Awhile back I made few observations about the pizza biz and some of the sociological and political angles one sees when one rushes a customer's order to their doorstep. I mentioned that come the fall, we drivers were going to take an informal survey of cutomer attitudes and generosity and cross-reference them to the political signs in their yard and see if any conclusions could be drawn.
Well that plan has not really worked out. Perhaps it is because TExas is a solid color state and fewer people wear their political affiliations on their sleeve, or in this case, stuck into their front yard. We have not had enough "active political houses" to make any kind of conclusive statement or even gather enough good data. A few incidents have stood out to me though.
Last week: upper middle class house, not one, but TWO Obama signs in the front yard. Total bill is 11.98. Woman has teenage daughter give me a check for $12. Wow, two whole cents! Thanks Lady!
Two nights ago: Obama house, upper middle class household, very nice tip. But, this appeared to be a lesbian couple, and a lifetime in service industries has given me the impression that most gays are good to very good tippers.
Today: McCain/Palin sign, upper middle class neighborhood, very generous. $14.36 bill, lady gives me a twenty and tells me to keep the rest.
Not a political sign observation, but a general comment on society in general. Delivered the other night to a lower middle class/working class neighborhood. Used to be nice, but parts have gone "ghetto" in the past decade or so. Hmmmmm. sub prime mortages perhaps???? Anyway delivered to basic 1,600 s. ft. or so house, two car garage. Driveway had a Ford F-150 pickup, that did not appear to be a work truck and a four door Corrola type car. Thirtiesh Hispanic Mom came to the door, couple of children in the background, wedding ring. Friendly, polite, but I could not help but notice behind her a sixty inch or so televsion. The thing pretty much dominated the small living room.
And I began to think. Hmmm, two cars and a sixty inch tv. I work two jobs and can't afford a sixty inch tv.
Yeah, bet they can't afford to buy their kids health care though huh?
Comments
My wife used to deliver food (pizzas and more) and she had the same gamut of experiences. Having known quite a few gays throughout my life, I agree that they tend to be generous people.
It should be something else. Plan on voting!
Update: Never mind, I see, it was Miller's comment he was referring to:
Miller: Overall, it seems this season that the "Republican" households have tended to a be a bit more generous, but I got a lousy tip a few weeks ago from a McCain/Palin signed house.
Ascaffo: YOu may not have been reading my blog then, but we have made a religious observation as well. The more outward signs of religiousity (pictures of Jesus on the front door, religious messages on checks etc)the greater your chance of getting stiffed. I have gotten several "Have a Blessed Day" pastel, cross embossed checks like the one mentioned here, $14.86 and a check written for $15 and the guy actually tells me, "The rest is your's."
millerem99