Woman Leaves ‘Single Mom Sorry’ Tip on $138 Bill

Dizzy

Sit! Good dog.
Joined
Sep 14, 2005
Messages
17,761
Likes
1
Points
38
Location
Wales
#22
I hate tipping. I don't tip. I find it humiliating.

Thank god I live somewhere its not compulsory, they'd hate me in the US restaurants. I only tip here if I have reason to (ie, exceptional service).

You know, in China they actually get offended if you try to tip them.
 
Joined
Oct 10, 2012
Messages
374
Likes
0
Points
16
Location
Canada
#23
I waitressed for years and the amount of people who simply don't tip on principle would surprise you. When you think about it, it is a sort of hinkey practice. The customer is actually paying twice for the service. Here your hourly wage is less if you serve alcohol, so the implication is that the tips are higher when people drink. There really is something kind of wrong with that.

Is posting a picture of a Visa receipt legal? Even with the details fuzzed, not exactly ethical.

I'd give the customer benefit of doubt, maybe she only budgeted for $125 and was totally shocked she went over that much. The apology was nice, at least she appreciated the service enough to think of doing that. Could have skipped the "single mother" part, sounds like a cop-out.
 

Danefied

New Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2010
Messages
1,722
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Southeast
#24
I hate tipping. I don't tip. I find it humiliating.

Thank god I live somewhere its not compulsory, they'd hate me in the US restaurants. I only tip here if I have reason to (ie, exceptional service).

You know, in China they actually get offended if you try to tip them.
When I was waitressing (like 20 years ago), we were payed far less than minimum wage with the understanding that the tips would make up the difference.
Does anyone know if that’s still how its done?
 

Fran27

Active Member
Joined
Mar 15, 2005
Messages
10,642
Likes
0
Points
36
Age
45
Location
New Jersey
#26
I've never understood that tip thing. It's totally stupid. People shouldn't feel obligated to tip a horrible waiter. And it shouldn't be legal for restaurants to underpay their waiters and make them rely on tips. I usually tip because of that.

But using the single mom excuse for not giving a tip with a $138 check isn't right.
 

darkchild16

We are Home.
Joined
Oct 22, 2004
Messages
21,880
Likes
0
Points
36
Age
35
Location
Tallahassee Florida
#27
When I was waitressing (like 20 years ago), we were payed far less than minimum wage with the understanding that the tips would make up the difference.
Does anyone know if that’s still how its done?
there is a seperate min. wage for for people who work in a position like waitressing.

I think its 2.38 right now.
 

smkie

pointer/labrador/terrier
Joined
Dec 16, 2004
Messages
55,184
Likes
35
Points
48
#28
I am a single Mom, and single Mom times two, in Kansas City and I always leave a tip..Plus I could never eat out anywhere that charged like that. In fact, eating out is a Birthday affair, and can't really go over a Pizza or Buffet kind of deal. It's bull to treat anyone like that.
 

Gempress

Walks into Mordor
Joined
Aug 12, 2005
Messages
11,955
Likes
0
Points
0
#29
When I was waitressing (like 20 years ago), we were payed far less than minimum wage with the understanding that the tips would make up the difference.
Does anyone know if that’s still how its done?
That's still how it's done in the States. I remember hearing that in Europe, waitstaff gets full wages, hence the non-compulsory tipping over there. Is that true?
 

SizzleDog

Lord Cynical
Joined
Nov 12, 2004
Messages
9,449
Likes
0
Points
0
#30
Can't tip? Don't eat out. Simple as that.


I hate tipping. I don't tip. I find it humiliating.

Thank god I live somewhere its not compulsory, they'd hate me in the US restaurants. I only tip here if I have reason to (ie, exceptional service).

Heck, generally I OVER tip - always have, and probably always will... unless I get truly awful service, but it takes a lot for me to leave a bad tip. I've only done it a few times.

You know, in China they actually get offended if you try to tip them.
If you ever came to the States on a visit, I'd recommend tipping. It's seen as appropriate/necessary in this country, especially since wait staff are paid less than minimum wage because tips should, in effect, make up the difference. And Americans can't even always survive on minimum wage in many parts of the country.

