Why Do We Suckers Tip?

Gunny G's Globe and Anchor Sites & Forums! ^ | 27 September 2003 | Dick Gaines

[gunnyg]

Tip means To Insure Promptness, or Tips, To Insure Promt Service... Numerous writings regarding the history of "tipping" would indicate that tipping came about centuries ago, and was paid up front to insure prompt service subsequent to you providing a gratuity. Now, the gratuity is paid after the fact; just another aspect of how backasswards things have become.

Gone are the olden days when the innkeeper's daughter was the servant administering to weary travelers at wayside inns. But today, tipping has grown into an institution unto itself, and we are "conditioned" to this with obedience, and without question, no resistence, not so much as a whimper.

In fact, we Tip with extreme loyalty and pride, as we do paying our "taxes"! Anyone who dares voice an opinion contrary to tipping, is immediately attacked by tippers--the majority--therefore, mob rule prevails. Recently, I chanced to post some of my thoughts on the above to a Internet bulletin board, and was lambasted unmercifully as a tightwad, flake, and just plain mean-spirited (where have I heard that b4?).

Some of these irate responses came from enraged waiters, waitresses, etc. (excuse me, "SERVERS") who felt that they were entitled to tips, since their employers paid them below minimum wage and they needed the tips. I'm not sure that is even so and/or legal.

Others stated that they certainly would not take another job at higher pay and have to pay taxes on that pay, ending up w/less in their pockets; whereas otherwise they did not report their total tips, etc. Hmmm...

This topic is not limited to servers, etc. Today, everybody under the sun seems to be an eligible tippee and expects a tip--and big ones too.

If you are inclined to respond/post on this board, please attempt to do so with the big picture in mind, and not personally biased, e,g., as you would if you just happen to be one of the countless tipped/insufficiently tipped servers, taxi-drivers, bellhops, etc., etc. You may respond/post on any or all of those things mentioned above, and/or related information, questions, answers, etc.

Actually, I may have been motivated on this topic after reading an article on the Internet (by a U.S. Marine, moonlighting) who was badmouthing consumers in general for thinking that they should pay only the traditional 15% tip--this arrogant xxxxxxx was sure he had more coming him, and, indeed, was irritated/enraged that some were daring enough, depriving him of his due.

Personally, I am damned sick and tired of "servers" kneeling at my table, referring to me/us as "you guys," and hearing their "sorry bout dat," (which means xxxx you!) And what really pisses me off is when I'm sitting on the end in a booth, and some jerko waiter stands on my outboard foot w/his size 12 gunboats! No, I'm wrong--what really pisses me off is sitting there waiting for my check so I can get the hell outta there, after being pestered to death from the time I was seated with service above and beyond, only for them to disappear when it is my desired time of departure--this is when they show up after you finally catch their attention and wave them down, and they still pressure you to order desert after you ask for your check! Then, if you want change, there's another wait till they come back again.

Don't get me wrong--I am not opposed to tipping because of the above listed grievances--I am opposed to tipping in principle--I work for my pay like most others--and I don't expect/demand a handout. I just thought I would pitch my favorite bitches here while I'm at it, since the opportunity presents itself.

[Sandy]

The kneeling at the table routine irks me as well ...

The waiters who kneel down are usually just trying to hear what you're saying. Restaurants can be very loud places. Didn't you ever notice that the taller the waiter, the more likely he is to kneel down to take your order? He can't hear you because you're too far away and there's a ton of background noise, so he often has to get closer. Speak up, and look at him when you're talking. That should help.

[The Coopster]

He's obviously NEVER done it. And the best tips almost aren't enough for dealing with his kind.....

[Arthur Wildfire! March]

"Yes, I tip the high school kids who pack my grocery bags."

That's very nice of you. I wonder how many people would say, "So what?" I say, ignore those clowns. =]

[Arthur Wildfire! March]

(Dick Gephardt. Before he dicks you.) ROFL! That's one heck of a tag line.

[StACase]

I wonder how many people would say, "So what?" I say, ignore those clowns. =]

I expect it doesn't occur to some people to tip the barber or grocery bagger. Others need to pinch pennies. I really doubt many really have your take on it.

[Cacique]

bttfl

[kmiller1k]

Have any of you all noticed the tip jars now on the counters of many establishments like Starbucks, the gourmet cookie shop, etc? The cashier at Starbucks or at any of these other places has done nothing more than ring up the sale--and they are paid at least minimum wage.

I always tip waiters (knowing that they make less than minimum wage) because they are waiting on me! But others who do not "wait" on me AND making at least minimum wage sticking a jar out for tips really grates on me!

[Hank Rearden]

Stolen from the '72 McGovern campaign.

[cornelis]

In my book that is called extortion. Why would you return to a place where that potential exists?

That's beautiful. Just say no, and make sure to send the food back if it isn't hot.