Jun 05, 2009 -
Back when I was a waitress for a nanosecond, we were encouraged to touch our customers to make a connection with them. Nothing perverse, of course, just a little tap on the arm or shoulder now and then, in an effort to obtain better tips. Interestingly, in a recent study published by the International Journal of Hospitality Management, researchers confirmed another method for waitresses to up their tips — wearing makeup.
- 16 Comments
Jun 02, 2009 -
- Would you eat this Daniel Craig Popsicle? — Eat Me Daily
- Are you buying less organic milk? — Serious Eats
- Tipping rules for takeout and delivery.
- 3 Comments
May 21, 2009 -
Earlier this year, we broached the question of whether it was fair for establishments to impose a built-in surcharge for large dinner parties — and many of you were strongly opposed. But how would you feel if taxes and gratuities were eliminated altogether?
Frank Klein, owner of San Francisco's Fish & Farm, thinks the idea has potential to succeed in times like these.
- 9 Comments
Apr 01, 2009 -
When your card is swiped for a to-go order, the receipt you're signing most likely has a line to add gratuity if you choose. And if you're paying cash, it's rare that the counter is free of a tip jar. If you've called in an order and are picking it up to enjoy from the comfort of your home or if you stop in to grab-and-go, do you leave a tip for the effort it took to assemble your order?
- 41 Comments
Mar 25, 2009 -
If you've cut back on generous tipping you're not alone. While most of you say your restaurant gratuity is about the same, some say 2009 is the year of lousy tips.
Anyone who has worked in the service industry will tell you tipping is crucial to getting better service and making up for the employee's low hourly wage or base pay.
- 26 Comments
Feb 20, 2009 -
In a recent article in the New York Times, restaurant critic Frank Bruni discusses yet another quandary facing restaurants during the recession. Not only are people dining out less frequently and reducing spending, but they're also tipping less. This puts servers in a particularly vulnerable position.
- 43 Comments
Feb 18, 2009 -
Source
Your Two Cents: Have You Ever Stiffed Your Server?
Yes, I've stiffed my server. I'll tell you why in the comments.
- 44 Comments
Feb 10, 2009 -
Of all cities in America, New York is certainly one that's suffered severe economic blows — yet it has the highest cost of living in the country. To protect its diners from sky-high gratuities, the city's Department of Consumer Affairs has instituted a policy preventing parties under eight from being charged automatically for tip.
Big Apple blog Newyorkology set the record straight: New York restaurants may impose gratuities only for parties of eight or more.
- 56 Comments
Dec 28, 2008 -
I've just given out tips to the binman, postman and my trusty Fed Ex delivery team to whom I owe much gratitude to for always delivering my beauty goodies on time. Now it's time to think about the beauty service industry, namely the professionals in my life who I visit regularly for manicures, pedicures, facials, haircuts and massages.
While it's a lot of extra money to spend, it wouldn't seem right to overlook them.
- 1 Comment
Generosity often takes a toll when times are tough, and right now definitely qualifies as one of those times. General etiquette says that during the holidays, it's a nice touch to give an extra tip or gift to the people who make our lives easier, like hairstylists, postal people, and doormen. Do you tend to tip more during the holidays, and if so, are you reconsidering your usual amounts this season because money is tight?
