Server serves group of ‘extremely obnoxious and difficult’ women. Then they tip 50%: ‘One of the worst tables I have ever had’
Dealing with challenging customers is a part of the territory as a server in the restaurant industry. Sometimes, their rude behavior is enough to boil anyone’s blood.
There’s an endless supply of servers acting on these feelings of rage, such as cracking a poorly timed joke for dog whistling at them and smearing ranch on a forgotten beanie for not tipping. While it’s easier to dish it, turning the other cheek can pay off. Masking the frustration with a smile and kindness rewarded one California-based server handsomely.
“I was tipped 50% yesterday by a group of extremely obnoxious and difficult women,” she says. “They had come in the day before. My co-worker had taken care of them and was telling me, ‘They’re horrible. They’re one of the worst tables I had in my life.’”
Server Story Time of Difficult Customers
As soon as those customers in question entered the establishment, the server’s sensed their personalities.
“It was six women, a group of friends. Right away, I was like, ‘This is gonna be terrible,’” the server says. “Jaime had taken their drink order and one of them had clearly ordered a Bloody Mary. I heard her and saw her order it.”
Immediately, Danelle’s instincts were confirmed. “When [Jaime] went to go set [the drink] in front of her, she goes, ‘I didn’t want a Bloody Mary,’” the server recalls the woman saying, her friend adding, “‘Nobody at this table wanted a Bloody Mary.’” Of course, the drink order was just the tip of the iceberg.
“They’re making demand after demand. They were doing all of the obnoxious things,” she says.
However, Danelle refused to allow the women’s antics to get under her skin; she took it in stride. “But I will say, I dealt with them with such grace as I only could,” she states. “I just acted like I was so happy that I was there for them to bully me. I’ve got nerves of steel.”
According to Toast, restaurants can add an auto gratuity on the check for larger parties. The content creator did just that but had the courtesy of informing the main woman covering the entire bill. “I say, ‘I just wanted to let you know, there’s a 20% auto grat for parties of six or more and I just wanted to make sure you know it’s added at the bottom,” she recounts.
Moral Of The Story?
“As I’m printing out a receipt, I see that she tipped me an extra 30% on top of the 20%. I looked at her and said, ‘Wow. Thank you. I really appreciate that,” Danelle recalls. “And she said, ‘I really appreciate you.’” And it dawns on her. “She knows that they’re difficult. This is her way of thanking me or maybe rewarding me for putting up with them with a smile on my face,” she states.
Then, she ends the clip with an emphasis on the importance of kindness. “It’s a good reminder to always be friendly, be kind and patient no matter what,” Danelle says. “They [might] appreciate that in you and they might want to thank you for that with money.”
Do Customers Tip A Friendlier Server More?
There’s no doubt that customers tend to tip based on service. Studies have shown that building connections and rapport can earn larger tips. What may be perceived as small gestures, such as introducing yourself, complimenting, going above and beyond, and of course, smiling, can make a huge difference for the customers. Therefore, they may feel more inclined to leave a bigger tip. Even giving a genuine smile can double the earnings, according to Fliptable.
Viewers Sang Their Praises
Danelle’s video garnered over 126,000 views, and many applauded her.
“You read the room and understood the assignment lol. She tipped you because she recognized a trait in you that she also has and she wanted you to know that,” one viewer commended.
“I was thinking the other day that something good was coming for you after the other day and that girl who tipped 0% karma will come for her. YOU DESERVE THIS TIP!!!” a second praised.
“Kill them with kindness and always be [patient]. It will pay off. Congratulations on the tip,” a third complimented.
Furthermore, others have shared their experiences with over-tipping for similar reasons.
“I went to brunch with my two SILs and our combined 5 kids under 6. One of us is in a wheelchair and we required ADA accommodations that had them rearranging tables and chairs. The kids are all wild and it’s always very hectic. Anyways we tipped $40 on a $80 bill,” one commenter shared.
“This used to happen when I would go out of town with my college girlfriends. They are so obnoxious and so disrespectful to the wait staff. I felt like I’m constantly apologizing on their behalf and over tipping,” a second revealed.
@imthelittlebirdy ♬ original sound – ??????? ??
The Mary Sue reached out to Danelle via TikTok comment and direct message.
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