I'm having issue with tip jars at counter-service establishments.
Take Starbuck's, for example (please!). You pay almost $4 for a cup of coffee and then the barristas (ack!) have the nerve to look pointedly at the tip jar as they hand you your measley change. As if there is any money left at this point for a tip, anyway...
I don't think counter service deserves a tip, unless there is some out-of-the-ordinary service being provided. The Starbuck's people are being paid to make you a cup of coffee and hand it to you. Period. They don't bring it out to you, clear your place, bring you seconds, or offer you any SERVICE. They do a job and pass the product to you. Why does this deserve a tip?
ANSWER: it doesn't! I don't tip at McDonald's or The Chick, why should I tip at Starbuck's or Coldstone Creamery or any other hopped-up overpriced yuppie establishment?
Tips are for service. Waitstaff that take your order, bring drinks, refill, bring sundries as needed and get extra napkins for your sticky fingers. Tips are for your hairdresser, your taxi driver, or your bell hop. NOT FOR COUNTER SERVICE.
I'm a little snarky about this because I keep seeing these damn tip jars out at the places that least deserve tips. AND PEOPLE KEEP PUTTING MONEY INTO THE JARS! That's just rewarding begging, as far as I'm concerned.
What is your opinion on tipping for counter service? Am I out of line? Being a cheap-o?
3 comments:
If Starbucks et al want their employees to make a livable wage they should pay it to them, they certainly are making enough profit. We have a little drive through gyro place I frequent that has a tip cup taped to the ledge of the drive up window. It gauls me every time I drive through and no I don't put anything in the cup.
OMG...I can totally beat that!
This weekend I was in Vegas, shopping for souvenirs in Stratosphere. I went into what I call the "Vegas Crap Shop" --you know, the store that's in EVERY casino, that sells all the little trashy tchotchkies, post cards and t-shirts.
I went up to pay for my trashy post cards, and...wait for it...there was a TIP JAR on the counter!!
Are you kidding me?? Why the HELL would anybody TIP for the priviledge of purchasing some hideous post cards and a .97 cent key chain???
And there was money in the jar!!! WTF???
I have mixed feelings. I have a friend who's daughter works at a local coffee shop. She is paid as wait staff, which means her tips are supposed to make up her salary to minimum wage.
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