Moral Question

[halorealm7]

We were at a local eatery. Our waitress spoke very little if any English at all. Since this is the case, we received very poor service. We also had a difficult time placing our orders and relating exactly what we wanted to eat. I think the young lady was new to our country and so I gave her a pass. Wife was bent out of shape and refused to leave a tip.

What would you do? Poor service, language barrier...do you leave a tip?

[Virtual Pariah]

Yeah, I do.

New to the country, I am a big softie though...

[Sandy Cheeks]

I don't think that a language problem should necessarily lead to poor service. For me, the deciding factor would be how hard the waitress was trying; I always give an 'A' for effort.

[RhytmEarl]

Originally Posted by Sandy Cheeks

I don't think that a language problem should necessarily lead to poor service. For me, the deciding factor would be how hard the waitress was trying; I always give an 'A' for effort.

This^.

When I'm a tourist in another country and the shoe's on the other foot ...

[taez555]

There's a difference between poor service due to a language barrier and poor service due to a rude server. 20% at least, no question, especially if she was trying and the food was fine.

I mean if a lanquage barrier was a reason not to tip, I'd never tip at Chinese restaurants. :-)

[ronedee]

This isn't a moral question. You contracted a service. I would've got up and left...before lunch!

I don't waste time anymo! Like the laws of motion: If it starts out bad...it continues bad.

LEARN THE LANGUAGE.....I did!

[27sauce]

I would have tipped her

[overunderdrive]

yeah, it really is all about attitude and intent with waiters.

I've had situations where, even if the food is horrible, I'll leave a good tip if the waiter did their best.

I tend to be much more picky at fancy restaurants, though.

[EricPeterson]

Do wait staff have to earn minimum wage in your local?

[Flyin' Brian]

Originally Posted by ronedee

This isn't a moral question. You contracted a service. I would've got up and left...before lunch!

I don't waste time anymo! Like the laws of motion: If it starts out bad...it continues bad.

LEARN THE LANGUAGE.....I did!

I tip based on attitude, intent and effort. Sounds like she was trying her best under difficult circumstances. Imagine going to another country and waiting on tables without a command of the language. Heck we cross the river into Quebec and have a tough time at Tim Horton's.

[mbargav]

Originally Posted by taez555

There's a difference between poor service due to a language barrier and poor service due to a rude server. 20% at least, no question, especially if she was trying and the food was fine.

Agreed 100%.

[halorealm7]

Originally Posted by ronedee

This isn't a moral question. You contracted a service. I would've got up and left...before lunch!

I don't waste time anymo! Like the laws of motion: If it starts out bad...it continues bad.

LEARN THE LANGUAGE.....I did!

Pretty much the way my wife saw the situation.

I gave the girl her tip.

[Sandy Cheeks]

Originally Posted by Flyin' Brian

Heck we cross the river into Quebec and have a tough time at Tim Horton's.

But it's worth it for the topless car washes!

[EricPeterson]

Originally Posted by Sandy Cheeks

But it's worth it for the topless car washes!

Do they have those in Sudan? Or else I am thinking I bought the wrong plane ticket.

[strumminsix]

Or a logical question. Exhibit A - McDonalds. Does the server do more than a Mcdonalds person and do you tip a mcdonalds person.

If it's questionable but they are nice 10%
If they just do it, sorta prompt, checks how your meal is before you are done with it 15%
Prompt, courteous, nice, attentive, 20%
Expert on your menu, genuine care, prompt, friendly, attentive, 25%

I used to frequent a Mexican rest, use the same server each time, we were treated so well and he was so funny, 33% each time