USA tipping culture

[Elwood]

Here is a link to a Wiki article on tipping by country, and see it says in Austarlia tipping is not customary, but here it is. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tip

 

[Telstra]

Quote:
New Zealand
Tipping is not part of New Zealand culture and is often treated with suspicion or actively frowned upon,

 

[Beachguyj]

we do not tip here or hardly any tipping.

So over there:
what sort of places do you guys tip and how are u going to tip with electronic cards as tipping is NOT compulsory?

In certain circumstances tipping is like begging.

The problem is that certain businesses don't pay much and rely on the customer to pay the employees wages. Such is the case for waiters who can earn as little as $2 an hour.

The only places that I hate are tip jars at ice cream shops or sub shops.

 

[Telstra]

The problem is that certain businesses don't pay much and rely on the customer to pay the employees wages. Such is the case for waiters who can earn as little as $2 an hour.

The only places that I hate are tip jars at ice cream shops or sub shops.

$2 ?
this is crazy.

 

[Fucker29]

Did I read 20% tipping? That's fucking ridiculous!

 

[Fucker29]

$2 ?
this is crazy.

Well...what's really crazy is how like half of the world's population lives with less than $2 a day. Now THAT is insane.

 

[belamy]

The first time I ever hired a taxi on my own was in London when I was 16, and from that time I've always felt like tipping whether in China or Spain because the service was always good and I always felt they were doing me a big favour (I'm not of the Carrie Bradshaw sort, who wouldn't walk a couple of blocks or ride the subway not to spoil her Manolos).
But as for restaurants, coffee shops, etc. I never feel comfortable, and I always go there because I'm with someone and I "MUST" go there. However, I admit the service is not always THAT bad in those places.

 

[Swellegant]

just wondering if you guys tip ebay or amazon sellers , online "minimum wage workers ...

It isn't about the wage, it's about the service. A sale is not a service, so one does not tip salespeople. A tip is for services that you might theoretically have performed for yourself (carrying your food from the kitchen, buffing your nails, shining your shoes, carrying your luggage, opening your door, driving you from here to there, all things you could have done for yourself if you were at home). That's the essence of service.

And tipping is nothing like begging. Beggars ask for money or goods without exchange, in return for nothing but the warm fuzzy feeling one supposedly gets from performing acts of charity. Tipping for service is the exact opposite of begging, it gives you an opportunity to exchange money for something you enjoy, i.e. being waited-on, and gives the server the opportunity to be rewarded for extra effort. Everyone wins.

 

[belamy]

It isn't about the wage, it's about the service. A sale is not a service, so one does not tip salespeople. A tip is for services that you might theoretically have performed for yourself (carrying your food from the kitchen, buffing your nails, shining your shoes, carrying your luggage, opening your door, driving you from here to there, all things you could have done for yourself if you were at home). That's the essence of service.

And tipping is nothing like begging. Beggars ask for money or goods without exchange, in return for nothing but the warm fuzzy feeling one supposedly gets from performing acts of charity. Tipping for service is the exact opposite of begging, it gives you an opportunity to exchange money for something you enjoy, i.e. being waited-on, and gives the server the opportunity to be rewarded for extra effort. Everyone wins.

But why seems the service exists only when you are ordering a meal or a coffee or someone carries your luggage: why shouldn't we tip managers and CEOs or doctors for their service managing our money and treating our health instead of letting them pinch all they money they want?

 

[Swellegant]

But why seems the service exists only when you are ordering a meal or a coffee or someone carries your luggage: why shouldn't we tip managers and CEOs or doctors for their service managing our money and treating our health instead of letting them pinch all they money they want?

Because they are not providing service. You could say that they are providing a service, but they are not directly serving you... they are treating you, advising you, investing on your behalf, etc. Totally different verbs.

But like I said before: IT DOESN'T HAVE TO MAKE SENSE! YOU JUST DO IT!

In the US, you tip the following people: waitpersons always, parking valets if they have them, maitres'd if you ask for a particular table or to get seated sooner, the sommelier if there is one (bussers and bartenders are tipped by the waitperson, so tip extra if you received service from either of these); the housekeeping staff always, parking valets if they have them, the doorman if you ask him a question, the bellhops if they carry your luggage or run an errand for you, and room-service waiters; in airports, the redcaps if they help you with your luggage; taxi drivers and limousine drivers; hair-cutters and stylists, separately if they're separate people (unless the person is the shop-owner, in which case it is not customary to tip), manicurists and pedicurists, etc; shoe-shiners, delivery people, movers, and (if you're staying for an extended visit in a particularly grand home) your hosts' servants.

