Tipping, let's talk about it

[Worgen]

Agreed. So is the problem tipping culture, or a culture of employment that banks on tipping? Don't complain about tipping; complain that the employment structure relies heavily on tipping, then only patronize businesses that align with your values. Walk in, and before you order food or drink, ask what the staff makes; if it's less than minimum wage or any wage you deem fair, walk back out.

Its both, both are bad. Its bad that businesses can get away with paying really low wages because there is the expectation of tipping and its bad that tipping culture is going past those low wage workers into other types of work.

 

[Thaluikhain]

... I wish that voting with your wallet worked better than it does, but just like with the video game industry, that doesn't work all that well because the majority of consumers don't care about changing things, and sometimes even welcome the way things are now. A handful of people aren't going to make a huge difference for something like a restaurant when it's popular enough that your withheld business doesn't damage their income flow all that much.

It works enough to get people screaming about censorship, cancel culture and frozen peaches, so that's something. Often not a lot, yeah, and it tends to blow over. But, what else can you do?

 

[Zykon TheLich]

You know, I do always tip hairdressers if they've made the effort to chat and fill the time that would otherwise be awkward silence. I am happy to give a 20% tip for that.

 

[Drathnoxis]

You know, I do always tip hairdressers if they've made the effort to chat and fill the time that would otherwise be awkward silence. I am happy to give a 20% tip for that.

I chose the barber I go to particularly because he doesn't try to make small talk with me.

 

[Zykon TheLich]

I chose the barber I go to particularly because he doesn't try to make small talk with me.

Ah, you see I do like talking to people but I'm shit at making conversation and fade into the background in groups, so I do actually quite like it if the hairdresser is chatty.

 

[Kyrian007]

I generally tip only at small, locally owned places. Or smaller chains that aren't publicly traded. Places that really couldn't afford to pay their staff a normal wage. Gigantic chain restaurants could afford to pay wait staff normal wages... but just don't to increase profits. That does however present me with the problem that by forgoing tips I'm not punishing the chain, but instead the wait staff the chain is exploiting. And I don't want to look like a complete jerk. Especially to the poor wait staff themselves. So, my workaround, I just don't go to big chain restaurants. I'm very lucky, there are a wealth of small, locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, diners, etc... all within walking distance or just a short drive from my apartment. So, my solution wouldn't work well for a lot of folks. And the turnover of those places is pretty frightening. It seems like I lose a favorite place to go every few months or so.

 

[hanselthecaretaker2]

And to that I say: tipping is voluntary.

My point is that tipping should never be the expectation, it should be for something exceptional.

But it IS the expectation.

Wait, what now? Lol this is why tipping culture has turned into such an abused, confusing practice, especially post-Covid. We shouldn’t have to tip for takeout, but it’s there for the workers making food, I guess? If I like the place I’ll tip as an extension of standard patronage. Even when ordering from an app. But damned if it doesn’t feel kinda like the service industry equivalent of micro transactions. Unfortunately it’s a normal part of America’s economy though, because it’s a legal way to leave the ceiling completely open while letting corporations/employers off the hook.

I guess lastly I’d add that that if you can’t beat them, join them. Since the system is here to stay for the foreseeable future, there’s always the option to take advantage of it for oneself.

 

[hanselthecaretaker2]

So where were we here anyways -

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/tipped-off-american-consumers-grapple-with-tip-creep-2024-07-02/

 

[Xprimentyl]

So where were we here anyways -

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/tipped-off-american-consumers-grapple-with-tip-creep-2024-07-02/

Wow, digging deep to stir the pot!

Alright, let's recap my thoughts that started this thread:

1. Tipping is optional.
2. Tipping is expected in an industry that purposefully underpays service employees because tipping is expected to supplement the low wages.
3. If the expectations of tipping upsets you, then either 1.) don't participate in the patronage of said service industry, and do for yourself, 2.) participate, and tip what you feel your service was worth without complaining, or 3.) participate in the patronage of said service industry, and be that person who doesn't tip, and is equally nonverbal on your personal stance on the issue.

That SAID, the recent oversaturation of tipping expectations is not the fault of fundamental tipping etiquette; it is the fault of those within greedy industries that have seen others within itself get away with it, so figure "why not? If someone wants to tip a touchscreen after serving themselves, we'll gladly take it!" Tipping is simple and easy appreciation for people doing jobs most wouldn't want to do, and are doing so within the framework of a service industry that abuses its ability to rely on consumers to doing some of the heavy lifting when it comes to providing a living wage to those who make the industry function. It's not perfect; it's not even good; in fact, it's BAD, but it is what it is, and taking a stand against it by utilizing it, then stiffing the lowest on the totem pole because you disagree with the business model framed outside of their influence and well above their paygrade is fucked up.

At the end of the day, see bullet #1 above. This whole thread was started simply because [then] it had become commonplace for people to be very vocal about their outrage at being expected to tip when they simply never had to, and rarely addressing the fact that they were free to tip on a scale from "0" to "whatever you want" regardless of any suggested amounts, and that includes self-serve kiosks.

 

[Worgen]

So where were we here anyways -

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/tipped-off-american-consumers-grapple-with-tip-creep-2024-07-02/

I mean, it makes sense. If tipping was the only thing then I think it would be fine, but in todays world, everyone is looking for ways to nickel and dime the shit out of you. Tipping creep is just a pretty visible way that's happening. I remember when tipping was supposed to be like 7.5 % or something.

 

[CaitSeith]

I mean, it makes sense. If tipping was the only thing then I think it would be fine, but in todays world, everyone is looking for ways to nickel and dime the shit out of you. Tipping creep is just a pretty visible way that's happening. I remember when tipping was supposed to be like 7.5 % or something.

Who's everyone?

 

[Worgen]

Who's everyone?

Well, you have car companies, tech companies, entertainment companies, etc. All trying to get people into subscription models.

 

[Xprimentyl]

Oh, I can't find any links to the story, but apparently, some restaurant is SUING a customer because he tipped his waitress $3,000 on like a $13 tab, the waitress confirmed it was a legit tip with the customer, but the customer later disputed the charge with his bank! Genius way to stick it the the establishment... except the whole "suing" part.

 

[Bedinsis]

Welp, for the first time in forever I went on a dinner at an actual restaurant to hang out with an old college buddy of mine (and his family).

I did not tip, and I doubt anyone at the establishment expected me to.