Tired of Tipping

[bearloch]

I tip for hair usually, and for massage if in a salon but then this made me think what about teachers we dont tip them for teaching are kids to write and read? or what about libarians, or even ride attendents for making sure we get to sit up front on thunder mountain where do we stop?? and what about the holidays where is it written we have to tip? why should I give someone I PAY money to for a service a large tip because it christmas?? Im not getting tipped to come to them, or shop at they store they work of order the pizza from there?? Why do we give them more money then the people caring for are children and parents??/ are just gifts of foods and treats for the group no longer acceptable??

 

[WheelCEO]

I think the "who should we tip" debate is getting a little off track. Teachers, police, nurses, doctors are salaried employees not in a tipping based industry. (Although I feel teachers/police deserve higher salaries).

 

[Alesia]

So, as a restaurant manager, your think people order delivery because they are too lazy to get in their car, use their gas and get out in the rain or battle traffice? Wow, that was an eye opener.

I'm curious as to why you think people have food delivered. Every single time I have ever had food delivered it has been because I was too lazy to get out and get it myself. I honestly can't think of another valid reason.

 

[disneychrista]

My take on tipping is that % tipping is one of the silliest ideas I've ever heard of. Seriously, if I am in a restaurant the server's level of work is not at all directly related to the cost of what I got.

I completely agree with this and do not tip a % of my meal, regardless of what I order, the tiped is based on what I think the level of service is.

 

[TinkPirateMom]

I'm tired of paying my bills every month, but I still do it.

If I cannot afford to tip for take out, I pick it up. If I cannot afford to tip on an expensive hair cut, I go to Hair Cuttery and get a less expensive hair cut until I am in a position to afford a salon cut. If I cannot afford to tip 18%-20% on a dinner check, I eat at home. The only massage I have ever had was at a resort because a spa credit was included in our package. So I tipped according to the posted prices. I would love to have massages more regularly but I cannot afford them so I don't get them.

 

[SoonerSarah]

For some people who order food, their laziness might be disguised as a disability.

 

[JaymeC]

The one thing I loved about living in Japan was that it was actually considered *rude* to tip. The people were doing their jobs, and to the best of their abilities. That was what was expected. There were a few times I really, really wanted to tip because people went truly above and beyond for us (in my opinion). They were happy each time with a very heartfelt thank you. Sometimes I think it cheapens our society in a way to offer money for everything.

On another note, why are only some services tippable? I work at a credit union. I promise I don't make much despite multitasking in many ways. Yesterday I saved one of our members literally thousands of dollars, and it never even occurred to me that there should be a tip for that. I was just doing what I'm paid to do, much like the kids at the coffee shop. He did fill out a member survey for me (which goes on our annual reviews) while I was typing up his paperwork for him, and I considered that awesome!

And yes, I do know some workers get paid below minimum wage because they expect tips and I do tip accordingly, I think I just find it utterly insane how many places expect tips these days.

 

[DebIreland]

For some people who order food, their laziness might be disguised as a disability.

Even so, the driver still had to go out in the rain, service his vehicle, pay for gas etc. etc. My Dad enjoyed the occasional pizza delivered to the door (he was in a wheelchair and couldn't drive) but he would still tip generously. Just because my Dad was disabled, doesn't mean he didn't appreciate the delivery person. He appreciated it all the more.

 

[nunzia]

I completely agree with this and do not tip a % of my meal, regardless of what I order, the tiped is based on what I think the level of service is.

As it should be..but, please know that in alot of places now tips are pooled and then split..which to me, is just stupid. Talk about taking away incentive to be a good server. Plus, now with all the team serving thing chains are doing..I hate that also..long time food service person here...no one really takes ownership of your meal and it shows. I like the tip to go to the person who earned it and for one person to greet, get drinks, order and deliver my stuff.

I have a new pet peeve at VGC...I am getting so sick of surly baggage people who pretty much argue with you if you want to take your own bags to the room! Really..ready to write a letter. We arrive very early in the morning..like 7:00am. Room is not ready until close to 5:00. OK we have to store our bags, right? That's a service they provide and I have no choice, really. So they take the bags to the back..am I supposed to tip them then? Sometimes I give them something for loading the stuff on the cart, depending on how they act. Then, when room is ready we go to bell desk to pick up bags..every time it is nearly an argument.."Just give me your room number and I'll deliver" "No thank you, we'll take them". This last time, while waiting for them to retrieve the bags (I think they delay this to those who want to take their own bags) 3 bell desk people very pointedly GLARED at us the whole time..I mean, really surly looks..no kidding. The bags finally come out and unload and I was going to give the guy somethiing, but he was snappy about it so nope. Then...check out day..again we have to check out about 11, don't leave until 7pm..back to bell services, load the cart...end of stay get the cab and bell services brings out the bags. NOW he gets tipped..so what am I supposed to do? Tip 4 times to just shove my bags in the back? If I had them deliver the bags, I'd tip, but I'm feeling bad because I choose to carry my own bags? Really annoying. I don't know what their wage structure is, but surely they aren't a rigid tipped position like servers.

