Wendy said:
How about the pizza delivery guy? Or the hair stylist? Or the dealer when you're gambling? Or the ice cream shop where the workers have a jar out on the counter marked "tips"? Or the tour guide or tour bus driver? It sure can get complicated.
My thoughts exactly. I do have empathy for someone working for less than a decent wage, but it is really not my job as the customer to supplement the income of the employees at a business. Therefore, I'm usually a very frugal tipper unless I get service well above what I would expect as part of the normal job description. In that case, I'm probably an overtipper.
Why does one tip a bartender for popping the top and handing you a beer? Now if he/she makes the best bloody mary on the block, that might be worthy of compensation for exceptional talent.
Why does one tip the curb side check-in attendent at the airport and not the one inside the terminal? They both handled your bag, but neither is doing anything but the job description. Why tip the blackjack dealer in Vegas when you win? The machine shuffled the deck. All he did was flip the cards when you asked for one. Does anyone ever tip when they go home without their shirt? Why does one tip cabbys? What do they do that's special? The bus driver does much the same, doesn't drive like a maniac, but rarely gets a tip.
Why does one tip the barber for performing a simple hair cut? Isn't that what they are suppose to do? A hair cut doesn't make me any prettier and if they don't do it to standard, then my not returning will be the issue, not the tip. Is valet parking worthy of a tip? Aren't the attendants suppose to return your car with all the parts that came with it? Now if they decide to wash and wax it, that's cause for a big tip.
Why does a resturant automatically add a tip to the bill when it's a party of 8 or more? How much more work is it than serving four seperate dining couples at four different tables? Why is it 15%? With larger groups, the total bill is going to be more anyway, so why not 10% of it? I never have figured out why there is a % for tipping anyway. 15% of a hundred dollar tab is much better than of a ten dollar one. So, just let me wait on the deep pocket diners!
What's with tipping the cruise cabin attendant? There is already an upfront gratuidity added to your package price. It's in the job description that they make funny towel animals and put a mint on your bed. How about a guest leaving a tip for the hotel maid after dirtying every inch of the room, but wants it spotless upon your return.
Has anyone ever tipped the doctor for doing the colonoscopy in accordance with his/her job description. I don't think so. How about tipping the teacher for putting up with your bratty kid all year long? That's probably worth 25%...or more.
Save up some money by not tipping just because it's expected and then spend it buying lunch for a cop, fireman, or soldier. They do provide service above the norm on a regular basis.
If tipping isn't the norm in Australia, I'm moving there!!