I think tipping will always be there to some degree.
As to Deelady's predicament, call the credit card company and stop payment! You didn't just get ripped off, you got royally raped! I'd have raised holy hell right in front of the whole damn joint. B'lieve me, if that manager had any brains, she'd have given you the keys to the place to shut you up. Squeaky wheels and grease, ya know.
The place I frequent has some pretty mediocre waitstaff. They get a bit less than 15%. They've also got a couple of stellar waitresses who get 20%+ from me. I've been going there long enough to know these gals. Occasionally, I'll tell the "Stellars" that I appreciate them and really enjoy being in their section. Sometimes, I think that means more than the tip.
Now, for poor service....don't completely stiff 'em. Leave a teeeeeeeny tip. Bigger message than no tip at all. Pisses 'em off too!
Oh the money was never taken out of our account because they had cancelled the transactions to enter in a new one....but the problem was that everytime they ran our card it automatically puts that dollar amount on hold regardless if the transaction was cancelled. It was taken off hold a couple of days later, but its the inconvenience and principle of the matter.....plus what if we had been not as observant to the particulars of our bill and took them at their word....we would have been paying for their 50 dollar tip for an 80 dollar bill! To me I felt like it was a scam, they serve alchohol, lord knows how many drunks they get and oops we accidentally charged too much for the tip....yeah ok....
I actually didn't even think to call the BBB, we just agreed we would never return (even though we were very disapointed by that because they did have unbeleivable Jazz singers there!)
As far as the tipping topic....one thing I'd like to add is....I think that because I
was a server back in the day and have been in the customer service industry for so many years...that is the very reason I have certain expectations to the service I receive! I do know the other side of it and I excpect no less than what I always made sure to give my customers! You treat people the way you excpect to be treated when you go somewhere.
I do think they should get a more decent wage, but tips are suppose to be for added show of your appretiation for their service, not to suppoort them. If they depend on those tips, then don't stand there acting like I am being an inconvenience to you because I decided to walk in to their restaurant!! Take responsibility for your earnings and either get a new job, or put in a little EFFORT and do the job you chose to do, and to the best to your ability!
I once worked at a Pizza Hut Dine In....I made no less than 60 dollars in tips a shift....why...because I cared about my customers pleasure in their dining experience and WANTED them to return!