Why do some restaurants allow the wait staff to ask if you want change when paying in cash at the end of a meal? Perhaps it is because I might be leaving the change as a gratuity so why bring it back to the table if that will be the outcome? Because it is part of the service!
We never ask the staff if they require a tip, but it could happen the next time I'm asked about my change.
When does it become a servers right to expect a gratuity. I would think never. After all, we as consumers make purchases almost daily whether for groceries, , gifts, clothing etc. and the only persons asking if we require change is wait staff in some restaurants. If when you went into, let's say, The Bay and made a purchase would you expect the person that assisted you to ask that question? Wouldn't we be horrified if they did? What do you mean, do I need change? Why would I not, it's my money. Have I given you enough to more than cover the expense of my purchase? Is there some reason I would not like to receive my change.
Don't tell me it occurs because wait staff need the tips to make up for a small base wage. That has nothing to do with me as the customer. I believe the wage a person is paid is for basic service. When the service is over and above what is required, that is the basis for a gratuity. I'm not suggesting that bowing and scraping is expected. Checking on the meal served, is it as ordered? Is there anything else I can bring you at this time? Not, plop it on the table and never return.
I would never hold the wait person responsible for food not cooked properly but I do believe they have a hand in presentation. A tidy plate, is a great first impression. Returning to the table to make sure the customer has everything they require, dessert, another glass of wine, more coffee, extra cream etc. These are the services that warrant a gratuity.
How about the "tip" jar? The butcher doesn't have one, so why does the person that puts the ice cream in the cone have one? Am I missing something here? Are we a nation of people with an over developed sense of entitlement or are we just headed that way. Should we be paid extra for everything we do? Where do we draw the line?
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Kudos and Complaints
Why is it we sometimes don't demand value for our dollar. We accept products and services that are not worth the time it takes to mention them and we don't register a complaint to the proper business or person involved.
Recently my sister and I made arrangements for golf and lunch at a course just east of London, Ont. It was a beautiful day and we were prepared to really enjoy ourselves. When we paid for our games we received a voucher for a discount in the restaurant on a lunch over a specified dollar value. That was a nice added bonus, we thought.
For lunch we each decided on a Montreal Smoked Meat sandwich, which was described in the menu as "piled high with meat." This was to be accompanied by a small side salad. Just the ticket we decided and so ordered the sandwich. What was delivered to our table held no relationship to what was on the menu. One half of my sisters sandwich had a single piece of meat about the size of half a strip of cooked bacon, the other half not much more. Mine by comparison must have seemed like a bonanza although it was little better. The meat on both sandwiches had been heated in bacon grease, which was evident by both smell and taste.
When our waitperson inquired as to how the meal was, she was told, that while she was not responsible for the state of the sandwiches, it would be appreciated if she would inform the kitchen of our displeasure. I should at this point mention we had eaten this food as we both were too hungry to wait. She never did return to our table . While paying our bills she was asked if she had related our remarks. Her reply - "He said he would make you another sandwich, do you want one." That cost her the gratuity she would have received had she returned to the table with that information. We both would have declined the offer.
So while, we ate and paid for food that should never have left the kitchen, I was not about to pay for service not received.
Note to myself - If this happens again anywhere, complain immediately - nicely.
______________________________________________________________________
Now for the other side of the coin - a definite KUDO.
I belong to a small golf club near the airport in London, Ont. I became a member just this year as I have only discovered that golf is not a game played by people with little else to do than spend time chasing a small ball around a lawn with a stick. To my great joy I discovered a game played by others who also enjoy the great outdoors, either in a group or alone, who want to challenge themselves to better and better results.
Frank, the man who built the clubhouse and designed the golf course some 40 odd years ago is
still the owner. He is without a doubt the most energetic person I have ever encountered. In his early 80's he is always attending to one or more of the numerous jobs required to keep the business running smoothly. His staff, both inside and out, are a credit to the club.
The front desk and dining area are an "all in one" type of deal. There are, at one time or another, about five female employees. The two young women usually there when we arrive are Jen and Monica. Quick, efficient and fun with great attitudes and wonderful smiles for everyone they come into contact with regardless of the momentary pressure they may be under. Both young women are extremely capable and a definite asset to the club.
Recently my sister and I made arrangements for golf and lunch at a course just east of London, Ont. It was a beautiful day and we were prepared to really enjoy ourselves. When we paid for our games we received a voucher for a discount in the restaurant on a lunch over a specified dollar value. That was a nice added bonus, we thought.
For lunch we each decided on a Montreal Smoked Meat sandwich, which was described in the menu as "piled high with meat." This was to be accompanied by a small side salad. Just the ticket we decided and so ordered the sandwich. What was delivered to our table held no relationship to what was on the menu. One half of my sisters sandwich had a single piece of meat about the size of half a strip of cooked bacon, the other half not much more. Mine by comparison must have seemed like a bonanza although it was little better. The meat on both sandwiches had been heated in bacon grease, which was evident by both smell and taste.
When our waitperson inquired as to how the meal was, she was told, that while she was not responsible for the state of the sandwiches, it would be appreciated if she would inform the kitchen of our displeasure. I should at this point mention we had eaten this food as we both were too hungry to wait. She never did return to our table . While paying our bills she was asked if she had related our remarks. Her reply - "He said he would make you another sandwich, do you want one." That cost her the gratuity she would have received had she returned to the table with that information. We both would have declined the offer.
So while, we ate and paid for food that should never have left the kitchen, I was not about to pay for service not received.
Note to myself - If this happens again anywhere, complain immediately - nicely.
______________________________________________________________________
Now for the other side of the coin - a definite KUDO.
I belong to a small golf club near the airport in London, Ont. I became a member just this year as I have only discovered that golf is not a game played by people with little else to do than spend time chasing a small ball around a lawn with a stick. To my great joy I discovered a game played by others who also enjoy the great outdoors, either in a group or alone, who want to challenge themselves to better and better results.
Frank, the man who built the clubhouse and designed the golf course some 40 odd years ago is
still the owner. He is without a doubt the most energetic person I have ever encountered. In his early 80's he is always attending to one or more of the numerous jobs required to keep the business running smoothly. His staff, both inside and out, are a credit to the club.
The front desk and dining area are an "all in one" type of deal. There are, at one time or another, about five female employees. The two young women usually there when we arrive are Jen and Monica. Quick, efficient and fun with great attitudes and wonderful smiles for everyone they come into contact with regardless of the momentary pressure they may be under. Both young women are extremely capable and a definite asset to the club.
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