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Do you remember the good old days when the tipping protocol was only for waiters, waitresses, and bartenders? And that was because they got paid (and still do) a measly hourly wage, requiring them to rely on tips to make a living.
Today, however, have you noticed that wherever you go and whatever you purchase, a "tip option" is forced in your face, shaming you into adding a percentage to even a place like Starbucks, where they receive an average wage of nearly $17.50 per hour and feel as though they deserve something extra for simply pouring a cup of coffee and handing it to you? -
NOPE, sorry, I don't buy it.
Therefore, whenever the tip option comes up on the POS screen, I tap the No Tip button. I've even had several coffee shop employees come right out and ask me, "Would you like to leave me a tip?" And I don't have a problem saying, "No, but thank you anyway."
Have you also noticed how the percentage of tipping has escalated over the years? -
If this keeps up, we will all have to take out a personal bank loan just for tipping!
And do you know what's crazy? In a country like Japan, where the cost of living is WAY higher than it is in this country, the Japanese have a no-tipping policy. They don't feel the need to accept tips to feel appreciated. To them, giving outstanding customer service is all part of the job. They believe that they are there to serve you in the best possible way. Yet, in this country, many people feel entitled to a tip for merely dragging themselves out of bed in the morning and showing up for work.
One time in Japan, I tried to give the gentleman who cut my hair a $10.00 tip (in Yen) because his customer service was beyond outstanding, but he politely declined it.
Being that I work with the public, which also includes people from other countries, I experience a lot of clients asking me, "Wow...why is it that wherever I go in America, I feel pressured to tip everyone?" And I usually tell them, "Don't feel pressured to tip anyone in this country unless they are a waiter, waitress, or bartender because they rely on gratuity. Other than that, there is no need to tip."
What I'm curious about is how all these other occupations in America became included in our tipping policy. Hell, why don't we just start tipping surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, lawyers, and engineers for doing their jobs?
Here is a United States tipping guide I found online (personally, I tip only two on the list) I refuse to tip the others just because it's expected of me. -
What's next? Tipping for self-checkout? -
Wishing you a tip-free weekend, everyone! 💕
"What's next? Tipping for self-checkout?" --- Ron, I laughed my ass off at that because it's so funny and SO true!
ReplyDeleteYour post couldn't be anymore timely because I sometimes (not often) order takeout and then will pick it up after I get out of work. When I went to pay for it two nights ago, I was asked if I would like to leave a tip! I was totally caught off-guard by the question and guess what? I left a TIP!!!! As I was driving home, I wanted to kick myself for leaving a tip.
I agree, the whole tipping thing in this country has gotten way out of hand. Like you said, it used to be only servers and bartenders. But now it's everyone and their mother. Tipping has gotten just like inflation, the percentage just keeps going up. I don't mind tipping, but when I'm being pressured because it's expected, that's another thing.
A tip should be something extra if you think you got good customer service.
As always, I enjoyed your post, Ron. You're the only person I know who can vent his feelings and make it funny!
Have a wonderful weekend, funny man! xoxo
LOVED this post, Ron!
ReplyDelete" And I don't have a problem saying, "No, but thank you anyway."
I don't either! Do you remember when coffee shops and sandwich shops started putting a tip jar at the register? Now, it's more blunt by adding it to the POS transaction when you go to pay. Like you, I tap the No Tip button. And don't even get me started on how Starbucks has increased the prices on all their food stuff, but at the same time, they have shrunk in size. I used to love their cinnamon scones because they were pretty substantial. But over the years they have decreased to the size of a triscuit .
I didn't realize about the no-tipping policy in Japan. We should do that here as well and just pay people more money so they don't have to rely on tips. I think they do that in the UK.
Ron, what I don't like about the whole tipping thing is that it is now being expected, even if the service is shitty. A tip should be EARNED. Sorry, but I will not tip someone in a coffee shop who hands me my drink in a to-go cup. I agree with you about waiters and bartenders because they get paid practically nothing. But even then, I tip according to how good the service was, I don't go by any percentage. Sometimes I will tip more, other times less.
ReplyDeleteThat last cartoon was hysterical! But I won't be surprised when it eventually happens. LOL!
Ron, I forgot to mention in my first comment about the movie, "Wicked Little Letters" because I saw it highlighted on your sidebar. I saw it two weeks ago and thought it was brilliantly funny! I love anything Olivia Coleman does!
ReplyDeleteHola, Denise! Good evening!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that cartoon HYSTERICAL? I saw it online last night and thought it would be perfect for this post. And as funny as it is, I wouldn't be surprised if that happens one day in the future - tipping for self-checkout!
