Lately, it just seems like they are inventing new jobs that create impossible “tip, or don’t tip” scenarios.
Consider the guy who drives the shuttle bus from the long-term parking lot or the rental car office to the airport terminal. He’s piloting a vehicle that you’re riding in, so he’s sort of like a cab driver. He’s often lifting luggage and putting it on the inside racks, so he’s sort of like a doorman or bellhop. Yet most people don’t give a thought to giving the shuttle bus driver a tip, whereas the cabbie, the doorman, and the bellhop all expect to get a gratuity. Why?
The shuttle bus driver isn’t alone. What about the folks who work at a cafeteria-like food line who have a jar with “tips” written on it by the cash register? Are you really supposed to tip them? I’m not saying their job is unimportant or unappreciated, but after all, they’re not coming to your table to take your order, drop off food, or clear off plates, they’re just spooning your grub into a styrofoam “to go” container. Why, exactly, do they deserve a tip any more than the dishwasher or cook does?
What about the guys at the “genius” bar at the Apple store? If they quickly fix your computer so you don’t need to buy a new one, is a tip in order? What about the friendly kid behind the counter at Starbuck’s who remembers that you always get a grande with a double shot of espresso and caramel? What about the woman who grooms your dog, or the service technician at the car dealership, or the guy who comes out to hook up your internet or fix the furnace? When are you supposed to tip, and when not? Is it all just convention and tradition, or is there something more to it?
The only tipping situation that makes perfectly good sense to me is the hair stylist. She’s flitting around your head with sharp scissors or, in some instances, a razor, positioned just inches away from the jugular vein. Of course you want to stay on her good side. A few extra bucks to keep the stylist happy, and uninclined to plunge a sharp implement into the side of your neck, seems like a wise decision to me. The rest is a mystery.
Webner House 