What it's like working in a restaurant and why you should be nice to the staff - General

[QUOTE=Libertas;26580619]Go fuck yourself you whining insolent shitface. I worked as a cashier in a Safeway for a few years. That job is shit, especially the town I was in. Pay sucked ass, I didn't even get min. wage because i was in school. I couldn't accept tips lest I get fired (thanks a fucking lot steelworkers Union, fuck off and die), and had to pay the aforementioned Steelworkers theft ring a static chunk (not %) of my paycheck regardless of my miniscule hour count. Oh and for some reason everyone in town decided it was "fuck with the kids day", fucking retirement town, and they wonder why no kids ever come back after college or trade school. Not everyone has the extra money, especially me now as a student. I'm not going to tip 15% for shit service in a Pizza Hut. And if your day is going shit, well whoop-tee-fucking-doo no tip for you, I'm not going to act out at you but I'm not going to give you money for nothing. I'm always polite to service people because I did a similar job, but I had to maintain the facade of acceptance, because there WAS NO OTHER WORK. The town I come from has the McDonalds and Wal Mart slowly downsizing, nothing else has hired in a year now, and more than half the downtown is abandoned or empty. If I didn't work as best i could, there were 6 people waiting for me to get fired so they could nab my position. EDIT: Before you ask about how I'm paying for school, I moved away from the damned place. But I worked there for a long while before me and my parents decided it was worth the plane ticket across the damn country. In short, grow up. I'm not going to tip you "anyway" just because you can't get over yourself and do your job.[/QUOTE] Let's see. 15 percent. Hmm. If your bill was 20 dollars, that's 3 dollars more. If you can't afford those few extra dollars then go eat at home. If we don't get tipped enough because of assholes with your mentality, then we wouldn't be able to eat at all.

[QUOTE=Goofa;26580639]Jesus dude, people are going out to eat to enjoy a casual dinner, forgive them for not reading a fucking rulebook of what's going to piss off their waiter. Fun fact: It's a job, you know, something they have to pay you for - obviously it's not the greatest thing in the world but you sound like you just stomp around your restaurant pissed off all day because everybody is not the perfect little customer. I've worked in the food industry for about a year now, and yes, it'd be great if everybody could walk into a restaurant their first time with as much knowledge as the full-time employees, but it's not going to happen and when you get pissed off over stupid shit all you're doing is making your workday less enjoyable. In summary take a chill pill.[/QUOTE] I'll definitely agree with this. The workers at a restaurant are supposed to handle those responsibilities when taking the job. Yes it would be nice if everyone was a good customer, but that just isn't going to happen. The only thing I would say is that if you're touring in another country to learn how much you should tip. It is usually located in guides. Canadians will usually skimp out big time with the tips when coming to America because they tip far less in Canada and don't know that they should be tipping a lot more here. Apparently in Japan you shouldn't tip at all although I've only heard that, I don't know it for a fact.

[QUOTE=Master117;26580693]Let's see. 15 percent. Hmm. If your bill was 20 dollars, that's 3 dollars more. If you can't afford those few extra dollars then go eat at home. If we don't get tipped enough because of assholes with your mentality, then we wouldn't be able to eat at all.[/QUOTE] Oh no, someone doesn't realize that tight budgets mean exactly that. That 'measly' three dollars is not measly when that night out cost me a meal a day for the last week to pay for, and for shit service I'm not giving another three packs of my ramen. EDIT: Someone doesn't realize that for good service, I'll always tip something, even if it's only 8-10% or whatever I can afford. I sympathize with service employees, and for those who do a good job, I relinquish some of my later night meals because they EARNED IT. For shitty bitchy whiners like yourself, fuck off and die.

[QUOTE=Libertas;26580666]Oh yes, because as an Engineering student with a full course load I have all the time in the world to cook myself every meal every day. [/QUOTE] So your learning institution does not have a cafeteria? Are you staying on-campus? Also, for the price of one meal at a restaurant you could probably buy some acceptable utensils to use at home.

I always clean up after myself in pizza restaurants etc. I work in a restaurant similar to this so I feel your pain.

