Tipping For Cheapskates and Coupon Lovers February 10, 2009

It’s amazing how divided people are when it comes to tipping; and then dealing with tipping and coupons!   It’s even stranger behavior that they don’t mind lavishly ordering what they want to eat and drink, and pay for it – yet when it comes to tipping for service, this becomes somewhat of an emotional disorder.     Why?   People are always quibbling over what the correct percentage is.   If   you keep in mind though that there are restaurants that automatically add gratuity if you have a large party.  FYI, a large party is usually considered 8 or more guests, at one table or dining together (that’s how it’s calculated).

 

Sample Tipping Schedule

• Waiter: 15% to 18% of the bill pre-tax; 25% for extraordinary service
• Wine steward: 15% of wine bill
• Bartender: 10% – 15% of bar bill
• Coat check: $1.00 per coat
• Car attendant: $1.00 – $2.00

The amount of tipping should reflect the total price before any coupons, gift certificates, etc.      Just because you got a discount, does not mean that your server discounted the service.     The food and beverages may have been discounted by the restaurant by the means of advertising to introduce you to the restaurant’s menu and services.    However, the coupon/discount is no way saying, the service is also discounted.    One thing people should know is that when they are dining with a large party and there is an automatic gratuity, and it’s normally posted on the menu or on a sign somewhere in the restaurant; that the gratuity will be based on the entire bill, pre-tax on large parties of 8 or more.

 

Realistically, people just use their best judgment based upon the kind of service they receive.     They should ask themselves – was the waiter prompt with the service, refills on drinks, menu knowledge, extra care, etc.  And how about the waiter/server having to put up with your screaming toddler or entourage with a golden smile?   That in itself is a special service when a waiter/server can entertain your child in a public establishment.   When my daughter, Sydney was two, we enjoyed going to this particular Applebee’s Restaurant in Sugar Land, Texas because there was a funny waitress named Shanda that always paid attention and special care to my toddler who was experiencing the terrible twos.     At every Applebee’s visit for Sydney and I; it was fine dining and temporary sanity with my toddler. 

 

By the way, even if the owner of the restaurant serves you himself, you should still tip him. He will divide the tip among those who work in the kitchen and dining room.  I am not saying this is always the case, but for the most part, within my realm of experience.

 

I hated being a server/waitress, trying to make ends meet many years ago, and when  I dine out now, I have a greater appreciation of the service being provided in that establishment.  When the service rendered is satisfactory and beyond, I never forget to show my gratitude.  And neither should you. 

 

 

 

 

 

Pay attention Mommy! December 8, 2008

Like many parents at this time of year, I often find myself overscheduled and racing from one task to the next, frequently with my daughter in tow. In fact, at a recent parent workshop I was teaching, the subject came up about how to keep our kids safe during this hectic time of year.

 

In other words, how do we keep an eye on our kids, as we juggle assorted holiday chores, shopping, and outings, etc?  Of course, nothing beats plain old-fashioned, hand-holding supervision. But let’s face it; it’s not always that simple. Especially when your children are not exactly toddlers anymore. And even if they are, when was the last time your toddler let you calmly drag them by the hand through boring, mundane, grown-up tasks — without whining, squirming, or even making a run-for-it the minute something interesting catches their eye? It’s enough to make you want to stay home and order everything off the Internet!

 

According to statistics from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, non-family child abductions are actually decreasing. That’s encouraging news. Yet, it doesn’t mean that we can let our guard down, or not teach our children some very important safety rules.