Tipping: Why I Hate Giving Tips
85
I Shouldn't Write Your Paycheck
I hate tipping. I said it. No matter how much you tell me, “But they get paid next to nothing.”, “They are just working their way through college.” or “But, come on, man. Have a heart.” I am not going to change my mind. It’s not that I dislike the idea; I think that people who do an exceptional job should get a little extra. I get that. The idea of mandatory tipping of servers because their bosses can pay them two dollars and thirteen cents an hour, because if I don’t do it I’m a huge jerk, or just because it’s a nice gesture, makes me angry. But, I am not totally against tipping. I do think if you do a pretty good job – getting my food to me correctly and warm, refilling my drink before it gets empty, and maybe even suggesting what is good—you should get a tip. Anyone who does a good service should get paid well. But, most of the time, that’s just not the case.
I Don't Want to Seem Like a Complete Jerk
Hear me out first. I would like to say that I dislike that the government allows servers to be paid so little an hour just because they get tips (and they get tips because they get paid so little. I don’t really get their circular reasoning.) The government is required to pay up to minimum wage if the servers don’t make minimum wage with their tips plus the two-thirteen an hour. But, I hear from a lot of my server friends that this isn’t always the case. Also the government can take taxes out of their reported tips from their wage paycheck. Essentially they are getting double taxes taken out of their paychecks. That’s not right. If I could vote on something or sign something to change this, I would. But just because this is currently the case -- and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to change -- I’m not going to buy into the whole tipping thing. I don’t want to take it out on the servers. I really don’t. I wish bosses had to pay all servers minimum wage and the food cost more. I don’t feel it should be up to me what the server gets paid. That’s not fair to me or the server.
When I go to a restaurant I just want to get some food. Not that big of a deal. If I could have made this cheaply or easily (read: not five hours of cooking) at home, I would have. I can understand paying eight dollars for a cheeseburger and fries that costs two dollars to make when you get the service you do at a restaurant. But, I don’t understand why a server should get paid by the customer at the end of the meal. They should get paid a fair minimum wage, even if it means by eight dollar burger is now nine-fifty. If I choose not to tip because I feel the service was poor or if I’m just broke, I don’t think it’s fair that the money I don’t give them is money essentially coming out of their paycheck. The government is the jerk in this equation, not me – the non-tipper. I’ve been told by some server friends that if people are notorious non-tippers at a restaurant they will usually get their food messed with in some way, and that “some way” is usually pretty disgusting. That’s not right, and it’s not professional, but that’s just the way it is, I guess.
Jobs That Get Tips
- Servers
- Masseuses
- Delivery People
- Bartenders
- Hair Dressers
- Barbers
There are benefits to giving most of these workers tips. Masseuses you might get a little longer massage, delivery people may bring you your order first if you are a good tipper, bartenders may give you stronger drinks, hair dressers make you feel more comfortable, barbers will give you a better deal or feel more like family. However, there are few benefits to giving a server a tip other than you’re decreasing the chances of your food getting spit in the next time you eat there. The server can’t give you a bigger portion, that is the cook’s job. The server can’t really make your dining experience any better than what you would expect from a fast food joint, and those guys don’t get tips. So why should I tip if there’s nothing in it for me? Just to feel good? Well sure it’s always nice to tip someone, but sometimes I just don’t have the cash. Or sometimes the server wasn’t very nice to begin with and it makes me feel better to not tip at all. And there are plenty of people who never get tipped or even thanked for some of the work they do. And some that work is just as bad as being a server, and is pretty darn important. I am not trying to say being a server is unimportant, but I'm trying to say that some of these jobs save other people's lives and get paid the same as servers.
Jobs That Don't Get Tips (But Probably Should)
- Firemen
- Police Officers
- Teachers
- Soldiers
- Mailmen
- Lifeguards
I don’t understand why these jobs -- jobs that are often paid very little – are not tipped or usually even thanked for what they do. I worked in the restaurant business all throughout high school and in college. I worked mostly as a cook because that was the job that opened up at the restaurant I worked at, and it just stuck after that. However, I did work as a waiter sometimes, and when I did, I enjoyed the tips I got. I was always very gracious and never complained when I didn’t get tipped. I didn’t feel that I deserved them in the first place, they were just a bonus. A lot of coworkers, however, felt otherwise. They felt as if they deserved 20% tips on every check, whether they did a good job or just chatted with their friends or coworkers the whole time. While working as a lifeguard, I got yelled at by parents when I had to kick kids out of the pool for fighting or when I sent them home for harassing other kids. I got paid under minimum wage because it is “seasonal work”. They don’t get tips for keeping children and adults safe. At most they get an occasional thank you for pointing people towards the bathroom. Many firefighters are volunteers. Many police officers put their lives on the line dealing with all sorts of criminals, and they get spit at. Most teachers would do anything to help your children learn and thrive. There is no community tip jar for these people. And all the while I’m expected to give at least 15% tip on every check that a waitress, who forgot my iced tea, brings me.
