Tipping is a custom that’s been around for centuries, but it’s still not entirely clear why we do it. Some people say it’s a way to show appreciation for good service, while others say it’s just a way to avoid feeling guilty. Whatever the reason, tipping is now an expected part of dining out in the United States. Tipping has also seeped into regular retail experiences as well.
The other day, I bought a shirt and was asked if I would leave a tip via the terminal. For picking out my own shirt? Am I tipping myself?
I’m not sure what’s more ridiculous: the fact that I was asked to tip for picking out my own shirt, or the fact that I almost considered it. But then I realized that this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to tipping.
These days, it seems like we’re expected to tip for everything. We tip our hair stylists, our Uber drivers, our bartenders, and even our dog walkers. And now, it seems like tipping is even creeping into retail and grocery stores.
I’m not sure where this is all going to end. Are we going to be expected to tip the cashier at the grocery store next? The person who bags our groceries? The person who checks us out at the self-checkout? It’s a very real possibility. Walmart recently added a tip box to self-checkout counters. SELF-CHECKOUT. Leave a tip? Why? For whom?
I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to feel like I’m being taken advantage of. Tipping used to be a way to show appreciation for good service. But now, it seems like it’s just a way for businesses to get away with paying their employees less.
I’m not saying that we should never tip. There are still plenty of people who deserve to be tipped, like servers, bartenders, and hair stylists. But I think it’s time we start to draw the line. We shouldn’t be expected to tip for everything. If you’re simply ringing up my socks and bananas at Target, that is your job. I’m not going to give you 20% extra for doing your job.
I’m not sure what the solution is. Maybe we need to raise the minimum wage so that service workers can make a decent living without relying on tips. (DUH) Or maybe we need to get rid of tipping altogether and just pay people a fair wage for their work.
Tipping used to be just with the change in your pocket. Now that everything has gone electronic, change turns into just a 20% surcharge on everything you buy. The only change needs to be in salaries.
If you’d like to tip me for this column, my Venmo is @chriskamler. Will Ivan take 80% of the tips? That remains to be seen.
(Consider tipping Chris Kamler for his tweets every day on Twitter, where you’ll find him as @TheFakeNed)