Why do servers get bad tips when...?

Question

Why is it that servers are tipped badly when food comes out slowly, or not cooked properly etc? It isn't the servers fault the cook sucks. Also, it isn't our fault when someone else's food comes out before yours even though they got there after you.

A servers job is to get drinks, take orders, and serve. NOT COOK and PREPARE the food. When the food comes up in the window we deliver it no matter the order people sat down. Maybe the food for the first table takes longer to cook, or something went wrong with it so the second table's food comes out first. GET OVER IT AND REALIZE IT IS NOT THE SERVER'S FAULT! Cooks get paid a full wage, servers depend on tips. And don't tell me I should just find a new job that pays minimum, if it were that easy no one would be a server.

I just want to know why people blame everything on the servers, when a lot of it is unavoidable for them. I give great service and I expect a tip, just as the customer expects good service. It is give and take.

Answer 1

Because most people are ignorant.

Common mistake made by servers when the kitchen is at fault is avoiding the table.  Which is make matters worse.

But even still---I always make sure people I'm serving know exactly whats going on.  I've saved a ton of tables in my time, but still got stiffed on quite a number due to a POS kitchen.

Answer 2

i do not give tips if the server does not bring every thing that i ordered.

Answer 3

The server is the human face on the whole dining experience. People don't usually see the cooks or anyone else, so if something goes wrong the server is the only person to yell at. It's like when traffic is backed up for construction and people yell at the guy doing the flagging, as if it's all HIS fault.

The important thing is to provide lots of communication, let them know what is going on and that you didn't forget about them. At the very least you will turn the conversation from "that darn server" to "those darn cooks". Realize that blame will fall to you unless you make a noticable effort, it is a sad fact but a reality.If the restaurant offers free bread or something keep them loaded up, as well as drinks too.  

If the problem is with one cook you could try telling the upset customers about it, then inform the manager that people as such and such table are upset. The people will complain to the manager about the cook and not you instead. As a bonus the manager will absorb a lot of the blame because he/she is now the human face to yell at. And of course he/she will be sure to let the cook know!

Answer 4

Its due to a lack of communication. Don't make excuses, but be honest, check back frequently and see if you can take a bit off the bill if the wait or food is not sufficient. When the people who do the books see that there is a trend of free deserts and discounts on meals due to poor back of house service, things will change!!!! Be honest, courteous and try to empathize. Many times with this customers will realize its the back of house that is slacking!!!!

Answer 5

If the food is slow or not properly prepared, I don't blame the server.  However, when I have sat there for a very long time with no explanation I feel it is the servers fault for not communicating with me.  And to be honest, I still tip when I have a crappy server, but only 10%.

Answer 6

TELL the patron what is going on!  I don't care if the cooks are slow as long as you let me know and don't ignore me hoping I won't notice or won't ask you what's going on.  I've had waitstaff joke with me about the slow cooks and apologize and make sure my drinks are tight, bread is on the table and made me happy as I could be while I'm waiting.  Just make sure they know and it shouldn't be a problem.

Answer 7

They're just a tad mad besides if the server is sorry and is polite unless the person is a b*****d the tip shouldn't be affected.

Answer 8

My family eats out a lot; we totally understand your situation here.  If the food was bad, it's not the server's fault!  What we had done in situation like that was to tell the server we didn't like how our food was prepared and would ask for the manager to our table, so the manager would let the chef or kitchen staff know about our complaint instead of putting the server on the spot.  We understand the relationship between the chef and the server; we never wanted to jeopardize the server's job.  We would still tip the server with the best $ amount she/he deserves with good service each time!