[QUOTE=Master117;26580276] if you piss us off, we will fuck with your food (I will personally not fuck with anyone's food, but I won't stop or report someone else who does). Sorry, but you started it. [/QUOTE] I'm not really guilty of anything on the list, but this? Wrong. I know you don't do it, and that's great, but why enable the people that do? They're not righting some wrong. Don't get me wrong here, I'm not saying that it's ok for people to be disrespectful. However, do you really think the right way for someone to deal with that is to sneakily, passive aggressively mess with something they're about to eat? They probably won't even notice. It's not going to change how they behave. It's not going to make work any easier, or the world any better. It's petty revenge. I understand that you're (they're?) frustrated and angry. I agree; it's not right that they have to deal with those conditions on a daily basis. However, if I was working in a restaraunt, and I saw someone tampering with an order, I would report them. I sympathize, but I'm not going to support their childish shit-flinging.

[QUOTE=Pepin;26580696]I'll definitely agree with this. The workers at a restaurant are supposed to handle those responsibilities when taking the job. Yes it would be nice if everyone was a good customer, but that just isn't going to happen. The only thing I would say is that if you're touring in another country to learn how much you should tip. It is usually located in guides. Canadians will usually skimp out big time with the tips when coming to America because they tip far less in Canada and don't know that they should be tipping a lot more here. Apparently in Japan you shouldn't tip at all although I've only heard that, I don't know it for a fact.[/QUOTE] Obviously it's a given that you can skimp on tipping if your server is a jackass, that's unlikely, though. If your server is decent to good, then you need to tip. Also, minimum wage on average is higher in Canada, though the minimum standard for tipping here is 15% If they are tipping you poorly they are probably assholes.

[QUOTE=hypno-toad;26580709]So your learning institution does not have a cafeteria? Are you staying on-campus? Also, for the price of one meal at a restaurant you could probably buy some acceptable utensils to use at home.[/QUOTE] When I say utensils, that means nothing to cook *with*. The kitchen in our residence has a stove, microwave and sink. No pots, plates or anything. Also, we have a mandatory meal plan that I paid for before the year started that is non-refundable. But quite honestly, I hate using it. The 'food' that this shit company called Aramark serves is total shit (really it is, the employees themselves remark after work how they're required to skimp to unbelievable levels, three tomato slices on a burger UNHEARD OF, unless they're rotting, in which case you better use them, we waste nothing here at Aramark, nyahaha) and costs nearly 2x as much as any equivalent found at a Humpty's or other equivalent. Don't like the meal plan and it's non refundableness? Well no Residence for you, have fun with Edmonton's 900$ a month rent levels.

1 plate, 1 pot, 1 pan, 1 fork, 1 knife, and 1 spoon would cost you like 10 bucks or less if you buy cheap, you can probably buy all that at a dollar store. That's one ten dollar investment for big saving sby cooking at home. If your budget is as tight as you say it is, you SHOULD be cooking at home. Eating at restaurants every night is pricey. And don't give me that "well it takes time," crap, in the time you spend going to and back from the restaurant, you can make yourself a meal at home.

hey asshole, if you don't like your job you know what to do NO BEFORE YOU ASk THAT DOESN'T MEAN MAKE A WHINY FP THREAD

[QUOTE=hypno-toad;26580815]1 plate, 1 pot, 1 pan, 1 fork, 1 knife, and 1 spoon would cost you like 10 bucks or less if you buy cheap, you can probably buy all that at a dollar store. That's one ten dollar investment for big saving sby cooking at home. If your budget is as tight as you say it is, you SHOULD be cooking at home. Eating at restaurants every night is pricey. And don't give me that "well it takes time," crap, in the time you spend going to and back from the restaurant, you can make yourself a meal at home.[/QUOTE] Where did I say this restaurant trip was a common occurence? In fact, if you read my original statement it should come across this is a rarity I have to squeeze off non-mealcard meals for. I did buy myself several of those items, the utensils for eating, sure cheap as shit. The pot? Not so much. The other pots because you're pretty limited with a tiny cylindrical pot? Even worse. Quite frankly I do cook for myself when able and having free time now. However that time once in a semester where I budget out a very specific amount for a night out to relax or otherwise get out of this place, I'm not going to hand off money I barely have to a shit server, and that's the main point I was trying to come across with.

