The Many Faces of a Tipper
76Which one are you?
Multiple Personality
Working in the service industry means a portion of your income comes to you by the generous people you serve. These are your clients, customers and, for lack of a better term, the "Tipper".
Working in the service industry, you will learn quickly there are many different faces of The Tipper. Some of these are generous in nature, some of these are undereducated, some of them are cranky, and some of them are strict to the rules. After a short amount of time in this industry, you can easily pick these people out, based off the tip received.
The multiple personalities of The Tipper is something both sides of the service industry need to understand: from the person giving out the service all the way to the customer receiving the service. In the long run, hopefully it will help both sides become a little more educated so the end result is just a great experience.
I have been a part of the service industry since I was 15 years old. I started off bussing tables for the waitresses. Eventually I moved up to waitressing and even bartending. Later on in life, I went to cosmetology school. While the career is completely different, the idea is still the same. Both should excel in customer service, and both usually receive a tip for compensation. However, sometimes that doesn’t happen. Either the service is mediocre or the tip is missing.
From a person that has experienced both sides, here is the many faces of "The Tipper."
The Overly Generous
I once had a client who always tipped 100 percent. His haircuts were $10 (for a cut, wash, hot towel, and shoulder massage) and he never failed to tip at minimum $10. From the second time I cut his hair, I knew who he was. He had stuck in my memory because I was in such awe that I would get such a great tip. We got along well, but one thing was sure, I was guaranteed the $10 tip. Therefore, when he came in, I was on my best behavior. I pulled out all the stops. I made sure he got exceptional service. Then one day he told me his secret. He tipped everybody and he tipped them well!
This man had been successful in his life and money was something he was no longer controlled by. He had plenty of it to spare and felt the need to share. He also wanted to be treated like a king. What he learned was when you tip someone (especially a person not expecting it) and you tip them well, they remember you. The next time they see "The Generous Tipper," their service will go above and beyond what it might have been previously. And there will definitely be a smile on their face to greet them. I can’t say his philosophy about tipping is wrong.
These generous tippers are out there. Some of them do it from the kindness of their heart and to show appreciation for a job well done. Others do it purely to get a reaction. It makes them feel good. Why wouldn’t it. When a person in the service industry has been having a bad day… maybe they got some rude clients, maybe their tips haven’t been too good, or maybe they have a lot of problems in their personal life… this small gesture can completely turn things around.
The most generous tip I ever received was $410. Now you probably think I am lying. Or, you are probably wondering what I did to get such a huge tip. Other than consistently giving outstanding customer service, I did nothing extra. This client just wanted to see my reaction.
During the service, I was discussing some future plans I had been thinking of. I had been discussing these plans for his last four haircuts, but I had never gone through with them, because I didn’t want to spend the extra money. I had been going through some personal finance problems, and even spending a little extra of my hard earned cash was hard for me to do. I knew the money could be used elsewhere and not on a foolish spending spree.
As the service ended, I checked my client out, he gave me his normal $10 tip and was on his way. I bid him a good day and told him, with a wink, to not procrastinate so long for his next hair cut. I went into the back room to sit down and eat my lunch. In the middle of my lunch, one of my coworkers came back and said my client was back and wanted to talk to me. I was wondering what was wrong. I was horrified that I had messed something up.
I walked out and greeted my client. He handed me an envelope. I gave him a look of confusion. I looked into the envelope. Inside were four crisp 100 dollar bills. My mouth dropped open. I was speechless. (And anyone who knows me, knows that is something that doesn’t happen very often!) He walked out with a big smile on his face and my mouth still hanging open. He got the reaction he was looking for.
The next time he came in, I asked him why he gave me such a large tip. He told me he can get a haircut from anybody. After all, he wasn’t that picky and he really didn’t care what was done to his hair as long as it was shorter. But, he found me mildly entertaining and enjoyed my company. He knew I was struggling. He also knew he had the ability to help out a little. So, to make my day, and to make life a little easier, he gave me what will forever be a lasting memory.
The Uneducated Tipper
So often in the service industry, people get frustrated because they run into the occasional person who does not tip. When a person relies on this as part of their income, this can be frustrating, especially if it has happened several times in one day. (And believe me, when the tips are bad, it always happens at the same time!)
