What is it about tipping?

[theredbaron47]

All servers are paid at state minimum wage at least to start in this state. However, I still tip at least the minimum because I know most servers get absolute shit for health benefits.

So just as I was growing accustomed to taking into account my server's wages when paying my bill ( an educatedly wild guess, as it were ), I now have to consider their health benefits from their employer as well?

. . .

( Not mocking you, per se, Pheonix, but rather the generalized concept of 'tipping'. )

[Kelly Lynne]

Why all the fuss....

I think that the topic goes downhill so fast because people go from stating facts (in such-and-such culture, it works this way), to which way is better and which one it should be.

It can also turn into a political/social debate. I've seen a couple arguing, for example, that, while it sucks that waitstaff are paid 2.13 an hour, they don't feel that as a customer it's their job to make up the difference. (Not my feeling, but it is kind of a valid point.)

And then we get into socialism vs. free market capitalism and all sorts of fun....

[AFPheonix]

So just as I was growing accustomed to taking into account my server's wages when paying my bill ( an educatedly wild guess, as it were ), I now have to consider their health benefits from their employer as well?

. . .

( Not mocking you, per se, Pheonix, but rather the generalized concept of 'tipping'. )

You tip however you like, and I'll tip however I like. I also find that I rarely if ever get less than good service. Usually it's pretty stellar.

[theredbaron47]

You tip however you like, and I'll tip however I like. I also find that I rarely if ever get less than good service. Usually it's pretty stellar.

Depends on your definition of stellar. To me, I don't want to be forgotten. I'm usually not under any time constraints when I go out to eat, so I really don't mind if things take a long time.

I expect my waitstaff to be polite and to do their job period, much like I expect any retail worker to treat me, or to generalize it, anyone working at their occupation. Chances are people wouldn't last long at a job if they aren't polite with customers and / or don't meet their responsibilities.

I have never received unsatisfactory service either, which I take to mean done politely and done period.

But yes, you tip how you like, and I'll tip how I like. Deal.

[AFPheonix]

By stellar, I mean I get pretty fun servers who talk with me when they get time, do more than just do the check back once while I've got a full mouth thing
But then, I try to be a fun customer too, so perhaps I bring good service on myself.