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Waiter not apologizing for mistakes
I wonder if others get annoyed when waiters don't apologize for things. These things are not necessarily their fault, like how I had no napkin/silverware today, but why should I be the only one in the restaurant with no place setting? How does them "allowing me" to take one from another table make it right? Should I go ahead and pick up my own food from the kitchen as well?
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Originally Posted by s0ssos
(Post 25315556)
I wonder if others get annoyed when waiters don't apologize for things. These things are not necessarily their fault, like how I had no napkin/silverware today, but why should I be the only one in the restaurant with no place setting? How does them "allowing me" to take one from another table make it right? Should I go ahead and pick up my own food from the kitchen as well?
I generally get apologies when the server is aware of any shortcomings: sorry you had to wait for a table, sorry your food took so long, sorry your beer is 30% foam. Sometimes that is accompanied by a small discount or free appetizer or dessert or drink. It goes a long way to soothe bad feelings. |
Should they get on their knees and self -flagellate?
You have three options: 1) being gracious when mistakes happen, 2) reflecting it in your gratuity, and 3) not going back to a restaurant that doesn't meet your requirements and standards. |
I'm not sure if there's a specific situation you're peeved about or if you're simply ranting about poor table service in general. Not being provided napkin or silverware is not poor service, per se. Often it's simply a small oversight. Being told to fix it yourself, though, is poor service.
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Waiter not apologizing for mistakes
Let's be honest here, when was the last time a verbal apology from the waiter (as opposed to a manager or chef) has made up for a mistake/wrongdoing at a restaurant? Nowadays it's usually just a formality anyway. If you're dissatisfied with the service over something as trivial as that, then simply don't return to the restaurant. Is it really worth wasting a few bytes of FlyerTalk server space to complain about this?
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I tend to agree with the other posters on here.
Consistently bad service from start to finish probably warrants a bit of a rant both on here and in the restaurant. But minor stuff like this ? Life's too short. |
Originally Posted by gtolj2
(Post 25316110)
Let's be honest here, when was the last time a verbal apology from the waiter (as opposed to a manager or chef) has made up for a mistake/wrongdoing at a restaurant? Nowadays it's usually just a formality anyway. If you're dissatisfied with the service over something as trivial as that, then simply don't return to the restaurant. Is it really worth wasting a few bytes of FlyerTalk server space to complain about this?
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Originally Posted by s0ssos
(Post 25316418)
Quote:
Originally Posted by gtolj2 Let's be honest here, when was the last time a verbal apology from the waiter (as opposed to a manager or chef) has made up for a mistake/wrongdoing at a restaurant? Nowadays it's usually just a formality anyway. If you're dissatisfied with the service over something as trivial as that, then simply don't return to the restaurant. Is it really worth wasting a few bytes of FlyerTalk server space to complain about this? You mean this isn't what FT is about? |
Isn't this part of what makes for a smaller tip?
Solution seems pretty simple to me. |
Originally Posted by MaxBuck
(Post 25318784)
Isn't this part of what makes for a smaller tip?
Solution seems pretty simple to me. |
Originally Posted by Clint Bint
(Post 25324096)
The problem is there are quite a few posters on here who think a tip should be a standard amount no matter how poor the service is.
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Originally Posted by MaxBuck
(Post 25318784)
Isn't this part of what makes for a smaller tip?
Originally Posted by Clint Bint
(Post 25324096)
The problem is there are quite a few posters on here who think a tip should be a standard amount no matter how poor the service is.
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Originally Posted by s0ssos
(Post 25327490)
Originally Posted by Clint Bint
(Post 25324096)
The problem is there are quite a few posters on here who think a tip should be a standard amount no matter how poor the service is.
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Originally Posted by Adam1222
(Post 25328291)
Not in the US. Tip: part of how people make a living; an expected cost on top of menu price
I am still curious if the OP was specifically asked to get his utensils from the next table or made that move on his own. What sort of restaurant was this? Where was it located? |
Originally Posted by BamaVol
(Post 25329474)
Too many threads here devolve into pointless discussions over the custom of tipping. I wish more would stay on topic.
Why is a waiter not apologizing any different from any other service person failing to apologize for an error? You can either get offended or move on. Moving on is healthier IMO and IME. Getting offended is of no use whatever. (You shouldn't assume from this that I never get offended ... :o) |
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