 

[KennesawNemo]

I'm curious as to why you think people have food delivered. Every single time I have ever had food delivered it has been because I was too lazy to get out and get it myself. I honestly can't think of another valid reason.

There are couple posts quoting me but you are the first to ask directly so I will respond here.

I actually don't order pizza that often. I grew up in a different country with a different diet. We don't eat pizza on a daily base.

I will only order pizza when there are guests over. I usually cook my ethnic food for my adult guests, but order a pizza or two for the kid guests. I want the pizza fresh and don't want to go out to pick up because I want to be there for my guests.

You could argue that I am too lazy to bake the pizza myself, but I don't see the point to make an extra pizza when I am already cooking a feast.

Whether any one think the above reason is valid or not is actually irrelevant to me. But since I have too much free time this morning, let me state my 2 cents. First of all, I do tip my delivery guy fairly on top of the delivery charge, (usually $3-4 on a bill around $20). I still insist the delivery charge is not a fair game. It should either go to the delivery guy hence no tip or it should not be forced onto the bill. Second, just for the purpose of discussing it, when I replied to the post I quoted, my point is I don't think a business should assume its customer being lazy is the only reason that they are generating revenue for it. That OP (not the original op) did come back and clarified this is just one of the reason on his list, which I think is fine.

Now,back to work.

 

[kamik86]

I don't tip coffee places and other fast food. I worked at a sub shop for years and there was a tip jar there so we got some tips but still never found it necessary. I made minimum wage when I started and more before I left (and was there only a year).

I don't have the issue with change though since I use my card for everything and since DD doesn't make you sign there is no where to leave a tip.

For restaurants it does highly depend on the service. Chilis gets the highest percentage for me. We got at the same time every week or 2. Last time we went our table (we always sit at the same one if available) already had our drinks on it and 2 min later she came out with our chips and salsa. We talk to our server (the bartender actually since we eat in the lounge) and just hang out.

We have had a few different servers as the ones that are there change every so often but they get to know us fast and know what they need to do for a good tip. the biggest one for us is if you let our drinks get empty and I'm sitting their thirsty your tip goes down dramatically.

The other one is when their is something obviously not how I ordered it with my food. I know they dont' make the food so if its something you can't tell ok. But for example one time I went to outback and ordered a well done steak. The steak was still bloody when it came to my table, and that is without cutting it. I mentioned before it was even sat down that it was underdone. Things like that I think the server should notice.

Since we have the same server all the time we tip more for holidays. One year I think the server stayed late to finish our table shortly before Christmas (because she left right as we did and we were later that day going in) So the manager came out to give her the tip on the last check and you could see her surprise when she looked and saw what it was... She got a 100% tip that day. Most days its 25% or so.

 

[RadioFanatic]

I waitressed all through HS, college and grad school, so understand the need for a tip. But what drives me crazy is the WDW requirement of 18% if your group is over 6 people. I'm sorry, but with inflated buffet prices of approximately $35 pp, for my group of 14, does a wait person who gets drinks only really deserve $88.20 for our group? I definitely don't think so!

 

[rockundergirl]

I'm tired of paying my bills every month, but I still do it.

If I cannot afford to tip for take out, I pick it up. If I cannot afford to tip on an expensive hair cut, I go to Hair Cuttery and get a less expensive hair cut until I am in a position to afford a salon cut. If I cannot afford to tip 18%-20% on a dinner check, I eat at home. The only massage I have ever had was at a resort because a spa credit was included in our package. So I tipped according to the posted prices. I would love to have massages more regularly but I cannot afford them so I don't get them.

I can't afford BMW, so I don't drive one.
By this example I mean to say I don't follow what this has to do with this thread? If your implying I can't afford the activities I listed like going to restaurants, buying coffee, staying at hotels and getting massages, I'm afraid your incorrect.

I "can" afford to give 200% tips, however if I started living like that I would be a fool and you know what they say about a fool and their money.

If they started charging 7 dollars a gallon for gas I could afford that to, but i would be writing a thread about how outrageous that is and wanting to hear what others have to say about it.

I'm not picking on you at all , I'm glad you shared your opinion with me and thank you! I just want to understand more what you mean. I'm talking about what I think the cost of something should be ( the something is gratuity) not how much of something, I ,you, or anyone else can afford.

 

[wshupnastar]

I agree with many others here...tipping has somewhat gone overboard. We recently ordered pizza (pick up, by the way, we live too far out of town for delivery) and I noticed that it stated right on the box that the delivery charge was not a tip for the driver, so to please tip. (This was Papa Johns) While it didn't apply to me, it rubbed me the wrong way that they put this in the box. If for no other reason than who reads the box while taking the pizza from the driver? I mean, okay, next time they might remember...but I really don't think anyone will be standing at the door telling the driver "Hold on a minute...this box has writing on the side, I had better read it before you leave".

