(here's our first post from Karen Post, a Brand ManageCamp 2005 speaker and Fast Company magazine marketing contributor. She's also the author of Brain Tattoos . To me, this post is about authenticity in your encounters with your customers. Your customers are savvy and they will pick up on the little ways you try to stick it to them. Be genuine, honest and authentic and you will stand out from the rest. Enjoy. - Len)
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A $57 breakfast shouldn't make the you feel like cheap turd.
A post by Karen Post
How many times have you ordered room service breakfast at a nice hotel (that claims they get the brand experience thing), you pay two arms and leg for a bagel and small pot of coffee, they charge 4 bucks a person for the set up fee, add on another 20% for service and then leave a blank line for tip?
And if you don’t fill in the blank with something substantial, they give you this look, like they will sneeze on your food.
Does this bug anyone else? Now I’ve put in my time as a server, I appreciate great service and do not consider myself tight, in fact I’m quite generous.
Here’s my tip for them.
They all should do what the Fairmont in Chicago does. When your food is delivered, which was beautifully presented, there is a small envelope on the tray with a total charge including the gratuity, order cost and tax. This is a simple idea and it left a great taste in my mouth.