While growing up, I was always taught that providing a tip for services rendered was never an option. Whether it was a server at a fine dining restaurant, or a person who pumped your gas at a fuel station – giving them extra payment for good service was usually necessary.
Nowadays, I am unsure of the necessity in providing a gratuity to every Tom, Dick and business that provides a service or that has a tip-cup displayed. Yes, I am fully aware of the issue of etiquette and class that are associated with providing gratuities, however, what about the principle of rewarding individuals who are actually “providing a service,” rather than giving extras to those who aren’t? Moreover, where did this concept of “tipping” originate and is it being properly executed today? So like a great investigator, I did my research and here is what I found:
- A Tip/Gratuity is defined as a voluntary extra payment made to service workers. Tipping can vary among cultures and service industries and is usually given without a demand or claim. Though by definition a tip is never legally required, and its amount is at the discretion of the patron being served, in some circumstances failing to give an adequate tip may be considered a violation of etiquette, or unethical.
- In regards to the history of tipping, unfortunately, there is conflicting information available – some have said it started in the 16th century by the Roman Empire, while others contend that wealthy families in England would provide gift(s) in exchange for good service from peasants. Whatever its origin, it is definitely a common practice throughout the world today.
- In the United States, standard percentages for tipping, begin at 10% to 15% and has seemingly risen to 20% in recent years.
- However, in some other countries and/or cultures, giving a tip is not expected and offering one would be considered rude, inappropriate or demeaning. Japan and Australia are a few countries that don’t require you to feel obligated to tip.
Unfortunately, my research only led to even more questioning about the purpose and requirement of tips/gratuities in certain instances such as:
Including gratuity to my bill – If tipping is a voluntary exchange at my discretion, then, why is it being added? Is this because of the lack of trust in a customer?
Tipping when a service charge was already included in the amount – I am not only paying for the products that were used, I am paying for your services as well. If the service wasn’t exemplary, why am I expected to give an extra tip? (i.e. Delivers, Salons/Spas, Coffee shops, etc.)
Providing the standard tipping percentage despite of poor service received – Tips are incentives for great service, if it is less than that, why am I still expected to provide you with a standard tip?
Why tip some and not others? Clearly workers like mechanics and retail store attendants are providing service, why aren’t we tipping them too?
Now, I am not cheap, inconsiderate, or unaware of the plight of the service worker, in fact I used to be on the opposite end. I have worked in the industry of serving people for many years including, restaurants and retail and I totally understand the need for monetary recognition. However, if you aren’t really providing exemplary service (and I don’t mean a circus act) then why are you deserving of the extras?
Which brings up the age old question–To Tip or Not to Tip?
Let’s talk about it!
Until next time…
(Sources: Dictionary.com, Wikipedia and travel.com)
Other Links to Tipping Etiquette
http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/spending/tip-or-not-to-tip-00000000020368/
http://hotels.about.com/od/hotelsecrets/a/tipping.htm
http://www.betidy.com/trivtip.html
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