the death of tipping in america?

[wtf]

I know a thread was started a while ago about tipping, interesting that america is in
the dark ages on this issue


The Death of Tipping?

by Gourmet Live, on Thu Sep 30, 2010 1:40pm PDT
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--By Foster Kamer, Gourmet Live guest columnist

America is one of the last industrialized nations in the world still desperately holding on to tipping wait staff. Gourmet Live guest columnist Foster Kamer comes up with some pretty bold theories this week as to why American restaurants should put an end to tipping.

1. Tipping isn’t fair:

Aside from the fact that it’s been proven that more attractive people get better Tips, waiters who don’t necessarily work harder but serve more expensive items are rewarded. And the “tip pool,” where the wait staff pools tips and divides them evenly, is even more unjust.

Moreover, Kamer explains, the tip has constructed a system whereby waiters are paid tragically low wages and consumers are expected to make up for it, often feeling awkward and guilty enough to tip even if the service was sub-par.

2. Tipping deprives tax-payers their rightful dues:

Service industry tips were estimated to be at $26 Billion in 2008. If—to be kind—one in every twenty waiters underreported their tips in 2008, $1.6 Billion in tax revenue would be lost to Americans. And that’s being optimistic.

3. Why do we need to tip?

Tipping is outdated. Europe has largely adopted a system whereby a standard service fee is added to all checks. Think service has probably slacked? Think again: Europe has the highest concentration of highly regarded fine dining restaurants in the world, along with a reputation for exceptional wait service.

4. Thomas Keller says no to tipping!

One of America’s most famous chefs, Keller substituted a service fee for tipping in his world-class Napa and NYC restaurants in 2005. If a trendsetter like Keller has already left tipping behind, it’s time for the rest of America to adapt.

[Boner_18]

I wouldn't mind a european type system but the change has got to come from the top down, not the bottom up.

[pavyracer]

In Europe they add the tip to the bill. So you don't have to add extra. If I find one of my old receipts from last year I will post it here.

[OmgUrMom]

some restaraunts already add the tip in usa.

[Cookie Monster]

The question is: Why does this have to be an "extra cost". When I go to a store, the price of everything includes every cost for the shop. There are not: $100 for the item, + $2 for the customer service guy + 2 for the cashier. Everything must be included in the retail price, and the store distributes the expenses inside.

[OmgUrMom]

The question is: Why does this have to be an "extra cost". When I go to a store, the price of everything includes every cost for the shop. There are not: $100 for the item, + $2 for the customer service guy + 2 for the cashier. Everything must be included in the retail price, and the store distributes the expenses inside.

exactly. just increase the price of the food to pay the waiters/waitresses.

The thing is some people are really stupid and they don't want to see a burger go from $5 to $6 even if they don't have to tip now. Just like stuff sells better at $4.99 then it does at $5 even tho in reality no one cares about spending the penny, they just see a 4 rather than a 5

[OmgUrMom]

also i believe restaraunts don't have to report tips as income so it saves them money as well as the servers who don't report their tips

[brxbmbers42]

Let me start this by saying I am very generous tipper. My haircut costs 20 and i tip 8. but every time i go to dunkin donuts or a deli to order at counter and take sandwich out of the deli I want to punch those fukks in the face for the tip jar at register. tip for what.

[OmgUrMom]

Let me start this by saying I am very generous tipper. My haircut costs 20 and i tip 8. but every time i go to dunkin donuts or a deli to order at counter and take sandwich out of the deli I want to punch those fukks in the face for the tip jar at register. tip for what.

how does that make any sense? the people at the deli often work just as hard (for less wage) than a hair stylist or waiter.

[Doug]

In Europe they add the tip to the bill. So you don't have to add extra. If I find one of my old receipts from last year I will post it here.

What's the difference ?

at least in the US you could stiff the waitress if the food/service was bad.

[unde0087]

I don't get these threads. What the **** is the problem with tipping. The only time I don't tip generously is when service is poor. Other than that I will tip well because there are alot of people working hard out there that don't make shit per hour. Many people count on tips to feed themselves and their families. If you don't want to tip then stay home and eat.

[pavyracer]

I don't get these threads. What the **** is the problem with tipping. The only time I don't tip generously is when service is poor. Other than that I will tip well because there are alot of people working hard out there that don't make shit per hour. Many people count on tips to feed themselves and their families. If you don't want to tip then stay home and eat.

I think the point of this thread is why don't the restaurant owner pay the waiters adequate wages and take the tip out of the customer's hand and add it on to the food bill. So you ordered a steak and drink for $20 add the tax and tip on the bill and bring me a $30 receipt to sign on. No need to have to calculate the tip and add it on. Simplicity is the mother of invention.

[20Four7]

In Europe they add the tip to the bill. So you don't have to add extra. If I find one of my old receipts from last year I will post it here.

