Tipping seems like a popular topic around here, and it’s actually not by design. Really.
Yes, I did write recently about my experience with tipping at the car wash, and how a few people wanted money for doing what pretty much seemed like nothing. I also wrote about the topic of tip jars and how they’re almost ubiquitous in some places despite not being necessary in the view of many. So while I don’t really think about the topic of tips often at all, there have clearly been a few cases where it’s caught my attention.
Well, I ran across an article on tips on MarketWatch that caught my attention based on the amounts they noted for specific situations. Here are the 10 situations, their suggested amounts, and my comments:
Store Baggers
- Article says: $2.
- I say: $0. I know it may not be a fun job, but I’m pretty sure it’s not been one where tipping was standard. I must have missed when this become the norm, but in reality I don’t think it ever happened.
Dog Groomers
- Article says: 15% to 20%
- I say: Sure, why not. Admittedly, I’ve never owned a dog, so maybe I’m being agreeable due to unfamiliarity or the reality that it isn’t even a possibility for me to pay. But I can go with 15% to 20%.
Camp Counselor
- Article says: $50 to $100
- I say: Not sure about this, maybe feeling a bit guilty since I haven’t been tipping for kids’ camp. Should I have done so?
Building Superintendent
- Article says: $20 to $100
- I say: No, they get paid a wage that doesn’t necessitate tips. Having said that, despite my principled view, I can see how there might be cases where a little over-the-top financial appreciation could help out in a serious situation.
Waxing Salon
- Article says: 15%
- I say: If I ever go to a waxing salon, it will be when pigs fly. In other words, this guy is not going to be visiting one soon 🙂 That said, it sounds reasonable for the ladies who go there to pay. Tipping for a hair cut is normal, so why not waxing?
Doorman
- Article says: $100
- I say: I don’t live a building with a doorman. However, for those who do – and who count on the doorman – I can see this being a good investment. I say this despite feeling that it’s not like it’s a job like being a waiter or waitress that truly calls for tips.
Cable Guy
- Article says: Refreshments
- I say: Great idea! Seems like good manners to do so. Agreed that money isn’t necessary here.
Coach Bus Driver
- Article says: $1 to $2 per bag
- I say: I think $1 per bag seems reasonable. Some bags are heavy.
Personal Trainer
- Article says: Price of one session
- I say: At the end of a season or once a year, I can see this being a nice thing to do. Not entirely opposed to it.
Big Box Store Clerk
- Article says: $10 for something heavy, like a big television or treadmill for example
- I say: Not something I’ve ever really thought about. That said, I would tip $5, but probably not more. If they move 3 things per hour, and get $10 per customer, that really adds up.
Overall, this was an interesting exercise for me. I was truly expecting to disagree with most recommendations that might come from the article, but as I read through them, I found myself either partially or fully agreeing with most. A few I clearly didn’t.
The tougher the work, or more long-term the interactions are, the more I find tipping reasonable and in many cases expected. When mundane customer service actions start being considered tip situations, such as tip jars at the counters of coffee places, I find it senseless. After all, if businesses don’t increase wages or provide enough to employees, why should that be passed down to customers? Especially if the customers aren’t seeing increases themselves?
Okay, I’ve shared my thoughts. What about you?
What are your thoughts on the recommendations and my thoughts about tipping in those situations?
I recently tipped a housecleaner $10 on a $40 job. By my calculations that’s 25%. Too much? The thing is, she came on virtually no notice for a one-time job (we don’t normally hire a housecleaner) and did a great job.
Kurt – sounds like a fair tip, given what you described. Not excessive, IMO.
Just had a thought–a WordPress plug-in that allows readers to tip bloggers!
I would tend to fall towards your side on most, if not all, of these situations. I say if their livelihood depends on tips then I am all for it. Paying someone because they bagged my groceries – I think I’ll pass and a thank you is sufficient enough. If they come to my home and provide a service, I may think of it and provide refreshments at the very least.
John – looks we’re on the same page….
Tipping is so bizarre. I remember the first time I drove to New Jersey and had to have my gas pumped, I was freaking out, calling my mom, trying to figure out if I’m supposed to tip. I wish all salaries were all inclusive so I’m never wondering if I’m an a**hole for not tipping.
Wow, I haven’t seen full-serve pumps in years! Good question on that one. I think that it’s so unusual these days that I just might give a tip.
Ugh, I couldn’t imagine tipping my personal trainer. She already makes a ton off of me! I think tipping is all together over-expected and under-deserved but there are some exceptions.
Personally, I think its right to tip people who make less than minimum wage and support themselves on tips (waitresses, bartenders, pizza delivery, etc.). Everyone else, not so sure. Although we do tip the mail man and garbage men every Christmas.
I have never heard of tipping a store bagger before. Really? Who does that? A lot of times I end up bagging at least half or all of my stuff anyway since I use my own bags to avoid the SF surcharge of 10 cents per store bag.
100$ for the door man? Is that for the whole year? Other than that I pretty much agree with your thoughts on the tips. I doubt I would tip a trainer or someone carrying my boxes to the car. Heck for the most part I dont have cash on me and if its not something I can pay by credit/debit card it wont happen. It they have one of these 2$ per hour plus tips then tipping is a no brainer.
In restaurants, I use the TIPS(To Insure Promptness and Service) method. I start at 25% and go from there. Even in the worst of cases, I always leave at least 10%. Tipping is a personal choice, and is associated with the principle of giving and receiving. You’d be surprised at those who don’t expect to be tipped, that get even a couple of bucks.
Think of how satisfied you are with the service and tip accordingly with what you can!
Good grief! If I had to tip all those people, I wouldn’t be able to go shopping at all. I simply can’t afford that kind of largesse. Tip the freaking bagger at the grocery store? Don’t think so…not unless the customer has to specifically ask to have someone come help the checkout clerk or else bag the groceries herself. And come to think of it, one of the reasons I’m growing my hair out is that I can’t afford to lay a 15% tip on top of a $45 hit to get a trim once every six weeks.
The expectation that everyone is going to tip every retailer’s employees leads logically to consumers buying fewer goods and services.