Tipping - do's and don'ts

gra·tu·i·ty (gr-t-t, -ty-)
n. pl. gra·tu·i·ties
A favor or gift, usually in the form of money, given in return for service.

A tip is a voluntary extra payment made in addition to the advertised price of the transaction.

I am always taken aback, when I hear people complaining about whether or not they were tipped, and how little they received.

When, as a society did our conscience shift in regards to tipping. When did it become a requirement instead of voluntary act of kindness?

I recently read a comment, that was rather shocking ..

People need to learn how to tip. Don't go out if you can't afford ALL aspects of going out, that includes tipping.

What did you do to deserve a tip? You already get paid to bring my food, refill my drink, and get me ketchup or make me a cocktail. Why should I tip you for doing your job?

What exactly did you do "above and beyond" your regular duties to deserve EXTRA money? Just showing up, doesn't warrant a tip. Just doing you job, isn't tip worthy either.

If your work attitude was anything like your comment, I am sure you got exactly what you deserved... nothing!

Do: Do get off you high horse and stop thinking that your so grand, that people should just give you extra money.

Don't: Don't expect to be rewarded for just doing your job.

DO: Do provide amazing service every time if you want to be rewarded

Don't: Don't be a whiny ungrateful bitch, if the person doesn't tip or you don't get what you think you deserve.

Do: Do remember that the tip is based on the customers interaction with you, not what you think of yourself.

Have said that....

I realize that servers aren't paid much if anything above minimum wage. Most rely on tips to survive.

I also know from experience it is a thankless job and you have to take a load of crap from everyone.

Knowing this ... I tip. I even over tip on purpose. What the public could learn is that if you frequent an establishment often, the servers will remember you and if your a shitty tipper, they know it.

I also will NEVER tip crappy service.. In fact I make sure to leave a Penny, face down to indicate that the service was horrible.

If service was amazing I tip well and leave a penny face up, indicating how good they were.

Servers also remember a good tipper. A healthy tip will get you better service the next time.

So tip.... tip the wait staff. If your the one being tipped, please do "something" worthy of my money.

Tipping isn't just a place in China, but if you provide poor service, then you should consider moving there.