I don’t care where you are. We’ve all seen the push for tips increase over the years. Before, it was a gesture of doing a good job or going above and beyond what was expected. You go into a restaurant or hotel and someone greeted you with a smile. Asked to take your coat or luggage. Wanted to know how was the ride, what were your preferences did you have any concerns that they may address. These places still exist, but there’re not the places we have a problem graciously giving a tip.
When I was younger, I traveled often with my parents. I remember one day, something my mother did as we checked out of the hotel. She put on the dresser, inside the room we stayed, a few five dollar bills. I never noticed that before. So, i asked her ‘why did you leave money on the dresser?’ She said it was for the maid. I asked has she always been doing that. She explained, yes and the doorman and the bellman and the baggage porter and the shuttle driver that brought us to the hotel. I was in shock! I asked how could we afford to pay for a room and them too? I never forgot what she told me. ‘If you can’t afford to tip the people that made your trip pleasant, you shouldn’t go on the trip.’ That’s part of the budget. I viewed service workers in a different light ever since.
Not today though! Now we have request for tips before any service is rendered! Tip jars at the counter for my payment. I didn’t get my stuff yet! Went to a fast food chain and they have an option to tip before you get your food delivered. Many times I tipped and then wondered where was my food, why the order was wrong, why are they rude, why am I tipping! One of the worst services I ever received was at a buffet style restaurant. It was around lunch time and this place only had one other guest at the time. Me and a co-worker seated ourselves. The one waitress that was there was on her phone the whole time. She even came to take our drink order with the phone in hand. It was slow, and may usually be that way. I don’t think, however, that was appropriate or at least the way you would expect to be served. To make matters worse, she brought me a coke, when I asked for a sweet tea! After not taking the dishes that had piled up, I had enough. I decided to go against something I was proud of doing. I usually tip at least 15% no matter what, 20% for good and about 50% for anything that keeps me smiling most of my experience. What did this waitress deserve to me? Nothing at all. I didn’t want the person to think I don’t like to tip. I was like, they won’t question themselves if nothing is left behind. So I deliberately left $.10 on the receipt for the meal and totaled it up to be sure they understood. No rounding up, this is what you deserve! I remember looking at them in the eye as we left and they were still on the phone. I would like to think I’ve grown from that today. I might leave them a decent tip, but write a message on the receipt. What’s the worst service you ever received? Leave me a comment, and let me know!
If you are unaware, people that usually get tips don’t get paid the minimum wage. They usually get half or even less from the employer. Sometimes they are even required to share the tip! When I worked at a pizza delivery place, you were given the minimum wage while preparing food and cleaning in the store, but when you left for a delivery, you received half the minimum wage. The tips are supposed to make up the remaining amount. Of course, the tips over the day may surpass the minimum wage for the day. I didn’t feel like it was worth it, in my situation. I was looking for extra income to compensate for my main job being unstable at the time. I instead lost two vehicles in two years and decided I had enough. The vehicles were very cheap, but I didn’t want to use my family car or repair cars anymore. If you know how to work on your car or just a student needing very flexible hours, I recommend it. If I could do it over again, I think I would try to be a bartender or server at a high end restaurant. I only have to get there and my tips go to what I need and not my car too! I think the biggest lesson from working at that job is to simply be your best, no matter what. Sometimes I was up for over 24hrs with my main job combined. The customer doesn’t care about that. They want what they ordered and a smile. At that time, you didn’t know if you were getting a tip or not. That made it easy to give the best service possible without question. Now, most places want the tip upfront, placing burden on the customer and not the driver. The customer has to wonder, if I don’t give a tip, will I get my order quickly or correct? The driver or person taking the order already got tipped! Personally I don’t like it, but It’s almost the norm now.
Just a side note. While working for tips, I can say the stereotypes are real to me. Drunks are cool, hard workers understand. Foreigners are straight forward. My people… my people… we need to do better! If you going to order something and you know a tip is expected, make that person feel like you appreciate them! Or go get it yourself! Same with well off wanna be individuals. Could use your helpful tip and financial tip! Almost everyone tips in the rain, so I love/hated when it rained.
In conclusion, I think the tipping industry has changed. I’m not sure what to make of the evolving culture around it. However, I will do my best to show appreciation to the people who serve with passion. At the end of the day, we all should have a serving mind frame. No tip necessary. Think of how much better the world would be. If everybody was treated the way they would want to be treated. Greeted with a smile, a sincere concern for the other person, a helping hand when possible and a feeling of a friend just left! Maybe I’m just old school on that. I think people were much happier when it wasn’t so transactional. What you give me will determine what I give you in return. Maybe that’s why many charities don’t deliver pizza…
Average Joe Chronicles 