Some may think the person is just rude, and while that may be the case some of the times, the other option is the person is uneducated on tipping etiquette. Upon talking to one of my clients, who never tipped, I realized that it stemmed from being uneducated about the topic. He knew it was necessary to tip in a restaurant, but never realized you were supposed to tip your hairstylist. He just happened to catch it because another client was checking out right before him. That day he gave me a tip; the next time he came in, he actually asked me about tipping. He had informed me he was never taught to tip your barber and then wondered what was a decent tip.
Now, tipping etiquette will usually tell you the standard is 15-20% of the bill. Now if the bill is only $10, that only gives the person an extra $1.50 to $2.00. Now that is standard, and I won’t snuff at something especially since it is better than nothing. For me, I believe you should tip better if the service is exceptional. While I couldn’t come straight out and tell this client what he should tip, I did however tell him what the average tip was for the location, and what the range was. In the business I worked in, it could range from nothing all the way up to $10 (or $400, if you remember the above story!) On average, the tip was usually between $3 and $5, but there is always exceptions to the rule.
Now this is not saying the next time you go to see your hairstylist you should use the tipping guide above. Remember, the service I gave only cost $10. The owners wanted to not only make it affordable to the client, but they also wanted the price to be low enough for the client to be more generous to the stylist. The concept worked, most of the time.
However, there are other industries that many of us are not aware that tipping is expected. These service industries might be ones people don’t deal with on a day to day basis, such as parking attendants, housekeepers, musicians in a lounge, movers, a towing service, car detailer, delivery persons… the list can go on and on, but I am sure you get the point. There are several industries out there that rely heavily on tips as part of their income. To make sure you are tipping appropriately, check out proper tipping etiquette guidelines.
Bad Tipper
- How to Not Piss Off Your Barber!
If you want to guarantee a good haircut, these are some tips to keep from irritating your barber. - Tips to ensure great service
If you are one of those people who think you always get bad service, check this out.
The Non-Tipper
Now obviously, you have the ones who are just not aware of tipping in the service industry and then you have those who don’t tip at all. Why - because they don't think they should have to. There are a couple versions of these non-tippers.
The first version is the older generation. Now I am not saying everybody in the older generation doesn’t tip, but you will run into a few that don’t. It isn’t because they don’t have the money or they are living on a strict budget, it isn’t because they are unhappy with the service, it is mostly because they have never tipped before and don’t find it necessary.
When you never had to tip before, changing your habits can be difficult. This is just the way they grew up and the way they know things to work. You can try to tell them, but it will fall on deaf ears. This one is just better to smile and get over it. It really doesn’t matter what you say, it probably won’t change. So, consider your tip the funny stories they tell of days past. They are fun to listen to, and while it does effect your bottom line horribly, it isn’t the end of the world. Most likely, they aren’t going to change. (However, don't use this as an excuse to not tip!)
The other non-tipper is the cranky non-tipper. These are the people that live to complain. Everything you do will be wrong. Nothing every goes good for them. And they will make the entire experience completely painful. They like the negative and don’t ever seem to find joy in a good experience. They thrive off this negativity and more negativity will stem from it.
When I was fairly new to cutting hair, I had a client come in for a haircut. He had a very important business deal and wanted to get cleaned up for “The Million Dollar Event!” Before this particular haircut, he had his head shaved in support of cancer patients. I gave him props for that, but the problem was, he didn’t believe short hair looked as professional. With his instructions, I cut the sides to a number 1 clipper, blended it up and trimmed the top. He wanted to get away from the buzz cut so he wanted to have the scissors used on top. Let me tell you a little secret: his hair hadn’t grown out enough for me to get my fat fingers in enough to cut it. So, I faked it.
Yes, you heard it. I faked it. I didn’t snip a single hair off the top of his head. Upon completion of the service, I asked him how it looked. He yelled at me, demanded the manager and told her how I cut the top too short and it was choppy. She “cleaned” it up and finally he was satisfied, or at least somewhat appeased to finally be on his way.
Throughout the entire haircut, he gave me the numerous amounts of reasons why men hated getting their hair cut. (Which surprised me because most of the clients that came in usually stated how much they loved getting their hair cut!) He complained about everything, including how sunny it was. He was just your typical cranky person you couldn’t please.
After the haircut was finished, and he had grabbed my blow dryer from me to style his own hair, he excused himself to the bathroom before paying to change into his suit for his big meeting. I waited for him at the cash register for 20 minutes. When he finally came out, he seemed alarmed that I would charge him for this service, since I had cut his hair too short. He did not tip.
