I think this quote says it all...johnmcclanexxx said:
Sometimes people don't think or have even considered something until its brought to their attention... a form of ignorance, but not with ill intent or poor gesture... perhaps a thank-you to them is more then enough.
I know for myself, having worked in the food and service industry- where you rely completely on tips to subsitute some sort of income, some will tip-while others don't which isn't always directly influence by Quality of service or merit. It comes into play more times then not... but I remember girls, especially new- amazed at how much you could make, and always took it personally when they got a less then favorable tip. Going down a check list...they couldn't fathom someone who didn't tip based on anything outside that perimeter- which, even if they did everything down to a "t" some won't tip...others, even if the service was terrible-still will. In the end, I guess it all comes down to fundament and balances out. I never and still don't understand anything other then the human element dictating it. By theory, you'd think service spoke wonders... but then you go to the states and it's automatically included-regardless.
I'll never forget having a reservation, of which especially for a group function- the tip, as protocol was automatically added, much like the states... and whenever I did a reservation, knowing who the head was (the person paying) I ALWAYS, always-even against what the owner said....only billed for what they got... noticing there wasn't any 'added' charges or % for tip would leave above and beyond what I would have gotten if I had included it in the rate.
One lady, which I'll never forget... noticed this and was quite confused (as every reservation is always made aware of this 'in house' policy) and couldn't believe it... at first noting I was cheating myself because most would think it's already included and would pay thinking the tip was taken care of. Granted of course this was a sure way for the waitress to get something either way- as ulitmately the resturants made their money... but was dumbfounded at how I gave her an oppurtunity, especially knowing the policy- to show gratification dicated by how the service was and overall experience... Explaining that had I just included a percentage as tip- she would have paid (obviously) but never would have came back and ulitmately it SHOULD be left up to everyone to give...as much or as little as they wish.
Yes, especially with the amounts included, some servers would perhaps NOT do the best they could or provide an acceptable service...knowing their tip was dependant on their ability to "up sell" but also cheated the ones who worked their butts off and more then likely deserved (in my books) more.
Now, with that said, this woman- ANYTIME she had a function, or people to entertain...a group or just herself for a quick drink, she ALWAYS came back and would request me... why, I wonder???
So, my longwinded moral- you can always make a quick buck-easily, but the percentages add up in means of repeat and happy clientele. Some people, perhaps in the situation would have acted differently (thank goodness not in my experience) However, most people... and I say most because I know some make a choice not too, but most are happy and eager to tip and return... sometimes not because there was anything spectacular about the food or anything other then coming to a place where their business is eagerly welcomed and appreciated, ESPECIALLY by the waitresses. Which can be applied to any BUSINESS... including the world of hobbying.
For me, knowing I once was on the other spectrum... I always leave atleast 15% which isn't dictated by anything other then doing what their job entales-taking an order and bringing the food (how easy some make it look). However, I think nothing of leaving anything more then that and eagerly do... even if my food didn't walk off my plate or have fireworks off in the background.
Back on topic (sorry ruck) In Alberta, full service gas stations were EVERYWHERE and slowly deminished because of a play in economics (like you pointed out) however on the Trans Canada, a Husky-still to this day...outside Calgary, in Strathmore (which is becoming more then a little Hick-Town) has and still offers this service... and we most definetly take forgranted a service that people never use to think twice about. Now, when I'm stopped or hear another cars motor making that famous "ticking" sound....I laugh!!!! Being here, where they are fair and few imbetween, I always wondered WHY...
On my way up to Ottawa, I stopped at this gas station in the middle of nowhere... and nearly crapped my pants when I got out (expecting to pump my gas) and felt BAD, yes bad... that this poor kid, just pushing old enough to work- was offering to pump my gas (DUH!!!) and happy to do so. Not realising I was at a full serve, I obliged (obviously) and went in to pay... when I came out, with oil and whatnot- couldn't believe without giving him a cent....he offered to check and top everything.
I can say I never felt happier giving him a twenty... saving me a pain staking process of checking everything. And YES, I would have given him something REGARDLESS...and wish we had more gas stations and people who worked at them, like that!!!!!! Puts into context the stories about the "good ol' days" my grandfather use to tell me about. Some things, even I don't think should change, but unfortunetly is dictating by what appears to be the majority.
I certainly think maybe I'm just retarded... perhaps have an appreciate for that of others, however can understand how easily people overlook services they feel entitled too...
