We traditionally tip, which means “To insure prompt service,” for those of us who’ve forgotten what that stands for, when we are given good service at restaurants and diners by the servers.
In fact, we would be terribly unwelcome, or even chased after if we failed to leave a tip at some venues!
The tradition is so old on the premise servers are not paid minimum wage so meals would be affordable, therefore patrons should
subsidize them on the basis of their service.
We assume that the better the quality of the service given us, the higher the percentage we should reward it.
But nowadays isn’t it somewhat annoying that tip jars are seen nearly at all counters of venues where the principal job of the counter person is to do what he’s hired to do?
Such as making sandwiches, scooping ice cream or mixing lattes.
I am told by a barrista she’s paid more than the minimum wage but gladly shares in the offerings put into the ubiquitous tip jar prominently placed so customers feel obliged to put some bills into it.
When I was a low paid beginning teacher, I remember my school district had a written policy, “Teachers must not accept gifts from students” probably fearing we could be accused of favoring those that did.
Other professionals and workers such as refuse colecors and postal carriers aren’t tipped, so why the hands out by an increasing number of counter servers?
In fact, I recall one such eatery posting a statement their name spelled backwards was “A Tip.” Whether that is the case now I’m not sure as I haven’t gone there for a long while.
