Make taxi companies pay - yeah about time

[AiA in Atlanta]

Have a question for Aussie: when I am in AUS it seems to be the cabbies expect a tip from me b/c 1) my accent is American and when they ask me where I flew in from I say "the States" (some of them will even do a bit of song and dance for a tip) but don't seem to expect a tip from someone they perceive to be an Aussie. Do I have this right?

How long have you lived in the States, AiA? I know people who have lived there almost 20 years and still speak with a basic Aussie accent ... not a broad one, mind you but you wouldn't pick them as American, except for a few words/terms which are becoming more common here anyway via TV.

You must know that most Aussies aren't very fond of Yanks (for whatever reason) including cabbies, I expect. So any sign of a Yank accent would have them thinking that you are used to tipping and are a millionaire.

Perhaps, next time you visit Oz and need a cab you effect a Paul Hogan accent ... "Gidday, mate, how're ya goin?" and they will take you where ever you want without asking for a tip.

lived here as a kid so no accent ...

Speaking of tips, here is a remarkable story. American waitstaff are so poorly paid they rely on tips.



Applebee's Waitress Fired For Sharing 'I Give God 10%' Tip Receipt

Be careful what you post on Reddit. It may just get you canned.

Earlier this week, an Applebee’s waitress posted a photo on Reddit of a receipt from an alleged pastor who, instead of leaving the suggested 18 percent tip, wrote “I give God 10%, why should you get 18.” Now, after the bill went viral, Applebee's has fired the waitress, according to Consumerist.

“I thought the note was insulting, but it was also comical," the waitress, whose name is Chelsea, told Consumerist. "I posted it to Reddit because I thought other users would find it entertaining."

Apparently once the receipt hit the Internet, the supposed pastor forgot the Golden Rule of “love thy neighbor” and called the Applebee’s where Chelsea works to demand that she and all management involved be fired.



In an email sent to The Huffington Post, Applebee's spokesperson Dan Smith wrote:
Our Guests’ personal information – including their meal check – is private, and neither Applebee’s nor its franchisees have a right to share this information publicly. We value our Guests’ trust above all else. Our franchisee has apologized to the Guest and has taken disciplinary action with the Team Member for violating their Guest’s right to privacy. This individual is no longer employed by the franchisee.


The pastor is not the first to write an excuse on a receipt to get out a hefty tip on a bill. A single mom recently opted out of a tip on a restaurant bill for close to $140 by simply writing, “single mom sorry.” Another Applebee’s customer in Edison, NJ, wrote “stop eating bitch!” on the receipt rather than leave some gratuity for his server.

Our colleagues at HuffPost Comedy have started a petition with hopes of convincing Applebee's to rehire Chelsea.

[Aussie]

Been away for a couple of days. This 'tipping' thing (for taxis) varies even within each State I reckon. On this matter, I can only speak with knowledge of what happens here on the Sunshine Coast where there is absolutely NIL expectation of a tip. You will see the meter, the Cabbie will ask you for the metered fare, you pay, and whatever change is due will be given. I've had a $15.00 fare paid in five cent pieces...........I think she handed over $15.00. Who is going to waste time counting them? I have posted about that story on A Cabbies Day, now lost.

There is a method I adopt, and I have also posted about that on A Cabbies Day, now lost.

Say the metered fare is $10.60. I'll point to the meter and say, "Oh, ten bucks will do." Most will pay the ten, but many will hand over fifteen with a 'keep the change.'

[Super Nova]

Been away for a couple of days. This 'tipping' thing (for taxis) varies even within each State I reckon. On this matter, I can only speak with knowledge of what happens here on the Sunshine Coast where there is absolutely NIL expectation of a tip. You will see the meter, the Cabbie will ask you for the metered fare, you pay, and whatever change is due will be given. I've had a $15.00 fare paid in five cent pieces...........I think she handed over $15.00. Who is going to waste time counting them? I have posted about that story on A Cabbies Day, now lost.

There is a method I adopt, and I have also posted about that on A Cabbies Day, now lost.

Say the metered fare is $10.60. I'll point to the meter and say, "Oh, ten bucks will do." Most will pay the ten, but many will hand over fifteen with a 'keep the change.'

Totally my experience in Australia... everywhere.

Aia, your yankie accent must present an opportunity to extract a little more.

I have to say, the first time I went to the US I hated the tipping culture. I was about to go on a plane and had a few buck left, (on my first trip) and went to a dinner. I order the food and didn't think about the tip. I gave them every cent I had but the waiter came back and said I only tipped 7% and I should be tipping much more. I said you get what I have given you, I have no more. Stormed off.

I thought, fuck why do I have to tip, the service was not exceptional.

On future trips I asked questions and found they get piad SFA and in some cases they only get piad by the tips.

So I tip now a standard 15%.

Also the prices in stores don't include state taxes.....

Everythinmg is about lowing the visual price and screwing you for more when you come to pay. I guess the locals mentally add all the bits to know the true cost when making a buy decision. Us newbies that are used to paying the price quoted and no more get caught out.