I believe in tipping for good service. And I will tip better for better service. For lousy service, I really don't care if the server is making a small hourly wage...if you don't even try, you don't get a tip. It's that simple. And my husband waited tables for years. It's because of him that I won't tip for lousy service. It would drive him crazy! He has convinced me, I guess, that if you know your paycheck depends on tips, then you really should work for it!

 

[ccgirl]

I grew up with my mother as a waitress.
I waitress for 3 years.

With that said, I'm tired of companies under paying employees to the point that huge tips are needed in order the the employee to survive. Here are examples of the type tipping that upsets me.

- forced valet, when no parking is available that I can do myself

- when I go to dunk'in donuts and the person behind the counter holds my change in thr hand instead of giving it to me expecting me to say , " just put it in your tip jar.

- when a company provides a discount on an already outrageously over priced service for example I get an hour massage for 75.00 dollars and then the clerk points to a sign that says " Please tip on the actual price of your service not the discounted price, 20% is customary" well the actual price is 175.00 ..... yeah no , not doing that.

- housekeeping ( I'm going to get flamed for this one. ) I do tip , I give 25 for the week. I don't think I should have to, what exactly am I paying 200.00 dollars a night for if things like cleaning the room are not included?


I could go on and on.

I think we all want to be part of the " doing the right thing' club when it comes to tipping, but I think often companies underpay people for the work they do to keep more of the profit from the product/ service we are buying. How do I show someone they went the extra mile? 100% tip?

I tip to those that it is typically part of their wages. For example, most waiters/waitresses make under minimum wage and need to include their tips as part of their wage. If someone waits on me (hairdresser/massage/waiter/waitress) I tip them. Otherwise, no tip. I never tip the gals at Dunkins. Sorry, handing my coffee to me does not justify a tip. Nor do I tip housekeeping unless I feel they have gone above and beyond their job. They get at least minimum wage. I'm not big on being a part of any 'club'. I do what I think is right and don't concern myself with others. Also, if I feel someone went the extra mile I always ask to speak with a manager to let them know. I think people are very quick to ask for a manager when they feel they have been wronged but, for some reason, aren't so quick to ask for a manager when they feel they received exceptional service.

 

[Bob NC]

Our guys made $4.50/hr + tips + $1/delivery, figure in upkeep of the car: tires, oil changes, gas, brakes and some of these poor guys barely broke even working their behinds off.

It always amazes me what people will post when trying to make a point.

Now, honestly, tell me how many people worked there that were barely breaking even? How long did they work there?

Your point is not that people are working for LOW pay, you are actually saying that people were working their behinds off for you for NO pay?

 

[Chris the CPA]

Even though I tip when customary, I feel an employee's compensation is between him and his employer.

If I want to give something extra because of some extra service or I am feeling generous that is up to me.

 

[Svhadden]

I find it very cumbersome that I have to be aware of what wage service people are earning (generally), and how much to tip them. I mean, I have NO IDEA how much the girl who washes my hair before a cut makes. How on earth should I know that??? I don't tip her. Should I also tip the receptionish who makes my next appointment before I leave? I *do* tip the woman who cuts my hair, and I tip her well. She never wants to charge me her full regular price (I get my hair cut every 3 weeks), always gets me in/out in a hurry, gives me the same awesome cut every stinkin' time, and is a gem in every way. I don't mind giving her a $10 tip for a 20 minute job. I tip my barista because it's almost always the same person, she starts making my latte when she sees me walk in, and it's always crazy-good.

Likewise in a restaurant. My husband and I both tip very well (20-25%) for really good service because it's a rare thing these days. But if I get mediocre or outright bad service, I'm not tipping.

But how should I know how much money the pizza delivery guy is making (we don't eat pizza, and I can't even remember the last time we had anything delivered)? How should I know how much the masseuse is making? I had no idea that housekeeping at WDW is union.

It's just very frustrating to me that I need to be aware of what those in the service industry are making and what percentage I should tip them.

 

[wtrmlnlabs]

But what drives me crazy is the WDW requirement of 18% if your group is over 6 people. I'm sorry, but with inflated buffet prices of approximately $35 pp, for my group of 14, does a wait person who gets drinks only really deserve $88.20 for our group? I definitely don't think so!

No kidding!! Our last trip we had 7 in our party, two under 2. So when we ate they charged us 18%. Ridiculous enough we felt since neither under 2 ate anything (and before anyone grumps, they were both very well behaved, no "extra" work involved). I wasn't as upset about the inflated prices, which they most certainly were, but more for the fact at least two of the places we got VERY poor service. One was really, really bad. We complained to the manager, complained to Disney, but no use. They would not take off or even reduce the amount of the tip. I don't mind paying for good service, or even forced to pay for mediocre service, but for extremely poor service... well, that was the end of us eating sit down meals at Disney!

 

[disneychrista]

As it should be..but, please know that in alot of places now tips are pooled and then split.

And, honestly, this is my problem how? I tip for the service I got, not the service that the other waitstaff may or may not be giving to their tables.