# Why do people tip for coffee or fast food? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 29, 2015, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084 "2015-05-29T00:03:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Svejk\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea666f/32.png) [@Svejk\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Svejk_1)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/21 "2015-05-29T03:45:35Z")
> [@scootergirl](#): > > Oops, typo on the double “service.” sorry. Apology accepted. ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/22 "2015-05-29T03:51:01Z")
> [@tenacious\_j](#): > > Anyone making the standard wage, not the “waitress wage,” wouldn’t have thought to ask for tips, until about 10 years ago and now it seems to be expected. Blame the people who don’t take their change. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/23 "2015-05-29T03:55:33Z")
I don’t tip for coffee or fast food. I do tip for delivery. I’ll tip at Sonic if it’s a big order. I don’t tip for one burger and coke. Carrying several cokes and burgers on a tray can be tricky and I tip for that. Tipping can be awkward. Especially if the person seems surprised to get one. Or disappointed that he didn’t get a tip. It’s like I’m the only one that didn’t get the memo. I got a tip from a lady for carrying her groceries out to her car. I was 16 and had only been working for a couple weeks and asked my boss. He said it was ok to keep it, but never, in any way, imply to a customer that I expected one. A lesson I followed in several service jobs. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/24 "2015-05-29T04:03:54Z")
I tip anytime I can get away with it. You get more happy endings when you tip. ---
**Author:** ![AnaMen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dfb087/32.png) [@AnaMen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnaMen)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/25 "2015-05-29T11:40:35Z")
Coffee places like Starbucks typically pride themselves in providing a high level of personal service. Having to present a bright and cheery demeanor without so much as an eye-roll to person after person’s tedious detailed order and pretend it matters that their stupid $5 drink is perfect deserves an extra buck or at least the coin part of my change. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/26 "2015-05-29T12:03:17Z")
We always tip buskers, yet never tip mimes. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/27 "2015-05-29T12:55:05Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > We always tip buskers, yet never tip mimes. I tip them invisible money. Oh, and I also tip cows. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/28 "2015-05-29T13:21:24Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > I used to travel a lot and never tipped hotel maids. I still don’t. > > Companies don’t give an expense line for tipping at hotels, so I think hotel maids receiving tips is a lot less common than miss manners would cause people to believe. I always tip hotel maids, but I do it because I have a tendency to put out the do not disturb sign at times that cause me to miss days of cleaning, which makes more work for the maid the next day. So I tip. I’m not doing it on purpose, I just want to use the room when I want to use it, not regarding that housekeeping schedule. If I think they skipped me, I call the front desk, so they can come back and do the room if they are so inclined, but sometimes I get skipped a couple of days in a row, and I end up carrying my own trash to the dumpster. Also, in the past 20 years, I have had either a dog, a small child, or both with me in my room, and I’m sure that makes for a dirtier room, no matter what I try to do to make things easier, like making sure all trash is bagged up, and the towels are in a neat pile, and the beds are stripped. (I was taught to strip beds when I’m a guest at someone’s house, and I can’t help doing it when I’m in an hotel, even though I know it’s the maid’s job.) So I leave a couple of dollars per each day the room wasn’t done previously, and a dollar for each day it was, but I assume it was extra work. And a thank you note. As an interpreter, I worked with Deaf women training to be hotel maids on three different occasions. It is hard, thankless work that pays minimum wage to start, and tips are really, really appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/29 "2015-05-29T13:22:56Z")
> [@Stratocaster](#): > > I tip them invisible money. Oh, and I also tip cows. I tip cows if they give really excellent milk, but it has to be really, really good. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/30 "2015-05-29T13:37:12Z")
I used to tip a coffee person at Dunkin Donuts. When I came in and she saw me she’d know exactly what I wanted and often have it ready when I came up to the counter. Just the way I like it. I don’t mind giving them a little extra when it comes to it, and at Christmas I gave her $20. My coffee is important to me! I don’t just tip cuz the jar’s there though. I like my change. ---
**Author:** ![JustinC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justinc/32/8083_2.png) [@JustinC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JustinC)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/31 "2015-05-29T13:48:31Z")
I tip our cleaners every time they clean, only about $4 but that’s a big deal to them (but it’s only a snack for me). Almost everyone else in my apartment block does, too, so they’re making maybe $140-160/month on top of their two salaries (which I expect they send home to India; every penny they can afford). And they’re the best cleaners I’ve ever had, the place is spotless and smells great when I come home after a long Monday at work. They always give us a big smile and a wave, will help carrying in heavy shopping, and fix any minor issues as fast as they can. I tip buskers or street performers if I’m in that frame of mind, regardless of their music. If the sun’s out, I’m not in a hurry, tired or stressed I’ll give to anyone who can hold a tune. I also tip taxi drivers if I’m grateful to be in their cab because I’ve been on my feet for hours and the weather’s bad. And I tip the barber or rather have a set minimum I’ll pay ($10), regardless of the cost. In several countries the tip has been more than the actual cost of the haircut! ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/32 "2015-05-29T13:51:02Z")
