mrwunrfl

I usually give the flight attendant a 500% tip for a glass of water/soda/juice. More if the FA gives me the can. The can of juice, I mean.

Patrick, are you sure that was a tip jar at the 7-11? Maybe it was a jar to collect change for "Jerry's Kids".

jor

Not sure how many people watch "Boiling Point" on MTV (sort of like a 21st century Candid Camera with more edge). They test people's limits at cafe's, stores, etc. by ripping them off at the the cash register or other situations. One of the segments was a convenience store where the clerk put All of everyones change directly into his tip jar. The reactions were varied. Some people didn't like it but just walk away and other got really hot under the collar. The clerk would explain that he needed money for his sports car payment and refuse to give back the $5 or $10 change on a two dollar purchase.

Sidepockets

I just posted on other section. I was in San Antonio, ate at Lone Star on Riverwalk. When initial bill was presented it had amounts for 15%, 20% and 25% figured, here is the kicker they also had figures for add'l 15%, 20% and 25%. 15% was under 15%, 20% under 20% etc. Needless to say I left normal 20%, after leaving and having 2nd thoughts I should have left nothing, I will not return to this restauarant or any restaurant in the future that adds add'l tip notes. Your thoughts?

sludick

If I order takeout from a restaurant that is normally a sit-down place (e.g., Outback, Red Lobster, etc.), I normally tip, though not as much as when I have a sit-down meal. In those cases, it is often the bartender who takes my order, bags it out of the kitchen, adds utensils & condiments, etc. Same thing if they have a window where they run it out to the car. It does add to someone's workload, and they are usually paid less than minimum wage. Same as buffet, maybe 10%.

hugglynn

Don't normally tip for take-out, although don't get it that often, except last week I stopped at a little homestyle restaurant for a weekend supply of a few of their great desserts to take out, and the guy running the register was one of their regular waiters--and he recognized me from lunching there, so after he put all the desserts into containers and rang up the sale, I just told him to keep the change, which was about 10%.

Well what about bartenders, what is the appropriate tip, say you're sitting at the bar with friends and buy a $3.00 beer. Do you leave $1, give them the change from a $5, 10%, what????? Just curious....

jor

Sidepockets, I have eaten in a San Antonio restaurant where a tip was Automatically included on the bill, not a suggestion of a tip percentage. We payed the bill minus the "automatic" tip. Pushy people get nowhere with me. You should have told the manager that the billing information was a childish insult to you. I have been in the Lone Star several years ago but they did not have a bill like you discribed at that time.

Patrick

mrwunrfl, I've never seen a Jerry's Kids jar with a hand scrawled sign on saying "TIPS".

While we're on this subject is anyone else as turned off by tip grubbing men's room attendants as I am? Who needs a guy to hand me the towel that should be right there, and squirt soap in my hands? I shutter to think what they'll try to help me with next!

JohnH

Interesting that the thread began at California Pizza Kitchen. I don't usually tip at counters either. I went to the CPK at the Beverly Center a few weeks ago to pick up an order. Both of the staff members behind the counter scowled at me as I thanked them and left without tipping.
Yeah, thanks for handing me the box, guys.

alvira

If anyone reading this works in food services where tips are expected, please be polite enough to say, "I'll return with your change" and let me decide what I will tip. To do otherwise sounds tactless and greedy. I normally tip 20%, but when I get a waiter assuming that all of the change is for them, my tips goes to around 10%.

offlady

All this reminds me of my great uncle who once referred to a waitress as "obsequious." How can you tell if a waiter or waitress is fawning for favors insincerely?

MarthaB

Patrick, you gave me a good chuckle with the bathroom attendant story. So true!

I, too, feel odd when paying for take-out at CPK (Cal. Pizza Kitchen) and there's that tip jar. The people behind the counter in our town have always been very kind even without a tip. Never seem to expect it.

I have also seen tip jars in some convenience stores in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Not everywhere, but in a few areas. Maybe it's for serving coffee and doughuts or sandwiches?

On a side note, I have thought of tipping one particular fellow who bags my groceries sometimes. He may have Downs Syndrome, but he's an utter pro! Always says *hello,* does an outstanding job bagging, and then says *thank you* and *good-bye* when I leave. More people could learn from him.

hugglynn

Speaking of added tips, when we were in Freeport this June it is customary there to have 15% automatically added to most restaurant bills for the tip.

kristeng

I believe that yes, you should tip, even if it is not as big of a tip. They are still doing a service for you. Someone has to take your call, put your order into the computer, and box it all up for you- which can take longer than waiting on a table b/c they have to make sure to include everything that would normally be on the table (silverware, napkins, condiments). This is while still taking care of all the other customers. Take out orders can be particularly demanding for someone who is already busy, and if they are still doing the work, it doesn't seem fair not to tip just because you're not sitting there.

Clifton

The kind of places I've been seeing these jars are in sandwich shops like Quiznos or Subway and at ice cream parlors. Not at sit down restaurants with take away. Essentially where they only provide the same services for everyone, just as they have all along.