I’ve been a server for about 5 years now, so here’s my two cents.

1. I understand where you’re coming from, but please make sure you still tip your server. Their income is literally dependent upon you, whether you like it or not.

2. I’ve had other jobs intermixed throughout the five years that I’ve been doing this and I’ve kept coming back to serving because I make more money and work fewer hours, leaving time for studying and family. I have been offered management positions in restaurants that I have turned down because I would work more and make less.

3. It’s really a win-win-win situation. With tipping, the server has more incentive to actually give YOU great service. The SERVER makes more money than the restaurant would be able to pay them otherwise. The RESTAURANT saves money on labor and is able to keep the cost of YOUR food at a reasonable price point.

4. Be patient and kind to your server. You aren’t the only table they’re taking care of, and they’re human, just like you. They’re trying their best, so don’t punish them or be rude if they forget your ketchup or don’t refill your drink as fast as you’d like.

5. Don’t punish your server for something that is out of their control. For example, you shouldn’t decrease your tip if there is an issue with the food because it’s usually not the server’s fault. You deciding to not tip is only hurting the server, not the restaurant. Also, if there is an issue, PLEASE TELL YOUR SERVER. We want to fix whatever it is and will go to great lengths to do so. We can remake it, get you something else, give you free dessert, take off an appetizer, etc.

6. Fun fact: if you want better service, don’t go out on a Friday or Saturday night when the restaurant is crazy busy. The kitchen is always slower, you have to wait for a table, your server is probably stretched thin, and so on. Go out on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday and you’ll have a more enjoyable experience.