It's all about being culturally sensitive - if you went to China, sure, don't tip. Come to America, and tipping is expected/necessary.
 

AdrianneIsabel

Glutton for Crazy
Joined
Aug 29, 2010
Messages
8,893
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Portland, Oregon
#31
How is tipping humiliating the tipper??

I believe that tipping is definitely something to be evaluated by service but to not tip on good service is ridiculous.

Cultural differences are possible but my other half has traveled all over, including visiting family (1st gen American) in Ireland and England, and he said, "It's been a bit but I seem to remember tipping at every meal."

Are you sure you're not just really cheap?
 

Danefied

New Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2010
Messages
1,722
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Southeast
#32
That's still how it's done in the States. I remember hearing that in Europe, waitstaff gets full wages, hence the non-compulsory tipping over there. Is that true?
When I lived in Spain we tipped. Again, was many moons ago, but I know we tipped for everything from a coffee to a full 3 hour meal.
 

RedHotDobe

aka RedHotBabe
Joined
Jun 5, 2004
Messages
4,366
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Maryland
#33
I've never understood that tip thing. It's totally stupid. People shouldn't feel obligated to tip a horrible waiter. And it shouldn't be legal for restaurants to underpay their waiters and make them rely on tips. I usually tip because of that.
I don't feel obligated. I've had really horrible service before and left absolutely nothing. She ignored us, got all of our orders wrong, yet we watched her bend over backwards to take care of the table next to us. On the flip side, we've left a 50% tip before because the waitress was amazing. If you suck, don't expect me to leave you something just because you assume it's part of your wage.
 

Fran27

Active Member
Joined
Mar 15, 2005
Messages
10,642
Likes
0
Points
36
Age
45
Location
New Jersey
#34
That's still how it's done in the States. I remember hearing that in Europe, waitstaff gets full wages, hence the non-compulsory tipping over there. Is that true?
In France 10 years ago people still tipped often, now not so much. But they get full wages.

And yeah, if I had a horrible waitress I would probably not leave a tip either, it's just never been that bad.
 

yoko

New Member
Joined
Aug 4, 2005
Messages
5,347
Likes
0
Points
0
Age
37
Location
Oklahoma
#35
Yeah if service is bad I don't tip. But my friend is a waitress and only makes about $4 an hour so tips are super important. That's more than three dollars less than minimum wage.
 

Dizzy

Sit! Good dog.
Joined
Sep 14, 2005
Messages
17,761
Likes
1
Points
38
Location
Wales
#36
How is tipping humiliating the tipper??

I believe that tipping is definitely something to be evaluated by service but to not tip on good service is ridiculous.

Cultural differences are possible but my other half has traveled all over, including visiting family (1st gen American) in Ireland and England, and he said, "It's been a bit but I seem to remember tipping at every meal."

Are you sure you're not just really cheap?
Err..... I live here... I'm pretty sure I know how it works in the UK.

People tip for some meals but I can guarantee you its not every meal, every restaurant, every time. There is no expectation to tip, and if you do its more a 'you did a good job'. I've also worked in bars that serve food. I wouldn't expect a tip...

People are embarrassed if you shove money at them. If you tip a bar girl you wouldn't just hand her money, you'd suggest she 'took one for herself', ie take a drink yourself, and you'd take a pound or something. You don't make money in tips though,sometimes you'd get none at all.

I find it humiliating tipping, not being tipped. It's usually awkward as people in the UK are quite reserved about money etc. I've tipped a hairdresser before, but they aren't usually prepared for it, so it can be awkward again.

If you want to come over here and tip, no one will complain, but its not necessary and can embarrass sometimes.

And no, I'm not cheap ;)
 

TahlzK

New Member
Joined
May 29, 2012
Messages
470
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Australia, QLD
#37
$4 an hour!? I'm glad our pays aren't that bad!

I'm glad we don't need to tip in Australia. I guess I don't see a need for it though I can see the tipping helps the people who work and have a bad pay. If I was used to tipping people it wouldn't bother me but not being raised in that life style, I don't think I should have to. I have tipped before when I felt like it but it hardly happens.
 

