WebmasterKathy said:There are many jobs where tips traditionally comprise part (sometimes a very substantial part) of the wage.
Waitresses, delivery people, hairdressers, lots of others fall into this category.
I think it's very manipulative and unfair to use the services of people you KNOW depend on tips, and then to refuse to tip and to justify that with the "I shouldn't have to subsidize their wage" argument. In my mind, this amounts to theft of services.
If you refuse to tip for these services, then do not USE the services.
marybet said:I don't think hairdressers depend on tips. And isn't a tip for a job well done? I don't refuse to tip, I just tip for what I think the service is worth. Does delivery people include the UPS guy? I would never think to tip for that, but they do bring it to the door. I don't even know if they are allowed to accept tips? Well if we all thought the same thing it would be a very boring world.
WebmasterKathy said:There are many jobs where tips traditionally comprise part (sometimes a very substantial part) of the wage.
Waitresses, delivery people, hairdressers, lots of others fall into this category.
I think it's very manipulative and unfair to use the services of people you KNOW depend on tips, and then to refuse to tip and to justify that with the "I shouldn't have to subsidize their wage" argument. In my mind, this amounts to theft of services.
If you refuse to tip for these services, then do not USE the services.
va32h said:I've been pressured for a tip by the servers at my local Sonic - even if you use the drive through, they leave write in a "tip" line on my debit card receipt. Unbelievable. That's like tipping the cashier at McDonald's.
They put together all the food, fill the shakes, ect. so they pretty much deserve it 
They put together all the food, fill the shakes, ect. so they pretty much deserve it
va32h said:Well in that case, we should all start tipping the folks at McDonald's, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Burger King, and any other fast-food place. I worked in a movie theater in high school. I never dreamed of being tipped for serving popcorn and cokes.
RickinNYC said:I agree with this sentiment wholeheartedly. I've never worked in a job that made me rely on tips, and frankly, I don't think I ever could. I'm pretty good natured, have a strong sense of humor, am very easy going, but the moment someone comes across with an attitude or sense of entitlement, my mouth opens and they hear it. I'd get fired on my first day.
That said, the reality is that folks in the service industry are victims of abuse moreso that most other people. YOU KNOW THAT AS WELL AS I DO. The stories friends have told me are downright shocking and disgusting.
Yeah, they know they can get a better job. Yeah, they do NOT have to do it by choice. Yeah, they have college degrees.
But c'mon folks. TIPS ARE TIPS. I hate to say it but get off your high horse and recognize that these people are HUMANS and not someone you can or should get snotty or high-and-mighty with. You are NOT NOT NOT better than they are. They work hard for their money JUST LIKE YOU.
You don't want to tip for adequate to good service because someone deigns to ask "Do you need change?" Perish the thought.
Get over it. You don't like it? Stay at home and make your own pizza.
Now let me also say that I will NOT tip for poor service. I WILL talk to the individual in question and their manager if their service is bad and/or they have an attitude problem.
I won't apologize for being harsh. But you guys are being harsh to folks in the service industry.
Shannon G said:I have to disagree - I don't think it's being harsh to people in the service industry to expect them to EARN their tip. You yourself said that you willnot itp for bad service - what constitutes bad service? IMO, a delivery person asking, not only "Do you want change" but also then "How much?" is rude, plain and simple. Rude service is poor service. As I said, I am usually a generous tipper - I'd generally rather over-tip than under-tip. However, if a delivery person, waitperson, hairdresser, whomever, is rude, that is brings down the level of service that I received and will result in me leaving less of a tip. I realize that they get treated rudely by many people, but that does not mean that they can treat others rudely and still expect a good tip. Yes, they depend upon tips as a part of their pay - their pay that they are getting not simply for delivering a pizza or serving food, but for doing so in a courteous manner. If they are not treating customers well, IMO they are not fully performing their job, and should not expect to be fully paid (in the form of tips).
RickinNYC said:Well, I guess we'll agree to disagree! I just do not think asking "would you like change" as being rude. Especially in this day and age when it's the norm.
You have to admit that when you're out, more often than not, you will be asked that question. So, is everyone that asks it being rude? Not at all in my opinion. I've had some of the greatest, friendliest, most outgoing, efficient, chipper servers ask me that very same thing. Am I going to immediately go on the defensive and think, "Oh my... how RUDE!" and then deny that individual their tip or at least a tip that reflects the level of service they provided? Heck no.
And you have to admit, the tone of voice is something to consider. If they ask it in a friendly manner, after having provided great service, who cares? Do you really really care? C'mon! Don't be so sensitive.
But if they ask me this in a surly voice, or in a snotty tone, you can bet I'll say "yes". I've done it before.
I tip the average for average service and I tip a LOT for great service.
But I don't not tip or decrease my tip because of a simple question that was asked of me.
Mind you, I do think that the "oops, I don't have enough change" game or any of the other little games that some on this thread have said, are not just rude, but downright sketchy and would tick me off. And my tip would reflect that.
Lewisc said:Hairdresser do depend on tips. A tip is a payment for services rendered. Good or normal service requires a normal tip. If you're consistently tipping below the norm you're either expecting people to serve you for free or you're doing a bad job picking business to patronize.
Kathy's post isn't a matter of opinion, it's really a matter of fact. If you refuse to tip a "tipped" worker, for good service, you're expecting that person to work for free. YOUR OPINION OF HOW THE COMPENSATION SHOULD BE PAID (by salary instead of by tips) is irrelevant.
A few states and other countries have different rules. Come on, does anyone not know the pizza delivery person earns his living off tips?
Bob NC said:When in a restaurant I don't mind being asked if I "want change", at all. I frequent a Longhorn Steakhouse several times a week, and usually we sit in the bar area. The bartender serving that area has probably 10 - 12 tables. When I give her the check back with cash she always asks if I need change. When I DO need change she runs right back and tenders me out and returns with my change ASAP. If I DON'T need change, then she can continue waiting on the other tables without delay. I don't see it as rude, or mongering for bigger tips, it's simply a way to serve EVERYONE she is waiting on efficiently.
I was so surprised to be asked for a tip at Sonic, that I emailed their corporate headquarters to ask if this was a standard practice. When I hear back from them, I'll let you know.
marybet said:They took the job. Most people drive a car to work, I don't think they get paid any more than the people who take a bus. My point is why is what it cost them to work my problem? How many teachers have to buy basic supplies for their classrooms? Do we tip them? I pay for the pizza, they also charge me a delivery fee, so I tip $2. We live 5 minutes from the pizza place, and in a very safe neighborhood. I shouldn't have to subsidize the driver for the other places they deliver.