by Chris Lossee & Shana Harris

Everyday, millions of us go out to eat in our favorite restaurant or have an after work beer in the local bar.  Whether we go out to unwind, have dinner with our family or just get together with our friends...we all know that when the bill comes....so does the tip.  Now most everybody I know has either been in a tip based job or is currently struggling in a tip based job.  It seems that the complaints that we all have are pretty standard.  No pay (standard hourly wage is  $2.13) lousy tips and rude customers.  We feel its high time to educate today's customers on the new standards for tipping and  patron treatment towards employees.


Dear Customer/Patron:

1.  If you can afford to got out to eat...But you can't afford to tip...hey...guess what?  You can't afford to go out to eat.

2.  This is 2007 people.  10% -%15 is not acceptable anymore...Standard tipping for GOOD service is between 18%-20%.

3.  God wants us to tip GOOD!!!  We are representing Him.  So, all you church goers that are cheap? Realize who you are making look bad!!

4.  Ordering a well done steak will constitute a longer ticket time...you will be okay...if you wanted fast food, you should have gone through a flippin' drive-thru...

5.  It's really not necessary to snap at me or wave your hand in the air like you're having a spasm or get up and follow me.  I saw you, I acknowledged you, you saw me...hold the hell on, sit the hell down.  I am coming.  (Seriously!  The snapping MUST stop!)

6.  When I take the time to be courteous and introduce myself...please don't be  rude and cut me off...manners.

7.  I follow a strict rule.  You should never reward bad service with a good tip...however, you should also never punish excellent service with a shitty tip because you're cheap.

8.  Please don't take it out on me because you have had a bad day...I'm here to make it better.  Relax.

9.  When I deliver your food and ask if there is anything else...you can tell me...I asked didn't I?   Don't get all bent out of shape because I'm not psychic and cannot read your mind.  How in the hell am I supposed to know you needed A1?

10.  I know sometimes you can't help it... But do you really have to ask for something every single time I walk past the table?  I mean really.....

11.  Hi!  Look around you.  You are one of probably twenty people I am waiting on...Did you happen to notice that?  So, if you have to wait for a minute...Be patient...I promise I will take care of you.

12.  Treating a server like they are uneducated and the scum of the earth because we are serving you, is the quickest way to get the worst service you ever thought possible...We are people too and you are no better than me...I don't care what you do.

13.  Just think about it like this.  Your tip left on the table is how I pay my bills.  I am making $2.13 an hour.  So...NO...I don't get a paycheck.  After taxes and claiming tips I'm lucky if I even see one.  Remember that next time you decide to be cheap.

14.  Last but certainly not least...Don't assume that my job is easier than yours and I am some dumb shit who can't get a better job.  The restaurant business is a fast paced environment with a HIGH stress level.  And you don't see all the tings we do behind the scenes.  So have some respect.  I don't come to your office and treat you poorly for sitting on your ass all day.  Do I??  No.  I don't.

PS...Than movie "Waiting" is overly exaggerated to be a funny movie, but please remember that we are the last people to see your food and drinks before you do...and that movie had some GREAT suggestions!!!