As someone who’s been in the trenches of the service industry before, I’ve got a bone to pick with the tipping culture—or the lack thereof. It grinds my gears when folks think it’s okay to skimp on tipping their waiters or food delivery drivers. Let’s get one thing straight: if you’ve got the means to dine out or order in, you’ve got the means to tip. And not just a spare change tip, but a proper 10-20 percent of your bill.
The Real Deal with Tipping Tipping isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for those in the service game. It’s the difference between a livable wage and struggling to make ends meet. In many places, service workers are paid below the standard minimum wage because it’s assumed that tips will make up the shortfall. But when tips fall short, so does their ability to pay the bills.
The Cost of Being a Server Let’s talk about the cost of being a server. It’s not just about the physical toll of being on your feet all day or the mental strain of dealing with difficult customers. It’s the uniforms that need replacing when they’re stained beyond salvation, and it’s the shoes that wear out from all the running around. These expenses come out of the pockets of the very people who are serving you with a smile, no matter what.
Delivery Drivers: The Road Warriors And don’t even get me started on delivery drivers. These road warriors rack up miles on their cars, which means more frequent oil changes, tire replacements, and the inevitable repairs from all that stop-and-go driving. Every pothole they hit and every curb they scrape is a dent in their wallet. They’re not just delivering your food; they’re putting their vehicles on the line for your convenience.
Tipping: A Token of Appreciation When you tip, you’re not just saying ‘thanks’ for the service. You’re acknowledging the hard work that goes into bringing that piping hot pizza to your doorstep or serving that perfectly cooked steak at your table. You’re recognizing that these folks are professionals who deserve to be compensated for their expertise and effort.
The Bitter Taste of No Tip There’s nothing more disheartening for a server or driver than busting their hump only to be stiffed on a tip. It’s a slap in the face, a sign that their hard work is undervalued. And let’s be real, it’s downright disrespectful. These workers are providing a service, and they deserve to be paid for it—full stop.
A Call to Action So here’s my call to action: next time you’re calculating the tip, think about the person behind the service. Consider the wear and tear on their shoes, the stains on their apron, and the mileage on their car. And then tip accordingly. It’s not just about generosity; it’s about justice. It’s about ensuring that those who work hard to serve us can do more than just scrape by.
In Conclusion Tipping is more than a social nicety; it’s a critical component of the service industry’s ecosystem. It’s about showing respect and appreciation for the hard work that goes into every order delivered and every meal served. So let’s do right by our servers and drivers. Let’s tip, and tip well, every single time.
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This is very important to talk about John. I’ve mentioned it a lot on my own platforms even as someone that primarily comes from a Retail Management background and Catering. I didn’t see tips often and felt guilty when I’d be at the register and someone would want to tip me for the service..like helping pick out body jewelry and offering tips for rejecting piercings or suggesting a holistic cleaning regiment or new material for a more comfortable wear. Some corporations will get you in trouble for this, and others will turn a blind eye. It’d usually just be a group trips to b&n for some coffee for the staff anyways.
I think even from the other side of public service and entry-level jobs that lead up to corporate, that feeling is still somehow found. Being paid $2 and change depending on your state most often, and feeling glorified by a big-tipper or validated by a good percentage.
I follow the 20-25% rule. If it’s in the brink of dinner and I’m ordering UberEats I usually aim for 27%.
And I always round my tip up! To the next dollar based off percentage.
Light night heroes at 11pm before all the fast food get closed probably get closer to 30% for me.
I feel guilty it’s after the coupons, but at the same time – I choose not to order or go out if I don’t have money to tip. Same with my Uber Drivers, I just won’t go out if I can only give a dollar or two for a $15 ride on average getting around town for me.
That’s my little two helps for people who don’t want to pull out their phone’s calculator for a quick reassurance, I’m giving what is deserved ( and sometimes I feel like a kissalittleass when I tip too big, but I got regular places and I notice the names come up I’ve gotten before and appreciate it a lot.) some Uber Drivers I’ve known for 8 years let alone since it hit my town!
Or my 18-minute average for a huge Dominos order from oven to my desk. Truly Beautiful.
Nothing goes a ways in this world without some hopeful mediation and solidarity in the acknowledgement and well-funded service. Just ain’t gonna happen either way.
Also! $10 Tip on a $100 order is an asshole move! $20 on a $100 order is scraping the barrel at 20% IMO, it takes a lot of food and probably 5 entrees and half the drinks aren’t water or coffee to get there.
You caught my attention and I had to breathe a sigh of relief, John. Thanks for mentioning and thought I should share bc it’s important to me. 😄😎
🤙🏼🤝🏼
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on tipping! It’s clear you’ve given this a lot of consideration, and your approach is indeed thoughtful. I agree that ensuring service workers are recognized and fairly compensated is essential. Your strategy for tipping is generous and sets a positive example. In my post, I was suggesting that if everyone who dines out or orders food delivery services could afford to tip at least 10-20%—and definitely more if possible—it would make a significant difference. Unfortunately, when some don’t tip or only give about 10%, it negates the impact of those who tip more than 20%. It’s definitely disheartening not to receive a tip. You’re awesome, Sam, for tipping the way you do; we’re definitely in the same club.
I try my best. In my most despairing moments of craving Taco Bell and no funds, sometimes it may be a 16%. What can ya do but be acknowledging if the meal is under 25 – another of rule. My methods are chaotic but work for me haha
Nothing wrong with that; at least you’re doing it. 😎