Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenLantern2814
Why not just increase the price of menu items a couple bucks, pay your employees properly instead of like dancing monkeys, and tell patrons tipping isn't required because your staff already makes a wage?
Go ahead, explain why that hippie bull#### doesn't work in the real world.
|
The problem is that humans are stupid. You see a $17 burger and think that's reasonable. You see the exact same burger next door that's $19.99, and you immediately go to the first restaurant, regardless of the massive sign saying "NO TIPS REQUIRED".
Most people cannot do $17 * 1.16 in their head and realize it's the same. There's a reason that things are priced at 9.99 and 19.99 rather than 10 and 20. You might think that it's ridiculous, but that's just objective, proven human psychology.
Another factor is what tipping means to people in these days. Some people still think that it means an optional tip to reward good service. However, the vast majority of people do agree that it's just another 15-20% "tax" on your bill, and good service does not correlate with good tips (nor does bad service correlate with bad tips). An additional fee on top is exactly how the modern day "tip" system works.
Finally, by committing to "100% of the fee goes to our staff", it's clear, transparent, and easily auditable by both staff and management. It reduces drama between the front and back. It makes it more legitimate - people have no choice but to report their income. On the other hand, raising the prices on the menu with no tips might just end up with poorly paid staff anyways - and they have no incentive at all with regards to profit sharing.
I think a huge concern is that no good waitress will want to work there, which leads to poor service, and people blaming the lack of tipping for this. A waitress at this type of establishment (basically a model) will make WAY more money at a traditional place like Earls, Cactus or Shark Club - places where 25-30% tips with loads of alcohol are the norm. You're left with the ones a tier below, meaning you're gonna get lower quality service.