GTA Tipping Culture Is Getting To Be Very Frustrating

[hockeyguy19]

I know this topic has been discussed in the past. And I don't want this to turn into a discussion about tipping your favourite SP as that is not what I am talking about here.

Let me start with my experience and let you guys chime in and tell me your experience or opinion.

The wife and I were dining at one of our favourite restaurants a few weeks back, a popular steak house. Its old school but classy and always made a great steak. After the meal, the waiter brought the check and I asked for the debit machine. He returned with the machine and as we have seen before, it was on the screen with the different tipping amount options. Now, just before he handed it to me, he took it upon himself to hit the highest tip amount and hand me the machine. I was stunned by this. I want to say that I do consider myself a generous tipper, minimum 20%. But I found this presumption to be crazy and it completely turned me off from ever visiting that establishment again.

It's the first time something like this ever happened to me.

Has this ever happened to anyone else? How did or would you handle this situation?

Given that food prices are so high, what was once a $50 steak is now $80-$100, the increase in minimum wage for wait staff, and let's face it, a reduction in the level of service in many places that, pre-covid, were much better, should tip amounts really be increasing as well to the point of expecting upwards of 25% to 30% of the bill?

 

[massman]

I know this topic has been discussed in the past. And I don't want this to turn into a discussion about tipping your favourite SP as that is not what I am talking about here.

Let me start with my experience and let you guys chime in and tell me your experience or opinion.

The wife and I were dining at one of our favourite restaurants a few weeks back, a popular steak house. Its old school but classy and always made a great steak. After the meal, the waiter brought the check and I asked for the debit machine. He returned with the machine and as we have seen before, it was on the screen with the different tipping amount options. Now, just before he handed it to me, he took it upon himself to hit the highest tip amount and hand me the machine. I was stunned by this. I want to say that I do consider myself a generous tipper, minimum 20%. But I found this presumption to be crazy and it completely turned me off from ever visiting that establishment again.

It's the first time something like this ever happened to me.

Has this ever happened to anyone else? How did or would you handle this situation?

Given that food prices are so high, what was once a $50 steak is now $80-$100, the increase in minimum wage for wait staff, and let's face it, a reduction in the level of service in many places that, pre-covid, were much better, should tip amounts really be increasing as well to the point of expecting upwards of 25% to 30% of the bill?

Agree. 20% is a generous tip, especially at a high end restaurant. Server had no business deciding for you what to tip.

TBH, we should get rid of tipping altogether and pay wait staff a decent and appropriate wage as they do in Europe.

 

[Jenesis]

Agree. 20% is a generous tip, especially at a high end restaurant. Server had no business deciding for you what to tip.

TBH, we should get rid of tipping altogether and pay wait staff a decent and appropriate wage as they do in Europe.

We do as well in Canada. It is the US were wait staff make like $2/hr.

 

[krealtarron]

Curious, how much tip did he choose?

Another thing that pisses me off is the tip option when you are at a coffee shop to pick up coffee. I always hit ZERO.

I think it was completely inappropriate and passive aggressive for the waiter to do that.

I would have cancelled the tip, changed the amount, right in front of him and if confronted told him to his face that it was not appropriate for him to decide how much I should tip him.

A tip is my prerogative. Not for him to decide.

But then again, you may not want to be as confrontational for a few dollars. But sometimes it is about the principle.

 

[Zeno_0]

I work as a Cook in a restaurant (think more glorified fast food place) and despite being paid $15 an hour I'm still unable to afford a single meal per an hour of work despite making dozens of those orders an hour all ranging from $15 to much higher. Understandably there are a lot of costs such as paying all working employees $15/h and the costs of running electricity, water, gas etc but still expenses should be lowered so price of food can be lowered and then just maybe....just maybe tipping culture can make sense. But otherwise, I'm not making minimum wage to waste all my money tipping other minimum wage people.

 

[Mr Deeds]

My 2 cents worth
When you tip a server your tipping on tax not the actual cost of the product or service. I only ever tip 12 to 15% I'm not cheap I was a server once too.
I never tip on take out at a coffee shop or fast food place. I refuse to be bullied or shamed into tipping for handing something over a counter

 

[hockeyguy19]

Curious, how much tip did he choose?

Another thing that pisses me off is the tip option when you are at a coffee shop to pick up coffee. I always hit ZERO.

I think it was completely inappropriate and passive aggressive for the waiter to do that.

I would have cancelled the tip, change the amount, right in front of him and if confronted told him to his face that it was not appropriate for him to decide how much I should tip him.

A tip is my prerogative. Not for him to decide.

But then again, you may not want to be as confrontational for a few dollars. But sometimes it is about the principle.

I completely agree with everything you said. In retrospect, maybe cancelling it and re-doing it was the way to go. I was kind of caught off guard and did not want to be confrontational at that moment.

The tip he chose was 30%.