" When I went to pay for it two nights ago, I was asked if I would like to leave a tip! "
OMG, for TAKE-OUT?!?!? You see, this is what I mean...everyone expects a tip. And I'm over it.
Do you know that I have even had customers who come into my store, try and tip me for helping them pick out a few skincare/makeup products? One woman tried to give me $20.00 just for helping her. I said, "Thank you very much, I appreciate it, but no, I can't take that. It's my job to help you. And it was my pleasure!"
Thanks so much for stopping by, Denise! Have a faaaaaaabulous weekend!
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OMG, wasn't that movie FANTABULOUS? From the second it started, I laughed and laughed and laughed. It was a story based on truth, which made it even more interesting. And yes, I adore Olivia Colman. I 've seen her is so many really good films!
ReplyDeleteHello there, Abby!
ReplyDeleteThat's what I don't like either, tipping is now something that is EXPECTED. And what's even worst is that they expect it even without putting forth any effort to give good customer service!
" I tip according to how good the service was, I don't go by any percentage. Sometimes I will tip more, other times less."
My feelings exactly! There have been times when I've given more that the average percentage, but then other times when the service was so bad, I walked out without leaving a tip.
Isn't that cartoon a HOOT? I love the look on the woman's face. LOL!
Thanks so much for stopping by this evening, Abby! Enjoy your night and enjoy your weekend!
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Greetings, Daniel!
ReplyDelete"Do you remember when coffee shops and sandwich shops started putting a tip jar at the register?"
Yup, I sure do! The first one I ever saw was in a Starbucks. And you are SO RIGHT about the price increases in their food items. I too used to love their scones. However, years ago I noticed how they got smaller and smaller. And the muffins too! I used to love their blueberry muffins.
I like to eat the salads at Sweetgreen and noticed that several months ago they added a TIP option on their POS when I went to pay. There is no getting away from it. EVEYONE expects a tip!
"We should do that here as well and just pay people more money so they don't have to rely on tips. I think they do that in the UK."
Yes, someone from the UK mentioned that to me before. I think it was a flight attendant that I helped in my store who worked for British Airways. She told me that their servers get a higher salary and don't take tips.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel! Have a superb rest your week and weekend!
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Ron the tipping culture in this country is absurd. I recently ordered a pair of shoes online and no joke, the company had an option to tip when I was putting in my payment info at check out.
ReplyDeleteAnd I only tip on food service when there's table service. I refuse to tip when someone merely hands me the food. NADA!
Great post! Needed to be said!
Ron, I want to give you a 25% TIP just for sharing this excellent post lol! Tipping in a America has gotten ridiculous beyond belief. I would bet that most Americans leave tips because of social pressure, instead of good service. Tipping used to be a gesture that you would do for exceptions. Now it's more of an obligation that you feel guilty about if you don't.
ReplyDeleteWhat really bugs me is how if you go on vacation, you have to bring along an extra $500 for all the tips you have to give - from the airport, hotel, taxi's, restaurants, etc.
And you're right, it's no longer just the waiters, waitresses and bartenders. It now includes well-paid jobs as well.
Goooood morning, Robert!
ReplyDelete"I recently ordered a pair of shoes online and no joke, the company had an option to tip when I was putting in my payment info at check out."
OMG, you're kidding me right? There was an option tip for an ONLINE ORDER?!?!? That's insane! But I don't know what I'm surprised because tipping has gotten out of control. And I'm assuming you didn't leave a tip, right? Ha!
"And I only tip on food service when there's table service. I refuse to tip when someone merely hands me the food. NADA!"
Agree! That's why the tip thing at Starbucks is absurd.
Thanks so much for stopping, my friend! Have a fantabulous weekend!
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Morning, Candice!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right about this....
"I would bet that most Americans leave tips because of social pressure, instead of good service. Tipping used to be a gesture that you would do for exceptions. Now it's more of an obligation that you feel guilty about if you don't."
YES! YES! YES!
And also this...
"if you go on vacation, you have to bring along an extra $500 for all the tips you have to give - from the airport, hotel, taxi's, restaurants, etc."
It cost a fortune to travel, which is inflated by all the tipping!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Candice! Have a grrrreat weekend!
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Yes, Ron, I do remember the good old days when tipping was limited and given for exceptional service. It's more of an obligation now.
ReplyDeleteCompanies have gotten very smart. They are slowly replacing employee salaries with customer tips. Employers shift the responsibility of fair wages onto the customers. That's the reason for all the pressure to add the tip option at the POS. Tipping is now being used as a supplement to wages.
I think customers are feeling the pressure and realizing it’s not mandatory to tip. People should tip because it’s something they want to do, not because they feel they have to.