Some places do that here and I hate it...... pay people fair wages for what they do and get rid of this shit..... I tip my hairstylist cuz she rubs her in my face during the shampoo is that wrong? LOL

[QuantumLeap]

"Think service has probably slacked? Think again: Europe has the highest concentration of highly regarded fine dining restaurants in the world, along with a reputation for exceptional wait service."

This is just patently stupid. Of course Europe has excellent restaurants. The wait staff is going to do well because they get good tips from the fee that's added on because they work for a good restaurant. What about the other 95% of restaurants?

What incentive is there for wait staff to do well when the tip is added on? What if the service is sub-par? You can't withhold the tip.

I spent some time in Singapore where there is no tipping. The service is horrible in most places.

[unde0087]

Its the same as bartenders. They don't make shit per hour and make all their money on tips. Tipping in America is the reason for the lower wage for servers. Businesses figured out they can save some money on wages because of the invention of the tip. It isn't that business owners are screwing their employees, it was made that way by people tipping. There is no law that says you have to tip anyone

[brxbmbers42]

how does that make any sense? the people at the deli often work just as hard (for less wage) than a hair stylist or waiter.

the person in the deli or coffee shop are not performing a service. they are dispensing coffee into my cup for me to take out of there establishment. they are not cleaning up after me.

[acarmelo1]

I always give 10% no matter what my check was, it is was 1dollar for a beer i give the bartender 10 cents, if I spent $40 I give them $4. 10% always!!!!!

[pavyracer]

"Think service has probably slacked? Think again: Europe has the highest concentration of highly regarded fine dining restaurants in the world, along with a reputation for exceptional wait service."

This is just patently stupid. Of course Europe has excellent restaurants. The wait staff is going to do well because they get good tips from the fee that's added on because they work for a good restaurant. What about the other 95% of restaurants?

What incentive is there for wait staff to do well when the tip is added on? What if the service is sub-par? You can't withhold the tip.

I spent some time in Singapore where there is no tipping. The service is horrible in most places.

If the service is sub-par the restaurant will fold and go under. People go to restaurants from word of mouth. People are intelligent and educated and if the food and service sucks they won't visit the restaurant again. So it is to the best interest of the manager to have good service from the waiters else there is no restaurant to work for.

[wtf]

in hong kong where i live there is no tipping and service is universally excellent, yes 10-15 percent is already added into the bill, same in japan

i think culture has more to do with level of service, versus tipping or not

[JimmysEgo]

we should get receipts for the tips we pay and our tips should be tax deductible (almost like a charity contribution), then there will be a record of tips received by the employees and they will be forced to pay taxes like the rest of us.

[ryanspeer2001]

As someone in the tip/service industry tips are vital in american dining.

[pavyracer]

As someone in the tip/service industry tips are vital in american dining.

Absolutely tips are vital. Just take the customer out of the equation and add it to the bill.

[Hotdiggity11]

I don't mind tipping. I even have a tip calculator so I don't over or under tip.

[Naz18]

All costs of a business are included in the price. Since people tip the waiters, restaurants can offer lower wages and lower the price of food.

[DwightShrute]

In Europe they add the tip to the bill. So you don't have to add extra. If I find one of my old receipts from last year I will post it here.

Costa Rica also in most places

[Killer_Demo]

i never tip...be glad you got a hourly wage...i need all my $$$

[playersonly69]

Waiters need to start reporting the CORRECT amount of taxes on their income. At least if it were already added to the bill, then the store can report it accurately

[GELATINOUS CUBE]

I-JUST-TIP-SO-THEY-DON'T-MESS-WITH-YOUR-FOOD-NEXT-TIME.

[Doug]

Waiters need to start reporting the CORRECT amount of taxes on their income. At least if it were already added to the bill, then the store can report it accurately

I think that is done in some places PO. They assume you get 17% of sales or whatever.

It can hurt a server in a place near the Canadian border with Canadians being low tippers, or if you were in a black area, etc.

I usually only eat out on restaurant.com certificates anymore, and they throw in the 18% tip before discount already, so it is done for me.

[JimmysEgo]

It can hurt a server in a place near the Canadian border with Canadians being low tippers, or if you were in a black area, etc.

How bad would the tip be if the customer was a black candadian?

[wtf]

overall if they added the ~15 % in you would attract better staff, as if the service is FANTASTIC you will still leave an additional tip on top of all ready inserted service fee

[cankid]

overall if they added the ~15 % in you would attract better staff, as if the service is FANTASTIC you will still leave an additional tip on top of all ready inserted service fee

think thats a good idea and good system to use

[pico]

i laugh at people who tip in bars here. they tend to be expats. i guess the only time tip is justified if the bar maid hook you up with a girl...other than that, just pay the bill.

[bruceBRUCEbruce]

things that make me mad about tipping: tip jars everywhere
and 20% being the new 15%. eff that noise.

[OmgUrMom]

i never tip...be glad you got a hourly wage...i need all my $$$

they should be glad they make like $2.45 an hour in some states?