Tipping is one of those controversial subjects that people debate all day long. Some people believe that they should tip only when someone in a service position does an outstanding and over-the-top job, and other people believe that not tipping is morally wrong. Who’s correct? Who’s in error? Is it ever appropriate not to tip? Is It ever inappropriate to tip? How much should a person leave? This piece seeks to answer those questions or at least provide a lighthearted perspective to them.
What Is Tipping?
Tipping, which is also known as gratuity, is the act of leaving a service person additional monies that are separate from the expense of the bill. The act of tipping may have originated in UK taverns. Bar patrons had a habit of giving the bartenders extra funds to insure that they would bring the drinks to them faster than usual. The term “tip” could, in fact, be an acronym for “to insure promptitude.” It is said that Americans did not embrace the act of tipping at first. Apparently, the practice grew on Americans, however, because the majority of people who eat in restaurants engage in the practice of tipping today.
Do You Have to Tip?
There is no written law that says that a patron must tip a service employee or that person will spend time in jail. No one is obligated to tip another person. However, sometimes the members of society can be a bit harsh if other members of society don’t follow suit. You never want to be known as a non-tipper or a person who belongs to a class of people who are known as non-tippers. You may find that the service you receive is shoddy, or even worse, your server always seems to come down with the flu and go home as soon as you walk into the restaurant. It’s advisable to tip, especially if you’re going to be visiting the same establishment repeatedly. Workers talk amongst each other. If you don’t tip, you may find yourself inside of restaurant full of people who have flu epidemics at all times. Yes, it’s personal.
In all seriousness, tipping is a kind gesture. It says to the service person that you appreciate his or her hustle. You appreciate that this person is serving you. Yes, all employees are essentially service people. However, there’s something especially servile about the man or woman who brings you food, parks your car or takes your bags.
Whom Should You Tip?
Tipping is a practice that extends to a vast assortment of service people. Food servers are the ones who wear the crown of tip-worthiness according to society. However, other workers receive tips, too. It’s not uncommon to see people tipping their housekeepers, grocery store cashiers, pizza delivery people, drivers, mechanics and fast-food workers. Who you decide to tip is up to you. You may do as you please with your money. There’s no right or wrong to tipping. Some people may not be allowed to accept tips, but at least you will know that you tried to give them one.
How Much Should You Tip?
The tip recommendation from the “tip experts” is 15 to 20 percent of the bill. For example, you should leave a $15 to $20 tip if you are eating at a gourmet restaurant. You can even double the tip if you are eating at a fancy five-star restaurant, and you have the extra cash. By the same token, you could take the tip down a notch if someone is handing you a burger in a bag.
Tipping customs vary throughout the United States. A recent study that someone conducted revealed that New Jersey and New York, which are two of the richest and most happening states, have a tipping average of less than 12 percent. Virginia and Alabama, which are states that people assume are lesser states, have a tipping average of 15 to 16 percent.
Tipping Style
The way that people tip usually reflects their personality. Some people enter the restaurant with a $0 tip in their minds, and the server has to “earn” the tip in their minds. Other people come in knowing that they are going to leave 20 percent regardless of anything that occurs. Some people leave gigantic tips because they are wealthy, generous or generously wealthy. You’ll do fine if you stay within the range of 15 to 20 percent.
When Should You not Tip?
Just like tipping is your prerogative, not tipping is your prerogative. You may not want to tip if you feel that your server was rude in some way or did not tend to you because of a preconceived misconception of some kind. You could choose not to tip if you aren’t happy with the meal, but that does not have anything to do with the server. Additionally, you could make the decision not to tip if you don’t believe in the practice. You are entitled to not tip, and you don’t have to state a reason.
Tools to Help You Tip Better
Thanks to the ever-evolving world of technology, you never to worry about tipping inappropriately. You can download an app that can help you tip, or you can use one of the tipping websites that can provide you with a calculator and a clue. Android offers something called Tip Me. The iPhone bunch can use the Tip Calculator app. Windows phone users have the app called Best Tip Calculator. As far as websites go, there is a whole site that is dedicated to making sure you give your server the right amount of money when you leave. You can’t go wrong when you have all of those tools available
Hopefully, you have some insight into the tipping process and can make an educated decision the next time you visit a restaurant. Have fun and enjoy the service.
