The Story of James Robinson

Hey Rub,

Well you certainly have hit a nerve, haven’t you? I must preface this by saying that I have waited tables and bartended for many years, so anything I say will probably be “tilted”.

1). Most servers are taxed on their Sales, meaning that it doesn’t matter what you tip them, the government says they will be making $$$ in tips on $$$$ in sales – So that’s what they are taxing them for, PERIOD.

2). Benefits: What? In many other industries, Workers will get raises, insurance, holiday and vacation pay. Not your server!

3). Breaks: What? Most servers know that during their shift, if they want to make money, they will stay on the floor. This is fine on a Monday, when they start work at 4:00pm and they are home by 9:00p.m. BUT — let’s try on a Friday night, when it is now 11:00pm and they have not stopped working once! If your boss told you that on a daily basis, screw your breaks — the company’s busy — you’d tell him to shove his job, you’re taking Lunch!

4). Tipping Amount: When I used to wait tables, it didn’t matter to me because it would all average out in the end. But, If a couple is spending $100, my guess is they will spend about 2 hours eating. $15.00 is too much to spend in tip? You’ve just tied up a table for 2 hours….

The TIP CUPS — Toss them with the help! Just once, try tipping at McDonald’s! They will POLITELY inform you that they are not allowed to accept Tips.

Servers also tip out EVERYBODY! Bartender, Busser, Hostess and sometimes, even the kitchen staff.

5). KARMA: What happens one day if someone in your family has to wait tables, would you want this karma hanging over your head.

6). Do you go to a favorite bar? If you go, is it fair to say that you will drop $15.00 for booze? 15% will be $2.25 – Does that seem like too much money? I mean after all, they are just pouring beer.

Lastly, If you feel that tipping has just gotten out of hand — the next time you go into a restaurant, let the Owner know and ask if he/she will wait on you, I am dying to hear their response. I got mad at a friend of mine years ago because she ordered food to be delivered and the owner personally brought it over. I said to the owner later that I felt that my friend should not have tipped. The owner went ballistic! “Don’t I give Good Service?”

When Tipping first started, it was in the 15th Century. You gave the Tip BEFORE your service. It was to insure prompt service!

Would it be fair to go back to that?

My answers aren’t any better than anyone else, I’ve just been there and done that. I’ve seen a server work a full 2 week pay period and receive a $26.00 check because everything else was taken out in taxes.

I do know this though — They are happy you appreciate them, but if its a problem, they won’t mind it if you stopped coming in.

James in San Diego