Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnnyB
I disagree with you on this point because if servers are paid at a higher level then the employer can be more selective in terms of who they employ, because it's a better job. Also, the emphasis is placed on management to ensure good service, who really have far more control than the customers do. I find that, in general, I tend to get better service in countries without tipping and where people are doing a good job because of pride in their work and higher expectations on the part of their employers. Tipping just presents a dynamic between customer and server that I don't think is entirely healthy. If it was a matter of people tipping when they're really thrilled with service things may be different, but the fact of the matter is that it doesn't work that way here and tipping is expected as a standard.
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Why would the simple fact that the restaurant pays your wage rather than the customer make it a better job? It's not your regular minimum wage job, and I guarantee you that for young college kids, its one of the best ways to pay your way through school, etc... Sure we get paid $7.00 an hour by the restaurant, but truth is, with tips we average out to around $20.00. There are enough people that come in to apply for these types of jobs that the managers can and
are very selective about who they hire. It is a very sought after job, and their aren't going to be any more applicants coming through the door because they know the money they are being paid comes from the business rather than the customer.
Also, you seem to imply that the management sits back and lets the customers ensure good service. Out of all my jobs I have never seen so many people get fired in their first day or first week because they simply don't have what it takes. Other people who have worked at places like Earl's or Joey's can back me up on this. Tipping is just a reward and an encouraging factor to work hard, much like corporations reward hard work with bonuses or benefits. If the fact that the reward is coming out of your pocket rather than the restaurant's, than like I said before, restaurants would have no problem raising prices by 15% and you'd be paying more for poor service, the same for good service, and less for great service. A lazy server would be making the same for less work, and the restaurant would come out even. It doesn't really matter what system you use.