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Tips in the 21st century

post #1 of 23
3/2/08 at 1:30am
Thread Starter 
There was an article in the WSJ the other day about tipping and I was interested in what you guys thought about it. They traced the history of tipping and how it has become a birthright for almost every service worker in America. It got me to thinking there isn't a lot of service that I'm impressed with here in the US and I only tip in some cases because it's expected. Having come back from Europe recently I was surprised to see some professions were offended when a tip was offered, and when I thought about it I see why. Is tipping overrated?
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post #2 of 23
3/2/08 at 1:44am
I absolutely HATE tipping.
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post #3 of 23
3/2/08 at 1:48am
I don't mind tipping at a restaurant when the service is great. Service can make or break a restaurant experience. If they keep my drink full, that's half the battle.
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post #4 of 23
3/2/08 at 2:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mmhollis View Post
There was an article in the WSJ the other day about tipping and I was interested in what you guys thought about it. They traced the history of tipping and how it has become a birthright for almost every service worker in America. It got me to thinking there isn't a lot of service that I'm impressed with here in the US and I only tip in some cases because it's expected. Having come back from Europe recently I was surprised to see some professions were offended when a tip was offered, and when I thought about it I see why. Is tipping overrated?

Which professions were offended?
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post #5 of 23
3/2/08 at 2:44am
Not this again.
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post #6 of 23
3/2/08 at 2:45am
Yeah, it seems like if you don't give 15% to wait staff, they get angry, thinking it's a right they get it. I usually will give 15-20% if the service is outstanding. If the service sucks, I don't leave anything.
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post #7 of 23
3/2/08 at 6:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roikins View Post
Yeah, it seems like if you don't give 15% to wait staff, they get angry, thinking it's a right they get it. I usually will give 15-20% if the service is outstanding. If the service sucks, I don't leave anything.

Well, it has pretty much developed into a nationally understood social contract. The server is obligated to provide quality service, and in return the customer is obligated to leave an appropriate tip within the accepted standards. A server who gives crappy service is a bad employee who isn't doing his job, and a customer who gets good service and stiffs or undertips the server is a bad customer who is leeching a free ride off the system.
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post #8 of 23
3/3/08 at 12:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by aybojs View Post
Well, it has pretty much developed into a nationally understood social contract. The server is obligated to provide quality service, and in return the customer is obligated to leave an appropriate tip within the accepted standards. A server who gives crappy service is a bad employee who isn't doing his job, and a customer who gets good service and stiffs or undertips the server is a bad customer who is leeching a free ride off the system.

That is the problem. I would expect the person that is hired to take my order and bring me my food do that in a reasonable manner. I shouldn't have to reward someone for doing their basic job.
I'd rather pay 15% more for the food to cover paying servers more and not have to tip someone.
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post #9 of 23
3/3/08 at 12:07am
in america it is simply too late. you can't change history in one day, or even in ten years. tip, and tip often. blame your parents if you want to
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post #10 of 23
3/3/08 at 1:43am
Thread Starter 
Barbers and waiters in Europe were most likely to be offended they talked about the arrogance of tipping. Which was a new perspective..
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post #11 of 23
3/3/08 at 3:12am
I generally leave a portrait of myself on the table. Any person should find that more valuable than a few lousy greenbacks.
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post #12 of 23
3/3/08 at 3:19am
Thread Starter 
Haha, your a better man than I am. I normally leave a few suggestions on how to get further in life.
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post #13 of 23
3/3/08 at 3:34am
A guy, on my very first business trip, took me around his city. He tipped, whenever possible, at the begining of being served or as he was being served. He looked the server right in the eye, smiled, and said "thank you very much". I had never seen so many free drinks, food and extras in my life. I have used that technique often with great success. And, it's fun. Why not tip well before you leave so that the server can show their appreciation?
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post #14 of 23
3/3/08 at 4:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SoCal2NYC View Post
That is the problem. I would expect the person that is hired to take my order and bring me my food do that in a reasonable manner. I shouldn't have to reward someone for doing their basic job.
I'd rather pay 15% more for the food to cover paying servers more and not have to tip someone.
Move to Japan.
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post #15 of 23
3/5/08 at 12:56am
The problem is that tipping has become so institutional that many restaurants will pay their employees less than minimum wage because they expect that it will be made up in tips. So in some cases, if you don't tip the person, they aren't getting paid at all really.
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