If you consider the current economic climate and the fact most people are trying to better control their budgets it's easy to understand why restaurant servers' tips have declined. Still, diners, drinkers, spa junkies and patrons across the US customarily tip 15 to 20 percent for good service. And that adds up to a whole lot of dolla dolla bills.
on Yahoo! |
A provocative article that appeared in a recent issue of the New York Times Magazine broaches the question of whether America should still require tips.
The idea behind tipping is that it improves service by rewarding good waiters and punishing bad ones. But advocates for eliminating tipping say this logic is false, and they believe working for tips discourages teamwork.
on Yahoo! |
Tipping was brought to the US from Europe after the Civil War and was met with opposition — six states even passed anti-tipping laws that prevented diners from having to tip. The laws were later repealed, but the angst toward the tradition of tipping lives on in the minds of many American customers. San Diego, CA, restaurant owner Jay Porter observed that tipping was not only a point of contention for his customers, but was also causing tension between his staff members and adding to the stressful environment.
on Yahoo! |
The City of Brotherly Love is also the city with the most-tipping love. Based on Zagat's newly released Philadelphia survey, the city's residents leave a generous 19.6 percent tip on average, compared to the countrywide average of 19 percent. Diners in New York — long considered the most expensive place to live in the US — only tip equal to the countrywide average, while those in Los Angeles tip below average at 18.4 percent.
on Yahoo! |
Something I've noticed when dining out with particular friends and was a constant when I was dating, is the tendency for many people to cautiously guard the receipt when filling out the tip.
I always wondered if dates treating me to dinner were trying to cover up the total or the tip, but with friends signing their separate bills I can only conclude they're shy about that tip line. Some people are definitely more private than others when settling the bill — are you one of them?
on Yahoo! |
It would make sense that restaurant servers' tips have declined with a weak economy causing more people to forgo eating out, but they are also reporting a decrease in the amount of tips received from regular customers. Bartenders, cab drivers, and hairstylists have also noticed their income from tips falling along with the economy and admitted that some customers aren't giving any gratuity at all.
People are generally putting some distance between themselves and unnecessary services: scheduling hair appointments further apart, eating and drinking at home, and opting for public transportation over cabs are some ways they're doing this.
on Yahoo! |
There's no question that you should tip the guy or gal who delivers your dinner, but I've run into different opinions about how much should be given. Some of those dining-in have a general amount they tip in appreciation, and others vary what they give according to the total bill. How do you determine tips for delivery?
on Yahoo! |
Summertime is typically vacation time for many people wanting to get out of the office and into the sunshine. When you replace the glow of your computer screen with the natural Summer light, you may also be getting out of town and staying in a hotel. You're away from home and relying on various services to make your vacation comfortable, but do you know who to you tip for their efforts?
on Yahoo! |
Dear Sugar,
Outside of restaurants, I just never know when to tip, and I'm always left feeling awkward and embarrassed. The other day I had a facial done at a privately operated salon. When I went to pay, I didn't tip the owner, assuming that since I had tipped the employee who gave me the facial, that would be fine.
on Yahoo! |
Just because you're shelling out a small fortune for your wedding and feel like the next dollar you part with is going to make you seriously nauseous, it doesn't mean that tipping etiquette can be thrown out the window. While you're focused on the big-picture price, your vendors are each providing a unique service and you, gracious bride, must be prepared to tip when appropriate. Just as your Friday night dinner bill jumps when tax and tip are added to the total, your vendor costs will also increase when you add these two Ts into the mix.
on Yahoo! |
Enter your email below:
|
