as a customer. This place does not. What is the reason for the policy? To discourage diners from splitting a check? Are they not capable of basic math? Does it really take that much time?
It's a bull shite policy and they lost a group of people they should be going out of their way to embrace. I don't blame the server. The owner has determined this and it rests with them.
Hope the smelly guy with the cut off t shirt is a big tipper. Cause you ain't getting it from me.
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TorNation
LSU Fan
Sulphur, LA
Member since Aug 2008
1936 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/12/12 at 9:11 am to Martini)
I understand your point of view and agree. Since you are in business I'm sure you appreciate feedback from your customers when you are doing a good or bad job, just like me in my sales position. If you enjoy the restaurant why don't you try giving some feedback to the mananger or owner and maybe they would consider changing the policy for that particular situation.
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Martini
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Mar 2005
24105 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/12/12 at 10:11 am to TorNation)
I did. Read the OP. I called and had a very nice, polite five or so minute conversation in which I expressed my thoughts and views and was politely told tough shite. Policy. Not changing for you.
No big deal to me. I'm the one with options. And I option to spend my money elsewhere.
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Degas
Member since Jul 2010
4790 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/12/12 at 12:27 pm to LouisianaLady)
quote:
You need to put the restaurant name in your title. Their manager was posting on here the other day and seemed eager to help.
This. I want to hear what lilwineman has to say.
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Carson123987
LSU Fan
Middle Court at The Rec
Member since Jul 2011
23088 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/12/12 at 12:47 pm to Martini)
One time, my little brother (18) took 2 lady friends to lunch at Romacelli ad they added 20%. He asked them what it was and the manager told him that "they find that kids don't know how to tip so it's just easier to add it on."
My brother told them to take it off and that he'll tip how he wants. He was appalled. That's so insulting. My jaw was on the floor when he told me.
I'd be hot if I was your wife. That's very rude.
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djrunner
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2010
842 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/12/12 at 1:01 pm to Carson123987)
Ex waiter here, fine dining BR area. It's been a few years, but it is not uncommon for split checks to have the waiters judgement on wether or not they add tip. I did it all the time to tables of ladies, the older the ladies the better chance I added it. Why, because in my experience they were horrible tippers. Missing out on an extra 5% was drowned out by the $2 tippers that would squat on you the entire lunch. If you are such a big tipper, just add it to the 20%. That's what I do.
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Martini
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Mar 2005
24105 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/12/12 at 2:23 pm to djrunner)
quote:
Ex waiter here, fine dining BR area. It's been a few years, but it is not uncommon for split checks to have the waiters judgement on wether or not they add tip. I did it all the time to tables of ladies, the older the ladies the better chance I added it. Why, because in my experience they were horrible tippers. Missing out on an extra 5% was drowned out by the $2 tippers that would squat on you the entire lunch. If you are such a big tipper, just add it to the 20%. That's what I do.
If it's restaurant policy I'll pay it and not return. If it's a large party chances are I'll tip over the 20% if the service was worth it.
That said if it's waiter's judgement and you add it based on the assumption that I will be a bad tipper than I can assure you I will be. If you just assume and make it own your own you will not get a tip from me. And I don't care how good you are. And the only time you will ever see me again is if I bump into you at the drycleaners because it certainly won't be in your restaurant.
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Breauxsif
LSU Fan
BR
Member since May 2012
198 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/12/12 at 3:03 pm to LouisianaLady)
J Alexanders policy clearly stated on the menu reads that an automatic 18% grat would be added to a party of 8 or more. However, the statement on the menu reads to speak with a manager if you feel like the amount should be increased or decreased. Does this policy allow more customer independence?
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djrunner
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2010
842 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/12/12 at 8:21 pm to Martini)
[quote]Here is yet another discussion on tips
quote:
Ex waiter here, fine dining BR area. It's been a few years, but it is not uncommon for split checks to have the waiters judgement on wether or not they add tip. I did it all the time to tables of ladies, the older the ladies the better chance I added it. Why, because in my experience they were horrible tippers. Missing out on an extra 5% was drowned out by the $2 tippers that would squat on you the entire lunch. If you are such a big tipper, just add it to the 20%. That's what I do.
If it's restaurant policy I'll pay it and not return. If it's a large party chances are I'll tip over the 20% if the service was worth it.
That said if it's waiter's judgement and you add it based on the assumption that I will be a bad tipper than I can assure you I will be. If you just assume and make it own your own you will not get a tip from me. And I don't care how good you are. And the only time you will ever see me again is if I bump into you at the drycleaners because it certainly won't be in your restaurant.
Don't come back kookoo bird, the servers of America couldn't give a shite. It sounds like you have more of a problem with ownership. The old argument of why should I pay for the waiters instead of the restaurant...
The truth is, rules like this are put in place for protection for the waiters. In fine dinning a waiter might be lucky to have 3 tables on a weeknight. One crappy tipper and he walks with 25 bucks a night. Take it up with all the crappy tippers of the world.
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Martini
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Mar 2005
24105 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/12/12 at 10:00 pm to djrunner)
The server that just decides his tip on my tab based on some arbitrary assumption that I might or might not give him a 20% tip is one server of America that will give a shite. Because he will not get it. Fact.
First I've had many shitty waiters in the fifty years I've been dining out. Most everyone of them enjoy the standard percentage based on the full check including wine and tax, as I feel it should be.
