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How much do you tip at bars?

#41
I would never tip at a bar or pub.
I dont really believe in tipping just because it is expected. Nor do i believe in it because of the "low pay issue" Why should i have to kick in my hard earned just because you have crappy paying job?? You dont like your pay, quit. I go to to bar to have a few drinks and unwind, not to line your pockets... and if you are the sort of bartender that will try to "extract" a tip from someone by using those techniques i read on that link, then you shouldnt be in customer service. On 2nd thoughts, if you are employing those little tricks, then your are putting far too much time into messing with someone and not enough into bartending.

Dont get me wrong, im a generous person. I will tip if i had a good meal somewhere, or if its obvious that you've had a bitch of nite and your are really pumping it out giving 110%.

Thats my rant :)
 
#42
Thats because I live in Australia and we don't do the whole tipping thing here. Its good in a way. If someone does tip though usually the waiter/person of interest refuses to accept it.

Weird hey!
 
#44
If you're American and never (or rarely) tip bartenders, waiters, bellhops, taxi drivers, etc then you're rude and don't deserve good service.

That said: I agree that too many people are asking for tips these days... seems that almost everyone who performs a service now has a tip jar. Next thing you know it'll be doctors and lawyers and auto mechanics.
 
#48
Fuzzbass said:
If you're American and never (or rarely) tip bartenders, waiters, bellhops, taxi drivers, etc then you're rude and don't deserve good service.

That said: I agree that too many people are asking for tips these days... seems that almost everyone who performs a service now has a tip jar. Next thing you know it'll be doctors and lawyers and auto mechanics.
Click to expand...

Good points all around.

I'm a waiter and bartender, and I took these jobs knowing full well what the general public thinks of what I do. Many people, probably most people, think I simply just bring them things. They have no idea the extent of the knowledge I have.

Of course, I work at a higher end restaurant. I have an intimate knowledge of the 246 wines on our menu, and can accurately describe 95% of those wines to you. I know our menu intimately, and can pair your choice of food with wine. I work at a place where people spend a lot of money, and when they come in, they want a food expert and wine expert that can introduce them to something knew, give them a great experience. A lot of people that come to see me, don't just want to "have a beer and unwind." A lot of people that come to the restaurant have a deep passion for food, wine and alcohol. I am an expert who can provide that good time and great experience. I'm not a Starbucks employee who goofs off half the time, doesn't know crap about the job, and is more concerned with getting my 10 minute break so that I can get lit. I don't work at Denny's where the requirement is simply bringing the food, generally with attitude. I work somewhere where I have to be perfect, do everything just right, and I am. I don't make mistakes. The customers have an amazing experience, and feel pampered, feel wonderful, have been introduced to something new possibly, and feel that they want to tip me for it. I don't get 15 minute breaks at my job, nor lunch breaks. I work from the start of my shift on through, not on my butt surfing the net, or at a computer, but on my feet, running, busy. And I love my job.

And by the way, I make far more money than most people I know in "professional" jobs, or "real" jobs. I work 28-30 hours a week doing it too! Imagine if I worked full time. I used to be a corporate trainer for Bank of America. I left to wait tables and finish school. I make twice the money in less that half the hours. Sweet.
 
#51
jazzbo said:
Good points all around.

I don't get 15 minute breaks at my job, nor lunch breaks. I work from the start of my shift on through, not on my butt surfing the net, or at a computer, but on my feet, running, busy. And I love my job.
Click to expand...


Err...Jazzbo, isn't that illegal?

And many people who work in front of computers are also extremely busy people. :) You make it sound like people with technical jobs are lazy a bit.
 
#52
1) Do the bars you go to typically buy-back? If they do, how often?
Every 3rd, 4th, 5th drink?

2) Do you leave your money on the bar? This is common here in New York.

My answers:

1) Yes. Almost every bar in NY buys back; the better they know you obviously the more you get. The 4th drink is typical here.

2) Yes.

Mike
 

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