senior Scoops

Two tipping scams we should not put up with

This is a pet peeve post.

At some point way back when, someone in the restaurant industry had a brilliant idea. “Why don’t we transfer the responsibility for paying our wait staff directly to our customers?” If a waitress or waiter ever complains about their pay, ownership points to the consumer and says, “Don’t look at me.”

The scheme has worked flawlessly for ages. So well, in fact, many other industries have adopted the practice.

• Someone drives you somewhere—add a tip
• Get a haircut–add a tip
• Stay in a hotel—Tip the guy who helps you to your room, and don’t forget the person that makes the bed
• Get your car washed—add a tip
• Go on a cruise–everyone has their hand out

You know what I am talking about it is everywhere!

A whole new level

In the last few years, the tipping culture has gone to a new level, testing the limits of consumers’ patience.

Here are two recent examples:

First–restaurants are at it again. My wife and I recently enjoyed dinner with friends at a restaurant in Charleston, SC. Given the growing popularity of the city and the current spike in inflation, we knew it would be a pricey meal. However, we did not expect the latest addition to the printed receipt, which looked like this:

_________Tip

_________Kitchen Staff Gratuity (10% Suggested)

“You have got to be kidding. First, I tipped your bartender because my table was not ready at the time of the reservation. Second, I am expected to give the wait staff a 20% tip for serving my over-priced food. Then, on the way out, I have to give the guy who parked my car $5 because valet service is the only option. Now you want me to add another 10% for the kitchen staff?

Enough!

The second example, in my mind, is even more galling.

The other day we had guests over and my wife wanted to add something special to the menu. We decided to get a side dish we really like from a local gourmet shop. I went there myself to pick it up. I found what I was looking for in a standing freezer, I grabbed it and brought it to the cashier.

I laid the item on the counter, and the clerk scanned the bar code. Here’s where it gets interesting. He flipped the little screen around to face me and actually said, “That will be $24.11— just choose your tip amount, and we will be all set.”

Tip? For what?

I was presented with four options: 10%, 15%, 20%, or “Custom Amount.”

The clerk literally did nothing but scan the item. He didn’t even need to make change because I paid with my debit card. I indeed picked the “custom amount” option—-$0.00.

Those little screens are popping up everywhere. They are offensive.

Conclusion

Let there be no mistake: these little screens and additions to receipts are nothing more than schemes to separate us from more of our money. No doubt they were dreamed up by some marketing expert and researched to death. Do not fall for any of it, they are ploys.

A gratuity is meant to be a thank you for a job well done, and should not be expected as payment for every personal interaction in a place of business. As consumers, we need to stand up and refuse to be guilt-tripped into this unnecessary expense. If you own a business, pay your employees fairly. Enough is enough!

Don’t get me started on the added charge for using a credit card.