It seems like tipping expectation went up about 5% during the pandemic and more types of transactions ask for a tip as part of the payment. For example, a local grocery store of mine now gives a tip option for purchases with a card. If this is truly optional, then I'm okay with it. But then will only tip if I experience exceptional service of some sort. Unfortunately it seems like a lot of service jobs rely on the tips to make them pencil out.
While I support a general increase in wages for hourly workers, is more tipping really a good thing in the long run? I feel like we should generally have less tips and higher minimum wages. Tips seem to disproportionately favor those with charisma and can vary from front/back of house service jobs.
Edit:
When it comes to jobs that deserve tips, I think there should be some general categories:
- Anything that involves enormous effort like moving big objects – the more cumbersome and heavier it is, the more the tip should be.
- Any job that involves dealing with drunk people – this is why bartenders and servers should be tipped
- Any job that requires artistry/craft, like hair stylists, but also cake decorators, certain types of yard work etc.
- Any job where speed makes a difference