Service Tipping.

[wvpolekat]

I refuse to tip servers for poor service, even at a restaurant. I don't care if they make $2.15 an hour. A tip is earned, not a given. If they give good service, I tip generously. If they give poor service, I don't tip.

I refuse to tip people who are already paid a salary EXCEPT service providers who go above and beyond. Delivery persons, repair persons, and similar. How does a bank teller or ice cream jockey go above and beyond? Bank teller certainly isn't going to put extra money in my account. A delivery person who takes extra care, or does that extra little bit will always get a tip from me. A repair person who takes the time to explain what they need to do or points out something else they notice will get a tip from me. That is going above and beyond.

I see a tip as my chance to pay them an extra amount of MY CHOOSING to reward them for good service.

[Bird]

I don't like the tipping business, especially since it's become expected so many places regardless of how good or bad the service is, but I almost never fail to tip service providers. Maybe that's because I have a little experience with working where tips were a part of the pay.

Even worse is places where the employer requires all tips to go into a common fund to be distributed among all employees. That stinks of socialism in that all get a fair share regardless of the work performed.

In general, I'd agree, but there are exceptions. Many years ago, one of my "moonlighting" jobs was working for a valet parking service at special events, wealthy folks' parties, and such. There would be 3 to 6 of us on each job, and all tips were pooled and equally divided. However, there was never any doubt that the work was also equally divided because we took turns parking cars and later going after cars. No one ever had a complaint, but if we'd ever had anyone who didn't do his share, he would never have been asked to work another job.

Of course another of my moonlighting jobs was driving a taxicab. The salary was a flat 35% of the amount collected on the meter and any tips went directly to the driver.

[impdaddy]

A reward for OUTSTANDING service is within the realm of reasonable. Also, a great attitude on the part of the person is welcom. My big question is how much is the 50 hr service ging to cost you? that would factor into my decision.

Rick: I am sure you fit into the OUTSTANDING category otherwise you would not be part of TBN and also stick your neck out to reply. Thanks,

[Spudland_Dave]

If not financially with cold hard cash...I've tipped people who deserved it with things like Soda,...if I'm the last stop before "punching out" a fermented barley soda, etc...To me, its not the actual dollar amount, its the ACT that goes a long way...

I've given a few gift cards (Dunkin Donuts, etc) to sales guys who are comission/salary/get paid well...reason being they ALWAYS go above & beyond the call of duty for me...expediting orders, taking returns with no restock fees even on special order items, giving me vendor samples, etc... I've gotten more free Lenox BiMetal holesaws then ones I've purchased...
Keep in mind I'm an average Joe doing business at an industrial supply house which is one of those "account type" businesses...

[december45]

I'm so far out of the loop on tip giving ... i thought the original poster was kidding..... i thought it was some kind of joke.... I never in a million years would have ever even thought about giving a service tech a tip...

generally my tip giving is;

"Buy low sell high"

[The Haymaker]

Originally Posted by impdaddy

A reward for OUTSTANDING service is within the realm of reasonable. Also, a great attitude on the part of the person is welcom. My big question is how much is the 50 hr service ging to cost you? that would factor into my decision.

I would tip for service from someone who has a good attitude and gives me good service. What the total bill is would have nothing to do with a tip or not, as the service guy is only going to see a tiny portion of it.