Would love a discussion…
Something Shannon and I have been talking with lots of people is the American tipping system, and how it really is kinda dumb and we need to restructure or something. After seeing a gif that basically said “if I order standing up I am not tipping” which has given us a lot of food for thought.
We went to a local place this past week and it was absolutely adorable. Brilliant concept, and great use of space when using two businesses under one roof. It had a large outdoor courtyard and inside bar space and the bar personnel is responsible for that, and then if you would like to order food, a completely separate business of a restaurant is in the back and you go and order your food there at a window.
The set up is so smart, and the little barn door with hashtags, menus, sauces and more shows the thought put into the setup. But as we ordered the food at one window standing and went back up to physically pick up our food, there is no interaction with the restaurant staff other than placing the order which one has to do in order to buy the food.
We tipped on that bill. What should we tip and truly, both of us are small business owners and huge supporters so it’s not about “tipping” per say, but if we are paying x amount for our food, that is what the food costs. So if we sat at a table and had a full meal and were served the entire time we would tip 15-25% regardless. So if we get up and go get the food and are just paying for the food what should be tipped and should it be for just taking the order and in essence doing one’s job.
In that same establishment the lady behind the bar that is responsible for anything you drink, including cokes point blank tells us all drink service is up at the bar and there is no service besides coming up to the bar. I did each time we needed a refill and of course we pay upfront so we tipped on that bill also. For the girl to fill the coke that we get up for each time.
Their system I don’t remotely have a problem with. I think it’s brilliant! But I think as a consumer I would rather have a sign that says no tipping needed unless exceptional customer service. Charge me a higher price and let me reward an employee if they go above and beyond doing something noteable. Why am I tipping, and does it go to the person who cooked food or person who simply rang it up.
Tipping is for is designed for excellent service as a sign of appreciation. Why are we expected to tip each time someone pours a soda for us and yet politeness nor customer service are expected. If that is the case why don’t tip our flight attendants or people that take your order at McDonalds? We are quite a pain and demanding to both those workforces.
I do understand how bar staff and wait staff are not paid a full salary and perhaps that is truly where the problem lies. Everyone deserves a full wage, but if the wage is based on service there has to be a service provided right?
I’m quite sure at most restaurants the cooks that are cooking the food are provided a full wage and in that instance is handing me the food. What is the tip for?
If one goes to a buffet, or a qdoba/chipolte now a days there is always a tip line to be tipping the staff. This morning we ordered smoothies online, $10 smoothies each mind you and we have to go in to pick them up. Of course asks for a tip and almost makes one feel bad if one chooses not to. Plus, you now risk someone tainting your food before receiving because they are made you didn’t tip x amount. What’s the difference between running in or picking up in a drive thru food or picking up food at the counter at a bar? Is it simply because they put a tip line?
So confusing in this day and age and of course no one wants to stiff someone, but are we now at a point at a society that we have increased prices, pick it up ourselves and are expected to tip for each transaction? Where is the customer service in that? I get if gestures are made or additional things are done.
Chic fil a has amazing customer service and their employees are not tipped nor is there even a tipping options for them. Are they paid a significant amount more than competitors like BK, McDonald’s, etc.
I know I have lots of people reading in service/tips and also small business owners and people who eat out. Would love for you to comment and open the discussion. It’s fascinating to me as a society the things we do tip on and things we do not.
Just some food for thought this week,
Jenny
