Tipping confuses me.
Let’s say I
need a job. Someone offers one to me for a specified wage.
Now I have three options:
- Take the job.
- Attempt to negotiate for better wages.
- Reject the offer and look elsewhere for employment.
The part that confuses me is the fourth option: Take the job, and then panhandle the customers for more.
It’s not called “panhandling,” though. It’s supposed to be some kind of reward for good service. I thought good service was a term of employment. And really good service is a prerequisite for future raises and promotions.
The breadth and depth of this practice has increased dramatically over the years. When was the last time you ordered fast food and didn’t see a tip jar on the counter? Haircut? Deliveries? Where I live the public schools ask parents to give a little something extra to teachers. And I’m old enough to remember the “rule” that ladies were expected to tip 10% at restaurants, and gentlemen 15%. Now it’s an even 20% for both. This is getting out of hand.
Some would argue that tips are necessary because the wages are so low. Then there’s the problem of the IRS now assuming a certain tip threshold in some job categories and taxing accordingly.
Recently, I went on an “all-expenses paid” cruise. (No, this is not a regular thing for a frugal person like me, but that’s another story.) Alcohol and soda weren’t included, and neither were the gratuities - billed amount: $11 per day, per guest. Ouch.
Sigh. If I ever become Queen of the World, I will decree that prices be true indicators of the amount one will be expected to pay to receive the goods/services advertised. Wages will by necessity be high enough to attract workers. Good service will be rewarded with prolonged employment and/or advancement. Customers will not be shaken down for more once they’ve agreed to pay the set prices.
Is this a lack of generosity on my part? Maybe. But I get tired of the “bait and switch” of low, low prices that come with strings attached.