Dekka

Just try me..
Joined
May 14, 2007
Messages
19,779
Likes
3
Points
38
Age
48
Location
Ontario
#38
I saw this on reddit too (and read that thread)

But ok not leaving any tip is kinda douchy.. but how often does this happen?

Also who are we to judge is this woman NEEDS this money to buy groceries? Maybe a family member was going away and they wanted one nice meal and it went over what they thought (just saying for instance.. there are many instances that I can think of where someone might save up to take family out for a really nice meal)

Posting this on reddit and whining, is just as douchy to me as the person not tipping. So you didn't get one tip. Its not the end of the world. Yes it sucks but you are not guaranteed any tips.

Once, when Hubby and I were dating as teens we had just enough money to get breadsticks, salad and a dessert at the Olive Garden. It was the cheapest 'nice night out' we could do. No we didn't have enough money for a tip.

BUT when we went back next time (and we had a bit more money that time) we saw the waiter we had, and even though he wasn't serving us we called him over. Apolgized for being broke kids and tipped him then.

He was so thrilled we remembered and we could hear him going over to other servers and telling him.

So its awfully douchy to complain over a one time issue.
 

BlackPuppy

Owned by Belgians
Joined
Apr 12, 2006
Messages
674
Likes
0
Points
0
#39
When I was waitressing (like 20 years ago), we were payed far less than minimum wage with the understanding that the tips would make up the difference.
Does anyone know if that’s still how its done?
I believe so. There is a good book called, Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America

http://www.amazon.com/Nickel-Dimed-...nickle+and+dimed+on+not+getting+by+in+america

The author spent a year out on her own living the life of an "unskilled" worker. She worked at Walmart, as a Waitress, a Cleaning woman and others. And tried to live off of her income. Very enlightening!

When you travel you need to check the customs. Most European countries have laws about paying a living wage and tipping is not necessary and even looked down on. Sometimes a small token tip is nice.

"Millions of Americans work full time, year round, for poverty-level wages. In 1998, Barbara Ehrenreich decided to join them. She was inspired in part by the rhetoric surrounding welfare reform, which promised that a job -- any job -- can be the ticket to a better life. But how does anyone survive, let alone prosper, on $6 an hour? To find out, Ehrenreich left her home, took the cheapest lodgings she could find, and accepted whatever jobs she was offered. Moving from Florida to Maine to Minnesota, she worked as a waitress, a hotel maid, a cleaning woman, a nursing-home aide, and a Wal-Mart sales clerk. She lived in trailer parks and crumbling residential motels. Very quickly, she discovered that no job is truly "unskilled," that even the lowliest occupations require exhausting mental and muscular effort. She also learned that one job is not enough; you need at least two if you int to live indoors."
 

Doberluv

Active Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2004
Messages
22,038
Likes
2
Points
38
Location
western Wa
#40
How do you guys feel about tipping at take out places like Little Cesar's (don't know if you have one) where you order at the counter and they hand you a pizza? Or any kind of place where you order at the counter and all they do is bring you the item? They're taking your order, but only walking about 5 steps to get it to you. They're not coming and asking if you want more water or desert. They're not bringing or removing dishes from a table or bringing you condiments. I tip at espresso stands because it takes them a long time to make the Latte or whatever. But I think it's weird to tip someone whose only job it is, is to hand you something from across a counter and take your money. I think it's weird when they have tip jars for that kind of situation. But I have tipped sporadically at those places anyhow.

I've been really embarrassed when I was dating this jerk back in Idaho. He tipped so badly, it wasn't even funny. And he had a ton of money! I'm not talking about a low tip because of poor service. I'm talking about consistently lousy tipping. One place we went to all the time for karaoke and dinner and everyone knew everyone pretty much. When he'd not be watching, I'd sneak the poor waitress a chunk because I was appalled at the 2 or 3 dollars he'd leave on the table. OMG! It wasn't an expensive dinner (he was too cheap for that) but still....the tip was probably about 8 or 10% max. I didn't want to offend him so I'd tip her on the sly. Maybe I should have just done it right in front of him. LOL.
 

Members online

No members online now.
Top