How come we don't tip supermarket cashiers if we tip barbers and waiters?

Answer 1

Well, this is something that I used to wonder about when I worked as a supermarket cashier 30 years ago. ;-))

(And no, not all cashiers are union members. There is, after all, Wal-Mart, and in many "right to work" states, cashiers in grocery stores aren't unionized.)

Given the amount of time that it would add to standing in line at the grocery store, it's probably just as well that cashiers don't get tipped.

If you want to do something nice for a cashier at a grocery store (or a bagger, or a stock clerk, for that matter), go to the manager and tell the manager how much you appreciate the checker (or other person).

If you REALLY, REALLY want to be nice, write a letter to the national headquarters of the store, with a copy to the store manager. This will get the cashier a nice "attaboy" or "attagirl" and possibly some more tangible reward.

(Personally, the nicest thing any customer ever did for me was forgive me for saying some curse words after I accidentally slammed my finger in the cash drawer of the register. I was standing there with tears starting from my eyes, and blood dripping from under the nail, trying not to say any bad words in front of the lady customer. She told me it was okay, "You can say those words," and she also went to the manager and told him I needed a bandage.)

Answer 2

Most cashiers make decent money. Many belong to unions. Barbers and waiters earn a basic wage. Barbers and beauticians often earn $ from each client. Waiters and waitresses earn less than minimum wage and must rely on tips to supplement their income.

You could probably tip a supermarket cashier- I don't know if he/she is allowed to take the tip. However, you can tell them how much you appreciate their hard work and efficiency.

Answer 3

I never thought of that before. Probably because cashiers make more money than a barber or waiter. Most waiters make less than minimum wage (I am not sure of the legal name, but I think it is sub-minimum wage) and rely almost totally on tips as their income (especially since tips are taxable income, so a waiter's sallary is basically blown totally on taxes). I believe it is the same way with barbers.

Answer 4

Cashiers don't perform the same type of one-on-one service that a barber or waiter does.

Answer 5

Because supermarket cashiers have a good union, and they already make very good money. Probably 3-4 times what a barber or waiter makes per hour. :)

Answer 6

When I was a "cart girl" at my supermarket, I would often help customers load their groceries into their vehicles. There was a sign that said said "no tipping please." But guess what...I got a tip every now and then. Especially from the men (I was 19 at the time)! Usually just a dollar or two. ;)

Answer 7

Because supermarket cashier don't make $2.30 and hour just to cover thier tips in taxes.

Answer 8

My dear, think about it, cashiers handle money all the time (the business money), if anybody attempt to give them money in regard of their services, it is going to be chaos, everybody may think (and they will think), that she's stealing the money from the cash register. got it?

Answer 9

i know what you mean,
my mate is a bus driver and is ALWAYS winging that, taxi drivers always gets tip, but no one ever tips the bus driver............
trying to explain to him that its not the same one on one service just doesnt work!

Answer 10

Amen.