To tip or not to tip. That is the question.
Frozen yogurt joints have been cropping in large numbers over the past few years, a good thing for the nation’s health I guess. In some cities there are two frozen yogurt storefronts on a block, offering consumers choices in flavors and toppings.
I’ve noticed two types of frozen yogurt experiences. The first is full-service. You walk into Yolanda’s Yogurt (fictional place) and an employee takes your order and crafts a deliciously healthy concoction of cold yogurt and fresh fruits. The second type doesn’t offer this service and that is fine. Instead, you walk into Phil’s Frozen Yogurt (again, fictional), pick a cup size, and go through stations, pouring your own banana blizzard yogurt and adding gobs of blueberries. Then you get to the register where an employee weighs your creation and you pay the amount due.
At Yolanda’s, where the server kindly waits while you hem and haw between that banana blizzard and the raspberry revolution that looks so good, there is a plastic cup by the register. The cup has a hand written message: Tips Appreciated
At Phil’s, where you literally do all of the work yourself, there is a cup sitting next to the register. The cup has a hand written message: Tips Appreciated
I used to work in the restaurant business and spent over ten years waiting tables and collecting tips as a way to pay the bills. It was a great character builder and I often look back on what I learned and realize I’ve taken many of the lessons with me. Working in the industry also molded my view on tipping. Tipping is important and I’m more than willing to pay a great amount for stellar service.
But why is Phil’s asking me to tip? I picked the container size. I filled the cup with frozen yogurt. I covered the frozen yogurt in toppings. I even put on the lid. So I wonder, why would I tip? I don’t tip the cashier at the grocery store. I don’t tip most cashiers, so why tip this one? Is my tipping etiquette out of whack because I haven’t been in the biz for a while? Should I tip those that take my money but provide no service? My gut tells me I’m right here. What do you think?
52/250
Fictionaut
Reddit
I’ve always been curious about the tipping thing. It used to be 10% then went to 15% or it it 20%.
Who decides these rules? I suspect it’s now someone with a 9 to 5 job.
I think tipping a bartender for pouring you a beer at the bar is ridiculous – also agree with your
Phil’s experience. I understand many people working these jobs are underpaid. I also know some working at good restaurants are raking in 2 or 3 hundred a night.
I think the tip should be included in the price of whatever is being sold.
Ah, in most other countries, tips are built into the cost. Here in the US, it’s all about making sure your service is great. I’ve worked behind the bar too and there the key is providing that service over the course of a few hours, especially at night. You work your tail off for those tips. There should be a better way.
You could always move to Australia where the wages are higher and there is no tipping
It’s always so confusing for us international travellers visiting the US. Because tipping is not done here, we often don’t remember to do it in the US and are perceived as being rude – but we aren’t, it just doesn’t occur to us.
Australians are anything but rude. I have a lot of family in Melbourne.
Well, thank you! You can come visit any time
I would love to visit. My wife went to Bond for a semester and then spent 2 weeks with my family. She loved it.
I always tip 20% and usually round up. Since I frequent the same establishments, I have the pleasure of getting to know the folks who serve me as well. I don’t mind tipping the people that pour my coffee (I leave the change if it’s under 25 cents). They are always appreciative and very kind. I don’t have a problem sharing when I have extra money and it always comes back to me anyway. Matt, I hope all is well with you.
Priscilla, are you going to Derek’s Happy Hour next week?
I also leave 20% when I eat. When I get coffee or things like that, I tip at least $1. Sometimes, I’ll throw $5 in the cup, just to make their day a bit better.
Yeah, I don’t tip in ice cream stores or coffee shops…I think tipping has gotten way out of hand in many cases. I once had a meal with terrible service (aka: the food took an hour to come out and the waitress rolled her eyes at me)…but she slapped on an 18% gratuity. I like to tip when the service is good, and tip really well when the service is great. That’s what keeps hard workers getting the most reward.
Cheers!
Courtney Hosny