Buser: The fundamentals of tipping

Monday, February 8, 2010

True, the economy is bad and we’re poor college students. But, these are not excuses to scrimp on tipping when out at a bar or restaurant.

This past summer, Oprah reportedly – any official comments on her Web site have been removed—told viewers that tipping 10% was acceptable because of the struggling economy. Money is tight; but it is ridiculous for Oprah, one of the wealthiest people in America, to suggest stiffing servers. It is also unfair for us to follow suit.

Waiters, waitresses and bartenders are paid an hourly wage. But, unlike other jobs, servers earn significantly less than minimum wage. They rely on tips from customers to make up the difference. If tips aren’t coming in, a server could end his shift with barely anything to show for it.

Occupations where workers are reliant on tips extend far beyond just restaurants or bars. There are multiple jobs where employees should be tipped.

Different services permit different amounts of tipping. Calculating various percentages can become a little complicated. However, thanks to technology, cell phones now often come equipped with specific “tip calculators.”

All the details of tipping can get confusing. But, it doesn’t have to be. Simply ask, “Is this person providing a service?”

Tip hair-stylists, Jimmy John’s delivery boys, babysitters, and, if feeling kind, toss a few dollars in a favorite barista’s tip jar.

If someone has gone above and beyond for exceptional service, reward him or her for it. Did the pizza deliverer drive through a foot of snow to deliver in 30 minutes? Did a hair-stylist squeeze in an emergency visit? Show appreciation with a slightly larger tip.

Is it ever OK to stiff a server? In my opinion the answer is no. Regardless of the terrible service, it’s impolite to not leave a tip. Leaving a bad tip makes the tipper no better than the bad waiter. Consider it an act of maturity. Maybe the server is just having an awful day.

Insufficient tipping can be easily avoided with a little effort. If there really isn’t enough cash to afford a tip on top of dinner out, then head to McDonald’s instead of stiffing a server.

— Buser is a senior from Columbia, IL, in journalism.

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