If that's too much to remember (and I will agree that's some pretty arcane tradition there), stick to economic travel (three-star or below for hotels and restaurants, very light luggage, public transport, don't get groomed) and you'll be fine... so long as you remember to tip at least 15% in table-service restaurants. That one you can't easily get around.

 

[belamy]

Because they are not providing service. You could say that they are providing a service, but they are not directly serving you... they are treating you, advising you, investing on your behalf, etc. Totally different verbs.

But like I said before: IT DOESN'T HAVE TO MAKE SENSE! YOU JUST DO IT!

In the US, you tip the following people: waitpersons always, parking valets if they have them, maitres'd if you ask for a particular table or to get seated sooner, the sommelier if there is one (bussers and bartenders are tipped by the waitperson, so tip extra if you received service from either of these); the housekeeping staff always, parking valets if they have them, the doorman if you ask him a question, the bellhops if they carry your luggage or run an errand for you, and room-service waiters; in airports, the redcaps if they help you with your luggage; taxi drivers and limousine drivers; hair-cutters and stylists, separately if they're separate people (unless the person is the shop-owner, in which case it is not customary to tip), manicurists and pedicurists, etc; shoe-shiners, delivery people, movers, and (if you're staying for an extended visit in a particularly grand home) your hosts' servants.

If that's too much to remember (and I will agree that's some pretty arcane tradition there), stick to economic travel (three-star or below for hotels and restaurants, very light luggage, public transport, don't get groomed) and you'll be fine... so long as you remember to tip at least 15% in table-service restaurants. That one you can't easily get around.

I don't mind spending once I've made the decision to spend. In fact, I'm one of those stupid people who would pay under the "noblesse oblige" even when I have nothing of a nobleman. That being said, I agree with the idea that not everything must make sense, or be "rational" but money spending ALWAYS MUST make sense, and if there's a time in which you could realize that if you had never done it it's precisely 2009.

You are talking about tradition, which is fine for people living in the desert, the forest or the Bible belt, but I thought we were considering more thoughtful people than that, not just those who do something "because that's how things are done and therefore HAVE to be done like that". I'm sick of living among people who would accept just anything that is forced upon them instead of trying to put some sense in their miserable lives, and when they seem to be rational against "barbaric" traditions they are speaking from their blind adherence to their own traditions, not because their opposition actually makes any sense.

What makes me sick is people who keep acting in a way because "everybody does it" and one fine they they realize those practices have swept theearth under their feet. As you can see, I'm not so much opposing tipping as practices which are part of a far more complex system, with social and political implications, and justifying them as if they were just art or folklore "for the sake of itself". Treating work and money like a piece of social folklore or art ranges from the delusional to the hypocrite and perverse.

Ever heard of hyponymy, at least during your college yers? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyponymy
ser·vice (sûr

v

s)n.1. a. Employment in duties or work for another, as for a government: has been in the company's service for 15 years.
b. A government branch or department and its employees: the diplomatic service.

2. a. The armed forces of a nation: joined the service right after college.
b. A branch of the armed forces of a nation.

3. The performance of work or duties for a superior or as a servant: found the butler's service to be excellent.
4. a. Work done for others as an occupation or business: has done service for us as a consultant.
b. An act or a variety of work done for others, especially for pay: offers a superior service to that of his competitors; provides full catering services.

5. A department or branch of a hospital staff that provides specified patient care: the anesthesiology service.
6. Installation, maintenance, or repairs provided or guaranteed by a dealer or manufacturer: a dealer with full parts and service.
7. A facility providing the public with the use of something, such as water or transportation.
8. a. Assistance; help: was of great service to him during his illness.
b. An act of assistance or benefit; a favor: My friend did me a service in fixing the door.

9. a. Active devotion to God, as through good works or prayer.
b. A religious rite.

10. a. The serving of food or the manner in which it is served.
b. A set of dishes or utensils: a silver tea service.

11. Sports The act, manner, or right of serving in many court games; a serve.
12. Copulation with a female animal. Used of male animals, especially studs.
13. Law The serving of a writ or summons.
14. The material, such as cord, used in binding or wrapping rope.
15. An answering service.

tr.v. ser·viced, ser·vic·ing, ser·vic·es 1. To make fit for use; adjust, repair, or maintain: service a car.
2. To provide services to.
3. To make interest payments on (a debt).
4. a. To copulate with (a female animal). Used of a male animal, especially studs.
b. Slang To have sex with.


adj.1. Of or relating to the armed forces of a country.
2. Intended for use in supplying or serving: a service elevator; the service entrance.
3. Offering repairs or maintenance: a service guarantee; a road service area.
4. Offering services to the public in response to need or demand: a service industry.

