I can't help but join in on this thread.
I have no problem tipping individuals working in tipping positions (waiters, bellman, etc) but I absolutely refuse to tip people working in traditional paid positions. I have NEVER received a tip in my life from my customers. In fact, if they offered me a tip, I would refuse (I think my company would view this as a bribe and I could be fired for accepting).
If Disney or any other hotels intended their housekeeping staff to be tipped, they would include a billing method for guests to use like they do for restaurants. I wonder if the housekeepers that receive tips report them to the IRS?
Tipping should be viewed as a method of compensating someone for their job. So, I tip those positions accordingly.
Tipping is not charity for low paying jobs. Do you tip the cleaning service at your office? 7-11 clerk? It is not something extra for someone doing their job. Do you tip your plumber? Dry cleaner?I view it more like a commission position. In my position, I take a lower salary with the ability to earn commission. This is how I view waiters, lower wage in exchange for tips (or in their case almost no wage). It is simply a risk reward position. If they do a good job, they can make a lot of money. If they do a poor job, they may not make any. Of course, I have tipped well even when the service was bad (maybe I shouldn't?? Hmmm). What about the times when a waiter does a good job and doesn't make a good tip? The same thing that happens to me, I get over it and work harder the next time. In the long run, good waiters make more money. Of course, bad waiters don't do to bad either with business travelers like myself that usually tip regardless, groups of 6 more, etc.
I am also someone that often is in a larger group (6+) and I am very insulted when they had the 15% to the check. In fact, when they do so, I rarely add any additional tip. Too bad for them, as I usually tip around 20% or more. Worse, is the waiters that knows the individual double tipped, not seeing the 15% was already added. In my opinion, this practice should be against the law or establishment should not be permitted to collect any additional tip on that transaction.
If you feel someone has gone out of the way to do something for you (housekeeping, etc.), use the comment card or talk to a manager. On the contrary, if I don't get the service I expect from a non-tipping position, I am going to call and complain.
If anyone still feels the need to tip, I work in the telecom industry. I work for a large international fiber network provider. There is a very good chance that some of your IP traffic from web surfing travels on this network. Feel free to send me some cash around the holidays (or any other time!!). As you may know, the economy has been tough for telecom, so tip big!! No cute envelopes necessary. PM me and I'll send you my PayPal info.
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