Quick etiquette query

[OnTheRiver]

Assuming the service is prompt and friendly, do I tip the carhop at my local Sonic?

 

[OnTheRiver]

Slip a fiver into her blouse while she's setting down the food.

That's assault, brutha.

 

[User 1019]

I wouldn't think tips are normally given at Sonic. So, no.

 

[joe]

Ah, yes, I've wondered about that myself. Sometimes I tip, sometimes I don't. If it's just a Route 44 cherry limeade, probably not. If it's a whole meal, probably a dollar. They need to post a sign saying what the etiquette is.

 

[Cadet]

Only if they're on roller skates/blades.

I only tip regularly at places where they are paid the waitstaff wage (something stupid like $2.15/hour in anticipation of tips). Sonic and Starbucks both get paid full wage. I've asked.

 

[User 1019]

Case closed.

 

[Precious Roy]

Totally agree with the skates argument, if not they can fend for themselves.

 

[busuncle]

I usually give a buck. I figure, why not? But no, I don't think you're really required or expected to tip.

 

[poindexter]

Please, tip them. If they are working hard, tip them.

 

[slappy4428]

I do, generally. Either the coin change or a buck... sometimes both if its ****ty out..

 

[Cadet]

Please, tip them. If they are working hard, tip them.

I work hard. Nobody tips me.

Non smart-ass answer: there is a reason that certain types of food-service jobs are not paid the waitstaff wage - no tips are expected. Sonic, Cold Stone, Starbucks, the local burrito place, etc. are all paid at full wage.

Tipping people in those positions means you should tip the retail person who finds your size, the stock kid at Toys 'R Us, the cashier at the grocery store, the one-hour photo technician, etc.

Waitstaff, cocktail servers, etc. should absolutely be tipped, and the more the better. Tips are expected when they make the below-minimum waitstaff wage.

 

[poindexter]

Please, tip them. If they are working hard, tip them.

I work hard. Nobody tips me.

Non smart-ass answer: there is a reason that certain types of food-service jobs are not paid the waitstaff wage - no tips are expected. Sonic, Cold Stone, Starbucks, the local burrito place, etc. are all paid at full wage.

Tipping people in those positions means you should tip the retail person who finds your size, the stock kid at Toys 'R Us, the cashier at the grocery store, the one-hour photo technician, etc.

Waitstaff, cocktail servers, etc. should absolutely be tipped, and the more the better. Tips are expected when they make the below-minimum waitstaff wage.

This is just my personal opinion - nothing more, nothing less. I've decided this year, that if I am going to spend "X" amount of tipping money a year, that it's going to be spread around a little more evenly. I am disappointed in seeing mediocre service in high-end restaurants, and paying $40 - $60 for a large bill, when the service seems desultory at best. Some of that money is now going to the donut shop owner, or the girl at Subway last week, whom I gave a $10, while she was working a long line of people, many who seemed to have a speech impediment. More to the busboy at Souplantation, less to Hans at the trendy restaurants my wife likes to go to once in a while.

Just my opinion.

 

[JR]

Nothing annoys me more than the ****in' tip jars at coffee places.

They should tip ME for waiting on myself.

 

[dixiehack]

If you pay by credit card at Sonic, there is no line to add a tip. I take my cue from that.

 

[sportschick]

I tip at Sonic (just a dollar) and I put my change into the tip jar at the coffeehouse (which is a Starbucks. Down with Corporate Coffee).

My mom waited tables when I was a baby. I tend to tip everybody. I don't think that's a bad thing.

 

[Chi City 81]

Please, tip them. If they are working hard, tip them.

I work hard. Nobody tips me.

Non smart-ass answer: there is a reason that certain types of food-service jobs are not paid the waitstaff wage - no tips are expected. Sonic, Cold Stone, Starbucks, the local burrito place, etc. are all paid at full wage.

Tipping people in those positions means you should tip the retail person who finds your size, the stock kid at Toys 'R Us, the cashier at the grocery store, the one-hour photo technician, etc.

Waitstaff, cocktail servers, etc. should absolutely be tipped, and the more the better. Tips are expected when they make the below-minimum waitstaff wage.

Why tip someone for a job I'm capable of doing myself? I can deliver food. I can drive a taxi. I can and do cut my own hair. I did, however, tip my urologist, because I am unable to pulverize my own kidney stones.

 

[zeke12]

Cadet's got this nailed.

Tip people whose employers are allowed to pay them under minimum.

anyone else, I guess, tip if they do a great job, or if you've got the money.

I refuse to tip the folks at my local coffee house with a jar that says "Tipping is good karma" unless they remember my order.

Because that's good karma, too, piercing boy.

 

[alleyallen]

Actually, tips SHOULD be given at Sonic, but usually no more than a dollar. I actually did a story on tipping and Sonic carhops were some of the people I interviewed.

 

[zeke12]

Allen --

What do they make an hour?

I have worked ostensibly in the service industry, and tip very well in bars and restaraunts.

But I'm not going to tip some girl making $7 an hour so her employer can advertise tips.

 

[Cadet]

Just so everyone doesn't think I'm a cheap *****, I always tip waitstaff/bartenders at 20% unless the service is nonexistent. I tip personal service providers (hair stylist, mani/pedi technician, massage therapist) at that rate as well, because tipping is expected for those professions and there is a personal element to it.

I just don't see a point to tipping the kid who scoops the ice cream into a bowl. And I used to be that kid.