Just Jill is the creation of Jill Cohen Morris. Jill is an avid rambler and mother of two from Toronto, Canada with a remarkable zest for life and a fabulous sense of humor.
Dear Just Jill,
How does everyone feel about tipping? Is it just me, or is the world turning into one big tip jar?
Everywhere I go, from coffee shops to grocery stores, I’m bombarded with requests to tip.
Honestly, I am all for tipping, but I can’t even buy a pack of gum without feeling like I need to tip the cashier for handing me my receipt.
When I’m passed the payment machine and given the option to tip, I feel like the cashier’s eyes are glued to what I am going to do. I feel bullied into tipping.
What happened to the days when a tip was a reward for good service and not just a part of the transaction?
I need advice from my Sole Sisters. What are your thoughts on tipping? I want to do the right thing, but I also don’t want to be taken advantage of.
When do you tip, and how much do you feel is appropriate?
What’s a gal to do?
Sincerely,
Tapped Out On Tipping Tabitha
Sole Sister Advice & Comments
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I very rarely tip at counters. I tip waiter service based on service. If I get great service up to 20%. If I get bad service, I'll tip as low as 10%. I tip at spas if I'm happy with my service, usually 15-18% range. Also, I do tip delivery services; I don't get food delivered often, the occasional pizza, and once in a while other meals, and tip the minimum on those. At least, that's my practice here in Canada; I may tip differently or for more services when traveling.
- I tip only for actual services, such as hair care, manicures, and food brought to me. Nothing else.
- I will not tip if I am standing when I get my food. It’s gone crazy!
- I live in Europe, where tipping is not a big deal. We tip in restaurants and hairdressers, but it would be unheard of to tip in a store or even when picking up takeout. I cannot fathom why anyone would need to tip in a grocery store.
- I give gifts at Christmas to service people who have been really helpful during the year. It is never expected, so it is really appreciated.
- I was reloading my coffee app with $$ this morning, and it asked if I wanted to add a tip - bizarre
- I carry some coins with me now and might give a small tip, but I'm sick of a machine asking for a tip for buying a loaf of bread at a bakery.
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I was advised by a wise friend who said, "Tip whatever you feel comfortable with. Sometimes, that means the 'no tip' option on the machine, which is totally ok. Some others have more money to give away than I do, and I have become comfortable with that. The judgment some of us feel is from ourselves. Try to grow comfortable with the "no" option when you feel that is what is appropriate. For me, it's getting easier, but it does take practice. I remind myself that my ego is not tied to that little machine or strangers' unwarranted judgment of me. I think that being a kind, friendly, smiling customer is as valuable as tipping cash.
- I tip when I feel I have been served (food brought to me, extra effort involved, excellent positive experience). I try to tip in cash, which is much better for the recipient. The tip function calculates tip percentages, including tax. This is a sneaky way to pump up costs to the buyer.
- My general rule is that if I order/purchase standing up, no tip, sitting down, tip generously:)
- No tipping in Japan, works for me!
- As a waitress/server for over 15 years, I know my service was top-notch, but unfortunately, not everyone wants to tip. Sometimes, mistakes are made, and no tip is given. I tip depending on the quality of service. I typically only tip if I’m out at a restaurant, but that doesn’t happen too often anymore. Can’t afford the prices. It’s not mandatory. It’s a “gratuity.”
- I totally agree that it has gone too far. I tip my hairdresser and servers at restaurants, estheticians, and coffee shops. I hate it when the machine already gives 18% as the lowest amount to tip. I think 10% would suffice for just coffee.
- While I appreciate that wages do not match the cost of living, I definitely don’t like being made to feel as if it’s up to me to compensate or being directed as to how much. It’s even more excruciating when the staff are hovering over your shoulder as you’re using the pin pad. I appreciate that times are tough, but expecting the consumer to make up the difference is inevitably going to thin out the consumer pack.
- I tip with cash only! That way, I have the ultimate say in how much and who receives it. Remember, the programs written for these kiosks are the problem. One size does not fit all.
- My hairdresser (whom I have been seeing for 12 years) owns the salon. He always bypasses the tip option on the credit card machine, and I’ve never left him a tip. I was never sure before what the etiquette was, but he made it crystal clear to me, which is lovely!
- After reading through the replies here, I think we have tip anxiety. I know I do. I've finally got the courage to resist the tip at the counter for most places, like fast food and liquor stores. Sitting down in a restaurant or the hair salon, it's 18%. That's all I can afford.
- This has become such a pet peeve with me. Tipping has gone berserk!! When ordering seeds online, I was asked for a tip!! I buy a pack of gum at the gas station, and I am asked for a tip! I am so over it. You can argue for a living wage; if so, how about tipping the support services at the hospital? Dietary brings you a meal - tip them. Housekeeping cleans your room - tip them. Maintenance repairs the oxygen valve - tip them. They are tough jobs and most deserving of a tip. I rarely tip on the machine anymore. I give cash. I keep a bunch of 5-dollar bills in my wallet, and that is your tip - 5 dollars for reasonable service. More for exceptional.
- Now that the little computer thing asks and computes the tip for you, you must realize that it is computing the tip for the bill INCLUDING THE TAX. I'll tip the service but not the tax. So I hit "custom" and figure out the percentage myself. People are in such a hurry these days, and they know most people aren't going to do that.
- Tipping allows the employer to underpay their staff. In Europe, employees are paid a living wage, so tipping is neither expected nor required.
- I "guilt" tipped for a long time (you know, when they're standing right in front of you at the counter), but I'm over it now. I tip for excellent table/salon/spa service, and that's it. A tip should NEVER be expected and should ALWAYS be earned!
READ MORE > Just Jill, Rambler Cafe Blog
SSR doesn't endorse the advice, or content shared in this column. Our goal is to access the wisdom of our incredible Sole Sisters.
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