Empathize with the staff. If your waiter is a dick to you at first, say something along the lines of "Understaffed tonight?" Just showing you know he's in a rough situation makes them warm up to you a lot. Most of them are just trying to get through their shift, and it's as much the customers job as theirs to make the experience enjoyable.

This is one thing I got from the military that helps me. I normally get pretty good service from restaurants either from the yes/no/thank you sir/ma'ams or if it's a better restaurant asking for a military discount. I think it's sad some places don't give it though.. Although I'll never get that butthurt over it. But if I'm spending 100 dollars at your Red Lobster even 5 dollars off would be nice you know? My mom was a waitress for a long time so she definitely raised me to be respectful. But it does worry me to think someone fucked with my food cause THEY are the jerk.. not me. Also I feel sort of obligated to give people a tip and I definitely have to people who didn't deserve my poor ability to waste time figuring out a 15% tip so I just give them a rounded amount that I know is enough. It's partially my fault true.. but I try to be nice. Maybe they are just having a bad day.. but I think you should take a job like being a waiter if you have people skills. I have a friend who hates people and took a job as a waiter and is just grumpy really. It's annoying.

Here is my philosophy: Eating at a restaurant = No work but more expensive Eating at home = More work but cheaper

Interesting read. As someone who does a bit of work with food, I'd like to say something: Don't fuck with customers food. No matter what. Fucking around with food is a health hazard, and I'm sure you'd know that. Hell, I know people have been sent to hospital because someone did a poor job; not deliberately, but just laziness. Aside from that, you're actually in a job, so you should act with some professional standards at all times. This means with /all/customers, not just the nice ones. I can understand why you might not meet the biggest fuckhead in the world with a huge grin and gold-class attention - but, as a professional, you have standards that you should maintain. Acting like an arsehole back only lowers yourself to their level. To be honest, you come off as a bit aggressive throughout the entire article. Once again, I understand your frustrations - the life of a waiter can be difficult, with far too much work for far too little pay. But, you should still have standards that you should adhere to at all times. People aren't always going to do exactly what you want, or treat you how you'd like - that's life.

@OP: Stop being a little whiny bitch because you dropped out of high school, FINISH HIGH SCHOOL, GO TO COLLEGE, MOVE OUT OF THE STATES, GET A GOOD JOB.

[QUOTE=Regulas021;26580848]Empathize with the staff. If your waiter is a dick to you at first, say something along the lines of "Understaffed tonight?" Just showing you know he's in a rough situation makes them warm up to you a lot. Most of them are just trying to get through their shift, and it's as much the customers job as theirs to make the experience enjoyable.[/QUOTE] It's true, and people who do lighten up after this do get tips from me. I do empathize, and will attempt to make your time with me easier, like rules 1-8, but don't act out at me and expect tips.

[QUOTE=hypno-toad;26580753]Obviously it's a given that you can skimp on tipping if your server is a jackass, that's unlikely, though. If your server is decent to good, then you need to tip. Also, minimum wage on average is higher in Canada, though the minimum standard for tipping here is 15% If they are tipping you poorly they are probably assholes.[/QUOTE] Canadians typically tip 5% or less at the restaurant I've worked at. So many Canadians. Also, I've experienced a lot of bad servers, it isn't at all unlikely, especially when you look younger. I find that I am far more likely to get good service if I have some people with me who are above the age of 40. I quite agree that if you're going to go to a restaurant you should be ready to tip. If you don't want to tip, go to a restaurant where a tip isn't expected (these usually don't have servers to take care of you). [QUOTE=Death_God;26580909]@OP: Stop being a little whiny bitch because you dropped out of high school, FINISH HIGH SCHOOL, GO TO COLLEGE, MOVE OUT OF THE STATES, GET A GOOD JOB.[/QUOTE] A very large amount of college students get jobs in the food business.

