Why do customers tip?

Question

I realize that this question has probably been asked before, but I was watching "Reservoir Dogs" the other day. If you've never seen it, the opening scene involves a man called Mr. Pink explaining his view on tips and the service industry.

Essentially, he doesn't believe in tipping just because society says that he should, and that as far as he's concerned they're just doing their jobs. He kind of brings up a good point of why society can isolate a group of service workers and say that it's acceptable to tip these employees, but not emphasize it with those employees; apparently he worked minimum wage at a fast-food restaurant, which wasn't a job that society deemed tip-worthy.

How did tipping get started, and why DO we tip some types of jobs but not others if they both make the same amount or essentially the same work? How can employees pay less than minimum wage based on the assumption of tips? Has tipping become mandatory? Does it make me a cheap customer to question it?

Thoughts?

I agree that the employers should increase the servers' wages to minimum levels, although that added cost would then be passed on to the customer. But isn't that how a lot of other industries set the prices for their products in a free-market? Why should some services operate any differently?

Answer 1

While I'm not certain of the origins of this practice, I can explain why some people are paid minimum wage for similar jobs while others make less than minimum and are tipped for their services. Those who receive the tips are worked at places where they are assumed to have a higher standard of service, and therefore are in more "professional" positions, while those in the fast-food industry, while performing similar tasks, are not seen in the same light of professionalism.

Personally, I prefer the current standard - paying less for my meal and tipping based on my service. For excellent service, I'm certain I have from time to time paid much more for my meal than I would have if the payment for these employees was included in the tab. Additionally, I feel that these waiters and waitresses probably do an excellent job and are able to earn more income through a tipping situation than their employer would be willing to pay them in wages. On the other hand, if you view it as such, it's almost like receiving a discount from the restaurant when service is poor, if you leave tips accordingly to the service you received.

Also, I do believe it serves as an incentive for employees to provide better service, when they know that the majority of their income will be from tips (and from pleasing their customers). If they were working for a standard wage regardless of their service, I would expect that service would go down.

Answer 2

I work as a server, and this is something that we discussed one day, as a co-worker of mine was discussing Oprah who does not believe in tipping either, and feels that it should be included.

Each state is different, but servers do not make that much hourly, in New York I get 4.65 an hour. There is the thought by those, well increase their pay, and then tipping will not need to occur. However, by increasing our pay, and so forth will increase the prices of everything else in the restaurant, making food, drinks more expensive.

I know serving people is our job, however, if someone does not give good service, you can tip accordingly. If this was built in, you as the customer would have no control over that. Also as a server, we work HARD for our tips, and if that wasn't something we were getting, and didn't improve with the service we gave, who's to say that people would continue to get good service often?

Answer 3

While i do not know the origins of tipping. I can offer this piece of information for thought.

We tip on the quality of service provided us by people who make LESS than minimum wage (usually).

Some people dont tip because they say that employers should pay better wages, BUT if they did that then you would pay higher prices for everything. Tipping should keep the workers on their toes to provide excellent service and you should be able to tip accordingly. So its either YOU choose what you tip OR you just pay higher prices?

I like having a choice myself.

Answer 4

I commonly tip between 15 to twenty% as an conventional or greater if the the food and repair are very acceptable. I commonly take the tax fee or perhaps it to the subsequent greater greenback value. If i'm getting quite losey provider I be useful to leave some cents. This tells the server which you probably did no longer forget the top.. they only weren't properly worth it.

Answer 5

I will tip only people who do not receive minimum wage (such as waiter/waitress). Otherwise, it is an insult to see a tip cup at the Dunkin Donuts counter.

Answer 6

as a former server making minimum wage. the job isnt as easy as it looks. when you leave a tip most places require you to tip the kitchen, busser, hostess and the bartender. i agree with your thought about why we tip our servers but we dont tip the gas station attendant that pumps your gas for you or the grocery baggers who pack all your stuff up for you these people make minimum wage and manage to survive on their pay.

Answer 7

I think we all probably tip because it is what is expected, but the older I get, I tip because I want to let people know they did a good job and were appreciated. If they didn't do anything great, we tip 15%, if you were above average.........you get a great tip from us. I agree that those who do some of the hardest jobs don't get paid enough, or tipped enough. Doesn't seem fair, does it!?!!?

Answer 8

It's a friendly way of saying good job for the service. Keep up the good work.

Answer 9

It has been know to date back to the Romans. But the most charming explanation refers us back to the days of Dr. Johnson and his eighteenth century circle of wits. Upon entering his local coffeeshop, Dr. Johnson would drop a few pence in a box labeled "To Insure Promptness" ("T.I.P."--get it?) in order to encourage a greater display of vigor on the part of the generally listless attendants.

Answer 10

to insure promptness.

basically, its rewrding good service