After he left, I was in tears. After an hour and a half of my time spent on that guy, I wasn’t sure I could handle the hair business. The manager talked to me and let me in on a little secret as well. “Your haircut was perfect! I fake cut the top as well just to please him!” she said.
Moral of the story. Some people are always having a rotten day. They spread it so you have a rotten day too. When you run into these people, just smile. It only makes them hate life more.
The By-The-Rules Tipper
When it comes to tipping, some people always stick to the rules. If the standard is to tip $1, that is what they will tip. If they go to a hairstylist or a restaurant, they will tip 15-20 percent. That is the tipping etiquette and they will not stray from the rules, whether it has been good or bad service. They don’t care. The rules are the rules and they don’t stray.
This is probably a core part of their personality. The are a rule follower and breaking the rules make them feel like they have done something wrong. If they are aware that they should be leaving a tip, they will leave a tip, according to the standard.
Now I am not saying these people won’t voice their opinions. Some of the By The Rules Tippers are the greatest clients. They are one of the first ones that will seek management to praise a job well done. These are also the ones who will be the first to tell someone of a bad job. They will leave the proper amount of tip, but they will also leave a comment as well, whether it is in person or via the companies website. They will either recognize you or throw you down. Either way, they follow the rules doing it.
What's your answer?
What kind of tipper are you?
See results without votingFinal Thoughts
As you can see, there are many faces of The Tipper. As I said before, it is like having multiple personalities. If you are in the service industry, you may have recognized these different types of tippers. You have grown to love some and others you have learned to deal with.
However, as a person involved in the service industry for most of my life, I will say one thing. Tipping is a big part of the industry. Being part of the service industry can be a great job with many benefits. Yet, it is never ok to lower your standards of customer service based off of the tip (or the tip that you think you will or won’t get!)
As an employee of the service industry, it is up to you to set a standard and set it high. When these people come in for services, they expect you are going to be doing a job. The tip is an added surprise and should never be expected, because you just don’t know what kind of tipper is going to be your customer. With that being said, it still is your job to deliver the services required of you, and if you can’t do it with a smile on your face (even when the tip is lacking) then maybe it is time to get into a different industry.
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I'm glad you wrote this actually, I always wondered what a standard tip for getting a hair cut would be. I have never heard anyone state that figure as quickly as someone can tell you restaurant tip is standard 15%. Dave and I are very generous tippers IF the server is nice. We do not care if the food is good (the server probably didn't cook it) or any nit picky things. If the server smiles and makes us feel comfortable - they deserve a great tip. Dave started out as a bus boy at Schnucks Station restaurant when he was 16 and ended up managing it - I waited tables for lots of years as a part time gig. We have been there....
Dave will give money to anyone! But what the hey - we have great Karma:)!
Hmmm... this is a problematical issue.
I have mixed feelings, myself. As we are on a fixed income, of the 'senior citizen' generation, we rarely get to go out to eat at all. But being told "if you can't afford a tip, then don't eat out," doesn't set well. Every now and then, you need to splurge a little bit to maintain your sanity. That's not to say we do not tip, but we surely "stick to the rules," unless the service has been beyond exemplary.
The custom of tipping actually began well before my time, and started out as an acronymn meaning, "To Insure Promptness." It was given PRIOR to service, (much like the well-moneyed set will slip the Maitre d' a bill to get seated at a preferred table, for example), and the server, knowing they'd already gotten what amounted to a bribe, made very sure to take excellent care of that table...sometimes to the detriment of other guests.
I'm not sure when the tradition was reversed to being given after the service, or when and why a given percentage was put in place.
That said, I have in my day encountered servers who simply did not deserve a tip for their attitude, as if it was too much trouble to do what they were paid to do, were grumpy, slapped plates on the table, and in general, behaved as if you were interrupting something far more important.
It has not happened often, but when it does, I make sure their tip reflects my opinion of their treatment of the customers...(and we strive to be pleasant and not the complaining types).
When I witness a server acting this way, I pay attention to how other of her (or his) tables are being served, and if their behavior is consistent, I leave a tip, alright...2 pennies! That way, they don't think I forgot, or "just don't tip" on principle... that 2-cent tip sends a very clear message that they were not doing their job!
Now, the REAL solution to the problem is to abolish the pracitce, and pay a living wage to folks in the service industries so they would not have to rely upon what amounts to 'donations' from the customers to make ends meet.
The prices would go up,you say? Sure they would. But, in the final analysis, the end price is already higher than the printed price by the amount of the tips, so it would all "come out in the wash," as the saying goes. And if, in spite of all that, people still wanted to leave a 'tip,' more power to them.
