Steph today wrote about tipping and it reminded me of Thursday's fiasco at Applebees. UGH.
We've all heard it before, we should tip our waiters, waitresses, hairstylists, cab drivers, etc. But there are times at which these people dont deserve a tip. I have written before about my issues with forced gratuity at these restaurants on 42nd st. Well it just so happened that I went back to 42nd St. and found myself again with questioning whether or not she deserved a tip.
My party of 3 was just hanging out and while primarily we wanted to hang out and drink, we couldn't. One person forgot their ID and another was underaged. -_- You see my issue already right? So we settle for dinner and a movie. We go to Applebee's which has a special where with all adult entrees, you could get a movie ticket at a discount. The meals are 14 and up while the movie ticket is 7.50! One helluva discount for a movie ticket at Times Square.
So when we get there, the waitress was so inattentive throughout our stay. We were upset. We decided we would pay the check by card and tip her in cash. The tip is "optional" but included in the check. Its a 17% gratuity fee. Mind you, last I checked tipping was optional and depended on your service. 15% is standard. 17% for slightly better than expected and 20% for exemplary AWESOME service.
This girl as I said was so inattentive. Ok, she was cheery. But the fact that we were drinking melting ice for more than 5 minutes in a place where fountain drinks are free refills is a problem. The food took forever and that wasnt a problem but the fact that she took more than 15 minutes to ask us if anything was wrong was another issue. SMH.
So when were about to leave, we leave her a $5 tip rather than the 30 bucks she wouldve gotten had we not realized that they tacked on the 17% gratuity fee onto the actual total. This girl chased us down the block talking about that was the way she made her money cause she didnt get an hourly rate and that her service had been good. UMM WHAT? Had your service been good, you wouldve gotten more than $5 bucks! Had your service been good, MAYBE you wouldve gotten the full 30. And then you tried to pity us into giving you an extra tip??? Thirty bucks you definitely did not earn and thirty bucks that you make in 5 hours. Not my fault you get paid minimum wage in Times Square. Complain to your manager. Then when he asks why you got only $5, you can tell him how much you suck at waitressing and give him your two weeks notice.
UGH! And the topping on the cake: She shares my name! AAARGH! Disgrace...
I hate Times Square and their restaurants. I keep having bad luck with those money hungry- lets rip you off bastards.
3 comments:
If I were you, I'd contact Applebee's corporate (because the management at a NYC restaurant won't be as concerned, guaranteed) and report what she did. Chasing customers out of the restaurant is grounds for dismissal at any restaurant. I've seen people fired over confronting customers over not tipping. Did you point out that you DID tip...it was included in the meal??? I don't think you are obligated to tip a single dime over that. Not a penny. In fact, I wouldn't have.
I've visited NYC twice and I noticed the service seemed to suck in general. But I'm used to the south, where people are usually grateful you're there! In both NY and Paris, I found that the workers seemed to go with the attitude that you were lucky to be there, rather than being grateful for your business. Although my second visit to NY was better...but we didn't go to any chain restaurants or small diners. (The diner was where we had the worst service, but we were seated across from a professional ballerina, so that was kinda cool!)
uummmm...chasing you as you're leaving to demand more tip or an explanation is soooooo like NOT RIGHT!!!!!
I agree, they should get what they earn!!
She should have been fired right there and then!
I was a waitress for three years. You think you have it bad when you have bad service? Try being a server.
*I still shudder when I remember those days*
I called over from Creation Dreams site because I was interested on this subject.
Tips was originally started as "To Insure Prompt Service" and that is how it is in England. Usually tips were given at the start of the meal.
In hair salons and taxi-cabs the tips is usually 10% of the amount due for the service.
I think that you were treated really badly, and I would certainly take it to the Manager/Manageress and complain about the service that was given you.
No customer deserves to be treat this way...even if the rest of the staff pool all their tips at the end of the week/month. They are the ones with their jobs on the line.
Very interesting post!
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