Tipping gotten out of hand?

Question

In the United States and elsewhere that tipping has become ridiculous, do you think that it has gotten out of hand? I mean I can understand if it is just restricted to tipping wait staff at fine diners, but tipping everyone who just does his job? You go into NYC and every stall there is a tip jar? What is that? You have to tip for the person who opens the door, who closes the door. You have to tip the baggage guy at the train station for doing your baggage? You have to tip the cab driver for driving? What's going on? Why can't they be like the Japanese where tipping is considered RUDE as it implies that service providers must be paid extra to ensure they do their job.

Answer 1

YES!
The act of a gratuity is top reward someone for a job well done.But now 99% of the restaurants or hair salons etc..only pay minimal wage so this becomes part of their salery.
It is no more 50 cents or a dollar it is $7.00 to $25.00 for a tip
then the server has to claim it for taxes.At times the tips are between 17% to 32% of the total bill.
Tipping is out of hand.But if these places start to pay their workers more then the prices will rise to compensate.

Answer 2

What a good point you make. I think tipping is such that we feel we must do this in order to get good service, even though it is paid to them after the fact. When some of them try so hard to make your dinning experience a wonderful one, you feel obligated to give them a little "extra something." But I find it rude that there is a tipping jar in places like coffee shops and sandwiches. What extra service are they providing there? That's what tipping is for. The sad thing is that drivers expect tips (some even have signs that say tipping is welcomed). There is an obligatory expectation for tipping from the consumer. I think we've done it so often that if we don't oblige them, we feel guilty (except when the service has indeed been lousy). For some in the restaurant business, I understand tipping is often more than their hourly wages. So in that sense, I don't mind because they actually provide service; whereas that guy pouring coffee into a cup or the guy spreading mayo on a sandwich...here's my tip: good job. :)

Answer 3

It is getting out of hand. I think as a society we should get rid of tipping all together. When at work people should automatically do their best, why do I have reward something that I as a customer should get in the first place, and that is good service. I think its crap that I go somewhere and pay a lot for a hair cut and color and then the person is expecting me to shell out 15 or 20.00 more for their "great job" I don't mind tipping waiters and waitresses, because I know they don't make minimum wage, but if they do a crappy job, then that affects what I give them. Sorry, but I will not tip an airline stewardess or the person who delivers my furniture. What's next...tipping the mailman?

Answer 4

I do agree with you, tipping has gotton way out of hand. I now see tip jars for people who work in coat closets hanging up coats, people who slap ice cream on a cone, and many other places. What is next, a tip jar by a register at a mall, and for what charging them a lot for a way over priced sweater.

Answer 5

I think it has gotten out of hand a little bit. I personally only tip in restaurants.
I think the tip jars are just because most people don't like to carry around change and vendors know that it's an easy way to collect a little extra money. It's all about getting more money. That's all.

Answer 6

I'd rather see a guy paid $5.00 an hour and then I'd tip him $10.00 or $20.00 dollars. That way the employee gets to keep his money.

The other option would be to pay him a "living wage" where he would get to keep $6.00 an hour "after deductions" with the rest going to the federal, state, and local governments, the insurance companies, and the lawyers and politicians.

For many "low wage" workers, the underground economy is their salvation. Says something about our society where working is a "privilege" but paying taxes and user fees is a "right."

Answer 7

Great way to phrase the question - a nice pun.

I agree wholeheartedly. I believe folks should be paid a living wage and that it isn't the responsibility of customers to subsidize someone elses employees wages.

When I took a cruise I was appalled to be told that everyone on board was my employee and that I was required to tip them according to a pre-printed schedule. Heck, I'm self employed and no one tips me.

Answer 8

I agree completely!
This tipping nonsense has me pissed off.
I'm not cheap; in fact, one of my faults is spending money I shouldn't on people I care about.
There is only one food establishment I visit where I feel the staff deserve any kind of tip. When they see me walk in, they have my drink ready and my pre-entree salad is already on order. They no my name and ask me about my wife and kids. I have no issue with tipping them for the extra attention and effort.
I could go on forever on this subject. Suffice it to say that tipping is truly out of control in the US.

Answer 9

In some case and depending on where you go most people only get paid by the tips that they make. most service industries here in the U.S. pay next to nothing to their workers next to nothing. Besides the fact no one is making you leave a tip, that is totally your choice.

Answer 10

Consider the cost of living issues. Many people who work jobs where tips are acceptable NEED the money. I think it is a wonderful way to show your appreciation for a job well done. I know some people want to keep as much of thier money in their habds as possible but you should never feel bad to reward people for a job well done.