(I've actually encountered a few places where we offered a tip, and had the employee tell us they were not allowed to accept tips! So, perhaps my final scenario may take hold one day. )
Great educational hub, all the same, and voted up and useful!
I tip by how I'm treated!
Hi Barbergirl,
This was really a great topic and wonderful hub. I believe in Tipping generously if one is able. I have worked in my younger years as a waitress. My parents are the most gernerous people but when it comes to tipping they are rather stingy..so when I am with them I throw in extra when they are not looking..I dont know what they think..one day I should ask. I would love to just open up my wallet one day and give a young waitress that is working her tail off a big tip..I don't think there could be any more joy than to see the look on her face. Thank you for writing about this..
Sunnie
Yeah I'm following the comments and this is great! I didn't know that either DZYMSLIZZY! Interesting! But you know as a server - I did know some people were splurging and in that case I was happy to offer good service and didn't want their money - I would have felt bad knowing they needed it as much as I did. I agree though - tipping should not be offered to replace a salary! I waited tables for $2.01 per hour at my first waitressing job!
If I do have a server with an attitude - I do not feel bad giving a less generous tip or none depending. If I think it might be a case of someone who is just having a bad day - I might even overlook that:) I've had those too!
i could imagine you being a great waitress because you like to laugh;) i had lots of fun with it and the tips were a bonus.
And with your personality you'd make great tips. Plus it's not like you haven't been in constant training for the last several years! I am the waitress in my house - but the tips are great!
BBG...Mom and I are on a fixed income but I usually, if the service is good tip 20% but if the service is bad then my tip will be bad too. I also tip the gal that cuts our hair too.
OMG-- "dropping in a cup of water." Waaaayyyyyy back when, I had just gotten out of high school and group of us "young adults" were out having a late-night snack. We got a mean, nasty-spirited groucy OLD waitress, who probably should have retired 20 years back...
She treated the other tables and customers much better; us she did her best to ignore. Our food was delayed, orders wrong...just try to catch her eye for another cup of coffee... she evidently did NOT LIKE young people.
We were not being loud or rambunctions or throwing things around.
But, that was before the smoking ban, and some of the group smoked. We were so disgusted with her attitude that we not only left her a literal 2-cent tip, IN water.. but in water IN the used ashtray!!
Hopefully, she thought twice before giving short shrift to young people again!
(On the other hand, in retrospect, it probably only served to cement her opinion!) Still and all, that's what she deserved for painting all young folks with the same brush!
After reading your 'cup of water' story, I had to share this from my past.. probably the naughtiest thing I've ever done in my life! ;-)
I remember my first waitress job was a bar across the street.. no driving, all old people=good tips to young girls, but not perv old dudes, cos they were after women their own age, plus tom the guy who ran the place would slam them LOL ... my fav's were these two little elderly ladies who wanted their wine perfect.. and with a straw (those tiny red ones) they told me just needed the straws to keep track of their drinks LOL they'd put them in a circle!! like links? .. and say no matter what they say NO MORE. I'm like OOOOOK. So I kept their table clear (except their straws, which i put on a napkin with one over it so others didn't see our lil' secret, so they tipped for that,)lol, but the one bad/good trick.. wasn't a real trick. A group of guys come in, order a round for like 10 guys, DON'T DRINK THEM, find chicks then OUT the door.. paid and tipped, then Tom would tell me "here we put the untouched back in the ice" "HUH?" Ahhh.. Next person who ordered that beer I got to keep the money! LOL.. Then there was the nice old dudes that would order like a jack n' coke, and at the time was $1.25 then give me a $20. and say "tip for you honey" I was like woah, so they had a perfect table cleaned after every sip! lol and clean napkin! It was a good job and got paid cash too! And tom owned the juke box so all us waitress' (all 3 of us) got to split that every night! I was NEVER broke! and Tom always watched me walk across the street to make sure I got home ok! I think it's a car parts store now, but that was the coolest job waitress I had.. but that's how I learned HOW AND WHO to treat good, so I know how to go on how I tip girls now! My one friend who takes me out to dinner now n' again if the waitress sucks lol but the food is super good, I walk to the kitchen door and say "who cooked the xwhateverx and whoever said 'yeah me" I flip HIM the money! I've done that a LOT. I mean I see they write down extra sauce or something and I SEE THEM WRITE IT, and it don't come back with it, then I know it's not the cooks fault! Cos like at Applebees it's not from behind the counter! It's the waitress job! And if I ask for extra napkins and don't get them, uh, yeah.. like so not tipping if I had to wait for it! or I've even gotten up and got my own then hear "i'm so sorry" I just go "no prob' and think "no problem keeping yoru tip either" LOL so like I said by how I get treated cos I learned the hard way, by having that job!!