 

[hockeyguy19]

My 2 cents worth
When you tip a server your tipping on tax not the actual cost of the product or service. I only ever tip 12 to 15% I'm not cheap I was a server once too.
I never tip on take out at a coffee shop or fast food place. I refuse to be bullied or shamed into tipping for handing something over a counter

Agree. The part that really gets me with the fast food places is how they actually expect it now.

One of the biggest contributors to the problem at these fast food places, I believe is the debit machines themselves. Now wait staff are able to ask for a tip without asking for one. The machine is asking for them and that avoids them having to ask for something that they themselves know is ridiculous and like you said, it seems like they are bullying you into tipping.

 

[Charlie Smart]

How does this sound...go to a restaurant with a group of 6 and they automatically charge a 20% gratuity...OK, can live with that BUT then they still leave a line on your bill with additional tipping amounts ranging from 18-22%...that is just vulgar to me and shame on the restaurants trying to double dip on the gratuity amount.

 

[Jenesis]

I completely agree with everything you said. In retrospect, maybe cancelling it and re-doing it was the way to go. I was kind of caught off guard and did not want to be confrontational at that moment.

The tip he chose was 30%.

You can still do something. Call and speak to management.

Tell them what happened. Tell them you didn’t want to confrontational so you didn’t say anything but after a couple of days of thinking on it - you think the least you could do was let management know. And thank them for their prior business but you won’t be returning.

As an owner of a business, I would want to know.

 

[Eagleeyes]

I like to pay cash so I don't have to deal with the machines. I carry small bills and some coins so I leave exactly what I want to. I never tip on tax. I Tell the server to come back in a few minutes.

 

[MuffDiver]

Don't even get me started re tipping on tax. Almost every machine I have seen calculates the tip based on the final total, which includes tax. F**k that sh*t! I'm not tipping on a service tax with money I've already been taxed on.

I've stopped patronizing businesses that prompt for a tip on takeout and I've greatly stopped dining out, except for dates or special occasions. I've also stopped supporting franchises as much as possible and support the local, independent businesses. Thankfully we don't need a LinkedIn profile and a deposit to order takeout!

When I start getting tipped for GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND on my job, then maybe my attitude changes. I agree with the posters that suggest banning tips and start paying a living wage. We're already approaching $20 hamburgers with fries, so it will get to a point where many just say f**k it and make their own, which is healthier, far more economical and you get it the way you want. So tired of asking for no lettuce or tomato (if i want a salad, I'll order one) and my burger arrives with a salad on it. Then they want a tip, lol. Here's a tip - get my f**king order correct.

 

[stinkynuts]

I'm with you, man.

Let me share my experience with you.

I was traveling internationally, and was debating whether I wanted to treat myself to a meal in the airport, knowing it was overpriced. I decided to splurge on a burger meal. I stood by the takeout counter, and waited for five minutes until the girl showed up. She had such an unwelcoming attitude, not smiling, and barely greeting me. I asked if they had combos, but she said you have to order each item individually. I ordered a $5 bottle of water, fries, and a burger, that made it $20.

I payed with credit, and the LOWEST tip option was 15%. This was not even for dine in, but take out. I pressed the 15% option, and she did not even thank me, or look at me in the eye. I just paid her $3 to do her job, and she did absolutely nothing to deserve it. Back in the day, if you went to a diner and tipped $3 on a $20 meal, where the server took your order, carried your entire meal to you, asked how you were doing, and then cleaned up after you, she STILL would have been grateful, smiled, thanked you, and wished you a nice day.

So, when I went to pick up the order, she purposely just handed me the order very quickly, stretching her arm so that she would be as far away from me as possible. I said, "thanks" and she had no response. That's what realluy pissed me off. No eye contact, just an attitude, most likely for "only" tipping her 15%. And yet, I'm the one thanking her?

I was so mad, that it ruined the meal. The fries were terrible, very greasy, and I threw them away anyway.

Another time, I was LCBO and the cahsier was so friendly to the guy in front of me, and was even friendlier when he made a donation. When I refused to make a donation, he became very cold and his tone changed.

I am fucking fed up paying an extra 15-20% on top of the inflated prices, plus %15 tax to employees who think they're entitled to a tip for doing nothing, and then getting an attitude if I don't.

There are countless workers who are busting their asses off, and providing great service, and are not expecting or receiving any tips.

 

[krealtarron]

As an owner of a business, I would want to know.

I agree. At the very least they will do something about training their employees to behave better.

 

[krealtarron]

I'm with you, man.

Let me share my experience with you.

I was traveling internationally, and was debating whether I wanted to treat myself to a meal in the airport, knowing it was overpriced. I decided to splurge on a burger meal. I stood by the takeout counter, and waited for five minutes until the girl showed up. She had such an unwelcoming attitude, not smiling, and barely greeting me. I asked if they had combos, but she said you have to order each item individually. I ordered a $5 bottle of water, fries, and a burger, that made it $20.

