Thanks to all for your comments. Now if we could just spread the word. I used to think that it would be nice to make people work as a server for a year to earn a license to eat out. Now that I’ve thought about it, I realize I wouldn’t want to have to deal with all those incompetant servers.
For any of you in England who are annoyed by an especially loud Yank next Wimbledon, just tell me to shut up. I’ll do my best. I’d be happy to buy you a pint in an attempt to make up for it. (Maybe that’s typical Yank arrogance to try to make everything right with money, but doesn’t it help at least a bit?) I am arrogant. I am loud. But I am also genuinely interested in learning about your culture. (I’m an avid reader of historical fiction. Horatio Hornblower is one of my top five favorite fictional characters.) I will try keep my slips into high volume limited to spontaneous praise of your great history.
>You’re joking, right? Either most customers tip, or the restaurant pay the waiters higher wages & raise the prices to compensate. But the customer is paying either way.
I dunno, maybe it’s just Australia, but when it costs 60 bucks for a family of four to eat, you gotta wonder where that money’s going. I mean, it’s not like the food is that expensive, and if the waiters etc are being paid less than 5 an hour then the owners must be living it up. Surely when we pay the 300% increase from McDonalds to a nice restaurant it includes the waiters?
Most nice restaurants do significantly less volume than McDonalds. The ingredients they use are significantly more expensive. Their staff is providing much more service and so require more training which costs. Things like tablecloths, carpeting, and other decor increase the cost further. Servers generally are paid half of minumum wage here in America, plus tips. If you think the prices at a restaurant are too high, don’t take that out on the servers. Instead, don’t go at all. I used to get a fair number of customers who would say something like, “We barely had enough money ti take the family out to dinner and we don’t have enough money to leave you a tip. Sorry.” My thought was that they didn’t have enough money to take the family out to dinner at all and forced me to pick up part of the bill. I suggest that you go to the grocery and get picnic supplies instead. Many times that is more fun for a family anyway. OR, go to Mcdonalds.
Keep in mind that this system of tipping should inspire the server to put forth additional effort. A guaranteed salary could easily result in consistently mediocre service. By building incentives into the system servers should be motivated to provide exceptional service. Service is the biggest thing separating my proposed picnic from a restaurant dinner. If you are not overly concerned with service, order carry out or cook at home.