Patch Blog: Why Tip for Bad Service?

One of my best friends said to me the other day, "Don't you write for Patch?"  I realized that an entire month had gone by without a single post to our beloved local online publication.  It is not without legitimate excuses that I have neglected my writing.  My oldest and dearest friend descended on me with her family all the way from Denmark at the beginning of June.  Then, we had other friends pop down from Tehachapi, then our girlfriend from Tennesee came out and helped start the renovation process of the bungalow that will soon be our new home.  By the time I came up for air it was the middle of July and we start into family birthdays.  I am so happy to be this busy, yet, it leaves me feeling like I have to "catch" my friends somewhere between a charity committee meeting and the rest of my life.  That is precisely what happened the other night.  I went with a friend to one of newer restaurants in town just to see her face. 

We were seated and a waitress appeared.  [Here is the back-story: both of us waitressed in our younger years and are sticklers about service.  We meet out regularly and adore good service.]  This server did not make eye contact nor did she make any suggestions or offer any help whatsoever when we said we had not really looked at the menu.  She simply took our drink order and walked away.  That was how the rest of the night went.  I would like to say I enjoyed the ambiance and company, heck, I even liked the food.  The waitress overshadowed my experience so much so that on our 24 dollar bill, I left her a dollar and change tip.

Most people these days forget that a TIP is not obligatory.  The TIP jar is not something we are expected to deposit into nor is 20% customary.  These are guides IF and ONLY IF you believe the service you received was to the standard deserving recognition.  Tipping first started around the 17th century and did not come into vogue until the 18th century. Here in the United States, we tip based on performance.  This is what I am speaking to.  The performance of those in service industries.  While other countries have their own customs and we as good "Americans" would serve ourselves by researching those when traveling, I want to address this poor gal who really missed the boat.

I have found that our lovely Monrovia has a mixed bag of service.  I tend to patronize those businesses that I believe have good service.  I am a big believer in spending my money with small business rather than a large, corporate chain.  I like to know who gets my dollars.  Especially now, with inflation and a sagging economy.  The people I do shop with know my face, they know I shop with them.  We are friendly, they ask me what it is that I am in for that day.  We have developed a rapport.  This is what we all want Monrovia to be known for.  I have to give this young waitress the benefit of the doubt.  The manager that was floating around the restaurant we were at had a bit of frenetic behavior and I am convinced he was just as oblivious as she was.  Nevertheless, it is vital in today's world that business owners think about customer relations and first impressions that are bestowed on the consumer.

Everyone I know chooses very carefully where to spend their money.  I hope we can all "be the change" as my little change dish quotes Ghandi.  We as consumers will treat the business liason with respect and the business will train their staff accordingly.