Tipping

[Snicks]

I had a lot of work done on my home. Painting, etc. Am I supposed to tip the painters who did the bulk of the work?

[kork13]

For contracted services such as home repairs, I would (do) not tip.

Can I just say that I absolutely hate tipping? I strongly prefer the way that other countries handle it, such as Japan. You NEVER tip a waitress, service provider, or otherwise (it can actually be taken as offensive by some). Rather, the restaurant pays it's staff appropriately, and prices incorporate the cost of those wages. But as the customer, you pay exactly what's stated on the menu. Way simpler, and the social contract is much cleaner. Why do we impose the social stress of "earning" a tip, or judging someone on the degree of service that they provide? It's silly, and pointless.

(To be clear, I do tip appropriately in situations where it's widely expected.... But I still think it's dumb.)

[disneysteve]

I'm with kork. Tipping paid contractors isn't necessary.

Now if there's someone you use regularly, like a handyman or a mechanic, a little something at the holidays is a nice gesture, but for a one-time job, even a big one, they earned exactly what they agreed to earn for the job.

I also think the tipping system in the US is a disgrace. Employees should be paid a fair wage, not $2-3/hr plus tips. Your income shouldn't be up to the whims of the public. I'd love to see restaurants raise prices 18% and eliminate tipping entirely, paying employees appropriately in the process.

[Snicks]

I would rather just pay more and not have tipping honestly

[disneysteve]

We have vacationed a few times at Sandals resorts in Jamaica and St. Lucia. All inclusive experiences where absolutely everything is covered and tipping is not allowed. It's great. Whether it's the guy who carries your luggage, your server at dinner, the bar tender, the housekeeping staff, whatever. You don't/can't tip anyone. It's fantastic. That's the way it should be everywhere.

Then there is cruising where they tell you upfront how much the expected tip is per person per day, and they'll even auto-charge it to your account. That adds hundreds of dollars to the cost of your trip.

[HundredK]

Can I just say that I absolutely hate tipping? I strongly prefer the way that other countries handle it, such as Japan. You NEVER tip a waitress, service provider, or otherwise (it can actually be taken as offensive by some).

Have you been to Japan recently? I find that is changing and tips are more expected now, especially if you are American and especially in the Tokyo area.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I guess people don't like being told they have to tip. But just raising prices probably would piss people off but why not an 18% surcharge?

[kork13]

Have you been to Japan recently? I find that is changing and tips are more expected now, especially if you are American and especially in the Tokyo area.

I'll admit it's been nearly a decade, and I lived in Okinawa (very separated from Tokyo, both geographically & socially/culturally). Sad to hear that yet another negative Americanism (I know, it's not exclusive to the US) is getting exported overseas....

[HundredK]

I'll admit it's been nearly a decade, and I lived in Okinawa (very separated from Tokyo, both geographically & socially/culturally). Sad to hear that yet another negative Americanism (I know, it's not exclusive to the US) is getting exported overseas....

I would love the chance to live in Japan - I really love it there. Did you enjoy your time living there? And yes, sad that to see their culture change in those ways. It's always so much fun to visit when these things are unspoiled, but the very act of us all visiting has unavoidable impact. Always strikes me as interesting, so I try to go with the flow and not fret too much about their expectations. If I can afford to travel there, I can still afford to tip. That kind of hit me one time when we were in India and I found myself pondering what a fair tip would be to the tuk tuk driver and having a moment where I realized I was debating with myself over maybe a dollar or so. Just give the extra and enjoy the trip while they enjoy the tip. I do hope for a day where tipping isn't a thing anywhere!

[Snicks]

I guess people don't like being told they have to tip. But just raising prices probably would piss people off but why not an 18% surcharge?

I really don't like a surcharge option. If I am tipping, I would prefer to choose my own tip amount. I mean I usually tip 20% anyway but I take offense at being TOLD what my gratuity should be. If the price is simply 18% more than just raise the price instead of playing footsie with a surcharge.

[ua_guy]

Contractors, no, that should be worked into the price.

But if the "contractor" involves a work crew like landscapers and people working outdoors, I do usually offer a cooler full of ice waters and gatorades, and always offer the use of an indoor bathroom if needed. A little goodwill goes a long way with contractors.

[Snicks]

Contractors, no, that should be worked into the price.

But if the "contractor" involves a work crew like landscapers and people working outdoors, I do usually offer a cooler full of ice waters and gatorades, and always offer the use of an indoor bathroom if needed. A little goodwill goes a long way with contractors.

I made dinners for the 2 young guys who did the bulk of the work. The days I was off, i would cook dinner and give them a dinner to take home with them. They were very appreciative. They had chili one night, swiss steak another night, stuffed shells one night, etc. I am having some work done in May so told them I would make them some fresh cinnamon rolls when they come back.

[kork13]

Contractors, no, that should be worked into the price.

But if the "contractor" involves a work crew like landscapers and people working outdoors, I do usually offer a cooler full of ice waters and gatorades, and always offer the use of an indoor bathroom if needed. A little goodwill goes a long way with contractors.

Agreed. In the military, I move around alot. I've always made sure to offer cold drinks & hot pizza to the moving crew that packs up & drops off our household goods. Buying a bit of goodwill definitely makes a difference.