Over-Tipping

WARNING: This is a bit of a rant ...

I have always been a very generous tipper.  My parents are generous tippers and they raised me to be a generous person in all aspects of my life, including tipping.  I have also had a number of friends who worked in the service industries where tipping is customary (ie waitresses).  They have encouraged me to continue my practice of being a generous tipper by informing me of how low the servers’ wages are and how they often have to share their tips.  I have not had a problem being a generous tipper, that is until my recent travels.

I certainly understand the importance of tipping – it is to say thank you for great service.  The problem that I have with tipping is that instead of being a little something extra as a thank you to someone who went above and beyond, it has become expected.  As far as I am concerned, if you deserve the tip you will get one and it should never be “required” nor do I think it should be promoted by the individual or the company receiving the tip.

On my recent trips I have had to use shuttle services to and from the airport.  The shuttle service is relatively inexpensive (although that is really just in comparison to the ridiculous amount you would pay for a taxi).  However, in each of the shuttles I rode in there was a sign prominently displayed that basically said gratuity is not included in the price of the fare (aka you need to tip your driver).  This to me is a bit outrageous, especially since these companies CRAM people into their shuttles to ensure they are making the maximum amount.  And, in order to maximize the number of people in their shuttles they also pick people up early at their hotels hours before their flight so they can make the rounds to pick other up and then go to the airport.  In NY, I had a reservation for a 12:30 pickup and the guy called me at 11:30 to tell me he was at the hotel.  I told him I was very sorry, but he would have to come back … in what world does pickup at 12:30 mean pick up at 11:30?!  The drivers are not extra careful at driving, they are not extra careful with my luggage.  Sure, they put it in the car and take it out, but really how difficult is that, especially considering it is part of their job description.  Why should they expect a tip if they do not go above and beyond?

I have also noticed the trend in restaurants to add the gratuity automatically to the bill.  This used to be common with big parties (first it was 10 or more, then 8 or more, and now 6 more).  I kind of got this concept because people somehow always forget to add tax and tip when figuring out their portion of a large bill, but still they should not have to add the gratuity.  Plus, I have noticed, that whenever the gratuity is already included, the level of service typically declines.  This is really unacceptable as far as I am concerned.  AND, now, on top of adding gratuity in for certain bills, the restaurants are actually calculating gratuity for their patrons.  On one receipt I had recently it had a break down that looked like this:

For Good Service Tip 15%

For Great Service Tip 18%

For Exceptional Service Tip 20%

Each line was followed by the amount that corresponded to my bill.  I was seriously shocked to see this.  I guess you could look at it as nice that now you do not have to pull out your phone to use the calculator.  But I think that maybe they should add a few more lines to the breakdown like this:

For Terrible Service Complain to the Manager to be Comped for the Meal

For unsatisfactory Service Subtract 15% from bill; it will be taken from your Server’s Pay

For Mediocre Service Just Pay the Bill

I do not expect clients to tip me for legal services.  Doctors do not expect to be tipped for a proper diagnosis.  Accountants do not expect to be tipped for balancing the books.  Computer engineers do not expect to be tipped when they figure out the code building a website or program or whatever.  Architects do not expect a tip when the figure out the blue prints of a building to exact specifications.  Do you get where I am going here?

When I was in Massachusetts recently I had dinner at the table next to 2 women from Australia.  We started up a conversation and soon it came time to pay our bills.  They told me that in Australia tipping is not customary unless the service is absolutely over the top exceptional.  I think this is the way it should be.  Tips should be earned; there should be no sense of entitlement to tips.

So,  after tipping for years and years and years for everything from terrible service to exceptional service, I have had enough.  If you do your job, you get paid your hourly wage and perhaps a miniscule amount more in tip.  If you want to really earn some money, then put in the work and impress me.  I work hard for my money, so I am going to expect you to work hard for yours too!

Reducing tip amounts for mediocre service or not tipping at all for terrible service takes gumption!