marellen: My mom was a hair dresser, and before money was "the tip" at Christmas, me and my sister would have our noses on the windows waiting for her to come home, because we'd get to run out with door (in the snow) with just boots and sweater to help her carry in ARM FULLS of presents they got her! Mom would divide them for us to open then she'd say certain ones she got to open cos it'd be rich ladies who would get her something really nice! Wow it was like Christmas for us too because if it was some cute knick knack mom would let us keep one or two each for our rooms. As she got older it was always cash and the presents ended.. but we were grown so it worked out. Mom always got good tips.. but she retired being a beautician. People would still want to come get their hair done at our house, she died in 02 and I still have all her retirement party cards, I cried so hard loking through them "Dear Doris, we wish you would never leave" it was wonderful she had so many dear friends over the years. AT her funeral, one lady came up to me.. it was sudden so we were like walking zombies, but the lady said.. "Your mom said, if nobody took care of her, she knew you would" and it was like such a blessing. My mom KNEW I'd take care ofher and I did for 3 months she was in a coma and I did everythign from keeping her mouth wet (lots of people don't think to do that, the get thristy but can't swallow) and I'd rub her teeth gently, and file her nails and talk to her, and read her bible to her and even when people sent cards, I'd sit and explain what they looked like and who sent it and I was taping it on the wall, and neither of my bitch sisters did a thing but play those word search games, I was like WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU, this is OUR MOTHER. So I learned a valuable lesson... have no regrets. I can proudly say, I had great parents and I have no regrets! Dad didn't like going out to eat, he liked a good home cooked meal and I home cooked until he'd long forgotten how to swallow, so I fed him from and eye dropper Bitter sweet hard times can last a life time cos they taught me who and whow to tip! Dad said Mom's tip for good meals was a new car every 5 years! lol! And I would get the hand me down so I didn't complain!!! He retired GMC so he got that discount.
I guess there's really all kinds of tips, like "here's a tip, GET A DIFFERENT JOB IF YA CAN'T HANDLE A DRIVE THRU" lol!!! Yeah I've said that after I knew they didn't spit in my food LOL!!!
soryr bout the book bbg LOL
Great hub! Brought back lots of memories for me. Once when I was working as a waitress/bartender in a small mining town in Northern Ontario there were these smart a s s regulars that would come in daily for noon time beer. They were all unemployed and I never expected much of a tip from them but this one day one of them says to me "Want a tip, don't smoke in the shower" HaHaHa I replied and walked away. Later that night about 4 hunters from the states came in (it was moose hunting season). They had a few rounds of beer and shots and when they left I got a crisp 50 dollar bill. Made the don't smoke in the shower tip worth it.
Enjoyed reading your article and all the comments too :)
Oh even the comments are great here BBG! Thanks to Susan's patron we all now know not to smoke in the shower! Lol! I've never heard that tip. I'm not sure I would have liked it in place of money either:(
I was working at a Kettle restaurant in Texas and this guy kept coming in and requesting to sit in my station. He asked me out like daily and I wasn't interested (he was from Oklahoma and didn't even have that sexy southern accent:) one day he sat down - I went over to take his order and I
asked what he'd like to order - he said, "one of you - to go!" so I said nicely, "I'm sorry that isn't on the menu," and he smacked the menu down on the table top and said, "Well have a seat!" I finally went out with him - he's the only guy I ever punched in the face:)! Not a great date and he had to get stitches:)! Every lover leaves their mark eh?
Why a tipping hub gets such great (and detailed) comments is beyond me. But I guess everyone is interested when it comes to hard earned money.
I tip according to the service. I have been known to leave generous as well as crappy tips. It does depend on the service person.
Now if only people would tip me for the blood I give them!
Ya I have to admit I'm the by the rules type of tipper... although if the service is good we will do 25% and if it was bad we do 15%. Darrel even takes out his phone to calculate it. We do not go anywhere often enough to worry about proper etiquette though. lol. After all you, BBG, cut our hair and that is about it for things we do that need a tip. Although with you I think we are pretty generous tippers ;-) lol
Oh BBG - you just know how to drag info out of people. I bet you're into Chinese water torture too. That's how you get Darrel and Myth to let you cut their hair into mullets or shags for your photo shoots! Or are you like Edward Scissor Hands? Lol!
