Tipping, from yesterday...

[lisamoe]

So my tipping post yesterday...my own answer is that I usually slip them a buck or so at Sonic depending on what I order, and I tip at buffets proportional to how much work I was to the server as far as refilling drinks or did they go get anything additional for me. If they refill my drink a few times or at least come back to check, I tip just like I do in a table service restaurant.

Coffee shops are odd though. I feel a little coerced by the counter tip jar, since I think that baristas generally make at least minimum wage, not the reduced salary that waitstaff do, plus, they don't usually provide any service that actually seems to warrant a tip. Sonic staff also make minimum wage I think, but they bring my order out in all sorts of shitty weather so I can stay in my car and that's worth a buck or two to me. But I kind of feel like tips are for performing some service beyond ringing up my order and handing it to me across a counter like they do at Starbucks-type establishments. I mean, I don't tip at McDonald's and assembling my order there is generally more complicated than pouring me a cup of coffee...

Comments

[msbyn.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you posted this, because I very much feel the same way, and I always feel awkward if I don't tip... then again, 20% (minimum tip) of $5.00 (which is near what I usually spend) is... 10 cents? Is that right? Gah. I'm not a math brain. Well, now I've forgotten my point. I think it was... for crying out loud. Never mind.

[jorjedatoy.livejournal.com]

I can see where making up some complicated drink warrants a tip (like at a bar), but I just think it is presumptuous to ask for it up front. I think I said that already, though.

[kitwench.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's part of my problem.
The other part is that service varies so widely, yet the server who ignores you to chat with a friend and then grumpily stomps over to barely take the order and gives poor service expects the same tip as the one who greets me cheerfully, takes the order , repeats it back to check to see if it's right, and in general does the job.
The first person gets NO tip.
Yes, it's the paycheck, I get that - I've done it.
But you gotta do more than just show up and glare, you have to actually do the job if you want to get paid.
Tipping prior to being served - just baffling.

[kivasfajo.livejournal.com]

I aggree with you on all of you points.