I tip my mail carrier $20 every New Year’s. I do it because we really do have an excellent mail carrier after having a couple of sucky ones, but it does pay off. She always brings our packages to the door, instead of leaving slips and making us go to the PO to pick them up, and it’s no mean feat, because she has to walk up the stairs with them. I thank her profusely each time, too, and I also sent a letter to the main office telling them that our carrier was doing and excellent job, so it’s in her file. I don’t know if they do merit raises, but it’ll be a point for her if they do. I always make a point of telling supervisors when an employee is doing a good job, because I know mostly people just complain. ---
**Author:** ![Tibby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tibby/32/17030_2.png) [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/33 "2015-05-29T13:58:25Z")
I don’t tip people who do menial jobs because I figure there’s no big pay-off for me. What’s my waitress going to do if I stiff her on a tip, bring my meatloaf to the table 5 minutes later next time? Meh. I tip my primary care physician because it motivates him give me more effective treatments and prescribe me the good stuff. I also tip my cosmetic surgeon because who wants to risk getting a lopsided nose job or mismatched ears?! I should have tipped my divorce attorney better, however. I got reamed. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/34 "2015-05-29T14:18:02Z")
There’s a tip jar at our local Menchie’s. Menchie’s is a frozen yogurt place where you walk in, get your own cup, get your own yogurt and add your own toppings. Then you put your cup on a scale and the kid at the counter rings you up. Literally that’s all they do - ring you up. And they want tips. Fuuuuuuuuuck that! I am a big tipper, FTR. But no, not at Menchie’s. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/35 "2015-05-29T16:47:48Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > Why does turning around and pouring a coffee deserve tips and sweeping a movie theater or stocking shelves doesn’t? I’ve seen tip jars at Subway but not at McDonald’s (for example). The difference, I think, is that at Subway you (the customer) are directly interacting with the person who is preparing your food. Therefore, you may feel like tipping as a way of expressing “I appreciate what you did for me.” The customer doesn’t have the same sort of direct, “what you did for me” kind of relationship with the person who sweeps the floor or stocks the shelves, or even with the person in the back who’s flipping the burgers. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/36 "2015-05-29T20:31:45Z")
There are only a few food things I don’t tip for, fast food being one of them. I also don’t tip for the retail part of places that also prepare food, like our local bakery; buying a sandwich: tip. Buying a loaf of bread: no tip. I also think it’s presumptuous for the owner of a food cart to put out a tip jar for himself. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/37 "2015-05-29T20:44:25Z")
I tip housekeepers at hotels about $5 per night. I do if I have the cash, which I try to make a point of having. If I miss a night or two, I don’t worry about it. I tip at subway, starbucks, and similar places. I stop at a little independent coffee place every morning on the way to work, I tip a dollar a day. Money is much tighter for workers at these places than it is for me. I’m happy to do it. ---
**Author:** ![HeXen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@HeXen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeXen)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/38 "2015-05-29T22:54:02Z")
> [@scootergirl](#): > > My kid works for Starbucks. He works hard and puts up with a fair amount of shit from customers from all walks of life. They get no vacation time - you put in for time off and it’s not paid. Their health coverage is not affordable. When a Starbucks employee is sick, he has to call around for someone to take his shift. There is no sick leave at all. The shift supervisors make slightly above minimum wage. The tips get split between them and it is given out in cash every two weeks. The more hours they’ve worked, the bigger their cut. My boy brings home an average of about $120 extra per month. > > Why tip someone for making you a decent cup of coffee and heating up your pre-made food? IMO, if you can afford to go there, then why not help supplement the barely living wage of those who work there. I don’t get coffee out very often, but when I do, I tip. Whether it’s at the store where he works or somewhere else. You don’t offer compensation for someone else’s poor choices in life for the sake of their hardships as a result of such. You tip a server because that’s what they work for, that’s not really how Starbucks works, they pay a minimum to above wage. Shift managers make upwards of $13 an hour and they probably take a cut of the tips too. That’s up to the customer but you have no right to question others of not doing so. ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/39 "2015-05-30T00:38:12Z")
I tip because I remember how hard I worked when I had that kind of job. ---
**Author:** ![scootergirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e99b99/32.png) [@scootergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scootergirl)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084/40 "2015-05-30T06:33:15Z")
> [@HeXen](#): > > You tip a server because that’s what they work for, that’s not really how Starbucks works, they pay a minimum to above wage. Shift managers make upwards of $13 an hour and they probably take a cut of the tips too. That’s up to the customer **but you have no right to question others of not doing so.** > [@scootergirl](#): > > **Nobody is obligated to tip, and I don’t have an issue with people who don’t tip. It is what** I **choose to do. 20 years ago I worked in various restaurants as a waitress, and I was a bartender in New Orleans (not an easy job) for a year. I depended on tips to pay my bills. I get why someone wouldn’t want to tip for a cup of coffee - just stating the reasons why I do it. Period.** > > By the way - my kid likes his job. He has been doing this for almost one year while he’s deciding what to do/study. I’ve asked him how many people tip on average, and how they (the employees) feel about it. He said that for the most part they do not expect it, but it’s nice when people do. For them it is just a nice bonus to be able to have some extra cash every month. I bolded your last sentence. What part of my post did you not understand? Perhaps you should read more carefully before responding. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tip-for-coffee-or-fast-food/721084.md?page=3)