Does Anyone Else Think the Tip Jar Thing Has Gotten Out of Control?

Question

As I was paying for gas this morning at the corner convenience store, I noticed that they had a new tip jar on the counter. I think that this has gotten way out of control. Business owners encourage this, because they see it as a way to guilt the customer into supplementing their employees' salaries. It's not so bad when it involves some kind of service outside of just ringing up purchases, but it gets under my skin to be expected to tip just for the service of someone taking my money. The sandwich shop where I sometimes eat lunch is a good example. If you drop a tip in the jar, you get your sandwich cut in half, and offered a plate. Skip the tip jar once, and the next time, you get handed a wrapped sandwich, and no offer of a plate. I would like to hear both sides. I'm not close-minded.

Answer 1

I carry a tip jar on my belt wherever I go. If someone tips me though, they get a surprise half-strip dance or booty grinding dance (just depends on how I feel that day). Just my way of thanking them...

Answer 2

I know a lot of people are demanding tips that should not be demanding tips. There are service people who are wanting tips these days. They do the job that they are paid for and then drop hints about tips and then hang around after the job is done trying to guilt you into doing it.

The sandwich shop that you go to, is it a national chain? If it is, contact the corporate office and describe the behaviour. If it is not, then write a letter to the sandwich shop and explain that if this behaviour keeps up then you will start to go to a national chain of sandwich place.

There are certain groups of people who should be getting tips. Mostly wait staff who are not being paid minimum wage. That is it. If you want to tip someone because of better service then go ahead. There is nothing stopping you. However, if the people start demanding tips then they are in the wrong. Go to a different establishment where you get better service.

Answer 3

I think it is. Not only for who to tip, but for how much. I remember when I was a kid you usually just left the change from your restaurant bill. Gradually you had to add a dollar or two. Then it was 10%, then 15%, then 20%, now I'm hearing about 25%. Give me a break!! They also forget that you're not required to tip on the tax on the bill and get snooty about it. I understand that that's part of their wage so I deal with it fairly, but I get so sick of having to feel like I have to top every Tom, Dick or Harry that does their job for me. I work in a hospital and nobody has ever offered to tip me for doing a great job of drawing their blood. I'll start tipping for extra stuff when people start tipping me.

Answer 4

Yeah, I agree that the whole tip jar thing is quite annoying. Customer service out there is bad enough of as it is and then we have to feel "guilty" about not tipping? - I don't think so...

I would stop going to that sandwich shop you mentioned (unless their sandwiches are unbelievably good, then I would ignore the tip jar altogether and bring my own plate) because they shouldn't use the tip jar to guage how well they serve you - that is quite immature on their part.

It is hard in these times as we struggle financially, but these tip jars don't need to aggrevate the situation. I see a tip jar, I ignore it unless I receive exceptionally good and friendly service. It's all up to you.

Answer 5

I agree, I think people expecting you to tip for a service they are already being paid for is dumb. If they don't cut your sand which or give you a plate, simply ask them to do that next time, they can't turn you down, even if you don't give a tip, that is part of their job. If they don't do it when you ask, tell the manager. I think not getting a few quarters in a jar, isn't worth your paycheck.
If people go above and beyond, (even when it's doing their job) to accommodate you, then I see no harm in giving a tip.

Answer 6

They are constantly telling us we live in a capitalist society and we need to embrace this ideology instead of fighting it, so when our appliances cost more money but break faster and we're now required to buy service contracts in addition to the appliance, that's our system at work. When we pay a ridiculous amount for a gallon of gas, that's our f'ed up system at work. Don't be surprised when the common man starts charging you for common services that were once free. It's a giant chit sandwich and we're all going to take a bite.

Answer 7

I can honestly say that I haven't experienced that yet at a convenience store. I don't think that is proper etiquette at all, in fact I think it's very poor taste to even put one out. I'd be ashamed if I were the owner/manager to even have one on display, especially with the high gas prices. People earn tips, and I don't think ringing up gas transactions constitute that.

Answer 8

I hate tip jars. I don't mind them at a restaurant bar because the bartenders are waiting on everyone there. In general though I don't like supplementing income. It especially annoys me at the car wash. If I want to tip a person, I will, but I shouldn't have to tip the jar. Not everyone worked on my car detail.

Answer 9

If there is a tip jar, you are not expected to give one. I worked as a waitress and at a quick mart gas place. I had regular customers at the quick mart who always wanted to give me tips. I asked my boss about it and she said that because the costumers came in throughout the day, putting a tip jar up for them was okay. The idea there was, when there was enough money in the jar, the boss got carry in for everyone, after conferring with us about what we wanted, and we had lunch or a snack on the tippers. That way, everyone benefited. Tip jars are placed for those who want to tip, not forcing you to leave one. I prefer tip jars to a sign stating tips are accepted.

Answer 10

I totally agree. The other day I had someone come out to change my windshield on my car. He was paid by my insurance company and myself over $360. But, as I stood there, he kept hinting to me that he accepts tips, and he sure did a good job for me, so he should get a tip. I totally ignored him and walked away.
Yes, servers in restaurants and your hairdresser or someone who is doing a service to you like your nails, etc. should get tipped, but your carpet cleaner, or your windshield guy? Where do you draw the line? Maybe the next time I see my mailman he will want a tip too!

Answer 11

I tip if the service is good, I do not tip just for sitting at a counter and ringing a purchase. You never tip the proprietor. If I think it is innappropriate, I ignore the tip jar.