Thx bbg about caring about mom's treatment. As a beautician being at work at 5am so women could be to work by 7-8am, she deserved better treatment on her friggggin dead bed.
Yeah the bar tipping thing actually turns out strange! When I helped by buddy here open the club across from Cherry Point AFB, he said "when we get things ready to open I want to hire young, pretty, thin girls!" He thought that was the key to earning more customers. I guess I can gloat a bit that at the time I wasn't to badly overweight, but not skinny either, but when he hired Casey, a very cute young, sexy dressed girl, and I helped to train her, I realized just like that other hub, it's not about looks, as much as it is about personality and demeanor! Not when she would count her tips and when I started filling in when they didn't have people, I brought in just as much! But I was always there to listen to a story, and remember to come back to it when the other customer was set, and they liked my stories too! I used to have "who knows the wizard of oz" better, question/trivia with one guy, so I valued that chance to dart off and take care of someone else as I thought "omgosh arg, i know I know this one!" lol.. but 911 had just happened and everyone, even the young freshly enlisted guys were needing a beer, so playing movie trivia games and "don't spill yer beer cos these colors don't run, do don't send me runnin' for clean up DOOTY" would keep them with a much needed grin. I loved working there. It was the place that after working from 10am to 6pm, I would just sit there and use my tips to buy a round for everyone there I knew, which at the beginning was easy, we were just getting off the ground, but it's named Friends, and that we were, and at every deployment party was bittersweet, cos I had a sergeant tshirt and I'd say to them "I demand you get back ASAP or you'll get piss beer" as that one last laugh out the door (Piss beer is the one that got warm/cold/warm thus ruins beer for those who dont' know that term) lol.. I said I'd always have one waiting.
What the bitter was, is when they didn't come back, I missed them! Their faces, jokes, making them laugh when they had no laughter in them, and when they'd get transferred, I'd already made friends with some of their wives, and we'd not had the chance to exchange phone numbers, so I'd never know where they ended up. Sometimes it didn't matter if I got a tip (although they usually always did) my best tip was seeing them walk through that door when fear was so strong that they'd not come back, now THERE IS A TIP worth a lot more than money.
My parrots like that - you would get along good;) Pedro just asked me if I was ok! Then he said, "What are you lookin' at, huh?" LOL Dave will be so proud - he has been working on adding the extra component of - huh? - to that phrase and the bird finally said it to me! LOL!
I was once at Chi Chi's Mexican Restaurant with 3 other people. Anyways we waited for an hour for a table (in the bar so the wait wasn't too bad)We finally get to our table and wait about 15 min for the waiter. He takes our drink orders and forgets my drink. So I wait and wait and when he comes back empty handed to take our orders my husband reminds him about my drink. He says he will get it as soon as he places our orders. I get my drink finally but when he brings our food he does not have mine. I think this guy really hated me. Anyways when I do get my food my plate is dirty. This just gets better. When we are leaving no one wants to leave the guy a tip. We left him less than 15% and this idiot comes running out of the restaurant asking us why did you leave me such a little tip? My husband and Bob (one of the other people with us) try to explain to the guy that well you forgot her drink, then you brought our food and not hers yada yada yada. Normally we don't have such bad service but this one really stuck out in my head for bad service.
Haha... Barbergirl I loved being your guinea pig!! I still brag about the fact that you owe me for it :-) But that does not mean I will ever take advantage of you, except for the occasional massage!! lol. Besides you do a great job!
That I understand oh too well! My husband took me to a pretty high priced restaurant while on Vaca, and we ordered, and the waiter brought my husbands food, a big thick juicy stake and didn't so much as bring me WATER.. My husband said "I brought my wife here so we could have a nice dinner together, where is her food." The waiter looked over at me I SWEAR AS IF HE WAS LOOKING THROUGH ME NOT AT ME. At the time I wasn't so chubby lol or OLD ugh lol but he says "I be right back with her meal and he never came back. My husband didn't eat at all. So when we left, (after and hour) my husband took his untouched meal AND PRICEY CHECK, to the boss and said, you can have both and teach your waiter that most husbands don't eat in front of their wives especially when we've taken them on vacation to get away from cooking everyday! The boss said the price of his dinner would be $xxx and my hubby said "I'm not paying for ANYTHING!!" We just walked out, as he said "you need to pay for what you ordered" I just darted for the car and said screw them!! But my husband being the arguer he always was LOL said, I DIDN'T EAT IT, SERVE IT TO SOMEONE WHO MIGHT AS THAT'S PROBABLY WHAT YOU'LL DO WITH IT!!!" lol!!! I think we had like McDonalds that night or something.. that at least didn't forget me!!! LOL yeah running out the door to ask why "cos yer dumb that's why" LOL
Sorry that happened to your baby bbg!! Next time write to their corporate office!!! Your baby could have been burned badly! For what cost them all of .50!