When It's All Said and Done
I do think they have a crappy job. It sucks. But, it’s one of those jobs that requires no experience to jump into, and you can still be very good at it. Should I have to decide whether or not they have enough money for rent? No. I don’t think so. The government seems to think so. Their bosses think so. But I don’t and that’s why I don’t play into the system. If I could change the system, I would. I know some places where the servers get paid quite decently and aren’t expecting tips and get them anyway. In many other countries tipping is not expected. I don’t like it, but it’s just the way it is. I’m not going to change and tip every server I have just for because I “should”. If that makes me a jerk, well then I guess I’ll claim the title.
All in all I don't hate waiters or waitresses. I know they go through a lot of tough work and make very little. I generally do tip fairly well. I was just expressing my feelings on this topic and trying to justify how I feel. Thank you!
If You Liked This
If you liked this then you may like my other humor hubs!
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (1)
- Funny
- Awesome (1)
- Beautiful
- Interesting (2)
CommentsLoading...
I loved this post! I'm actually a massage therapist (LMT) and teach ethics courses. A topic that comes up frequently is tips. Generally, I don't believe that genuine massage therapists should get tips ... because what other therapist do you tip?!
If an LMT is truly providing a therapy to their client (i.e. SOAP noting, creating a regular schedule, and helping them maintain their body's balance) then they should be paid accordingly. If you're just a masseuse who is giving body rubs to people who are pampering themselves ... then you're not a therapist (sorry) and deserve to be paid next to nothing and rely on tips.
But tipping should be voluntary and without obligation. The whole concept that someone "has" to tip is ridiculous ...
Amen and voted up.
I don't usually give tips. When I travel, I just make sure that I check the tipping culture. If possible, I will try to make payment by card so that I can avoid tipping. Having said all that, if the service provided to me is good, I will definitely be willing to give tips. I hate restaurants include service charge in their bill while giving lousy service.
If you live in America, where tipping is customary, you need to tip. Sorry you don't like that servers are paid next to nothing, but that is the way it is! Unless you can manage to change the system, you gotta play by the rules when you go out to eat.
Serving is not a glamorous job. At all. It's hard work.
As somebody who waited tables in my early twenties, I can tell you that most servers work their butts off - when they don't do a "good job", generally speaking, it is because of something going on behind the scenes that the server has no control over.
Like it or not, when you don't tip, you are being a jerk. Servers remember jerks. They tell their co-workers about jerks. It will come back to bite you in one way or another...
If you don't like tipping servers, then learn how to cook and stay home.
You are just a bad person. Plain and simple. Not a jerk. Just a bad person. Try to rationalize why don't want to tip if it makes you feel better. It doesn't change the fact that you are despicable.
You're justifying, but that "Rollin" guy seems like maybe he's a gaywad.
If all the negative comments would have read my last paragraph thoroughly they would have noticed this >
"All in all I don't hate waiters or waitresses. I know they go through a lot of tough work and make very little. I generally do tip fairly well. I was just expressing my feelings on this topic and trying to justify how I feel. Thank you!"
I am not trying to justify what I do, because usually I tip pretty generously. However, if the world worked the way I wanted, I wouldn't have to tip because of these reasons. I don't think I'm a bad person. I think there are people who do a lot worse things than me than just leaving a poor tip to a bad server sometimes. But I guess if people feel that way about this article then so be it.
I work my butt off as a delivery driver and it is essentially the same thing (As Courtney Says) I do everything that a person working on the inside of the store does and then jump in my car and use my gas to make sure the customer gets their food hot and correct and when you do everything for someone ie taking the order, making the food, driving it to their house, and then get nothing from a person like you it pisses me off and I think that if a person never tips ever then they don't deserve to have a waiter they should have to get it themselves I want to see a resturant with a tipping section and a non tipping section where you are the waiter contending with other people's orders to try and get yours correct the person is not smiling at you because we are care free its because we need to get breaks fixed on the car so we can keep the job its so we can feed our selves and family when someone doesn't tip I view that as a big F you I hate you as a person I hate the poison you are feeding to the internet you are a cancer feeding on society and I wish someone would Kemo your ass
I ALWAYS tip delivery people. I know that a lot of times they are using their own resources (gas, car, etc.) to get to the place and most places don't reimburse for that. If they get it to me fast or not, I always tip them.
