I have to report to our blog this very nice article that I red in Harriette Cole Sense & Sensitivity. The title was very attractive and I really take pleasure to read it for all the people that work in this industry. Thanks Harriette and also thanks to Christie, Shreveport, La:
Not much percentage in waiting tables, so give your server a break
Dear Harriette:In response to Andrea in New York, who wrote about proper tipping for hairstylists: While I agree with the etiquette for her profession, she said, "Why should a waitress get $20 for putting a couple of plates and glasses on a table because the bill is $100?"
Are you kidding me?
Are you kidding me?
I am a waitress at a national chain steakhouse, and she has obviously never waited tables. In Louisiana, the minimum wage for us is $2.13 an hour, which we have to turn over for taxes. I virtually never receive a paycheck and work just on tips.
Waiting tables is not as easy as she seems to think. We do much more than just put stuff on the table. Some people (and their kids) seem to think it's okay to boss us around and talk down to us, while we constantly refill their drinks and go back and forth with their food. We have to run each other's food to tables and make sure everything comes out right. It can be pure chaos when there's a two-hour wait and we're trying to get people in and out, the whole time with a smile on our faces.
If we're lucky enough to get 20%, we still have to tip out to the hostesses, busboys and bartenders. So please tell Andrea to make sure she knows what she's talking about before making those kinds of comments again.
Christie, Shreveport, La
