Thursday, May 23, 2024

Tipping in America Has Gotten So Out of Control

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! 💕