Member-only story
Don’t fall for this trap when it’s time to tip
That’ll be $3.85, would you like to leave a tip for your server today?
My server stood smiling at me. Eyes locked on the pen and receipt they just handed me to sign. I waved the pen over the tip line, buying an extra second as I thought about whether or not to tip.
There’s a line for a tip, does that mean there’s an expectation to tip? They just grabbed my bagel and handed me a cup to fill my coffee up myself. What will the server think if I don’t tip? What if that’s how they make money in this gig? I don’t want to be the only guy who doesn’t tip.
What is a tip anyway?
A tip, or gratuity, is money offered for the value added to the item being purchased. From the server’s vantage point, it’s incentive to provide good service. It’s an exchange of value. The sticking point is that you as the purchaser have the opportunity to determine what that value is in balance with social norms.
Don’t tip. You’re rude.
Tip too little. You’re cheap and offensive.
Tip too much. You’re generous, excessive or maybe you’ve made a mistake.
Tip what’s customary. You’re safe, but come on, couldn’t you have added a little more?