The funny thing is, I don't treat my customers like shit regardless of how they treat me, nor does anyone else I work with. However we do talk shit about customers behind their backs all the time, unless we like you, in which case we will walk through the depths of hell to get you whatever you want. If you don't like that, well fuck you. It's how we deal with the stress of the job. It's either we do it behind your back where you don't know, or do it directly to you. I do know, however, that at some restaurants, there are employees that do treat the customers like shit in a passive-aggressive manner. I'm not saying what they do is right or wrong, however, I am making a post (which is fairly aggressive) explaining our circumstances and what to expect when you treat us poorly.

Alternatively, move to Australia. No tips are given and the minimum wage is around $15 an hour.

Woah. Guys. Calm down. It's just food.

[QUOTE=FerrisWheel;26581156]Alternatively, move to Australia. No tips are given and the minimum wage is around $15 an hour.[/QUOTE] Tips have been banned too? Not suprising. [/sarcasm]

[QUOTE=Master117;26580693]If we don't get tipped enough because of assholes with your mentality, then we wouldn't be able to eat at all.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/9198/superirony.gif[/IMG]

[QUOTE=Libertas;26581187]Tips have been banned too? Not suprising. [/sarcasm][/QUOTE] I'm not complaining if they're stopping me waste money.

[QUOTE=Master117;26581028]The funny thing is, I don't treat my customers like shit regardless of how they treat me, nor does anyone else I work with. However we do talk shit about customers behind their backs all the time, unless we like you, in which case we will walk through the depths of hell to get you whatever you want. If you don't like that, well fuck you. It's how we deal with the stress of the job. It's either we do it behind your back where you don't know, or do it directly to you. I do know, however, that at some restaurants, there are employees that do treat the customers like shit in a passive-aggressive manner. I'm not saying what they do is right or wrong, however, I am making a post (which is fairly aggressive) explaining our circumstances and what to expect when you treat us poorly.[/QUOTE] I suppose I should not bother stopping people I know who talk shit about employees at restaurants/fast food places. Or maybe the next time I see one of the blithering idiots attempting to get one fired by rowding her up and then making sure she trips with a full load of food while playing lil' angel customer, I won't bother pointing this out to the manager and having the jackass thrown out. After all, it's just the way they deal with it and how they do that is clearly none of my business and not worth my time to help. To be totally honest, if what you state about how you treat customers who aren't morons is true, we'd get along fine, and I'd likely tip you to the best of my ability, so why you're so aghast at me is quite frankly, strange.

[QUOTE=BurnBlackJay;26580841]hey asshole, if you don't like your job you know what to do NO BEFORE YOU ASk THAT DOESN'T MEAN MAKE A WHINY FP THREAD[/QUOTE] This person obviously never worked in a customer service industry. I am a cashier and let me tell you I have to deal with the most obnoxious fucking people.

Make me a pizza bitch.

The worst of worst things is having customers come in close to closing/closed. Even at a grocery store we cannot leave until you are through the line. That doesn't mean come in 5 minutes to closing and shop for a grocery cart full of shit. We will tell you we are closing and to hurry your ass up. I feel extremely bad when I get off work because I go to Subway and get a quick meal so I am pretty much the person who does, I just make it easy for them though.

[QUOTE=hypno-toad;26580594]Without a tip, servers get paid slave-wages. They don't owe [I]you[/I] jack shit unless you tip, [I]you[/I] are not worth working at minimum wage; your tip is. If you're a messy asshole, leave a nice tip :eng101:[/QUOTE] That's capitalism for you. Fucks everyone over. Why not just give them a higher wage so they don't have to rely on getting a tip? Oh no, BUT THATS COMMUNISM! *sigh*

[QUOTE=Lalelalala;26581438]That's capitalism for you. Fucks everyone over. Why not just give them a higher wage so they don't have to rely on getting a tip? Oh no, BUT THATS COMMUNISM! *sigh*[/QUOTE] What. It's not a matter of capitalism v. communism - I live in capitalist Australia, and servers are fine. Why? Because they have a higher minimum wage. THAT's the issue.