I payed with credit, and the LOWEST tip option was 15%. This was not even for dine in, but take out. I pressed the 15% option, and she did not even thank me, or look at me in the eye. I just paid her $3 to do her job, and she did absolutely nothing to deserve it. Back in the day, if you went to a diner and tipped $3 on a $20 meal, where the server took your order, carried your entire meal to you, asked how you were doing, and then cleaned up after you, she STILL would have been grateful, smiled, thanked you, and wished you a nice day.

So, when I went to pick up the order, she purposely just handed me the order very quickly, stretching her arm so that she would be as far away from me as possible. I said, "thanks" and she had no response. That's what realluy pissed me off. No eye contact, just an attitude, most likely for "only" tipping her 15%.

I was so mad, that it ruined the meal. The fries were terrible, very greasy, and I threw them away anyway.

Another time, I was LCBO and the cahsier was so friendly to the guy in front of me, and was even friendlier when he made a donation. When I refused to make a donation, he became very cold and his tone changed.

I am fucking fed up paying an extra 15-20% on top of the inflated prices, plus %15 tax to employees who think they're entitled to a tip for doing nothing, and then getting an attitude if I don't.

There are countless workers who are busting their asses off, and providing great service, and are not expecting or receiving any tips.

This is why I dont expect anything polite from these people anymore - fast food, coffee shops, LCBO etc.,. I simply dont tip or tip the minimum. And I pre-emptively give them the cold shoulder. Pre-emptive rudeness. Sometimes dont even say thank you.

The only places where I am polite and cheerful is in a sit down restaurant where the service is good.

Sometimes I feel like we should go the traditional route where we just pay with cash. But now these guys are getting around it by becoming "cashless".

 

[krealtarron]

I completely agree with everything you said. In retrospect, maybe cancelling it and re-doing it was the way to go. I was kind of caught off guard and did not want to be confrontational at that moment.

The tip he chose was 30%.

30%!!!!! That is ridiculous!

 

[hockeyguy19]

You can still do something. Call and speak to management.

Tell them what happened. Tell them you didn’t want to confrontational so you didn’t say anything but after a couple of days of thinking on it - you think the least you could do was let management know. And thank them for their prior business but you won’t be returning.

As an owner of a business, I would want to know.

Excellent advice.

 

[hockeyguy19]

I'm with you, man.

Let me share my experience with you.

I was traveling internationally, and was debating whether I wanted to treat myself to a meal in the airport, knowing it was overpriced. I decided to splurge on a burger meal. I stood by the takeout counter, and waited for five minutes until the girl showed up. She had such an unwelcoming attitude, not smiling, and barely greeting me. I asked if they had combos, but she said you have to order each item individually. I ordered a $5 bottle of water, fries, and a burger, that made it $20.

I payed with credit, and the LOWEST tip option was 15%. This was not even for dine in, but take out. I pressed the 15% option, and she did not even thank me, or look at me in the eye. I just paid her $3 to do her job, and she did absolutely nothing to deserve it. Back in the day, if you went to a diner and tipped $3 on a $20 meal, where the server took your order, carried your entire meal to you, asked how you were doing, and then cleaned up after you, she STILL would have been grateful, smiled, thanked you, and wished you a nice day.

So, when I went to pick up the order, she purposely just handed me the order very quickly, stretching her arm so that she would be as far away from me as possible. I said, "thanks" and she had no response. That's what realluy pissed me off. No eye contact, just an attitude, most likely for "only" tipping her 15%.

I was so mad, that it ruined the meal. The fries were terrible, very greasy, and I threw them away anyway.

Another time, I was LCBO and the cahsier was so friendly to the guy in front of me, and was even friendlier when he made a donation. When I refused to make a donation, he became very cold and his tone changed.

I am fucking fed up paying an extra 15-20% on top of the inflated prices, plus %15 tax to employees who think they're entitled to a tip for doing nothing, and then getting an attitude if I don't.

There are countless workers who are busting their asses off, and providing great service, and are not expecting or receiving any tips.

Fuck, the LCBO is another place that pisses me off to. They ask for a donation to some organization. If I am feeling particular good that day, I would give the buck or two they ask for. Then, when I go back a few days later, they ask again. You refuse cuz you gave it previous day and you get an attitude like you're lying about it.

Alcohol is an indulgence and the LCBO plays on that to donate. They feel that if you can afford to drink, then you can donate. Almost like a guilt tax or something because you enjoy a bottle of wine.

I stopped going to LCBO for a few reasons and that was one of them. Hooked up with a private wine and spirits dealer and only go that route now. Same or even less money spent.

 

[hockeyguy19]

30%!!!!! That is ridiculous!

Fuckin right it is!

 

[hockeyguy19]

This is why I dont expect anything polite from these people anymore - fast food, coffee shops, LCBO etc.,. I simply dont tip or tip the minimum. And I pre-emptively give them the cold shoulder. Pre-emptive rudeness. Sometimes dont even say thank you.

The only places where I am polite and cheerful is in a sit down restaurant where the service is good.

Sometimes I feel like we should go the traditional route where we just pay with cash. But now these guys are getting around it by becoming "cashless".

Lol, I've done that too. Have a real pissed look on my face for no reason and they are too afraid to ask.