Not tipping is now a service to the waiter... what?

[smileyeagle1021]

Okay, I stumbled upon this article, and basically the author is claiming it is the true christian thing to do to NOT leave tips (unless of course the waiter goes over the top and is handsome, because looks have everything to do with service ) because it teaches a life lesson about not accepting handouts and earning your income for yourself (because you know, restaurants actually pay their employees).

How much should I tip?
Now, I won't argue that the waitress in the case she brought up originally didn't deserve a tip, but seriously, the rest of that rant was really out of... umm, I'm not even sure if it is in the ballpark still...

[Hobbs]

I love the responses, especially the waitress who called the writer a "wanker."

[Rapscallion]

Meh, the poster there was just trying to justify being a tightwad. If the service was as bad as claimed, and I have no way to know either way, then a zero or one penny tip is the norm.

Rapscallion

[smileyeagle1021]

Raps, at least whenever I've had really bad experience I've left two pennies (I've given my two cents).

[Hyena Dandy]

What do they suppose tipping is, if its not making sure people work for their money?

If you don't work, you don't get a tip. If you work hard, you get a tip. A tip isn't a handout. You don't have to work to get a handout. Their server didn't work, and therefore, didn't get a tip. That's fair.

If they work, and don't get a tip, you're not 'encouraging them to work for their money', you're telling them "you don't get money, no matter how hard you work."

[MaggieTheCat]

*eyeroll* The guy who wrote that article clearly doesn't know anything about tipping in the U.S. He says it's not customary to tip in Europe...well, of course not, they actually pay their waitstaff decent wages, unlike in the U.S. He says he taught that waitress a lesson by leaving her a $.30 tip...uh, no, you taught that waitress that you are a cheap bastard. Talking to her or her manager and letting her know WHY you are leaving a lousy tip would have at least let them know that you considered the service substandard.

[Hyena Dandy]

When I see things like this from people claiming to be Christians, I feel like I ought to apologize for my fellow Christians.

But then, I decide if they're not going to consider me a Christian (I'm a Catholic, and Mr. Billings along with the rest of the staff of that site had some choice words about how Catholics aren't real Christians) then I won't consider them Christian.


I have to ask, though, out of simple curiosity, why you're visiting a fundamentalist Christian website, Smiley... I'd think you'd try to avoid those?

[Jack]

Maybe FSTDT was too concentrated for him. He needed something weaker to start off.

I noticed that the author didn't describe much exactly of the waiter's behavior. Anyone can take any action and consider it "rude" by their standards. I'm going to figure she looked hung-over because a lot of waitstaff are ass-tired even if they don't go to school or work a second job and are running purely on large daily doses of ibuprofen, caffeine, and fear of losing a job. Even if a waiter isn't bright and chipper the whole time, as long as they do what they should, get me what I need and don't jerk me around or ignore me I see no reason not to leave a good tip.

[Racket_Man]

I love how this guy defends himself with Bible quotes and the LALALALALA fingers in the ears routine. then goes off on people making a logical, rational, and calm comment explaining their position. then goes off on another GOD rant.

He still does not get the WAAAYYYYY below minimum wage that servers, delivery drivers and such receive AND the way both the US goverment (namely the IRS) and the employer expect and ASSUME the server/driver will get a tip for each and every order/table. and if you do not make enough in tips (cause in places you gotta tip out 3 or 4 different people) your pay check is $0 and the IRS may want EVEN MORE MONEY from you.

[muses_nightmare]

I'm personally someone who thinks the whole idea of tipping shouldn't be considered mandatory, but that doesn't mean I don't tip. It's expected unfortunately, even here in BC where wait-staff make at least minimum wage ($8/h), usually more. So in order to not be an ass I tip. This guy is just being a douche, especially for using the whole Christian angle to justify it.

[Jack]

I thought the employer had to pay tipped employees up to minimum wage if they didn't make it in tips.

[AdminAssistant]

I thought the employer had to pay tipped employees up to minimum wage if they didn't make it in tips.

You're right, they do.

[smileyeagle1021]

I have to ask, though, out of simple curiosity, why you're visiting a fundamentalist Christian website, Smiley... I'd think you'd try to avoid those?

I actually stumbled upon the site from a link on "how to tell if your husband is gay" thinking it was a satire site or something like that (and if you read that particular article as satire, it is damned funny), and at the bottom of the page on related links was that one which was just... yeah...

You're right, they do.

If it's like some of the places I've had friends work at, failing to make enough in tips that they have to cover the difference is grounds for termination, because obviously if you were providing quality service you wouldn't need the company to make up for lack of tips... it's bullshit I know, but that doesn't stop it from happening.

[KnitShoni]

If it's like some of the places I've had friends work at, failing to make enough in tips that they have to cover the difference is grounds for termination, because obviously if you were providing quality service you wouldn't need the company to make up for lack of tips... it's bullshit I know, but that doesn't stop it from happening.

That's the way it is most places, I think. If the restaurant has to make up for what you're supposed to be receiving from your customers for the service you provide, they're not going to keep you around long.

[Greenday]

Just sounds like a cheapskate trying to cover up his being cheap.