Q: I bought a drink at a coffee shop that came to $4.22 with tax. I was presented with three tip options: $1, $2 or $3 — 25%, 50% or 75%, respectively.
Since there weren’t any seats left in the shop, and therefore I was
taking my coffee to go (thus reducing the need to clean off a table or otherwise deal with my presence in the store), I tipped $1 (25%).
The barista glared at me as though I’d insulted her, and looked like she’d been slapped in the face.
What am I missing? I realize coffee shop workers aren’t rich, but my job doesn’t pay extravagant wages, either. I tip more when I consume my
drink in the shop, or when I pose some kind of inconvenience to the
staff.
A: When it comes to tipping, which is supposed to be a compliment, it is almost impossible not to insult someone somehow.
I once found myself giving offense by tipping a hotel worker for storing
my luggage. It seems that he was a manager, and thus above accepting
tips — a stance I admire but rarely encounter.
The tip I will give you is to tip in cash. Doing it electronically, and
in full view of the other party, is designed to shame the customer into
being more generous than intended. Better not to fall for it.
Q: I bought a drink at a coffee shop that came to $4.22 with tax. I was presented with three tip options: $1, $2 or $3 — 25%, 50% or 75%, respectively.
Since there weren’t any seats left in the shop, and therefore I was
taking my coffee to go (thus reducing the need to clean off a table or otherwise deal with my presence in the store), I tipped $1 (25%).
The barista glared at me as though I’d insulted her, and looked like she’d been slapped in the face.
What am I missing? I realize coffee shop workers aren’t rich, but my job doesn’t pay extravagant wages, either. I tip more when I consume my
drink in the shop, or when I pose some kind of inconvenience to the
staff.
On 3/13/2025 2:55 PM, Lenona wrote:
Q: I bought a drink at a coffee shop that came to $4.22 with tax. I wasWhat you're missing is people expect TIPS for no good reason.
presented with three tip options: $1, $2 or $3 — 25%, 50% or 75%,
respectively.
Since there weren’t any seats left in the shop, and therefore I was
taking my coffee to go (thus reducing the need to clean off a table or
otherwise deal with my presence in the store), I tipped $1 (25%).
The barista glared at me as though I’d insulted her, and looked like
she’d been slapped in the face.
What am I missing? I realize coffee shop workers aren’t rich, but my job >> doesn’t pay extravagant wages, either. I tip more when I consume my
drink in the shop, or when I pose some kind of inconvenience to the
staff.
These people are paid a minimum wage. They earn more than tipped wage workers so they have no reason to expect you to tip them for handing you
a coffee. But many POS (Point of Sale) systems these days build in tip amounts at checkout. You can always decline. Do you really care if the barista glared at you? All she did was push a button on a machine, fill
a cup and hand you a coffee. She wasn't out there harvesting the coffee beans.
Q: I bought a drink at a coffee shop that came to $4.22 with tax. I was presented with three tip options: $1, $2 or $3 — 25%, 50% or 75%, respectively.
Since there weren’t any seats left in the shop, and therefore I was
taking my coffee to go (thus reducing the need to clean off a table or otherwise deal with my presence in the store), I tipped $1 (25%).
The barista glared at me as though I’d insulted her, and looked like she’d been slapped in the face.
What am I missing? I realize coffee shop workers aren’t rich, but my job doesn’t pay extravagant wages, either. I tip more when I consume my
drink in the shop, or when I pose some kind of inconvenience to the
staff.
A: When it comes to tipping, which is supposed to be a compliment, it is almost impossible not to insult someone somehow.
I once found myself giving offense by tipping a hotel worker for storing
my luggage. It seems that he was a manager, and thus above accepting
tips — a stance I admire but rarely encounter.
The tip I will give you is to tip in cash. Doing it electronically, and
in full view of the other party, is designed to shame the customer into
being more generous than intended. Better not to fall for it.
Q: I bought a drink at a coffee shop that came to $4.22 with tax. I was presented with three tip options: $1, $2 or $3 — 25%, 50% or 75%, respectively.
Since there weren’t any seats left in the shop, and therefore I was
taking my coffee to go (thus reducing the need to clean off a table or otherwise deal with my presence in the store), I tipped $1 (25%).
The barista glared at me as though I’d insulted her, and looked like she’d been slapped in the face.
What am I missing? I realize coffee shop workers aren’t rich, but my job doesn’t pay extravagant wages, either. I tip more when I consume my
drink in the shop, or when I pose some kind of inconvenience to the
staff.
A: When it comes to tipping, which is supposed to be a compliment, it is almost impossible not to insult someone somehow.
I once found myself giving offense by tipping a hotel worker for storing
my luggage. It seems that he was a manager, and thus above accepting
tips — a stance I admire but rarely encounter.
The tip I will give you is to tip in cash. Doing it electronically, and
in full view of the other party, is designed to shame the customer into
being more generous than intended. Better not to fall for it.
On 3/13/2025 2:55 PM, Lenona wrote:
Q: I bought a drink at a coffee shop that came to $4.22 with tax. I was
presented with three tip options: $1, $2 or $3 — 25%, 50% or 75%,
respectively.
Since there weren’t any seats left in the shop, and therefore I was
taking my coffee to go (thus reducing the need to clean off a table or
otherwise deal with my presence in the store), I tipped $1 (25%).
The barista glared at me as though I’d insulted her, and looked like
she’d been slapped in the face.
What am I missing? I realize coffee shop workers aren’t rich, but my
job
doesn’t pay extravagant wages, either. I tip more when I consume my
drink in the shop, or when I pose some kind of inconvenience to the
staff.
A: When it comes to tipping, which is supposed to be a compliment, it is
almost impossible not to insult someone somehow.
I once found myself giving offense by tipping a hotel worker for storing
my luggage. It seems that he was a manager, and thus above accepting
tips — a stance I admire but rarely encounter.
The tip I will give you is to tip in cash. Doing it electronically, and
in full view of the other party, is designed to shame the customer into
being more generous than intended. Better not to fall for it.
Easy decision for me. I'd hand her a $5 bill, grab the coffee and go.
The tip I will give you is to tip in cash. Doing it electronically, and
in full view of the other party, is designed to shame the customer into
being more generous than intended. Better not to fall for it.
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