I have never worked a job where getting a tip was an option. I did once get a $20 when I worked front desk at a hotel. A guest asked mt to bring up a menu for him. I begrudgingly did so and he gave me $. When his food arrived I called up and he asked me to bring it to him. Again I did so begrudgingly (we were slammed busy). He handed me $20 stating he had made over $200,000 that day. I smiled real big and told him to call me if he needed anything at all.
I always leave a decent or great tip unless the server was really awful. I always leave a pregnant waitress a huge tip. I cannot imagine being on my feet all day while pregnant.
Wow! I bet we will notice an increase in pregnant servers now! Hurry put some of those adds for the fake strap on bellies up there.
Wow.. I think since I don't really look 52 LOL (gloat gloat LOL rather than bloat bloat lol):) I'm going to pad up my belly a little more and go get a waitress job j/k...
OMGOSH!! BBG :( I'm so sorry you went through that!
LOL RH: You silly thing you, yer crackin' me up! hey I saw a news report the other day where this girl faked a pregnancy through a WHOLE school year, to see what girls had to deal with, and it was quite a story! At the end of the year, they called an assembly and she got up in front of everyone and called them out on all the cruel things said behind her back, and then she pulled out the fake padding and said, things like knowing who her real friends were and WEREN'T. It was quite an amazing idea and HARD thing for a teen to endure!
hyphenbird :( omg.. he just won that much money and all he could have spared was a $20. and to a pregnant woman! Sheesh, I guess I only thought I was frugal or something (ok I spend way too much) but he could of at least made it as $50. and said please get something for the baby! Obviously to a pregnant working woman.
I'm patting myself on the back because I learned the hard way to be kinder to certain people, and I think I already mentioned somewhere that I am always kind as I can be to kid and elderly people, but even being a former pregnant teen myself how could I forget.. that yeah I hold doors and such for them too. I less time spent backing through doors and worrying about getting babies in/out of carriers and stuff the more time they can actually spend paying attention to the babies!
Darn glad I only had ONE overgrown boogar! LOL
Well, BBG, no one likes a skin flint. I know that wait-persons have difficult jobs and are not always compensated well. Unless I have serious issues with service, I go with the 10-15% rule. Interesting analysis, Nice hub, thanks
As a Parking Attendant, I was happy to see that they were first on the list of workers who people don't know they should tip. I've gone a 16 hour day, in sideways rain, without a single tip. Days like that ruin my ability to get through the week, as tip money tends to be all I have to buy myself things since my pay barely covers my bills. Of coarse I had a day where I made $750 in tips, in just 6 hours. So some days are better then others.
BBG - I actually had a midnight snack after a movie last night - delicious meatloaf!
I think I like meatloaf sandwhiches even better than serving it for dinner. So I know what is for lunch today too. And it will look like I cooked all day! Haha!
great hub BRBGRL. It's interesting that there are some that just don't think to tip in a cetain industry when they do in others like restraunts.
I always tip if the service was good and I am not short on money. Insightful.
Oh dear. I am in the UK and we don't have a tipping etiquette. Not in your average eat out. Maybe in top restaurants but they have service charges anyway. I have been a waitress and if tips were part of your income you would starve.
Oh they definitely accept them. They just don't see them often,lol.
Wonderful aspects on tipping guys. Loved reading it :)
I always thought that the one who tips the most either has a lot of spare cash...LOL
I usually go by the rules of tipping and sometimes, feel that the person does not deserve it 'cause of the lack of service but, due to ethical reasons; I continue to give by the book.
Well when Dave and I were younger and had less money - we didn't eat out as often. Also - I calculated the tip in advance to fit my budget along with the meal. I still knew if the meal was 50 bucks - I'd NEED a 7 or 8 dollar tip. I worked as a Waitress for too long not to make that consideration. Also - maybe it has to do with local. I wonder if it is added as a gratuity in some areas so there's not a lot of choice involved. There are restaurants here that charge gratuity and you have to watch for that - it's not exactly advertised and you would end up tipping out twice! I don't patronize the automatic gratuity places much either - I think the restaurant should pay their salary. I'll tip if and how much I want!
