May 30 2008
Tips and tipping
Its time to discuss the American tradition of the tip. A stupider custom I have not come across. Why should I be forced to pay for a service then pay the person who provided me that service more money? It defies logic.
Some of you out there will say I am a tight arse. On the contrary, I have no problem paying people something extra if I think they have done a real good job. But to pay some niff nuff who could barely raise the effort to bring me a beer at more than hour intervals more money because society says I must is a crock of crap.
That’s here in Australia anyway, we have the right to choose. But
If you live in the land of the free you are expected to pay said niff nuff no matter what. The worst part about the whole situation is that you find yourself being forced to carry around horrendous amounts of $1 and $5 dollar bills just to be able to cover this duty. The other tremendous decision made by the Americans was to have all of their folding currency in the same colour. Its always exciting to realise that you have tipped some bloke $20 to open a door for you and you only have $1 left to tip the bloke who cleans your car.
But a little reward for you Captain America, when you visit the land of spent arrows you are free to skip the tip when and where you like. In fact if you are so inclined and think the service has been fairly average darts, I would appreciate it if you would tip in used toilet paper. The paper that just keeps on giving.
If you are actually interested in what the etiquette tip is for a particular service when you visit the US the following page will provide some insight into this for you. I for one am not sure how these people can afford to live with all the tipping they do. The tip seems to be the grease that keeps the whole machine moving.
Anyone with any 3rd leg suggestions for the 16LAUMDC feel free to let me know.
I agree with your thoughts, you are a tight wad. I always tip when going out for dinner and bars, its common curtesy. I always tip the people who deliver packages to me and always tip the room service people in hotels. I can’t believe anyone doesn’t.
Oh Rob B, as he said, this is Australia mate. The only think we tip are melbourne cup winners. if you are on your high horse tipping everyone you see then fair enough. but dont expect the rest of us to join your’e little crusade
Put it on Marasco champ!
Tips are not to be thrown around willy nilly.
A few tip rules apply certainly in my world.
1/Tip only for smiling females
2/Accent will help, and generally means the evidence will return home sometime.
3/Bonus tips for Extra’s
4/ Getting Shirpy a cool beverage before he needs it or “fluffs up” his shirt is a sure winner for a tip.
5/Secretly serving stolen drinks will earn any travelling attendant 1/2 of the menu price as a tip. Direct to the attendant.
Just my 2 cents..plus GST