Waiter Suck and a Question

[Shabo]

I must say, I give props to Chanlin for having an open enough mind to understand where the server was coming from and realizing why servers would ask a question like that. If only the rest of the world would be so open minded... *snaps harshly back to reality*

[Chanlin]

I must say, I give props to Chanlin for having an open enough mind to understand where the server was coming from and realizing why servers would ask a question like that. If only the rest of the world would be so open minded... *snaps harshly back to reality*

Heh... I must say in reading quite a few of the responses I feel like a complete tool . But asking is the only way to learn

Or as was said on Kung Fu: "The first step on the journey to knowledge is the simple phrase I do not know."

[Primer]

Personally, I hate being asked if I want the change. If they ask, then yes, I do want the change. The better (in my opinion) response would be, "I'll be right back with your change." That gives me the chance to decide whether or not the transaction is finished. BTW, I always tip at least 15% even for lousy service, but I have been known to tip 100% for excellent service. And I never go to a full service restaurant during the "traditional busy times."

[justintyme]

As a waiter, I always assume they want change and bring it back after I pick the bill up, unless they tell me otherwise. I pick up the bill and tell them I'll be right back with the change. Usually, they will say "no we're all set" or "keep the change". If they say nothing or "thanks" then I assume they want the change back. I never ask if they need change. That is a little rude, imo.

[BlaqueKatt]

a restaurant I worked at had a posting-

never ask a customer if they want change

It puts them in an awkward position, and makes them uncomfortable* and makes the servers look greedy-take the money and say "I'll be right back with your change" Then the customer can say "no need for that" or "keep it"

*for example if the check was 37.00 and they paid with a $50.00

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Naw, Sugar, a tool wouldn't care enough to ask!

[Broomjockey]

Oh oh oh! I have a story where the guy actually WAS a prick! Just to show that not everyone who asks the question is as nice as this guy.

Mom ordered pizza for supper one time, and the tab was something like $25. She gives the guy 2 $20s, and the guy pauses expectantly, and then asks in the most plaintive, begging voice you can imagine "Did you need change?"

Oi, the bugger expected a $15 tip on a $25 pizza order, and it wasn't even delivered really quickly.

My mom said yes, took all the money back, because he was slow in digging it out. Then politely gave him a $5.

[myswtghst]

While I can see the wisdom in teaching servers to state "I'll be back with your change" as opposed to asking, I can also see why servers ask. The question does occasionally rub me a bit, more so if the service was not good, but knowing that they haven't even looked into the little book with the bill in it/counted the money with the bill, I try to remind myself not to assume that they know how much is in there. *shrugs*

[Canarr]

In Germany (different tipping rules, I know), unless the customer says otherwise, a waiter will bring the entire change back to the table.

If I want to tip, I just say the amount i.e. on a 32,- bill I'd say "make it 35" or "make it forty"; or if I pay with a 50, "just give me back 10,-".

I'd be miffed with a waiter asking me if I need change back. Yes, I do, or I would've said otherwise.

[rerant]

I've never not been asked if I wanted change when I paid cash so I don't see where he was being sucky at all.

[powerboy]

I think it's an over reaction. Any time I've paid cash at a restaurant, I've been asked that question. Most of the time, the waiter has just seen that I'm giving cash not the amount of cash. I could have $40 on a $20.50 bill, or I could have $25 on the same bill. In the latter case, I could very well be using the change as a tip.

If you say "no change necessary" then the waiter can save the trouble of coming back to give the change.

Exactly. And also, maybe he is not used to many people paying with cash. But what do I know, I was not there

[Giggle Goose]

I actually got chewed out for asking a customer if they needed change. Then the guy at the table next to them chimed in and said "Yeah, if you had asked me if I wanted change I wouldn't have tipped you." Ouch.

So my mom told me to always smile sweetly and say you would be right back with their change, even if it's only going to be .50 or something. Makes you look humble.

So while you definitely weren't as harsh as those people were to me, just realize that a server has to deal with everyone's little preferences and it can be pretty trying. I've come into contact with very few people who realize everything my job entails.

[Primer]

Waiting tables and delivery are the only cash handling occupations where it seems to be "acceptable" to ask if change is desired. Sorry, but I want control over how much I choose to tip, if at all. It's extremely rare that I will tip less than 15%, and I usually tip upwards of 20%, but it's still my decision.

[powerboy]

Waiting tables and delivery are the only cash handling occupations where it seems to be "acceptable" to ask if change is desired. Sorry, but I want control over how much I choose to tip, if at all. It's extremely rare that I will tip less than 15%, and I usually tip upwards of 20%, but it's still my decision.

Exactly how I am.

[marasbaras]

Honestly, I find that to be a very presumptuous question. I've been asked it once and left no tip when it was asked. Part of the resposibility of the restaurant staff is to shield the customer from the hassles of all the prep, cooking, cleanup, etc. That's why we're eating out.

Yes, servers are people, too. But, we're paying the restaurant and, indirectly, the servers to allow us to relax. If they have to run, well, sorry, but that's the job.

I think the restaurant that had the sign posted saying to NOT ask if the customer wants change is correct. Of course the customer wants their change.

A smart server would've brought back the $10 in change as a $5 and five $1s. This gives the customer the opportunity to tip as they see fit. When the server reduces friction like this, their tips tend to be higher.

And, before anyone goes off and thinks I'm cheap ... my base tip is 20% ... I tip much higher or lower based on experience. I even tip the gas station kids who fill my tank (5%).