Tip of the iceberg!

Calling all readers! Calling all readers! I need your help.  It seems like there is a common trend developing in the food service and other industries. The utilization of a tip jar. I am curious if there are any rules for what I am writing about. Follow me on this. You go into Starbucks, Jamba Juice, etc. and order a $4.23 drink, what do you do with the change? Do you drop it in their bowl for gratuity based on the job they are getting paid for? By the way, that would be roughly an 18% tip. Or do pocket the change and walk away? Does that space between the counter and the door become the “Walk of Cheapskate Shame“, I do not know the answer. What about take-out from a restaurant? Do you tip the host/hostess for going to the kitchen and retrieving your order? I usually use a credit card and take out bills have that dreaded blank space for tip. What if my order is screwed up? (That never happens, right!) Do I get the gratuity back?  I know wait staff rely on tips as a method of compensation. Does counter service staff rely on them as well? Here is an interesting concept, my kids like when I put some money in the tip bowl at Cold Stone. In exchange you get a half-hearted jingle that makes one chuckle. Better than nothing! Frankly, I’d rather a percentage service charge be included, if this is going to become the norm.

So I sit here confused. Am I a cheapskate if I smile and say thank you? Or do I drop a few coins or dollars on a “gratuity”? Any “tips” on this for me?

But then again, that’s the way I see it!

If you have any comments, please visit my blog at www.thewayiseeit.net or email me at damarsh@bellsouth.net