So in these days of the Great Recession, I understand that folks aren’t eating out as much. I also get that, when they do eat out, the RCs just can’t be as lavish about the whole thing as we all once were in say, ’06 or ’07. I accept that, I truly do. As I’ve stated in previous posts, I’ve pretty much given up dining out altogether! I live vicariously through the RCs I wait on.Here’s where my problem with RC spending lies. Your tip should still be commensurate with the amount of money you’re spending, as long as the service is good. A minimum of 15% regardless of the bill. But Veteran Server! You mean to tell me that if my group and I spend $200 on dinner and drinks we’re supposed to leave you an additional $30 as a tip? At least $30 my friends! If my service is phenomenal, then frankly I expect more! You and your two buddies who spent almost $70 each on drinks and food can clearly afford it!
Listen folks. A disturbing trend is starting to take root. My thrifty RCs, the one-top who’s bill is $8.50 and the two-tops with a combined bill of $19.75 are still stepping up to the plate when it comes to tipping. They’re leaving like five dollars regardless of the tab, and on $8.50 that’s, I don’t know, 60%? And it’s 25% on a $19.75! I love them for it! But the big spenders? Not very awesome as a group! I get the couple where the diva chick is all “Baby, I want the lobster tails and the crab dinner, but the lobster tails are $12 apiece!” And he’s all “Whatever you want baby, don’t worry about the price!” They order shots of Patron all night, at $12 a pop. The bill? $160 between just the two of them, and dude leaves me $5. What is that about? Seriously. WHAT IS THAT ABOUT?
I wish that I could say those are isolated incidents, few and far between, but the sad fact is that this is getting more and more prevalent. Apparently people are skimping on the tip as a way to save money so that they can still drink Patron as opposed to Cuevo, and that is just not cool. Not cool at all! If my tip has to suffer in this difficult economy, then so should your lifestyle. If you still treat yourselves to lobster to keep your spirits up, get lucky with your date, or whatever is going on in your world, then I still get 15% so I can pay my bills. Either we all get fat, or we all get lean. Period. I mean, that’s only fair! I’m just saying.
I really think that 90% of RCs don't tip on percentage anymore, that they just make up some number.
I have seen this happening a lot too. I get phenomenal tips from one and two tops whose bill is small. Larger groups I have started adding gratuity to, which is something I never did before, because this is a consistent problem.