To be fair, the bill’s total was not $22.40.. it was $42.40, so the tip was actually around %50. just for clarity as many guests think that gift cards reduce your total for the tip.. they don’t!
As a bartender I must say that it is never appropriate to assume anything about cash or change. And while I understand the frustration on the part of the DJ, this situation sheds light on a much more common scenario which greatly frustrates the serving community.
I watch this happen to wait staff on a regular basis and here’s how it works. Large party policies require one tab for groups. Let’s say four couples share a tab for multiple drink and food rounds. As the night drags on, couples intermittently leave. They summon the waitress and apply a dollar amount to the tab, either by credit card or cash on the table. This has the effect of significantly dropping the check total but almost always ignores the tip on that amount. “Here’s $100 towards the tab, thanks very much.” By the end of the night, the last couple left is presented a check that has significantly diminished. They tip according to what’s left. Let’s say $20 on $100. I’ve witnessed waiters making just that, $20 for backbreaking service on $600 worth of product.
This is just one example, and it’s less a crime of malice than oversight.
What’s more interesting to hear is the sensational level of disgust on the part of the DJs on the podcast over a relatively rare occurrence. In my view, the vast majority of people getting screwed by tips wear aprons, not headphones.
April 26th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
To be fair, the bill’s total was not $22.40.. it was $42.40, so the tip was actually around %50. just for clarity as many guests think that gift cards reduce your total for the tip.. they don’t!
April 27th, 2009 at 9:33 am
The server should not have assumed that the $20 was a tip.
April 27th, 2009 at 11:19 am
As a bartender I must say that it is never appropriate to assume anything about cash or change. And while I understand the frustration on the part of the DJ, this situation sheds light on a much more common scenario which greatly frustrates the serving community.
I watch this happen to wait staff on a regular basis and here’s how it works. Large party policies require one tab for groups. Let’s say four couples share a tab for multiple drink and food rounds. As the night drags on, couples intermittently leave. They summon the waitress and apply a dollar amount to the tab, either by credit card or cash on the table. This has the effect of significantly dropping the check total but almost always ignores the tip on that amount. “Here’s $100 towards the tab, thanks very much.” By the end of the night, the last couple left is presented a check that has significantly diminished. They tip according to what’s left. Let’s say $20 on $100. I’ve witnessed waiters making just that, $20 for backbreaking service on $600 worth of product.
This is just one example, and it’s less a crime of malice than oversight.
What’s more interesting to hear is the sensational level of disgust on the part of the DJs on the podcast over a relatively rare occurrence. In my view, the vast majority of people getting screwed by tips wear aprons, not headphones.
April 28th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Clay – agreed. I have accidentally done that before.
take care of your servers, and spay and neuter your pets.