^{Gratuity in the New Normal}

Have you every tried to explain tipping to someone not from the states? They tend to look at you with a sense of lost confusion or have you heard stories and stereotypes about different types of people and their tipping patterns???

Most of us have or know someone who has worked in the service industry and base part of their salary off of the generosity of others. This used to make a bit of sense (at one point in time), when we all HAD a sense of community with the  old moniker “it takes a village to raise a child”.

Well I think that ship has sailed.

Sh*t is starting to get off the rails as everything is way more expensive now.

Beyond that I’m seeing:

• Tip jars at self-check out spots
• Suggested tips on pick-up / take-out orders
• Fair 20% Good 24% Great 28% – WTF
• and a whole bunch of other industries and professions forcing their own tipping narrative

Seriously???

I’m laughing to myself because we are all about change and tolerance in the new normal.

How is it everywhere else in the world you can simply round up and be good <typically 3-10%>

I grew up with the understanding of the following:

• You tip at formal sit down restaurants, not everywhere that serves food
• Include – Specialized delivery people, taxis, baggage handlers, select hotel/spa services, haircut peeps (am I missing anyone?)
• The tip is based upon performance
• Sit-Down Restaurants (Formal & Casual): Normal gratuity 15% for good (expected service) 20% for outstanding service
• Drinks / alcohol – 10% or a dollar a drink… selectively more at high end spots
• Shitty service 10%, sorry you don’t stiff people
• Food Delivery a bit tricky – depends on the location and effort more than the price point
• Don’t be cheap with discounts or coupons

So what’s the point of this?

If had a wish it would be for us to be like the rest of the world when it comes to tipping policy.

Realistically I know the chances of that happening are about as likely as the US switching over to the metric system. Nothing will change and if anything, things will progressively get worse. But, it’s nice to think about having one less thing to worry about.