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YourHub.com \\ Vero Beach \\ Stories \\ Restaurants \\ Reviews

Does anyone really understand what a server does!?

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Contributed by: Shannon Bailey on 9/8/2006

I have tried to tip at least 15% when I go out to eat unless I have a really bad server and I've tried everything from my side as a customer to improve the situation.
My kids and I try to cheer up a grumpy / tired one. I like to talk to my servers, ask them what kind of day they had and try to make them smile and laugh. They need customers who appreciate their work!
WHY???
I have never been a server or worked in a restaurant until July of this year. I'm nearly 40 years old and just now have my first waitress/server job. Never thought I would!!!

Did you know that it's common for waitresses to have to "tip out" for bussers/hostess/bar people? They tip out (share) 1 - 3 % of their sales. That means if you don't tip them or tip poorly, they are paying to serve you out of their own pocket. I've had my share of times that I've had to pay to serve someone because they didn't tipor left a poor tip even AFTER they've said the service was great.

Facts about servers:
* Servers are on their feet3 -5 hours at a time on average, depending on the day/how busy it is.
* They carry trays that are filled with food not just for you, but for other tables that aren't theirs.
* They carry heavy loads of dirty dishes to help the bussers get tables free quckly.
* They run to and from the kitchen to tables on average of 6 - 8 times for each table they have that night, which can equal 100 + times / night.
* Many companies share tips / 'tip out' to other employees, such as busser/hostess/bar.
* Many are working as a server as their second job to make ends meet, which means even though it's dinner for you and the end of the day, the server could have been working since 7 or 8 that morning and won't get home until 10 or 11 that night.
* Servers wages range from $2 - $3.50/ hour plus tips and are MANDATED to report at least 10% of their sales in tips for tax purposes.
* Servers sometimes only get 2 -3 shifts a weekat4-5 hours, which equals to 8 - 15 hours / week working. Thus, good tips are that much more important.
* Tips may be the only thing they have to take home a pay bills.
* Rarely does a customer compliment a waitress, but often do they hear that a customer complains.
* Servers have from 2 or 3 tables up to 7 or 8 tables. They aren't just there to serve you.

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Next time you think your waitress may have an attitude or grumpy - Put yourself in their shoes and think about what kind of day they've had. Try to cheer him/her up. Maybe put in a good word if they are doing a good job and trying to serve you as best they can.
Being a cheerful customer makes the difference in a server's job!

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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments

Submitted By: Judy Davis

posted on 9/15/2006 @ 7:04:30 AM

(Not Rated)

I only hope that you are working my table, becasue I know I will get excellent service!

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Submitted By: Jenee Simons

posted on 9/9/2006 @ 8:52:44 PM

Rated Story

You are so right and not to mention Car side servers. Do you know that they too do not get full wages and depend on tips. They go out in the rain etc. to bring your food to you. Most people to not know you should tip them or how much. I always tip 20%. My Daughter does car side and sometimes she says she only made $5 for that shift in tips. This is really sad since she like most are in college and trying to make some income to help with her expenses. Thanks for bringing some lite to this subject.

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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments

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Shannon Bailey

Vero Beach , FL

Shannon Bailey has posted 1 story and 0 comments since joining on 9/8/2006. Shannon Bailey 's average story rating is 5.

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