Idioms: at (someone's) service Ready to help or be of use.

be of service
To be ready to help or be useful.


service Noun
1. an act of help or assistance
2. an organization or system that provides something needed by the public: a consumer information service
3. a department of public employment and its employees: the diplomatic service
4. the installation or maintenance of goods provided by a dealer after a sale
5. availability for use by the public: the new plane could be in service within fifteen years
6. a regular check made on a machine or vehicle in which parts are tested, cleaned, or replaced if worn
7. the serving of guests or customers: service is included on the wine list
8. one of the branches of the armed forces
9. the serving of food: silver service
10. a set of dishes, cups, and plates for use at table
11. a formal religious ceremony
12. Tennis, squash, etc. a. the act, manner, or right of serving the ball
b. the game in which a particular player serves: she dropped only one point on her service

Adjective
1. of or for the use of servants or employees: a service elevator
2. serving the public rather than producing goods: service industries
Verb
[-vicing, -viced]
1. to provide service or services to
2. to check and repair (a vehicle or machine)
3. (of a male animal) to mate with (a female animal)

 

[rareboy]

I would like to point out that the first time I travelled in Europe, I found it absurd that there was a 15%-18% cover charge on restaurant meals noted on the menus.

So, it is all a matter of perspective.

I don't know why it always seems that Australians and/or the Brits make such a big fucking deal out of the custom of tipping in North America and why the North Americans are always on the defensive about it.

It works.

Stop whining. And when you come to the US or Canada, be prepared to tip.

Or else we'll put pubes in your meal.

 

[belamy]

Because they are not providing service. You could say that they are providing a service, but they are not directly serving you... they are treating you, advising you, investing on your behalf, etc. Totally different verbs.

But like I said before: IT DOESN'T HAVE TO MAKE SENSE! YOU JUST DO IT!

In the US, you tip the following people: waitpersons always, parking valets if they have them, maitres'd if you ask for a particular table or to get seated sooner, the sommelier if there is one (bussers and bartenders are tipped by the waitperson, so tip extra if you received service from either of these); the housekeeping staff always, parking valets if they have them, the doorman if you ask him a question, the bellhops if they carry your luggage or run an errand for you, and room-service waiters; in airports, the redcaps if they help you with your luggage; taxi drivers and limousine drivers; hair-cutters and stylists, separately if they're separate people (unless the person is the shop-owner, in which case it is not customary to tip), manicurists and pedicurists, etc; shoe-shiners, delivery people, movers, and (if you're staying for an extended visit in a particularly grand home) your hosts' servants.

If that's too much to remember (and I will agree that's some pretty arcane tradition there), stick to economic travel (three-star or below for hotels and restaurants, very light luggage, public transport, don't get groomed) and you'll be fine... so long as you remember to tip at least 15% in table-service restaurants. That one you can't easily get around.

I don't mind spending once I've made the decision to spend, and I've always assumed that in the Anglosphere or even beyond you would be asked to tip 20% over the bill: it's very informative that it's in fact more exclusive to North America than general... Besides, I'm one of those stupid people who would pay under the "noblesse oblige" even when I have nothing of a nobleman. That being said, I agree with the idea that not everything must make sense, or be "rational" but money spending ALWAYS MUST make sense, and if there's a time in which you could realize that if you had never done it it's precisely 2009.

You are talking about tradition, which is fine for people living in the desert, the forest or the Bible belt, but I thought we were considering more thoughtful people than that, not just those who do something "because that's how things are done and therefore HAVE to be done like that". I'm sick of living among people who would accept just anything that is forced upon them instead of trying to put some sense in their miserable lives, and when they seem to be rational against "barbaric" traditions they are speaking from their blind adherence to their own traditions, not because their opposition actually makes any sense.

What makes me sick is people who keep acting in a way because "everybody does it" and one fine they they realize those practices have swept theearth under their feet. As you can see, I'm not so much opposing tipping as practices which are part of a far more complex system, with social and political implications, and justifying them as if they were just art or folklore "for the sake of itself". Treating work and money like a piece of social folklore or art ranges from the delusional to the hypocrite and perverse.

Ever heard of hyponymy, at least during your college yers? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyponymy
ser·vice (sûr

v

s)n.1. a. Employment in duties or work for another, as for a government: has been in the company's service for 15 years.
b. A government branch or department and its employees: the diplomatic service.

2. a. The armed forces of a nation: joined the service right after college.
b. A branch of the armed forces of a nation.

3. The performance of work or duties for a superior or as a servant: found the butler's service to be excellent.
4. a. Work done for others as an occupation or business: has done service for us as a consultant.
b. An act or a variety of work done for others, especially for pay: offers a superior service to that of his competitors; provides full catering services.

