Is It Ethical to Tip?
I know this will be a very controversial topic, but I just have to do it. We can agree that “tipping” someone prior to service is unethical as it constitutes a bribe, i.e. slipping someone a twenty to get seated in a packed restaurant. But what about tipping AFTER service? This is a common practice here in the U.S., but it is seen as unethical in many other parts of the world.
Shouldn’t the establishment be paying their employees a valid wage rather than relying on the paying customer to tip? Why is tipping prior to service any different than tipping post service? Are we not sending the same message? I know there are many people out there in cyberworld that will argue the point claiming that one tips for “good service rendered,” but that is no longer realistic. When restaurants have policies that automatically tack on a 15 – 20% tip for parties of 5 or more that is NOT tipping for good service rendered. That is an unethical “charge.” We don’t tip our postal carriers for making sure our mail gets to us. We don’t tip our doctors for saving our lives. We certainly don’t tip firemen when they save our homes, and believe me, I live in a fire area and would not mind tipping them at all! We don’t even tip the dry cleaner, the supermarket checkout person, the gas station attendant or the smiling “greeter” at our local superstore. So where did this unethical practice begin, and when will it end?
I am fine with incorporating the cost into the meal, but I don’t think tipping is appropriate. Now don’t get me wrong, I consider myself a good tipper, but I resent it. I resent being made to feel that I have to leave a huge tip. If I don’t I certainly won’t get good service the next time around, and yet I should just because I am a paying customer.
We get our ethics from four places; Authority, Culture, Intuition, and Reason, and over time ethical beliefs evolve. Perhaps we should be evolving with regards to tipping and utilizing reason to determine whether or not this is a practice that should discontinue. It wasn’t that long ago that the practice of “tipping” beforehand was commonplace and acceptable here in the U.S., but we came to the conclusion, through reason, that it is unethical. Shouldn’t the next logical step be to find tipping after service also unethical?
Great article. There are a lot of people out here that feel the same way. Why do we have to be made to feel guilty for not wanting to ‘tip’. When you go to a restaurant, beauty shop, etc, etc, you are already paying for the services being rendered. Used to be IF you felt like leaving a tip, it was very much appreciated. Now, IF you don’t, you’re a grinch and not a good customer. Something’s got to change. The business owners should be paying a fair wage and not depending on the customer to pay their high prices and subsidize their employees with tips.
I must admit that from my travels I’ve enjoyed going to places for dinner and knowing that the cost is exactly what I see on the menu – no taxes added and no tips to figure out afterwards. But, I have no reference to compare their service to though since all the places were like that (in France, for example).
I’m not sure I consider it to be unethical to “tip” given that it is, in a sense, the way waiters make up for miserable wages here. I don’t know if it guarantees better service or not.
However, i have seen the power of tipping, or so I believe. 20 years ago i went to Hong Kong and then on to Beijing. We had a complete, hot lunch served to us that we were able to eat and be gone in under 20 minutes in Hong kong. Three days later in Beijing, it took 2 hours to be served a simple meal that consisted of lukewarm tea, cold rice, and a less than warm main course in a major western style hotel. Back then they weren’t allowed to accept tips, and it showed. Of course, when you’re guaranteed your job (not just wages so maybe not a fair comparison) no matter how poorly you perform provides very little incentive to hustle and serve food at the right temps in a timely manner. Last time 7-8 years ago) i was in Beijing it was very different. Still not the stellar service of Hong Kong, but definitely improved. Why? I’m not sure since this time it was pre-paid. But, I have to figure that money was more of an incentive.
just my 2 cents…
v-
This is an interesting subject… The current state of tipping shows how, over time, something voluntary can become an onerous obligation. In this case it’s gone from a friendly gesture to a significant subsidy to business owners.
The definition “A tip or gratuity is a small present of money over and above payment due given directly to someone for performing a service or task” doesn’t represent today’s reality. It’s no longer a present, it has become an obligation, and Morissa, I agree, the ethics of this practice are questionable.
Here in Poland, for the most part, the price you see on the menu is what you’re expected to pay. I’ve experienced the same in Spain and France. Rounding up, while not in any way obligatory, is appreciated. Tacking on an additional 15% (very frequent in Italy), no matter what the size of the party, is definitely an unethical charge.
On the other hand, the gratuity is a definite source of motivation… for the most part servers are friendly and attentive in the states. Here, that’s not always the case.
If it’s a gratuity, it should be voluntary. No questions asked, no frowns or scowls allowed!!
hi, thanks,The article was very well written, very helpful to me
Thank you Jessica. Stay tuned for more….
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Hi I live in Australia where tipping is not necessary, and only used at high end restaurants if the service is exceptional. I agree with your article completely. In Australia the minimum wage is calculated so that an employee can live on it. It is unfair to expect the consumer to subsidise the employers costs. Only the employer benefits from this system. Yes some argue you receive better service, and I will admit when I have travelled to America the service is good but is it worth the culture it creates? If the service is poor you simply do not go back – the employer will get the message! Go further and let them know how you feel. No business can be successful without good service. No one will return! Simple.
Hi Kate,
Australia is one of my favorite examples. I have been to your country a few times, and I typically receive good service without having to tip. Why? First of all it is just part of your culture to be service oriented, but more importantly they are happy with the wage they are receiving. Thanks for following my blog!