Right - and I never ever send food back - I'm afraid they will do something nasty to it! Omg! I don't even care if it's inedible! Two things - never bite the hand that feeds you and don't insult the cook - lmao!
Omg! Yes - I loved that movie! Lmao - so funny. I forgot about it!
I should watch it again!
Well Luke warm soup isn't like saying, "this sucks cook a new one!". And besides you know the cook just blames the waitress for being to slow taking it out! I used to stand in the order window and scream at the cooks, "come on while I'm still young!" *basturds! (yes I spelled it worng)!
*going to add "Waiting" to Netflix queue.. if it's on blu ray I wait for it though. (yeah, I'm picky when it comes to my movies.. not so much dates cos a real cheap date gets beer and goes to cemeteries or taco bell lol)
Is "Waiting" the one with Anna Faris? I loved Bunny House so much I got it on blu ray LOL.. I hate when guys can't watch a movie like that, they're so focused on "the bod" they can't see the funny or REAL LIFE parts to it. The faces that girl makes tho, just crack me up! Loved Smiley Face too but not for kids around hehe.. I quote from it all the time nobody gets it! I bought it at a yard sale! I had no idea what it was about, ended up being able to quote it. "Do you even, have you ever.." hehe...
LOL you spelled wrong wrong LOL hahaha just had to say it Kelly hahaaa.. the * said it all but the worng rocked! :)
Smiley Face - check! Just added it to the "wait" list! Ha ha ha!
Kat - yeah spell checker caught it too and I had to correct spell check because I wanted to spell it worng:)! Lol?
You know if you wanted to really irritate the good writers - you could get on their page and leave comments with words spelled all wrong - it would drive them crazy! Writers! Lol! That just occurred to me Kat - thanks for spurring it!
I no! Is turrible! Haha! Or wrong use of verb - like "we was" drives me nuts!
Whuuu... Hey iz rited ALLZ my cat pitrz capshunz! Ever 1 of dem!
stacy needz ta votz on my prize hub 2! yeah, da'z it! No moor tipz if u dont Pssssst meowz
Personally - I always tip - and usually more than the rules.... there are times I leave a tip even when I know the service was not worth tipping. Now all I need is a job where I can earn some of those tips back LOL
Hey BBG,
EXCELLENT ARTICLE ~ GREAT TOPIC ~ WELL WRITTEN! I "was" going to do an article on tipping but then someone did one a couple months ago and then now, here's your piece which is really, really good. I guess I'll move on to another topic:)
My experience with receiving tips is from the hotel industry as a housekeeper. To me, it is amazing how many people DO NOT/NEVER tip. Until you do this kind of work, you have no idea how far a little tip goes. Even if someone leaves a dollar or just some change, it means more than they will ever know.
Great article BBG!
Sharyn
Totally thinking about this hub today....was talking to my sister about how important this is on vacation! We always make sure to generously tip the house keeper, wait staff and bartender right away because they really make your hotel stay so much better. Word always seems to spread and your cups stay full - extra towels in a snap because you respect them too and I always have lots of fun getting info from the people that work in various places!! They will tell you the best places to go how to,save money - get a ride - if they choose to give you to the time of day:).
Nice to read a hub from someone on the other side of the tipping world. I guess I sorta fall into the follow the rules guy. There are exceptions to this with me though. If someone is exceptionally good I tip accordingly, which in my mind is a little above 20%.
If they are awful and I never see them except to take my initial order they get nothing. I understand that this is part of their income, but income should still be earned. Good hub and great perspective. Thanks for sharing!



























Fiddleman Level 5 Commenter 12 months ago
My son the barber is good at his trade and most customers do tip. I have never had a job where I got a tip but often when we play music we set a tip bucket out. I told my son all we needed now was a monkey and one of those old grinder organs, we would be set for life. Since most of our gigs are at eating establishments, the customer comes to eat and the wait staff as they should be are the ones who should receive a tip for their services. Our music on the other hand is not a service and any tips we receive are earned by those who enjoy our music enough to toss in some change or maybe a couple of dollars. Very informative hub barbergirl, enjoyed the read.