Tipping up front

[evilwebby]

There's nothing worse that lousy service when you're out on a dinner date, right?

Well.. try this next time...


When you really want good service in a restaurant - let's say you're out on a date or you're taking someone to lunch who you want to leave a good impression on - do not wait until the meal is over and the bill is in front of you before adding the tip..

Instead, when you are first shown to your table and your waiter/waitress hands over the menu to you, politely confirm that they're the one who will be taking your orders, and then hand them a generous cash tip there and then, along with a friendly "Here's a 10/20 bucks...could you take good care of me and my frend?"

It makes an instant impression, and almost guarantees the attention of your server for your duration of your visit. It's the same tip, it just leaves a better impression.

here endth today's etiquette lessons.. now shoot my upper class Tory ass down

 

[Bungle]

What happens if they proceed to provide a terrible service? Are we within our rights to smash them in the face with the dinner plate and retrieve our money?

 

[coollino]

Would prefer all hospitality to pay their staff correctly.

 

[evilwebby]

What happens if they proceed to provide a terrible service? Are we within our rights to smash them in the face with the dinner plate and retrieve our money?

Absolutely.

 

[evilwebby]

Would prefer all hospitality to pay their staff correctly.

Until that happy day arrives, do your bit.. but I'm just saying do it in style

 

[evilwebby]

Actually... I'd be interested to hear thoughts on this from anyone who's actually been on the front line waiting tables... good idea or not?

 

[Bruce Wayne]

 

[-Rob-]

When I was on holiday in Tenerife in 1997 I noticed a lot of the holiday makers getting much bigger measures in their drinks and they'd always get served first then I realised they were the ones that had given a few decent tips on their first trips to the bar. The bar staff would them look after them for the rest of their holiday. So on my next trip to the bar I tipped them a little bit extra and all of a sudden I was getting table service, doubles instead of singles and service with a smile.
I doubt it would happen in the UK but when you're abroad it definitely pays to tip the locals.

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

There's nothing worse that lousy service when you're out on a dinner date, right?

Well.. try this next time...


When you really want good service in a restaurant - let's say you're out on a date or you're taking someone to lunch who you want to leave a good impression on - do not wait until the meal is over and the bill is in front of you before adding the tip..

Instead, when you are first shown to your table and your waiter/waitress hands over the menu to you, politely confirm that they're the one who will be taking your orders, and then hand them a generous cash tip there and then, along with a friendly "Here's a 10/20 bucks...could you take good care of me and my frend?"

It makes an instant impression, and almost guarantees the attention of your server for your duration of your visit. It's the same tip, it just leaves a better impression.

here endth today's etiquette lessons.. now shoot my upper class Tory ass down

Do the Bullingdon club do similar (but to the tune of 10 to 20k) before they smash up the restaurant?

Curious if upfront or post trashing reparations are received better?

Tory ethnographic exploration, interesting...

 

[The Legend of Southall]

Actually... I'd be interested to hear thoughts on this from anyone who's actually been on the front line waiting tables... good idea or not?

If you'd done it to me, I'd of thought you where, to but it mildly, an idiot. And I would of been mildly offended. My waiting skills weren't for sale, and those who worked for the tips just came across as completely false all the time. They reminded me of dogs doing tricks for treats.

You got me when I was your waiter. And if you didn't like it, you could do one.

You'll be surprised to learn it's been many, many years since I last did any waitering lol

 

[degsy]

If you'd done it to me, I'd of thought you where, to but it mildly, an idiot. And I would of been mildly offended. My waiting skills weren't for sale, and those who worked for the tips just came across as completely false all the time. They reminded me of dogs doing tricks for treats.

You got me when I was your waiter. And if you didn't like it, you could do one.

You'll be surprised to learn it's been many, many years since I last did any waitering lol

Especially if its done in the 'shoving the banknote in the top pocket' condescending manner

 

[The Legend of Southall]

Especially if its done in the 'shoving the banknote in the top pocket' condescending manner

Exactly.

You want my respect? Treat me like a decent human being, not something you can buy.

 

[degsy]

Exactly.

You want my respect? Treat me like a decent human being, not something you can buy.

This

 

[Sarnia Kevin]

Would prefer all hospitality to pay their staff correctly.

Incentives do work though, however staff wages shouldn't be calculated on expected tips.

 

[brieverton]

There's nothing worse that lousy service when you're out on a dinner date, right?

Well.. try this next time...


When you really want good service in a restaurant - let's say you're out on a date or you're taking someone to lunch who you want to leave a good impression on - do not wait until the meal is over and the bill is in front of you before adding the tip..

Instead, when you are first shown to your table and your waiter/waitress hands over the menu to you, politely confirm that they're the one who will be taking your orders, and then hand them a generous cash tip there and then, along with a friendly "Here's a 10/20 bucks...could you take good care of me and my frend?"

It makes an instant impression, and almost guarantees the attention of your server for your duration of your visit. It's the same tip, it just leaves a better impression.

here endth today's etiquette lessons.. now shoot my upper class Tory ass down

I'd tip in advance if it was particularly important that the occasion went well, and/or if I wanted people to be looked after over and above the norm. I wouldn't do it immediately though, the first impressions regarding the welcome and the waiting staff would still be very important.

In a covid world it might cause more problems than it solved, but hopefully in months to come that won't be an issue to anywhere near the same degree.

In general I dislike tipping, it serves to subsidise low wages, hospitality staff should do their jobs pleasantly and efficiently, and the trade should pay them adequately to do that essential function, when it is often a difficult and stressful job.

I do feel though that tipping is really appreciated, and a good relationship with the waiting staff at your local restaurant or wherever can be a real boon.