Proper Restaurant Etiquette- Tipping

Okay, so I work as a server at one of the many Dennys that exist, and I've eventually come to realize that people think servers make a lot of money because our main source of income is tips.  However, a lot of people are under the illusion that we make tons of money.  Guess what? Not necessarily true.  My hourly wage ((and pretty much any other server's)) is a whole fucking $2.13 an hour.  Not a lot, and when people are totally stingy when tipping, I pretty much make jack shit.  And so, this brings me to todays topic, tipping.

A couple days ago my Dad asked me about tipping, and I've been thinking about it a lot, especially at work.  I don't think people are informed enough about tipping, even older people aren't up to date with what's really expected on the customer end of the spectrum. 

Now, my Dad had really terrible service in this restaurant he went to, and he asked about what's the right way to go about saying 'my experience sucked' without being a total douche about it.  I told him, but I also told him how to tip when your service was good, and it was a good thing I did, since he was surprised at both answers.  For the most part, servers try to do a good job, since people usually don't tip when they get shitty service. 

So, if you're at a restaurant and you like how you were taken care of, let 'em know.  I've often said money makes everything okay ((at least at work)), so if you enjoy being difficult, at least tip well.  A good tip is 15-20%, anything more is just awesome and will be well appreciated.  To me, 20% says I did everything perfect and they liked me, or at least how I served them.  I know 10%  used to be the norm for tipping, but cost of living has gone up ((hasn't everything? really.)) so I think it stands to reason that tipping would go up to.  But I guess lots of people are resistant to this idea... But anyways, if you get shitty service and you want to say so, a dollar on the table says 'dude I'm not happy, you sucked' without being totally cruel.  

However, there are those times when cruel and unusual methods are needed to really get the message across.  Be sure to use these sparingly, since it can also backfire and we'll remember your face so the next time you come in you'll get shitty service no matter what!  So, some of the real asshole-ish ways of leaving a tip i've seen:  one of the ones I hate tons is a handful of change in a glass of water.  So demeaning, cause if you want the change, you gotta go fishing for it.  I also saw a guy freeze a glass upside down on a table, with some change in the glass as well.  That was pretty cool, and since it didn't happen to me I thought it was kind of funny XD Hiding the tip when its like a buck or less also is really irritating, but just a penny on the table is the ultimate insult.  I haven't gotten one of those, thank god, but thats just so insulting and demeaning you can't interpret it any other way.

Now I know that people are going through hard times and not everyone has as much money as they usually do, and can't tip as well, but my thought is this: If you don't have the money to leave a good tip, don't go to a restaurant where you need to tip!! Nothing is more irritating then doing a good job and getting a 'sorry, this is all we've got, but you did great'.  Dude, money is my emotional bandaid at work.  I'll put up with A LOT of shit if it means a good tip. However, I refuse to accept that pathetic excuse.  If you don't want to tip, or can't, go somewhere that doesn't require you to tip.  Like McDonalds. Or Burger King.  If you're thinking good quality, Arby's is my personal favorite.  Tips stand for To Insure Proper Service.  Betcha didn't know that, but now you do.  But bottom line,  you want good service, you should expect to pay for it.