My reason for this article was not to offend or make anyone mad. My reason was to point out that "tips" used to be just that. A bonus or a reward for doing a good job. They are now seen as a mandatory part of the servers paycheck. Whether or not they do a good job. Whether or not they get everything right. Whether or not they check on you 5 times or none. I think its wrong that the government allows places to pay servers what they do, and I really think that needs to be changed. However, this is a "no skills" job. And I don't mean there is no talent or thinking in this job. To be a good server, it takes a lot of work. I know, I worked in the restaurant business for a long time. When I say "no skills" I mean it takes no prior training or involvement with the job (internship, apprenticeship, etc.) to get into it. If you don't like the way servers are paid then try to change it (like I am in a small way by trying to raise awareness) or get out of it.
I don't want to be hated, but bullying people on the internet is no way to make me change my mind about how I feel. It especially doesn't make your argument sound reasonable when it is fueled by hatred. And I can tell everyone feels passionately about this topic. But servers who feel they should get tips "just because" and get angry at people who don't isn't a good thing. Nor is people who don't leave tips when they get excellent service. I think there is a solution to this. We get rid of the government "tipped" wage and everyone has to get minimum wage, tips or not.
I'm sorry if I've offended anyone with this article. I am trying to show a viewpoint of many people who feel things need to be changed. I don't think any of this makes me a bad person. I don't feel that I'm some sort of "cancer". I'm just a college kid trying to do what's right in my eye. And I'm trying to raise awareness about an issue that I feel strongly about. That's it.
I don't tip. Ever. IDGAF if that makes me a jerk, nor do I care that food service workers or other service workers make way less than minimum wage. It's not my problem. I didn't tell them to take that crummy job or to go out of their way. That's your problem, choosing a cruddy job. Don't expect me to sympathize and tip you because I won't. Ever.
shut up courtney go get another job nub
I agree with you Jake, I'm really fed up having to tip waiters, bellboys, hairdressers and estheticians just for doing their jobs. By that token, how come good mechanics don't get tips (and don't expect them either)?
In Canada, you already have to pay a 13% sales tax, then you have to add another EXPECTED 10 - 15% tip. Are we joking? I too "work my butt off" as a freelance translator, days, nights and even weekends if I have to in order to provide good service to my clients or market my services. It's my choice and I do not get a tip over my competitive rate! When I worked as project manager for different companies, I got my salary, period, even if I did overtime or went beyond my objectives. So why should I have to pay somebody extra for doing what they chose to do in the first place? If people don't like working in a restaurant then they can do something else like cleaning houses, windows or cars, mowing lawns, helping the elderly etc. Impossible to find anyone who wants to do that these days, it's not "cool" enough.
BTW, in France, Italy and Belgium, taxes and tips are included in restaurant prices, additional tips are given ONLY for superlative service. Much better way.
I'm european (dutch) and i find this tipping thing very interesting. Some people say "in europe the tips are included in the bill". taht's a very american perspective at things. From an american pont of view the tip has got to be somewhere. Perhaps you mean the wage of the waiters, this is, just like all the other expense (insurance, electricity etc.) of course part of the price of the meal. Tipping is voluntary and officially that is the case too in the US. Or is there a law that says that you have to tip?
If you don't like the system, just stop tipping! when you all will stop tipping, the servers wil start demanding better pays, the prices in the restaurants will increase and we don't have to do the math after every meal you take.
I would just like to mention that as much I know you didn't 'mean' to "Offend" or cause anyone to get "angry". But when you are shedding light on your, and others opinions like yours, you better be prepared for how many people are going to disagree with you.
I've served tables for 8 years now. I'm in college, only 22. Getting my degree in music education, so I'm sure in your eyes, I'm just moving from underpaid job to the next. But I will say that they are two professions I love. I love serving tables. Yes, it's a lot of hardwork, but I get the chance to interact with a WIDE variety of people over a WIDE demographic. So my job is fun...
However, my job is also very difficult. Most people utilize 2 - 3 employable skills within one business day at their regular jobs. I do about 15. Common sense, time management, charisma, being personable, a team worker, arithmetic, quickly adaptive computer skills, note-taking ;), keeping a consistently good attitude despite the "tips" ...communicating effectively with co-workers and guests alike....and the list goes on.
In the 21st century and in this, the year 2012, the last year remaining on Earth, lol, your tip should START at 20% ...now depending on the service and overall experience the tip can go one only two directions from there.
The Downward Slope:
20% The server did their job adequately and very pleasantly
15% The server did not do their job adequately, room for improvement.
10% The service was terrible
0% or STIFF I, the guest, Hate you. I hate you and I hope you and your family cannot afford dinner tonight.
The upward slope:
25% The server did an above average job and was pleasant and personable throughout
30% or higher - The server went above and beyond the call of duty and superseded expectations.
Note* this is the modern form of tipping. Older generations are not always aware and especially older women who grew up courting in a time when men paid for most everything and handled the tip themselves. This is a new concept for many female senior citizens.
There were two comments out of your article that I would like you to take a second to realize that these two lines stand out to people like me probably more than anything else you wrote.
