reciprocity

I understand people's need to go out after a long day of work and be served food and beverage, but lately I have been holding a lot back. At work, I am told to play a role, put up a false front...but at the end of the day, I wonder- should great service be reciprocated?

The answer is yes. For those who haven't worked in a restaurant or bar (or any aspect of the service industry), money is unpredictable and the majority of us that work at restaurants live on tips we earn. Here is some information we servers cant say to your face (look I am practicing reciprocity!):

Issue #1: "THE CAMPERS"
If you feel the necessity to stay for longer than 15 minutes after you pay, its an extra $3 every 30 minutes. I make my money from the tables I serve. If you are in one - I can't seat it, thus I don't make money.

Issue #2: "THE VERBAL TIP"
Telling me I am the best waitress you have ever had is NOT a tip. If I was good, let me know by leaving more money. I can’t pay my bills on compliments. Its not that I don't appreciate the praise, its just that if you say that and then leave a small tip, it's an insult.

Issue #3: THE SALVATION PAMPHLETS
Prayer cards and any other religious pamphlet is NOT a tip. It is insulting that you assume I may be without religion and must be saved. Again, like...2, I can’t pay bills with prayer cards.

Issue #4: "VINTAGE TIPPERS"
It's not 1960. 15% is the MINIMUM amount of what you should be tipping your servers. Remember, the restaurant only pays minimum wage ($6.55/hr). Servers also are required to share tips with the hosts, bussers, dishwashers and bartenders...we really don't make as much as you think!

Issue #5: "THE COMPLAINERS"
If you get a discount because your food was prepared wrong, please don't take it out of my tip. I didn't cook it incorrectly. The cooks get paid hourly regardless if the food is bad. However, I only make what you give me! I will fix your food or find a way to make you happy if you let me!

Issue #6: "THE GREET"
When I come up to the table to greet you and ask how you are doing please let me know. If you are in a bad mood I want to know that I am going to have to deal with your attitude the entire time. A confused stare or complete silence does not suffice as a reply to "How are you doing?'' Also stop interrupting my greeting and say "I want a beer", that's just rude.

Issue # 7: SELF-SEATING
Once again...it is not 1960, and most restaurants are not on a "seat yourself" policy. Don't just assume that the area near the bar is a place where you can sit yourself down wherever you want. There is actually a reason hosts put you where they do. Hosts try to rotate tables, ensuring that each server gets the same amount of tables, and also so that servers do not get three tables all at once. This helps guarantee you get the best service possible.

Issue # 8: GETTING JEALOUS OF A SERVER OF THE OPPOSITE SEX
I am being nice to provide good service, not because I want to flirt with your companion. If you took a step back you would realize I am being just as nice to you as your company.

I understand the concept of "the customer is always right" and when you are paying for a night out, you deserve good service, but the point I am trying to make is- I am trying my best and I am tired of being stiffed because people don't understand common courtesies. PLEASE THINK ABOUT IT BEFORE YOU SIGN THAT CREDIT CARD RECEIPT OR PULL SPARE CHANGE FROM YOUR POCKET!