5. A department or branch of a hospital staff that provides specified patient care: the anesthesiology service.
6. Installation, maintenance, or repairs provided or guaranteed by a dealer or manufacturer: a dealer with full parts and service.
7. A facility providing the public with the use of something, such as water or transportation.
8. a. Assistance; help: was of great service to him during his illness.
b. An act of assistance or benefit; a favor: My friend did me a service in fixing the door.

9. a. Active devotion to God, as through good works or prayer.
b. A religious rite.

10. a. The serving of food or the manner in which it is served.
b. A set of dishes or utensils: a silver tea service.

11. Sports The act, manner, or right of serving in many court games; a serve.
12. Copulation with a female animal. Used of male animals, especially studs.
13. Law The serving of a writ or summons.
14. The material, such as cord, used in binding or wrapping rope.
15. An answering service.

tr.v. ser·viced, ser·vic·ing, ser·vic·es 1. To make fit for use; adjust, repair, or maintain: service a car.
2. To provide services to.
3. To make interest payments on (a debt).
4. a. To copulate with (a female animal). Used of a male animal, especially studs.
b. Slang To have sex with.


adj.1. Of or relating to the armed forces of a country.
2. Intended for use in supplying or serving: a service elevator; the service entrance.
3. Offering repairs or maintenance: a service guarantee; a road service area.
4. Offering services to the public in response to need or demand: a service industry.

Idioms: at (someone's) service Ready to help or be of use.

be of service
To be ready to help or be useful.


service Noun
1. an act of help or assistance
2. an organization or system that provides something needed by the public: a consumer information service
3. a department of public employment and its employees: the diplomatic service
4. the installation or maintenance of goods provided by a dealer after a sale
5. availability for use by the public: the new plane could be in service within fifteen years
6. a regular check made on a machine or vehicle in which parts are tested, cleaned, or replaced if worn
7. the serving of guests or customers: service is included on the wine list
8. one of the branches of the armed forces
9. the serving of food: silver service
10. a set of dishes, cups, and plates for use at table
11. a formal religious ceremony
12. Tennis, squash, etc. a. the act, manner, or right of serving the ball
b. the game in which a particular player serves: she dropped only one point on her service

Adjective
1. of or for the use of servants or employees: a service elevator
2. serving the public rather than producing goods: service industries
Verb
[-vicing, -viced]
1. to provide service or services to
2. to check and repair (a vehicle or machine)
3. (of a male animal) to mate with (a female animal)

 

[Swellegant]

So, why do we drive on one side of the road or the other, aside from tradition?

Why do we speak different languages other than tradition?

Why do we do things between nine and five on weekdays if not for tradition?

You find me something that any culture does differently from other cultures which has its roots in pure logic.

And don't you know that quoting online dictionaries is the weakest possible defense of a position?

 

[belamy]

Don't quote dictionaries and hyponymy at me, belamy. You know full well what I meant, and you know full well that I considered the meanings, denotations, and connotations of all of the words I used.

I know that you said that it had nothing to do with "reason", on which I agree, but you still tried to make it "reasonable" by linking it to semantics.

 

[belamy]

And money is an abstract and arbitrary concept to begin with, I don't see why anything I do with it has to make sense.

"Value" is an abstract and arbitrary concept: but try selling to a shopkeeper, a banker, a landlord/landlady or a broke family the idea that money is "an abstract and arbitrary concept".

 

[Swellegant]

"Value" is an abstract and arbitrary concept: try selling to a shopkeeper, a banker or a landlord/landlady the idea that money is "an abstract and arbitrary concept".

It is abstract in that we agree on the value of money... I hand you a piece of paper on which certain symbols and colors are printed, and we have agreed that this piece of paper is "worth" ten dollars. It's all based on agreements and tradition, not on inherent worth... which is itself abstract. It's an abstraction of an abstraction.

 

[belamy]

It is abstract in that we agree on the value of money... I hand you a piece of paper on which certain symbols and colors are printed, and we have agreed that this piece of paper is "worth" ten dollars. It's all based on agreements and tradition, not on inherent worth... which is itself abstract. It's an abstraction of an abstraction.

That's it: the value is arbitrary, but that there will always be money, whether a banknote, a beast or your asshole is out of question.

 

[Triple G]

Those workers are getting paid to do the job. If they don't like the pay level, get another joib. Why should I pay their salary?

 

[pixie77]

waiters here expects NO tips and they provide excellent to more than excellent service ... its true.
It should be the boss or owners to look after the waiters/workers and not the customers.

Same across the ditch !