[Toro44]

Ill never leave the midwest.

I just hope the coastal crowd looking to get out of their states continue to think we're hillbillies living in the sticks.

 

[Toro44]

Mid 90’s, I detasseled corn when I was 16 for 5 something to pay for some car damage I caused. Taught me a few things about life. Then every summer until college I was a lifeguard, also for 5 something. Taught me a whole lot more about life.

 

[Toro44]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think waiters/waitresses even get paid minimum wage by their employer (the restaurant) due to their ability to get tips.

depends on the state, some require minimum wage some are a percentage of minimum wage. I always thought it was crazy, makes for a guaranteed expectation of a tip, even if the service is trash.

 

[Toro44]

Imo it’s a fair pay system . When restaurants are slow literally making zero profit…waitstaff sit around doing nothing … and make the minimum. When the restaurant is busy and makes more $$ …the waitstaff has to hustle but they make more $$$. If waitstaff goes above and beyond w good service …they will usually be tipped better for that service. My wife is a waitress she’s developed relationships w customers and regularly gets $50-$100+ tips from a single customer because ppl really love her. Crappy waitresses don’t last long / if they stay they can actually affect the business negatively. A Good waitress can help create good experience/ repeat customers/ and turn over more tables faster since they are on top of things and get ppl seated and served as fast as possible. Sounds like p4p to me

I don’t disagree the arrangement can work just fine. I just always thought it was odd that the system of compensation is different than almost all other employers. I don’t know the history on why it was originally set up that way, nor do I care to look it up. It’s just strange tips are considered part of compensation which has made them accepted and expected in the US.

 

[Toro44]

Can you imagine the service you would get at a flat hourly rate.

Ive been to many restaurants with great service that were flat rate. Just not in the US. Tipping culture in the US is kind of a unique thing.