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Is it tacky for a server to ask for a larger tip?

Last post 11-20-2008, 10:56 PM by csallen46. 10 replies.
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  •  11-17-2008, 3:22 AM 16253

    Is it tacky for a server to ask for a larger tip?

    .
  •  11-17-2008, 10:30 AM 16254 in reply to 16253

    Re: Is it tacky for a server to ask for a larger tip?

    Assuming the waiter's performance was as you stated - yes, it is tacky and you are not over-reacting. A tip should accurately reflect a server's performance. Only an amateur would ask for a larger tip.
  •  11-17-2008, 11:49 AM 16256 in reply to 16253

    Re: Is it tacky for a server to ask for a larger tip?

    The waiter should not have asked for a larger tip, however, if the service is acceptable and not poor, then an 18% tip should be left. Patrons don't always understand that the service sometimes depend on the kitchen and blame servers for this. Only if a server is really bad, do I leave less than 18%. I usually tip 20% or more. Older people too, don't realize that tips are what we rely on for income. They rave about how wonderful you are and leave 10 to 15%. I do agree that it was improper and unprofessional to ask for a larger tip. I too, was a server for many years and almost always recieved 20% or more.
  •  11-19-2008, 7:23 PM 16334 in reply to 16253

    Re: Is it tacky for a server to ask for a larger tip?

    Yes, it is completely out of line for a server to ask for a larger tip.
  •  11-19-2008, 7:29 PM 16335 in reply to 16334

    Re: Is it tacky for a server to ask for a larger tip?

    Totally rude!
  •  11-20-2008, 12:36 AM 16342 in reply to 16253

    Re: Is it tacky for a server to ask for a larger tip?

    About 55 years ago, I took a date to the Monmouth Park race track. It was my first time at the track and I was told that it would impress my date if I got clubhouse tickets and sat at a clubhouse table. We sat there all afternoon and had a meal as we made bets. When I left the table, the waiter followed me and said something like, "Excuse me sir, can I speak to you privately?". He took me out of my dates earshot and said, "I appreciate your tip, it is much more than the usual 10%, however, you took my table up all day and I usually serve three or four parties during an afternoon". I realized that he was correct and asked him what was appropriate, he answered me and I gave it to him. The waiter was right to not suffer from my youth and inexperience. I left with no hard feelings and a better appreciation for the waiters job.
    On the other hand, I have watched tip percentages increase, over the last 55 years, from a standard 10% to a current 20% while the price of a top drawer meal has increased from $20 to $100. Can someone tell me why the percentage has increased and what will the ceiling be on tip percentages?
  •  11-20-2008, 10:37 AM 16344 in reply to 16342

    Re: Is it tacky for a server to ask for a larger tip?

    The % goes up just like minimum wage goes up. This is their income. Servers are paid $2.13 per hour plus tips which they claim on their taxes. 
  •  11-20-2008, 12:01 PM 16347 in reply to 16253

    Re: Is it tacky for a server to ask for a larger tip?

    Is it tacky for a server to ask for a larger tip?
    Yes, absolutely! If you feel under tipped on a regular basis you may:
    1) examine your service
    2) ask management to put a small note at the bottom of the menu "suggested gratuity 20%".
    time is a sly magician
  •  11-20-2008, 4:23 PM 16366 in reply to 16342

    Re: Is it tacky for a server to ask for a larger tip?

    ROBERTB443063 wrote:
    I realized that he was correct and asked him what was appropriate, he answered me and I gave it to him. The waiter was right to not suffer from my youth and inexperience. I left with no hard feelings and a better appreciation for the waiters job.

    Robert,

    He was correct to guide you regarding what to take into consideration when calculating a tip based on the amount of time spent in his station. However, I do not believe he should have told you how much to give him. He should have said something like, "please take this into account the next time." 
  •  11-20-2008, 7:00 PM 16371 in reply to 16253

    Re: Is it tacky for a server to ask for a larger tip?

    It's absolutely wrong for a waiter to request a larger tip. It IS appropriate for the waiter to ask for a critique of his service if the tip is poor in his opinion. This is his opportunity to learn how to fine tune his service to receive better recognition in the future. 
  •  11-20-2008, 10:56 PM 16374 in reply to 16342

    Re: Is it tacky for a server to ask for a larger tip?

    I loved your Monmouth Park story and think both you and the waiter behaved very reasonably. If you, as a callow youth, were so open and generous, I'm guessing you've had a pretty good life.

    About prices and tips:
    I believe in leaving a greater percentage in cheaper restaurants (and also for a longer stay in relation to the bill.). If the lunch tab is $8.25, I might leave $11, but for a $60 dinner, I think $70 should be plenty.
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