There’s a trend that’s been rolled out over the past few years that’s not only annoying, it’s unfair to consumers of a good or service. I’m talking about what can only be defined as “excessive tipping.”
At one point, tipping was limited to sit down restaurants with servers as well as some other services that may be done around your house (you may tip a housekeeper for instance or someone who details your car, etc).
The people you were tipping performed a service that either went above and beyond the “normal” tasks associated with the job or you wanted to show your appreciation. This could have been for any number of reasons.
Tipping is now everywhere. This is especially true at restaurants of the “self serve” variety. A great example of this would be the fast casual restaurant Panera.
Due to efficiencies, the rise in wages or other factors, restaurants like Panera have become increasingly self-serve. Someone takes your order, hands you a cup and asks you to pay. You’re then shown the amount you owe and provided a message on the screen with 4 choices: 15% tip, 20% tip, 25% tip, no tip (this varies but you get the idea).
In the past, you would simply pay and receive a receipt. The option to leave a tip wasn’t even offered. Now, as you go to pay, the tablet is flipped around while the worker stares at you in anticipation.
There’s an awkward exchange of you standing there deciding whether or not you should tip while the person behind the counter wonders if a tip is being applied. They can’t see what you’re doing but that doesn’t mean you feel zero pressure. The human element to “do the right thing” and help supplement their income is a factor.
I understand working in the restaurant industry is tough, very tough. I appreciate the people who work these types of jobs and serve the masses as they do. I’ll gladly provide a tip for a job well done when you’re actually providing a service. 
If you’re a waiter or waitress at a sit down restaurant, a tip is almost always warranted. The fact you’re taking the order, bringing food to the table and checking on the customer several times during the meal equates to a service being provided. Whether you go above and beyond by providing an excellent customer experience would factor into the percentage of tip received.
I will not give a tip just because you say hello and punch some info into a tablet. Using the Panera example, I have to retrieve the food from the counter anyway so there’s a minimal amount of effort being provided. Thanks for the greeting and punching in my order but I’m not going to tip you for showing up to work today.
Life isn’t easy. Many out there aren’t provided the luxury to take a breath or have extended time off. They’re asked to toil away at a job that’s both difficult and back breaking while providing their customers with A+ service. It’s these people we should be caring for and rewarding.
Throwing a few extra dollars their way may not be life changing, but it’s the principle of the matter. It’s important to show those who work hard and sacrifice for themselves and their families they are appreciated and deserving of a little extra for a job well done.
Look at that. I just provided a tip.
Let me find my tablet so you can swipe your card.