Okay, end of my tip rant. LOL! Both my hubby and I enjoyed this post, Ron! xo
P.S. Have you noticed the increase in the heat these past several days? UGH!
Elaine, my friend, you are spot on...
ReplyDelete" Employers shift the responsibility of fair wages onto the customers. That's the reason for all the pressure to add the tip option at the POS. Tipping is now being used as a supplement to wages."
YES, YES, YES! And I started to noticed that with the previous company I worked for. They added a tip option to any service you provided for the customer on the POS. But I refused to ask the customer if they wanted to leave me a tip. I would simply bypass the option and say nothing. I also noticed that the new hires were not being offered the same hourly wage as I was offered when I was first brought on - thus, the tipping option was added so that it made the position seem more lucrative. As you said ---- a supplement to the wages.
I too think customers are feeling the pressure and not putting up with it. With the cost of living escalating every year, tipping should not be something people need to worry about.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your insight, Elaine! Appreciate it! Have a great weekend!
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- OMG, I can already feel what this summer is going to be like - extremely HOT and HUMID!
It is completely out of control and like most things, has grown worse due to Covid! Now, a tip is basically thanking someone for coming to work. Remember the days when we were grateful to have a job??? It’s insane.
ReplyDeleteI remember my son saying how there wasn’t a tipping culture in Japan and if I’m not mistaken, most of Europe? But I think Canada is similar to the U.S.
I actually do tip valets and my past hairdressers. But I avoid tipping others by carrying my own bags and paying cash when it’s a take out item like Starbucks. That way, I don’t ever have to face that damn screen! Here’s something interesting……the grocery store I shop at, you are not allowed to take carts to the parking lot. You have to pull up and have your car loaded. There’s a sign that says, No Tipping Please. I have never tipped, but I’d say 75% of people give the kids that put the bags in your car a tip! I guess it makes people feel good???
I hope you have a very nice holiday weekend, Ron! XO
" Now, a tip is basically thanking someone for coming to work. Remember the days when we were grateful to have a job??? It’s insane."
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that because you're right! A tip now IS basically thanking someone just for coming to work!
"I remember my son saying how there wasn’t a tipping culture in Japan and if I’m not mistaken, most of Europe? But I think Canada is similar to the U.S."
Yes, I think you're right about Europe because I lived in Amsterdam for a summer and I don't remember tipping being something they did. And most definitely Japan. Canada, I don't know, because I've never been there.
"But I avoid tipping others by carrying my own bags and paying cash when it’s a take out item like Starbucks. That way, I don’t ever have to face that damn screen!"
"There’s a sign that says, No Tipping Please. I have never tipped, but I’d say 75% of people give the kids that put the bags in your car a tip! I guess it makes people feel good???"
That's awesome! If people feel like leaving a tip, they should. Particularly if they feel someone deserves it. For me, it's the more so how tipping has become an obligation for customer service that doesn't earn it.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings on this topic, my friend! Oh, and that's right, I totally forgot it's Memorial Day weekend! Have a faaaaaaabulous holiday weekend!
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Ron, a good friend of mine from the UK visited me several years ago (right before COVID) and one of the first things she noticed was how much we tip in this country. Being that they don't tip where she lives, it was a culture shock.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think American companies are using tipping as a means to pay their employees less, relying on customers to make up the difference. And each State is different when it comes to minimum wage, so there is no consistency on what someone who is hourly makes. Yet, I wonder if tipping will always be a part of the American culture?
Great topic! Thanks for sharing!
Morning, Clair!
ReplyDeleteYes, this is what SO MANY people from other countries say when they visit the U.S., "What's with all the tipping?!?!"
I think what you shared here is SPOT ON....
" I think American companies are using tipping as a means to pay their employees less, relying on customers to make up the difference."
I agree! What I noticed with one of the companies I used to work for is that their new hires are being given a much lower hourly rate than when I started with the company nine years ago. And they also are allowing customer to TIP their employees at the POS. But what's hilarious is that they are being TAXED on their tips!
You're right, even if tipping were to be no more, I think it will always be part of the American culture.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your insight, Clair! Muchly appreciated!
Have a great weekend!
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Did you by any chance see her and Anthony Hopkins in the movie, "The Father"? It was so bittersweet. Touching and sad at the same time. They were both brilliant!
ReplyDeleteYes, I sure did! I saw it about 2 years ago and thought it was incredible. Perfect example of how talented she is in both comedy and drama. She and Hopkins were so powerful in the film! Bravo to both of them!
ReplyDelete"No, but, thank you anyway." ❤️
ReplyDeletePersonally, I should receive a discount when I use self-checkout. I am working for them!
