Wednesday 14 October 2009

WA Diners do not Tip

It seems that, "WA restaurant diners are among the worst tippers in Australia," according to "a national poll" (The West, Wed 14 Oct 09, page 13). Hmmm... this is "News". That's what it says at the top of the page, anyway.

Why should we tip a waiter?

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Rob Broadfield writes -- in a "comment" article with the "news" report -- that we should tip when, "a waiter has clearly gone out of their way..." What a load of old bollocks!

If I go to a "cheap" restaurant then I expect to have my order taken, my food delivered and dirty dishes cleared away. If I go to an "expensive" restaurant then I expect exactly the same. I also expect the food to be better quality. I also expect that the waiter will fawn all over me, smarming around, asking if sir has enjoyed the meal, pouring drinks as fast as I drink them. Yes, it's awful, it's just the price that the customer has to pay when eating at a "high-end" restaurant.

Please do not ask me to pay a tip -- on top of the expected high prices -- for the displeasure of having a waiter constantly hovering at the table and asking stupid questions.

When I want a "high-end" meal with "high-end" ambience I am happy to pay "high-end" prices. The restaurant owner has paid to ensure that the food and ambience are better than average. If the owner is happy to employ surly staff who provide poor service, well, that's their decision.

If I praise -- or complain about -- food, ambience or staff, that is between me and the owner. The owner may choose to take action, following my comments on food, ambience or staff; that is their decision. If I like the food, the ambience and the staff, I may dine there again. If I dislike the food, or the ambience or the staff then I may choose to not eat there again. The owner may -- or may not -- care.

Choice of good or bad staff... style of service offered by staff... are the responsibility of the restaurant owner.

If I am expected to bribe the waiter in order to get service -- please do not expect me to also pay the restaurant owner for the cost of staff.

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