Ah, tipping, the ultimate hot potato of the dining world! It’s a topic that always inspires lively debate. Some folks are so particular about the tipping habits that they might as well start a whole cult!
And some believe that tipping should be like a boomerang – what goes around comes around, and sometimes it even hits you in the face. It’s like a game of musical chairs – everyone’s scrambling to find a comfortable spot.
Here are ten diverse responses to the tipping dilemma from a popular online forum.
1. To Tip or Not to Tip: The Justification Conundrum
Many folks contested that you must justify not tipping the server. You can choose not to tip and still not hate yourself. Crazy, I know. As many stated, it is their income, and they can decide how to spend it.
Related: 10 Examples of the Differences Between Thrifty, Frugal, Stingy, and Cheap
2. Change Your Percentage, Change Your Fate!
Most change their tipping percentage based on the weather, while others base it on the phase of the moon. And let’s not forget those who tip based on the number of consonants in the server’s name! One person stated they only tip when they dine in: 12% for average, 18% for excellent, and no tips for lousy service.
3. Tipping for Tolerance
Someone told us that their rationale for tipping was determined by the kind of food they ordered. For instance, a seasonal latte required more effort and warranted a tip. Also, if you’re a dog owner and find that the staff is somewhat tolerant of you, it’s understandable to tip them for their cooperation.
Related: 10 Times Being Frugal Crosses Over Into Cheapskate Territory
4. Tipping Is Optional, Like a Side of Fries
An individual with customer service experience mentioned that tips were never expected in exchange for their service. Hence, they believed the dining experience shouldn’t be treated differently. If it isn’t their go-to coffee place where the servers remember them, they don’t feel guilty for not tipping.
5. Serving on Stake
Conversely, we had folks who worked as servers and bartenders. One mentioned that this kind of work required a certain percentage of the tip to be shaped with assists and even the house. If someone pays less than 12%, the server may even have to pay out of pocket! In that case, the servers are deprived of the additional money and have their wage cut down.
Related: 10 Examples of When Being Frugal Crosses Over to Cheapskate
Others state that they tip in places where they think the workers aren’t getting anything. In such cases, one person advised to tip in cash and tell the worker that the money is specifically for them. Additionally, another person said that tipping in cash allows you to customize the amount as per your comfort.
7. The Great Tipping Divide
Some people explained simply: servers work for the same duration and pay as grocery store workers. Yet, one is tipped, and the other is not. This emphasizes the normative aspect of tipping rather than it being an obligation.
8. Tip-Outs and Takeouts
Numerous people raised concerns regarding worker rights, wondering if it’s even okay for employers to withhold tips from servers.
In light of this ambiguity, one person mentioned that they tip, even for takeout, since the waitperson might have to tip out between 3-5% of the sales at the end. So ensuring they can take some money back home is the aim here.
9. Navigating the Tipping Landscape
If workers rely on tips for their livelihood, then it’s the system that is at fault. One individual mentioned how paying tips online means that the management gets direct access to that money and can determine the amount that will end up with the server. If this is true, then tipping alone won’t solve core problems.
10. Tipping Is the Cost of Labor
The range of opinions on tipping is vast. One said you should tip if you go to a restaurant. They emphasized considering tips as the cost of labor rather than an add-on. If you don’t want to tip, just don’t go.
This thread inspired this post.
