Tips aren’t automatic

I’m tired of crappy service at restaurants.  I’m tired of friends being appalled if I don’t give a 15% tip to the serving staff even if they don’t deserve it.  It’s not automatic.  It’s not that hard to deserve a good tip.  Having been a waiter myself, I know how you’re supposed to serve.  We’re doing no favours if that tip is just automatic.  So, here’s my list of minimum things you must do in order to qualify for even the basic 15%.

Brunch example

1. Greet us at the door within 1 minute of arriving and seat us (if it’s full, I’ll make the choice and your tip won’t be affected).
2. Give us menus when we sit.
3. After 2 minutes, come to the table and ask us if we want coffee to start.  We do.
4. Bring coffees immediately.  Make sure ample condiments accompany.
5. When our menus are flat on the table and we look ready, come back to the table and take our order.
6. Bring our meals no more than 10 minutes after we order.
7. Refill our coffees without being asked.
8. Half-way through our meals, come back and ask how things are.  Bring the coffee pot unasked.
9. Take our plates as each of us finishes.
10. Once the last of us finishes, ask if we’d like anything else.  Usually we just want the bill.
11. Bring the bill.
12. Come back for the bill no more than 5 minutes later.

Key principles

a) Don’t take your time.  Be prompt.  Waiting for things sucks royally.
b) Come to the table at least two times after we’ve gotten our meals.
c) Pay attention.  The worst is when you have to try to get the server’s attention.

 

365Project on

In an attempt to streamline (or rather end the duplication of effort), I’ve decided to continue the #365Project only on my Shuttercal site.  You can continue to follow it from there and comment as you’d like on the individual photos each day.  I’ll also tweet and Facebook them still.  Thanks for coming!

The 365 Project on Shuttercal

62/365: The Queen Is Dead

One of my favourite bands, The Smiths have a number of fabulous albums, not the least of which is this, The Queen Is Dead.  Another distinctive cover featuring features Alain Delon from the 1964 film L’Insoumis, it has now become my desktop wallpaper (replacing the cover to Pet Shop Boys’ Pandemonium).

“Andy – you have left The Smiths. Goodbye and good luck, Morrissey.”