Tip Jars on Store Counters

[RedAngie]

This should be fun.

In most cases I don’t object to tip jars on the counters near store cash registers, such as for take out pizza, ice cream, etc. I may or may not drop a buck or two into it, depending on level of service and my mood (which I admit is often cranky.)

The same for CC payments when they twirl an I-pad around and there is a tip option.

Lately I’ve been noticing that many employees are not acknowledging or thanking customers for those gratuities.

I was in a better candy store yesterday buying Easter treats. (I can’t stand the crap Walmart or other mass merchandisers sell). If I had just purchased the packaged bunnies and eggs on shelves and tables, I probably wouldn’t have tipped. But I also bought three different items displayed in the glass cases. The employee had to hand pick, weigh, and package them in boxes.

All together I spent $70, paid with a CC, and dropped a $5 bill in the jar right in front of the employee’s face. She definitely saw it but didn’t thank me or say a word. Not even a general thank you for being a customer.

Any thoughts?

 

[Dan Murphy]

This should be fun.

 

[DisneyHardin]

I agree, when the clerk sees you putting the money in the tip jar, they should thank you. I don't usually put any money in tip jars because I don't usually have any cash.

 

[ronandannette]

This should be fun.

In most cases I don’t object to tip jars on the counters near store cash registers, such as for take out pizza, ice cream, etc. I may or may not drop a buck or two into it, depending on level of service and my mood (which I admit is often cranky.)

The same for CC payments when they twirl an I-pad around and there is a tip option.

Lately I’ve been noticing that many employees are not acknowledging or thanking customers for those gratuities.

I was in a better candy store yesterday buying Easter treats. (I can’t stand the crap Walmart or other mass merchandisers sell). If I had just purchased the packaged bunnies and eggs on shelves and tables, I probably wouldn’t have tipped. But I also bought three different items displayed in the glass cases. The employee had to hand pick, weigh, and package them in boxes.

All together I spent $70, paid with a CC, and dropped a $5 bill in the jar right in front of the employee’s face. She definitely saw it but didn’t thank me or say a word. Not even a general thank you for being a customer.

Any thoughts?

My general thoughts are that I hate the ever-growing expectation to tip people for simply doing the jobs they are getting paid for. Pick, weigh and pack your candy when you’re a clerk in a bulk candy store? No act of heroism there, but sure - tip if you feel like it.

Personally, cash isn’t really a thing for me so I never have any to put in the jar. If the card reader has a tip prompt for basic services like you’re mentioning, or at fast-food places or coffee shops I usually bypass it. Who actually gets those tips anyway? The person that punched in the order and handed you the bag isn’t usually the same person that made it.

 

[kymom99]

This should be fun.

In most cases I don’t object to tip jars on the counters near store cash registers, such as for take out pizza, ice cream, etc. I may or may not drop a buck or two into it, depending on level of service and my mood (which I admit is often cranky.)

The same for CC payments when they twirl an I-pad around and there is a tip option.

Lately I’ve been noticing that many employees are not acknowledging or thanking customers for those gratuities.

I was in a better candy store yesterday buying Easter treats. (I can’t stand the crap Walmart or other mass merchandisers sell). If I had just purchased the packaged bunnies and eggs on shelves and tables, I probably wouldn’t have tipped. But I also bought three different items displayed in the glass cases. The employee had to hand pick, weigh, and package them in boxes.

All together I spent $70, paid with a CC, and dropped a $5 bill in the jar right in front of the employee’s face. She definitely saw it but didn’t thank me or say a word. Not even a general thank you for being a customer.

Any thoughts?

Yesterday I went into a candy shop, similar to what you described. I bought some fudge and the young employee was helpful in telling me what flavors had nuts. He made sure to tell me they were made in the same facility so not entirely safe for anyone with a nut allergy, which I appreciated. I remarked that he estimated the amount he cut off perfectly for what I requested. He laughed and said I’ve been doing this a while. I dropped a tip in the jar and he thanked me. He also thanked me for my business. It was nice to see someone act like they care.

 

[kdonnel]

I have never worked a traditionally or non traditionally tipped job, but I have talked with family and friends that drive for Uber/Lyft or deliver for Uber eats, Doordash, Instacart.

It is shocking to me how few people tip for those services. For the people I have talked with they see only 5-10% of the passengers/orders tip.

