LET'S TALK ABOUT TIPPING

Tipping is also known as gratuity. Tip is short for "to insure promptness." A TIP is a sum of money given by a customer to service workers to show appreciation for the service provided. These amounts can vary depending on various factors.

Tipping is a common practice in the food service industry. Tipping in the food service industry became the accepted method of paying the food server over one hundred years ago. This became part of the business model for certain business's especially those which are in the business of serving food.

It seems for a long time the rule of thumb was fifteen per cent of a check was considered the accepted amount to be left as a tip for the server. This was just a guideline it could obviously be more or less. That was the customer's choice. Recently the trend seems to have become about twenty per cent of the check. I guess this is due to inflation and probably other factors. Again, this is still up to the customer's discretion. There has also been a trend towards giving other examples of amounts to tip if the customer chooses to when you receive the check. You are also seeing signs more often at certain places saying such things as tips are appreciated. I have seen this for example at the auto wash.

Like everything else things will change. These have been slight changes in the custom of tipping. Serving people is not an easy job. I have no problem with the custom of tipping or any recent changes to tipping standards we have recently seen. People who are providing services and willing to do these needed jobs should be paid appropriately and be able to make an adequate living. Remember if tipping was not the custom and they were receiving higher wages it would be reflected in the price of the food when you eat in a restaurant. Tipping gives the server an incentive to provide better service and the customer the opportunity to reward them for that service. It gives everybody the chance to walk away feeling good about themselves.

In a couple of earlier essays, I wrote a few easy ways that a person might feel better about themselves because of what they did and how people responded to them were, drive a clean car, wear polished and clean shoes and try to have a smile on your face. Then there was buy a new suit or sport coat and dress up once in a while. How about this {I am not suggesting overextending your budget or breaking the bank} but if it's possible a little extra tip here and there is another way to feel good about yourself and help someone earn a living. You will receive a thank you, a smile and be told to have a nice day!

WRITTEN BY

RON TURETT