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Tipping

Discussion in 'Area Restaurants, Dining and Food' started by LKelly, Sep 21, 2007.

  1. LKelly

    LKelly New Member

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    This isn't about tipping for dine-in or delivery service, but those tip jars on the counters at Starbucks, etc. I'm curious to know how everyone handles this. My perspective is, if I have come to the establishment to pick up my order and/or stood in line to wait for it, for what am I tipping? How is it different from Wendy's or McD's in that case?
     
  2. Kaosdad

    Kaosdad Will work for Rum

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    Back when I stopped at the Farm Starbucks regularly, they got a tip if they greeted me by name, took my travel mug from where I was standing and had it ready when I got to the register.

    Remember, "TIP" stands for "To Insure Promptness" :D

    There's your trivia for the day.
     
  3. simonds2k4

    simonds2k4 New Member

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    A related question - what is appropriate tipping for haircuts, massages, etc.?
     
  4. sharse

    sharse TeamDonzi rocks!!

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    I don't tip at Starbucks as a general rule. Haircuts and massages, etc., I average around 15% assuming it was a good service.
     
  5. LKelly

    LKelly New Member

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    Usually 15-20% for hair and spa services (except for the Spa at NOVA Medical, where they don't accept tips due to the "medical spa" designation).
     
  6. Baywatch68

    Baywatch68 New Member

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    I tip about 30% on my haircut depending on what extras are done w/o asking and about 20% on pedicures and massages. I don't go to Starbucks (yes, I'm that guy), but will tip at least $1 for every drink I get at a bar. Obviously it all depends on the service I get.
     
  7. broken skull

    broken skull New Member

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    Generally at starbucks I just give whatever coin change I get. For haircuts it depends on how good a job they do.

    For the bar, my first tip is always pretty big(it usually makes it so they give me good service)
     
  8. 1grtchr

    1grtchr Member

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    I was just wondering about this the other night. What (if any) is the general rule about tipping when you pick-up a carryout order from a restaurant? Sometimes there's no restaurant jar - do you add a tip to your credit slip? Or is there no tipping in this scenario as they just have to package up your food? I'm sure it's likely at everyone's discretion, but just wondering how other people handle this scenario.
     
  9. foodie

    foodie New Member

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    1grtchr and others--

    Here is an interesting article online about "suggested" tipping for various services (i.e. carry-out foods, deliveries, salons, cafes, etc.)--

    www.tipguide.org (Tip Guide is a fun read!)

    As a sidenote--I do not tip at coffee bars like Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, etc.

    If someone does a special service--then I usually leave 20% like for restaurant services, hotels, etc.

    Have fun--

    Foodie
     
  10. meaton18

    meaton18 New Member

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    I have to say that I'm very unlikely to ever tip at a Starbucks unless I'm actively trying to get rid of change. I'm not trying to be stingy (I'm a 20 percenter when I do tip), but the main source of income for the baristas is not tips, they are getting an hourly wage. Waiters and waitresses are dependent on tips as part of their cash flow. It seems a little classless for Starbucks employees to put out the tip jar for performing a service which they are theoretically paid to do. Honestly, you shouldn't expect to get extra money everytime you do the job you're supposed to do...this isn't the federal government after all (this message brought to you by someone who currently works for the government and formerly slung ice cream scoops as a teenager...my name is meaton18 and I approved of this message :happygrin:).
     
  11. technosapien

    technosapien New Member

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    Amen. I've been the person behind the counter, back before the heyday of the "tipping jar" and I just... don't... get it. It always smacks to me of greed. Perhaps I'm too old-fashioned. Back when I worked behind the counter, the "tip jar" was a "penny dish" and people could take or leave small change as needed to complete transactions.
    I often have a momentary internal debate, if I should try that at a Starbuck's while I'm checking out. But then realize some of those kids can probably run faster than me. ;)
     
  12. LKelly

    LKelly New Member

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    Even Subway has a tip jar now; the McTips receptable can't be too far behind...
     
  13. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    If the service I receive at a place like Starbucks is exemplary (smile, friendly, tell me how cute my kid is, etc.) I will drop some change in the jar. But only if it seems like the person makes an effort and served me above and beyond just taking my order and handing me my change.

    We went recently to a Caribou Coffee in DC and everyone working there was very gung-ho, friendly, and helpful. Almost as if they were real people and not just coffee drones. Hmmm....
     
  14. nick

    nick New Member

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    Why should anyone leave a tip for a $4.00 cup of coffee?
     
  15. LKelly

    LKelly New Member

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    I'm surprised that none of the restaurant owners have chimed in on this topic.
     
  16. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    Good point but there is a big price difference between a cup of the plain coffee and the half-caf, part-skim, no foam vanilla latte, too. Plain coffee is more reasonably priced.

    Even so, a tip should not be expected. For me it's more like if I get 12 cents in change back I throw it in the jar - not exactly a stellar tip.
     
  17. gryphon

    gryphon Banned User

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    This is my policy, too. I think that many of the places with tip jars realize that there are some people who don't like coins in their pocket (me for one). So, they offer a place to put them. Not a bad idea.
     
  18. woopity

    woopity cdubs ya know!

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    *DING DING DING* YOU NAILED IT!
     
  19. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    my change goes into a long glass vase that, when full of change, is worth enough $$$ to buy a plane ticket. Gryph, pop by with your change anytime!!! I think I deserve it as much as your barrista! lol
     
  20. Baywatch68

    Baywatch68 New Member

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    This is what I do and now Coinstar will give you gift cards to a few vendors without charge if you use one of their machines to count your change.
     

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