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Everyone at some point in their lives should be in the service industry. EVERYONE. Then they would understand the trials and hurdles a waiter faces.
This post is inspired by two new buddies from Denmark(whom I met on my travels in NZ and then proceeded to meet up with later in Hollywood). In NZ, Australia, and Denmark it is not customary to tip. Here’s why: the minimum wage in these countries is double (if not triple) than that of the United States. That’s why they don’t need your money. In the United States, its a bit different, especially outside California. The U.S. is kinda backwards all over (hello feet, inches, degrees, mph). We don’t make what the rest of the world makes, which is precisely why we depend on your tips.
But Paul, my service really sucked! Well, the guy probably has been there too long or maybe he’s having a bad day. It happens. Solution: Ask for a manager. I don’t take it out the waiter’s pocket. Give the guy some $, and politely as for a manager. That way, Mr. X got his money and you have someone to talk to about your bad service. Don’t make a scene, don’t throw things, don’t stomp about til you get a free appetizer (because that appetizer was dropped on the floor on purpose). Say your piece, pay your money, and hopefully someone will respond with someone productive.
Scenario 2: You walk up to the bartender and say “Hey man, I’m a real big tipper, take care of me, and I’ll get you back.” More often than not, that dude stiffs you after you’ve been hooking him up all night. Solution: You get to a bar, throw the bartender $ up front and say “Hey, you get me, there’s more to come.” Now I know you mean business. When I left $6 on the table after my $30 meal, my guys from Denmark thought I was crazy. Dude is working at 3am and probably has been there since 6pm with no breaks. Ya, I gave’em $6.
Minimum wage in Denmark is $20. I’ll type that again. MINIMUM WAGE IN DENMARK IS $20. They get free healthcare and free university (college to you U.S. types). Sounds like paradise…where do I sign up?! The catch: they get taxed double what we do. They make more and get taxed more, which in turn goes back into the country so they can pay for healthcare/school. We get taxed less and pay for everything. So it evens out really.
Well look at that, we all learned something today. We all got some culture. That’s what I’m here for, education. Bringing the world together, one tip at a time.
I'M YOUR WORLDWIDE TRAVEL GUIDE!! 
Re taxing in Denmark it sort of depends on where you are from and how much you make as well. For instance, they may be taxed half what they make, but look at my parents (dad’s a credit officer and mum’s an accountant, so they aren’t making pennies). When you take into account how much they have to pay for health care for the family, plus uni tuition for my brother and myself, plus the excess on our healthcare whenever we go into hospital, plus the dr bill when there are no “approved” doctors covered under my healthcare in the area we may be traveling, plus the stuff that isn’t covered by healthcare it ends up costing far more than what the Danish pay in taxes as a percentage of their income.
Azza recently posted..Traveling by broomstick- an open letter to those who believe in following your dreams
This guest post appears to have touched a nerve. It’s not our usual fare, but we thought we’d mix it up a bit. Variety is good. It takes a lot of balls to put yourself out there.
I didn’t realize tipping could be such a controversial topic. I guess I’ve got conflicting feelings about it, too. I don’t think I’ve ever not tipped because of poor service. But in the cases where the poor service was accompanied by rudeness and a lack of concern, I left the place regretting that I tipped. It really shouldn’t matter how long someone’s been there, their salary or the cost of living in the place they live — tipping should be based on the quality of service. But as I’ve already mentioned, I just tip anyway. I may never go back to the same place again, however.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Croque Monsieur et Moi
I knew there had to be a catch over the min wage being $20!
Dealing with hungry people is never a good setting. I would NEVER be able to work at a restaurant.
Well my brother has be waitering over the years and whenever we eat out, if we are given really good service he always insists that we leave a big tip in appreciation. I have watched him in operation many times and appreciate how demanding being a waiter can be, and I think everyone who is fair minded is usually happy to leave a tip for good service. As you say putting on a turn usually gets you know where.
travellyn recently posted..China a most attractive destinationTop Ten Places to visit China
I would have to agree that everyone at some point just has to work in the service industry to understand. Leaving tips to me is a must but i also believe in good service. I always live a tip but you get more for better service. I hate when people leave a 1 or 2 dollar tip when there was 2-5 people and the meal was $50+.
Bluegreen Kirk recently posted..Steal A Page From Miami Vice With a South Beach Getaway
As a waitress, I believe that EVERYONE should tip their waiters and tip them well. I work at a busy casual restaurant and only make $2.13 an hour. I’m also putting myself through college (which is rediculously expensive) and the people I work with are doing the same or supporting families. We depend on the generosity of others! Please consider that the next time youre at a restaurant.
Great for me that I found your Blog… I just started with my own Blog, can I reference to this post? I want to write something on similiar topic!
Jenny recently posted..I got started to blogging!
go for it!