Tipflation!
I'm sure you're aware that Tipflation has become a major issue recently. I want to explain why it has gone from a noble cause to a money-grabbing scheme. It used to be that tipping was a way to help those in need, but now it seems like it's just an excuse to make a quick buck. Unfortunately, this means that people who genuinely need help are being taken advantage of. Have you ever heard of Tipflation? If not, well, then read on.
Let's start by taking a closer look at what Tipflation is and why I'm discussing it today.
If you research online, you will discover a plethora of definitions for Tipflation, but the one I found and think is the most accurate is this:
"Tipflation is the phenomenon of tipping percentages increasing over time. In the past, it was customary to tip 15% for good service at a restaurant. However, in recent years, tipping percentages have been creeping up. It is now not uncommon to see tip suggestions of 18%, 20%, or even 25%."
So why am I so annoyed about this? And why I'm talking about it on my blog? Last week, my wife and I decided to check out a new burger joint in town. It was a little place with the feel of an old-school burger restaurant, but it was still within the fast food realm. We walked up to the counter, ordered our meal, and were handed a tray with our food and two empty cups. But before that, we were asked to pay on a tablet; and there it was: "How much would you like to tip?" with the suggestions starting at 20%. I mean, come on! They didn't even fill our drinks and already asked for a tip! It's getting out of control.
The term TIP is often thought to stand for "To Insure Promptness," but this is a misconception. In fact, the word "tip" has been used in English since the 16th century to refer to giving or bribing.
It's fascinating, isn't it, the concept that we must bribe? Do we really have to resort to such tactics to get our meals? To get our car washed? Our dog groomed? To pay for FAST FOOD? Do we really have to pay off people to do the minimum, yet we must do the work ourselves? Bribing is an interesting word, hmm. It's a sad reality that we sometimes have to resort to bribery in order to get things done. Less we not?
Now, I'm not trying to be a jerk; I get that some people rely on tips for their income. I've been there myself when I was younger. But here in California, the state minimum wage is $15.50, and if you live here, you know no one works for minimum wage. This state has one of the largest worker shortages in the country, and it is only getting worse. My family owns a small manufacturing plant in SoCal, and it's a full-time job just to find employees. McDonald's starts their employees at over $17 an hour, which is crazy. Other states may not have the same regulations, but I'm talking about Cali here.
Back to the internet, here are some pointers I found on dealing with the Tipflation epidemic:
Be aware of the rising cost of tipping.
Tip based on the quality of service you receive.
Don't feel pressured to tip more than you can afford.
If you are unsure how much to tip, ask your server for their recommendation. (Please!!! What are they going to say? Come on!)
If you are unhappy with the service, you may want to tip less.
Remember that tipping is a personal choice. You are not obligated to tip at all. ( I agree! Getting a TIP is not a right; it's a privilege.)
So when I'm asked for a tip for a self-service, it really throws me for a loop. What's next? Do I tip my doctor after a physical? How about tipping a DMV employee for taking my money? Or what about tipping the IRS? It's a problematic situation, and I feel like I'm at the tipping point.
Thanks for letting me rant here, See you next time.
-Marshall