messageI’m not convinced that this is the right way to go about it. I want more information on why people in our society are expected to tip. In Japan, it’s actually offensive to leave a tip. Why is that?
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Andrew Mason replied on Nov 6, 2008I assume that the theory behind tipping is that by putting a portion of an employee’s wage at the discretion of the customer, the employee will be motivated to do a better job.
In practice, there’s a big problem: In all but the most extreme cases, customers don’t design their tip to reflect performance. Employees know that, and come to look at tips as a right rather than a privilege.
As a result, tips don’t provide the intended motivation. When comparing within an industry (e.g. Starbucks vs. Dunkin Donuts), the places that tip don’t actually seem to have better service. That’s my anecdotal experience, anyway.
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Ken Pelletier replied on Nov 6, 2008
I seem to recall that the name itself ‘TIPS’ is an acronym that explains its origin.
It stands for ‘To Insure Prompt Service’, or at least that’s what my dad, a chef, always used to tell me when I was slingin’ hash (waiting tables) at his restaurant as a kid.
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Bridgit Wolf replied on Nov 9, 2008
Tipping may intend to be insurance for prompt service, or a thank you for prompt and courteous service in a restaurant, but I agree it is not a guarantee in a coffee shop nor a convenience store. I agree that places with tip jars have an expectation that flies in the face of voluntary tipping. The very fact that it is a JAR indicates it is not a set part of the organization. Fiar wages, yes. Maybe our pins would say “we believe in fair wages, not mindless tipping.”