1. "I wish bosses had to pay all servers minimum wage and the food cost more. I don’t feel it should be up to me what the server gets paid. That’s not fair to me or the server."
Just like any business, its all about the profit. Businesses take moral and ethical sacrifices to up gross sales thousandths of a percent all the time. If every restaurant started paying servers minimum wage, labor costs would be so high through the roof just in one shift, that the establishments costs of materials (food (quantity, quality, source) culinary tools, plates, cups, etc) would require any entire re-evaluation and would not only turn away business, but also risk closing their doors. (unless we're talking big franchises) They might survive a little bit longer.
And not only is it an economic issue for companies but you are probably the ONE person who would rather pay more for (possible less quality) food, than tip an exceptional server that you may or may not get. Most people would throw a fit if restaurants worked that way.
2. "But, it’s one of those jobs that requires no experience to jump into, and you can still be very good at it."
I take a lot of pride in my job and the way I do it. I've seen people come and go, but when you work in the restaurants I do, Experience is a must and many people don't have the aptitude to serve tables like we do. So before you think it's something that just ANYbody can become acclimated to, take a second to think about the differences between the shitty servers you've had and the ones who have really "wow-ed" you. This is a very ignorant and condescending comment.
I realize this was sort of a long response, but in a passive, non-aggressive way, I wanted you to hear my side a little bit so as to help us all better understand eachother's Points of view.
btw, If you don't want to see the actual tipping process, I suggest you ask them to include gratuity next time.
TO COMMENTERS:
@Reeltaulk Thank you for supporting yet another stereotype.
@LaPalazzola You live in Canada. Enjoy your free healthcare and keep your sales tax to yourself.
Thanks!
Obviously you have never BEEN a waiter. I am confident you would change your opinion if you put yourself what through many waiters must go through.. like getting yelled at for cold food; something that is often the cooks fault.
I am also going into Education (language arts) and I have also worked in the restaurant business. I understand where you are coming from and respect that. I wasn't trying to be condescending when I said anyone can jump into the job. I obviously don't mean anyone can jump into any waiting position at any restaurant. I know it takes skill to do good work at an upscale type of place. But, what I do see a lot of is kids working in the small cafes, dive restaurants, etc. And I do think anyone can jump into those spots, and they do. They will pick up skills along the way, but I really don't think you need much work experience to jump right in to being a server at a starter restaurant (it was my first job).
I also respectfully disagree with the fact that most people use 2-3 employable skills at a normal day of work. I think most of the skills you named off that you use waiting most people use at most jobs. I think its a bit of a slap in the face to other job workers to say that they only use 2-3 skills daily. I think they use many of the same and other skills than you do daily.
Thank you for reading and replying!
Also I have worked in restaurants as a cook where the servers got paid standard minimum wage, and the business was good and prices were not outlandish and people still ate there. So I think more often than not, bosses don't pay the wait staff minimum wage is because they don't have to. Not because it would drive them out of business.
I usually just tip out of habit. One occasion I didn't was because of poor service. The food arrived no problem and it was tasty but the waiter was too busy eyeing up the girls passing by to give us any attention.
Great Hub, marked up. Kinda like the opening scene in Reservoir Dogs :-)
If you don't have enough money or don't like to tip, don't go to a restaurant where employees are working for tips, period.
I did choose to be a server because I love interacting with so many different people on a day to day basis. Just because I chose it, doesn't mean you aren't responsible to pay me when it is customary.
If Servers got paid minimum wage, you would most likely receive aweful service. Servers would be responsible for far too many tables at a time (to keep labor costs down) And quite frankly, if my paycheck didnt depend on how "generous" you felt that night, I can guarantee I wouldn't put up with half of the rude people I do now just hoping to make a couple bucks.
If you eliminated tipping, I promise this is what would happen. Restaurants would pay minimum. They would have less staff on their floor ( all of them.. possibly even up to 1/3 of what they have ) All prices would go up 2-4 dollars on every meal. People who are motivated by the "comission" aspect of the job would drop out. The servers would care *EVEN LESS* about giving you better service. All service in every restaurant would decline and you would end up paying maybe 1-2 dollars less. You decide.
I agree with you. And to everyone saying that service would drop if waiters only made minimum wage... I think that's snooty and ridiculous. Only an overprivalaged asshole would expect more than minimum wage for a minimum wage job. Every single minimum wage job is the same mixture of mind numbingly boring and excruciatingly hard. Most of us just deal with it and perform our job our best without complaining while waiters get to complain about not making luxurious pay. Grow up and realize your life isn't hard.
reeltaulk 11 months ago
You're Right! I've always been a great tipper, but only if I like my waiter and if they are professional. Other than that I wont be leaving anything. I work hard for my money and so should you!