 

[kymom99]

I have never worked a traditionally or non traditionally tipped job. But I have talked with family and friends that drive for Uber/Lyft or deliver for Uber eats, Doordash, Instacart. It is shocking to me how few people tip for those services. For the people I have talked with they see only 5-10% of the passengers/orders tip.

I saw a news report where drivers for these services won’t pick up an order without a decent tip. Especially now with the cost of gas.

 

[Boopuff]

I really don’t understand who I’m tipping and for what. At a fast food joint, a bunch of people assembled the order. So exactly who did and exemplary job to earn a tip? The guy leaning on the counter, laughing with the girl doing next-to- nothing... I just think it’s odd and not sure who in management thinks it’s ok. I guess I’m a big meanie, but if you expect a tip, get a tipped position.

 

[soccerdad72]

I would think that those employees would be smart enough to acknowledge those who do tip - lest they lose that golden goose quickly.

 

[BrianL]

That just sounds like poor customer service as opposed to having anything to do with tipping. They should have said thank you regardless!

I don't really like tip jars at places where the employees are paid non-tipped wages. I don't usually tip there unless the service is exceptional. If I am paying cash I will usually throw my coins into it as I don't want to carry them, but I am almost always using an electronic payment, so it doesn't come up often.

 

[rangerxenos]

Honestly, that was just rude on their part, and not a good idea if they would like tips in the future.

 

[Mysterian]

How did the clerk behave otherwise?

 

[PollyannaMom]

I don't mind tip jars, because at least that lets me know that they are allowed to accept tips. I find it awkward to offer one if I don't know.

The creative ones get the most from me: those with clever signs about book money for college, or with two side where you "vote" on the poll of the day...that sort of thing.

 

[Micca]

I guess I don't frequent places that have tip jars. I'm also in the "don't have cash on me" camp.

 

[bakerworld]

Truthfully, the only time I use a tip jar for it's purpose is at wine tastings and the hair salon shampoo person. The jar is specifically labeled so the cashier ignorer's the $2 I place in there, although she always asks me if I want to add a tip for the hairdresser but I tip her in person (and she always sticks it in her pocket like she's hiding it = weird). The only other time I use tip jars is to get rid of change.

 

[Mysterian]

I guess I don't frequent places that have tip jars. I'm also in the "don't have cash on me" camp.

What Micca said. I don't carry cash either, but I do hand out unsolicited advice. "That top doesn't match whatever that is you're wearing." is worth $5 alone.

 

[tvguy]

Since the pandemic started I have noticed more employees saying thank you if they see me put a tip in the tip jar, or add it to a credit card purchase. Although for purchases in most cases in these type places, I am playing cash. Some places here have a $10 minimum for credit card use, and others add a 50 cent surcharge.

 

[mrodgers]

I have never worked a traditionally or non traditionally tipped job, but I have talked with family and friends that drive for Uber/Lyft or deliver for Uber eats, Doordash, Instacart.

It is shocking to me how few people tip for those services. For the people I have talked with they see only 5-10% of the passengers/orders tip.

Don't they get paid for doing those jobs? Why would I add 20% on top of an already outrageous delivery fee I pay to utilize said service. Now on top of the $18 it costs me to have my $20 meal delivered, I am suppose to give another $4? Or is it 20% of the order and the delivery. Or on the delivery fee itself? No, I pay for the delivery, the driver gets paid, done. These aren't high school kids not getting paid and working for tips.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

My experience in general is people haven't acknowledged the tip jar period. As in it's not a slip in manners.

When did we expect a thank you for a tip jar itself? I get wanting recognition for patronizing a place but I've never wanted or expected an acknowledgement for a tip being put in a jar. That's like them acknowledging you tipping on the screen more meaning like for an electronic device for a coffee place and them saying "thanks for tipping", it's just basically an electronic tip jar and would make me more uncomfortable. I don't need you to thank me, it's okay. Your willingness to help or pleasant enough demeanor is all that I appreciate.

 

[kymom99]

Don't they get paid for doing those jobs? Why would I add 20% on top of an already outrageous delivery fee I pay to utilize said service. Now on top of the $18 it costs me to have my $20 meal delivered, I am suppose to give another $4? Or is it 20% of the order and the delivery. Or on the delivery fee itself? No, I pay for the delivery, the driver gets paid, done. These aren't high school kids not getting paid and working for

Who charges $18 delivery?