Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Canadian and other Foreign visitors to the US, why do you tip less?

Randerolf · 01-29-2008, 01:55 PM

Canada is proud and an unappreciated country. I can empathize with the Canadian posters' sensitivity about being singled out - especially when they apparently tip 15% for proper service. Many guests from abroad - even Americans who don't frequent restaurants - are unfamiliar with tipping practices.

Any waiter who has spent time in the industry may get nervous about waiting on groups that get flagged at poor tippers, but I feel that service may suffer due to that bias.

Why isn't server's wages built into the cost of food and drink? A report by Cornell Hospitality School (which I can't find the link to) states that restaurants with tips are perceived to be cheaper. I surmise that those who do not tip or only leave a pittance for even the best service would be discouraged from dinning out at the new, non-negotiable prices.

I find Canadians to be kind and thoughtful both inside and outside the restaurant. I've only left the US once (Tokyo and Beijing) and was annoyed by my American peers bellyaching, "Why can't they do it like they do at home. This is stupid." I winced at their ugly, provincial way of thinking. After reading some of the posts here, I'm shocked at some of the "ugly Americanisms" coming from non-Americans who have a reputation for being cosmopolitan and urbane. (I'm also shocked at some of the "better than you" attitudes.)

I'm lucky to work at a great steakhouse where I've been able to work my way through school on my own dime. The guests are great and I'm able to give them impeccable service. Canadians aren't anyone to look down upon: I remember providing a sumptuous dinner for two with a final bill of $2,000.

My heart does go out to host who has apparently been burned after providing perfect service and getting a bruise to the ego/ setback to the retirement fund at the end of the meal. I know what it's like to work under the sword of Damocles. Minding all the details. Pampering beyond expectation. Navigating the inferno of a restaurant. Making experiences. Then only to be used in the end.

But it's worth it. I love taking care of you. I love seeing your eyes sparkle on your 20th wedding anniversary. I love the uproar of laughter from a girls night out. I love welcoming you back home from Afghanistan where you held onto a small tin of Morton's mints to remind you of the good life that we have here in America. I love it.

In the end, recognize bad and good service. Tip accordingly. It's an honor system. Understand other cultures and when in Rome do as the Romans. Everyone can learn to better apply the later.

01-29-2008, 01:55 PM	#89 (permalink)
Randerolf Fireball Location: ~	Canada is proud and an unappreciated country. I can empathize with the Canadian posters' sensitivity about being singled out - especially when they apparently tip 15% for proper service. Many guests from abroad - even Americans who don't frequent restaurants - are unfamiliar with tipping practices. Any waiter who has spent time in the industry may get nervous about waiting on groups that get flagged at poor tippers, but I feel that service may suffer due to that bias. Why isn't server's wages built into the cost of food and drink? A report by Cornell Hospitality School (which I can't find the link to) states that restaurants with tips are perceived to be cheaper. I surmise that those who do not tip or only leave a pittance for even the best service would be discouraged from dinning out at the new, non-negotiable prices. I find Canadians to be kind and thoughtful both inside and outside the restaurant. I've only left the US once (Tokyo and Beijing) and was annoyed by my American peers bellyaching, "Why can't they do it like they do at home. This is stupid." I winced at their ugly, provincial way of thinking. After reading some of the posts here, I'm shocked at some of the "ugly Americanisms" coming from non-Americans who have a reputation for being cosmopolitan and urbane. (I'm also shocked at some of the "better than you" attitudes.) I'm lucky to work at a great steakhouse where I've been able to work my way through school on my own dime. The guests are great and I'm able to give them impeccable service. Canadians aren't anyone to look down upon: I remember providing a sumptuous dinner for two with a final bill of $2,000. My heart does go out to host who has apparently been burned after providing perfect service and getting a bruise to the ego/ setback to the retirement fund at the end of the meal. I know what it's like to work under the sword of Damocles. Minding all the details. Pampering beyond expectation. Navigating the inferno of a restaurant. Making experiences. Then only to be used in the end. But it's worth it. I love taking care of you. I love seeing your eyes sparkle on your 20th wedding anniversary. I love the uproar of laughter from a girls night out. I love welcoming you back home from Afghanistan where you held onto a small tin of Morton's mints to remind you of the good life that we have here in America. I love it. In the end, recognize bad and good service. Tip accordingly. It's an honor system. Understand other cultures and when in Rome do as the Romans. Everyone can learn to better apply the later.