Don’t be “that guy” in the bartender’s eyes when it comes to tipping. While you may think you’re being oh-so-sly, you’re not the first to use one of these five tactics to save a dollar or two. So what are the top five ways people avoid tipping their bartenders? Keep reading to make sure your cover hasn’t been blown.
Cell phones are now convenient for more than communication. They’re also convenient for a lack of communication. I’ve decided if someone tries to order a drink with improper use of sign language while chatting away, the failure to properly communicate allows bartenders to stand back and check their own messages and texts, pick dirt from beneath their nails, or simply stare at you in bewilderment at your lack of manners.
Speaking of texts, the moment right after a drink is ordered always seems to be the moment certain patrons receive a very important text. And there’s no time like when you’re having a few thought-impairing, alcoholic beverages to take care of important business. For those guests, don’t worry, you’ll be remembered (or should I say forgotten) on the next round. When it comes to cell phones, I’m not just disturbed by the fact that people use them as an excuse; I’m also concerned by the fact that they’ve been raised in a barn. With such atrocious manners, I bet their mother’s are heartbroken too.
While many bars refer to patrons as guests and do their best to show guests a good time, guests have responsibilities too. It’s always important to mind your manners in public, even the basics like “please” and “thank you”.
Making eye contact is a sure way to boost tips for service personnel, but try as they might, sometimes people won’t meet their eyes. Completely avoiding eye-contact allows bar patrons to pretend staff is not human; therefore, these cocktail-concocting robots don’t have bills to pay, college to attend, a family to feed, loan sharks hunting them down, or shoe-buying habits to support.
Unfortunately there are still people in this world who view certain professions as beneath them. I’m more than happy to oblige in continuing to allow these people their misconception on one condition: show me the money. If someone wants to pay me for the right to be a jerk, that’s fine; however, if someone just wants to be a jerk, chances are I’ll be one right back next time they need a cocktail.
Another tactic used is claiming they’ll “get you later”, which is not always the truth. Although some patrons feel a small amount of guilt and actually plan to “get you later” as they claim, there’s a large percentage of these folks who won’t be back. They’ll employ other tactics to save a dollar or two, like having someone else fetch their drinks.
By having someone else get drinks, bar-goers do one of two things: either have someone else pay for the drink and be left to tip as well or fork over only enough dough to cover the cost of their beverage, still leaving the unfortunate drink-lackey to cough up your tip. Don’t be a drink-lackey.
Finally, large bills are always a gamble. People either don’t want to break them or think you won’t be able to break them, especially at the beginning of an evening. Why this is, remains a mystery. Just know the bartenders of the world are onto you, buddy.
Now, I didn’t include “simply being physically attractive” or “excessive flattery” in this list because those who attempt either already know they’re in the wrong. While compliments may be nice, insincere compliments don’t compare to a twenty-dollar bill. Tens, fives, and ones are also better than a bogus compliment.
And if your sense of entitlement for being on the right side of the gene pool gets you dates, I hope those dates are getting you drinks. Your sense of entitlement isn’t the bartender’s concern.
Why tip? Well, appearances still count for something. Nothing says you’re cool like having the bartender smile and acknowledge you, remember your order, possibly your name, and ignore the person who didn’t tip on their last round to serve you first. If you’re a guy, you’ve just impressed the ladies, and if you’re a gal, a free drink may be in your future. Chances are, when the bar is crowded, throwing out a few extra bucks will save you some time. And time is money, right?
If you plan to frequent a particular establishment or group of establishments, consider your reputation. Do you really want the service staff running from you, talking and laughing behind your back, or participating in a mean game of paper, scissors, rock in order to avoid you? I would prefer to have the staff fighting over who gets to serve me. Tipping, consistently and well, helps make you a staff favorite. Spending a little more up front may actually save some cash over time. It’s true, many bars have something like an expense account for staff to use at their discretion (ie: possible freebies for you good tippers).
Another reason to tip: it’s just the right thing to do. If you want a service performed, and performed well, it ain’t free. When you put in extra effort at your job, you expect a pay-off somewhere. Whether acknowledgement, a future promotion, or financial gain, people don’t do much these days without thinking of what’s in it for them.
If you think you’re so crafty when using one of these tactics, I’m sorry to inform you how mistaken you are. I guess you’ll have to be a little more creative in the future, or you could just realize now how much of a jerk you’ve been and change your ways.