This made me laugh so hard. I just told my oldest over the phone this morning that I want to move to Japan. Then you share this post. My friend, we are mind melding. Thank you for the laugh this morning! 😘💕🤣
"Personally, I should receive a discount when I use self-checkout. I am working for them!"
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU, and you're absolutely RIGHT about that!
I have a feeling that you would LOVE Japan. I lived there for two months and had an incredible transformation while visiting Kyoto one day. And what's really ironic is that a year after I got back to the US, I was introduced to Reiki and got my first attunement. Come to find out through research that Reiki was rediscovered in KYOTO, JAPAN!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic Memorial Day weekend!
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Ron, that cartoon at the end cracked me up! I think tipping is okay, as long as it's deserved. What I don't care for is when someone expects a tip and gives crappy customer service. You're right though, because over the years tipping has gotten to be the NORM across the board, and in many different jobs. America is very tip crazy, I agree. As others have shared, I think it's easier for companies to include tipping when they hire someone because it take the pressure off them in what they pay per hour. It's up to the customer to make up the rest.
ReplyDeleteI've never worked for tips and would never want to.
In your line of work, do they promote tipping? I'm curious. Great topic, dude!
Hiya, Matt!
ReplyDelete"I think tipping is okay, as long as it's deserved. What I don't care for is when someone expects a tip and gives crappy customer service."
I agree! If you feel the desire to tip, do so. Especially if you feel the service was great. But what I don't like is how it's become a pressure thing. And also, with the overall inflation at this time and it being a struggle for many people to make ends meet, tipping is not something many people can offer.
And I also agree with what you said (and others here) that many companies are rely on tips from customers to pad the hourly wage they're paying their employees.
"In your line of work, do they promote tipping? I'm curious."
No, not currently. But in the past I've worked for companies that did. And honestly, when I did, I wouldn't accept them. I don't feel as though I should be tipped for doing my job. But that's just me. I feel very much like the Japanese.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing, Matt! Always great to read your comments!
Happy Memorial Day weekend!
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I admire you, Ron, to stand up for something you believe in.
ReplyDelete🙏 Matt!
ReplyDeleteRon, this is so interesting. Thanks for the chart on how much -- and whom -- to tip. I live in a small community and don't typically use some of those services (such as hotel workers, unless traveling), but I noticed you didn't include salons, and I thought hair stylists, nail techs, etc. ALL got tipped, unless they owned the business (and even then, they act like they expect gratuity, and I'm almost afraid NOT to tip them for fear they'll turn my hair green the next time I'm in the chair!!)
ReplyDeleteI got a giggle out of your wondering if doctors, lawyers, etc. aren't going to expect tips one day. You're right: people do seem to expect extra, just for doing their job. What a crazy world we're living in! Japan seems to have it right -- a tip is a monetary expression of gratitude for service well rendered, service over and beyond what most people expect. How is bringing me a second lemonade (that I didn't ask for and didn't want) "extra"???
Well done, my friend! xx
Helloooooooooo there, Debbie!
ReplyDelete"but I noticed you didn't include salons, and I thought hair stylists, nail techs, etc. ALL got tipped, unless they owned the business (and even then, they act like they expect gratuity, and I'm almost afraid NOT to tip them for fear they'll turn my hair green the next time I'm in the chair!!)"
LOL! For some reason, that was not included on the list, but you're absolutely correct, hair stylists, nail techs, massage therapists, etc. are normally included in the "tipping genre." And you're right, they DO act like they expect gratuity, even though they not only receive a weekly (draw) salary, PLUS a commission.
"You're right: people do seem to expect extra, just for doing their job. What a crazy world we're living in! "
I know, right? It seems that more and more occupations are offering a tip option, so that's it becoming the NORM.
"Japan seems to have it right -- a tip is a monetary expression of gratitude for service well rendered, service over and beyond what most people expect. How is bringing me a second lemonade (that I didn't ask for and didn't want) "extra"???"
THANK YOU! My feelings exactly! Yet, in Japan, service is their #1 priority and refuse to be tipped. It's a cultural thing.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing, my friend! Wishing you and the Monk a Happy Memorial Day weekend!
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I love being generous but I stop at a 20% tip. 25% if the service is really good.
ReplyDeleteSelf checkout requests for charity irk me and also leave me feeling bad.
Nice political topic right now about not taxing tips. Maybe customer service will even get better.
"Self checkout requests for charity irk me and also leave me feeling bad."
ReplyDeleteOMG, isn't that the worst? I get that all the time whenever I shop at CVS.
I agree, maybe (hopefully) customer service will even get better!
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