gratuity obligation

Do You Tip?

Nan Business, Finance , ,

In today’s local newspaper, an article related to tipping reminded me that I had planned to write a post on the topic. However, I sidelined it as the Ukraine War seemed much more pressing. Now that most of my readers have had an opportunity to share their thoughts on this unfortunate situation, I’m going to move on to something more mundane. (Certainly you’re welcome to say more on the Ukraine War if you’re so moved. 🙂)

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digitaltip

(Source: https://www.wptv.com/money)

As I ask in the post title … do you tip? I daresay most of us do. But what are your reasons for doing so?

  • Do you sincerely want to show appreciation for a “job well done”?
  • Or are you doing so because of a certain sense of obligation?
  • Or perhaps there’s even a flickering of guilt if you simply say “Thank You” and walk away?

No matter which response you choose, according to this article, more and more of us are being “encouraged” to add a gratuity via the “digital tip jar.” That is, if you pay with your credit card or phone, the touch screen that appears for your approval ALSO includes suggested tip amounts.

The article further points out a noticeable increase in the number of business owners who have shifted the costs of compensating workers directly to customers. In fact, it states that … Customers are overwhelmed by the number of places where they now have the option to tip and feel pressure about whether to add a gratuity and for how much. 

While many folk are accustomed to tipping waiters, bartenders and other service workers, some feel a bit uncomfortable tipping a barista or a cashier. And tipping for “take out” (the article suggests 10%) has become a bit problematic as well.

How do YOU feel about tipping? Do you think it’s become out of control? Are you less likely to leave a tip simply because it’s become “expected”? Do you feel more comfortable tipping for some services over others? What do you feel is an acceptable amount, percentage-wise?

Personally, I think it all depends on each person’s personal preference … and perhaps their pocketbook … as to whether they want to leave a gratuity.

(And I definitely do not think a person should be made to feel “guilty” if the “No Tip” option is selected on the digital tip jar!)