Do you tip at Curbside Take Away? — Page 2

"The tipping is not only a 'thank you' for service, but it is also an insurance policy for future business--if the employees know you're a good tipper, you will get better, faster service."

Sounds like blackmail to me.

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Speaking of, are we supposed to tip tailors? The other day I had some tux pants done -- just a length adjustment. It took 10 minutes and cost $3. Does that require a tip?

No. And no cupping. So I guess that means no tip?

"The tipping is not only a 'thank you' for service, but it is also an insurance policy for future business--if the employees know you're a good tipper, you will get better, faster service."

Sounds like blackmail to me.

I think blackmail's a little harsh. It's a highly imperfect system, but it's one that the customer is well-aware when he or she eats at a restaurant. To take a stand against what you consider unfair tipping practices only affects one person directly, the server. My experience has shown me that crappy tips are generally more of reflection of the customer than the service. I've given terrible service to people (not deliberately, but everyone has off-days or situations beyond the control of a lowly waitperson) and gotten fine tips, and I've bent over backwards from people, gotten the "verbal tip" ("Oh thank you so much, you're wonderful") and gotten the shaft. Generally, the worst tips I get clearly had nothing to do with the service.

What a lot of people don't know is that most server's have to tip out between 20 - 30% of their tips to bussers, bartenders, chefs, etc, most of whom are making a higher hourly wage than the server. Again, this isn't a perfect system, but it's something you're complicitly buying into when you go to a restaurant. If you don't want to tip, stay home.

In the cases of a tip jar at 7-11, I think it's a bit ridiculous, but I've been known to feel generous and drop a buck in every once in a while. What goes around comes around, I suppose.

I didn't know I was supposed to tip the hash brownies guy, though. I thought the price was all-inclusive.

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Updated On: 12/15/06 at 11:46 AM

I get tipped, but I have to see people in their underwear.....

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I live in a six-story walk-up, so they usually get $5 regardless of appearance. Although I really should charge them for the free cardio.

Yeah, good call Cal--I live in a house, so it's not much of a chore for her/him.

I worked for a restaurant corporation for 7 years. I started there as a server in college. The system does suck, but it's just the way it is. There were weeks where my check would simply say "non-negotiable" because my taxes took 100% of my $2.13 an hour. Tips had to make up 100% of my income. It's not fair, but it was the best job available that allowed me to go to class and have time to study.

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I worked at Chilis To Go for a bit. I was paid $6.00 and the servers were paid $2.15.

I worked my ass off, usually a lot more than the servers did (especially on Friday nights and cold days), and I doubt I took home than $10 bucks in tips a night.

Knowing that, when I go to To Go places, I always tip. Ivan hates it. He doesn't think I should tip them because they did nothing. I always have to correct him. They do something. They make sure our food is the way we ordered it. It's enough for me.

When I'm dining in, my tip reflects their service. If it's lousy service, no tip. If it's greaet service, I'll tip anywhere from 20% up. And great service means my glass is never empty, you're checking up on us a regular basis (but not too much) and that you make us feel welcome in this establishment.

I've also been known to leave very large tips, if I don't get served an alcoholic beverage.