A shiity waiter has a much better chance of getting a nice tip from me than an a-hole waiter of which I've had my fair share. The waiter that adds his own tip fits that category.
And if you read my posts you will see I clearly have a problem with it as a policy. I have no problems with it on a large party nor do I have a problem with the server if it is stated and is restaurant policy to add 20% to split checks. I would pay, as my wife and companion did and just elect not to return.
But you are stating that you just picked out based on whatever criteria you decided on your own. Old ladies. Bad tippers. Auto 20%. And I'm saying you do that to me and you'll get stiffed.
And you are assuming you are providing 20% tip worthy service. How about if you sucked at your job? Are the old ladies really bad tippers or are you really a shitty waiter?
If the restaurant cares so much to put these rules in place then they should just pay you more per hour.
One crappy waiter and you deserve to walk out with $25 bucks a night.
And if you turn three tables and have even one crappy tipper and walk out with $25 bucks I've got news. You ain't working fine dining.
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djrunner
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2010
842 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/13/12 at 12:09 am to Martini)
The policy at two of the fine dining restaurants I worked was 17.5 % on parties larger than eight or split checks. I as a waiter could apply that at any time I wanted. A table of 8 50+ year old ladies requesting separate checks, I would be stupid not to add tip. When Mr Manship came in, I wish I could have added17.5%. He requested me every Friday night and added10% every freaking time... He just didn't know any better, a lot like older women back in the day.
A table of eight or 20 businessmen on the other hand, i would not add it. Its common sense. Fight the system, go
ahead. My advice is stay home and cook for yourself. You sound like a restaurants nightmare bitching about how they always frick you at the drive through.
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Kim Jong Ir
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2008
18815 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/13/12 at 12:12 am to Martini)
quote:
I've dined out all my life and understand and appreciate the difficulties of working in, managing or owning a restaurant. I've always taken pride in the fact that I am a generous tipper, not being magnanamous but I eat out for enjoyment and compensate more than fairly. I understand difficulty of children, people who can't make up their minds, changing orders etc... so I believe it's in my best interest to be better than fair. Waiters and restaurants that know me bend over backwards because they know that not only are they rewarded but they are also treated politely.
Same here Martini.
quote:
I have never seen this except on larger parties which I accept. They didn't give the old "well I only had the side salad and she had the fish so go do the math then we'll sign it." Split in two. Divide by two. One simple math problem.
I agree. This is BS.
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Martini
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Mar 2005
24105 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/13/12 at 7:31 am to djrunner)
If you think I'm a restaurants nightmare apparently you have reading comprehension problems.
I'm the $4 scrambled eggs guy leave a $10 bill at Waffle House guy. I'm the appetizer, salad, entree, desert, two mid to upper bottles of wine (because I know and appreciate wine-not just because someone says it's good) desert, coffee and maybe a brandy guy. All the while saying "thank you" each time you visit the table. Good food, good service, good fellowship and conversation and probably 25-30 % on total.
I do that because because I've worked my arse off for thirty years to build what I have and I can afford to do it. I'm at that stage in my life and I appreciate where it all started for me. I eat out, including lunch, three or four meals a week. If I actually put a dollar figure on my eating out budget I'd realize I could buy a nice sports car.
I'm your best customer.
Or, if you're a jackass, your worse..
And I don't do drive throughs. I go inside because I'm also at that age where you don't pass an opportunity to use the bathroom. And anyone who bitches about getting fricked at the drive through has that paper bag opening before you pull away comprehension problem.
And I do cook at home quite often and do that well. But that's another thread.
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LouisianaLady
USA Fan
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Mar 2009
46893 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/13/12 at 4:01 pm to Martini)
quote:
First I've had many shitty waiters in the fifty years I've been dining out.
Granted, I am only 21 so I've only been dining out at places worth a shite for a few years, but I can honestly say I've only ever had ONE "bad" waiter. I've had slower service, people forget things, servers in the weeds, etc. but I've only ever had one that was bad AND unapologetic about it.
I don't know where you people are getting these pompous a-holes, but I just don't have this issue .. yet 
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LouisianaLady
USA Fan
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Mar 2009
46893 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/13/12 at 4:09 pm to djrunner)
I agree with Martini that choosing who to auto-grat would be beyond shitty if they are not large tables.
That being said, I secretly wish I could
Last night, I got a table of 4. As I'm walking up with menus and to get their drink order, I hear the girl say "I can't eat anything here" and I hear them suggesting other places. I am unsure if I should approach them but do so anyway. I get their food just right (the girl just opts not to eat--fine), keep their drinks filled, etc. but they were aggravated to begin with when they sat down, and because of that, I got $3 on $32.
I wish people would stay away from restaurants if they are going to let their bad mood stop them from tipping when they receive good service.
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djrunner
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2010
842 posts
| re: Here is yet another discussion on tips (Posted on 5/13/12 at 6:33 pm to LouisianaLady)
I hear you LALady...I was in Destin a week or two back and ate at LA Lagniappe. The waiter gave us horrible service. The worst I have had in years. I guess it was the old waiter in me. I understood that everyone has bad nights, and a lot of people just can't cut it. He added 20% after totally messing up the check. I still tipped extra. I took up his entire section for 3 hours, I know he couldn't turn his tables, I figured he needed it more than me...
Good luck LaLady, it sounds like you have the right attitude. There are few careers you choose that will receive the scrutiny that the restaurant industry does.
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