???It seems that, despite the hard economic times, people still find the cash to order take-out or frequent their favorite restaurants. They may not be ordering top-shelf martinis or surf n' turf, but the fact remains that the food service industry is still kicking.
???Service is the key word. When you try to impress your date by taking her to The Olive Garden, you are paying for a service. When you have a pizza delivered from any local shop, a service has been provided. In the service industry, it is standard for the patron to provide a gratuity - more commonly known as a tip.
???Everybody knows that America is going through the worst economic recession in years. So, to me, it seems that if people can afford to go and out and get a full plate of steak and potatoes or order a chicken finger sub for delivery, they can afford to throw in a few extra bucks to show some gratitude.
???In American culture, it is expected that you tip your server. Not only are servers depending on it, but the well-being of the industry is reliant on tips. If servers were paid entirely on wages, restaurants would be forced to increase food prices and the compensation to pay the servers would cut into your wallet more than tipping would.
???Forget about the percentage standard; doubling the sales tax is a guide for a really cheap tip. ???When calculating what I intend on giving a server, I take into account almost all aspects of my meal: how quickly the food came, if the order was right, how often my drink was refilled, and most importantly, the friendliness of the server. I also take into account where I am - if I am at a nice restaurant I intend on tipping a bit extra, but if I go to Denny's for a late night snack, the standard is lowered.
???For the most part I triple the tax, and add a few extra dollars.
???People in the service industry are also suffering the same economic woes as everybody else, so an extra three or four dollars can certainly go a long way. Ask any server or delivery person - not getting tipped is like a slap in the face.
???As a driver for a local pizza shop, I personally feel the effect of a good or bad tip, and I absolutely hate when I get handed exact change, or when I'm told to keep the change as the person hands me a $20 bill when the total came to $19.85. Thanks for nothing.
???In many cases, a server does his or her best to provide you and your date with the best service possible. What you may not realize is that you are not their only customer.
???Some servers are horrible, misplacing orders or completely forgetting about a table. In these extreme cases, the server cannot be expecting much for a tip - if anything at all.
???When ordering for delivery, keep in mind that the driver is most likely using his or her personal vehicle (unless it's the Domino's car). He or she isn't compensated when the car breaks down, and the gas money comes from his or her own wallet.
???Gas prices may be low right now, but with Buffalo having one of the highest gas prices in the nation, the cost to fill up still puts a dent in any pocketbook, especially for those who drive for a living.
???These jobs may seem easy, but keep in mind that the people who bring you your food are doing you a favor. You don't prepare or cook the food, and you don't clean up the mess.
???If you cannot afford to tip, you shouldn't be going out to eat or ordering a pizza. If you really can't dish out at least a couple of extra dollars, you should be shopping at a grocery store buying frozen pizza or microwavable dinners - groceries aren't taxed, and the cashier makes at least minimum wage.
???Servers make less than minimum wage and at many restaurants have to split their tips with bartenders, busboys and dishwashers. In addition, they have to report their tips to the government so that they can be taxed.
Some local pizza shops don't even pay their drivers. Their wage is entirely dependent on tips. Add to that the risk of being robbed or getting into an accident, and they definitely deserve a decent tip.
???The extra cost associated with dining out is attributed to the service you are receiving. So the next time you go out with your friends or order some chicken wings to be delivered, dig a little deeper in your pockets and say thanks by giving a few more dollars.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
