Tipping for Coffee?

Question

Although I don't like to do it, I will occasionally stop somewhere to get a coffee. A Coffee dispenser is on the counter, cups and sugar as well. I make my own coffee. I go to pay and their is a large tip jar on the counter. My philosophy is that if the person behind the counter has to DO something for me, I will tip. I won't tip for a drip coffee and a danish in a bag. If I had plans to sit at a table I would tip. A friend of mine says I am cheap. I say she is wrong. Who is right?

Answer 1

I'm on your side with that one. That makes as much sense as tipping after I pay for a t-shirt at a clothing store. I will not tip someone for using a cash register. If they pour the coffee, I almost always tip. If I do all the work, I don't tip - especially if I'm taking it to go. If I do all the work but plan on sitting down, I might tip a little because they eventually need to wipe down the table. You are not being cheap, your friend sounds like one of those people who have gotten sucked into tipping whenever she sees a tip jar no matter how inappropriate it is.

(I don't have a lot of money so I really can't tip everyone I come in contact with everyday even if I'd like to)

Answer 2

I usually tip for a coffee, I haven' used a credit card to buy a coffee so maybe I wouldn't then. I think they understand if you don't tip not too many people do. the history of tipping is to ensure proper service, tipping use to be done at the beginning of a meal, I am not sure if the greeks invented it or not, I do know that I don't like it when restaurants pay their people less because they count on that person getting tips. It kind of like we are employers too but we don't get any of the profit margin that the restaurant makes.

Answer 3

I tip very generous all the time,and if someone goes out of their way yes I would say absolutely but if you make your own coffee and get your own stuff and there has been no one to make your experience in their store a nice one..I say no.. Now we live in a rural place.The people here make very little money .We stop at a mom and pops restaurant in the drive through and their service is always superb and their food is awesome.The wait is very little and every customer is treated with kindness and a smile and courtesy .I tip because I feel they are worth it and they give smile,good service and great food always ..why not..

Answer 4

Im with you buddy.
I have seen these tip jars everywhere and it drives me nuts.
I saw one at Long John Silvers the other day.
Im sorry but you are getting a hourly wage to do a job. You are getting at least minimum wage and if you dont think thats gonna cut it go to your boss and tell him or go to your state representitive and petition to raise the minimum wage.
Giving someone a coffee cup, a danish and taking cash/making change is not that difficult.
Heck you are better than me I wouldnt tip even if I sat down and drank my coffee there.
To me its getting crazy and everyone seems to want a handout.
The waitress who busts her butt to get my food out and has to listen to me gripe that I want more butter on my tater...yeah I will tip them.

Answer 5

if it's drip coffee and you poured it yourself in the cup and just paid for it then I don't think you should leave a tip.
I leave tips when I am seated and drinks are brought out and then a meal. If the waitress was attentive in keeping my drink filled and made sure I had the right dressing for my salad then I would tip her really good.

Answer 6

Tipping began as form for saying "Thank You for Your Service to me" whether it be take out or not. The Bible says that you should give from your heart and with a smile. Besides these, money is nothing more than a tool, that becomes worthless unless spent. Therefore, wouldn't it be more kind to bring a smile to someones day, then again, you never know when that certain kind gesture is returned to you, just when you need it most. No offense meant, but your being cheap.

Answer 7

I usually tip when I'm in a restaurant at a table and receive
good service from the waiter or waitress.

Answer 8

If your doing the serving and paying for the actual coffee no tip is needed.

Answer 9

I agre anymore then tipping a person at a self service station when you have to get out and pump the gas and run in and pay.

Answer 10

I know how you feel. But think of it like this...if you just leave your change, even if it's a quarter, it all adds up at the end of the day and could really help that counter girl (who's most likely making min. wage). Ya never know what's going on in her life. Besides, she makes the coffee and cleans up after sloppy people all day.