Tipping at cafés????

[djoumasepoes]

So, I don't like tipping because for me the delivery of the food is suppose to be part of the service a business provides, be that dine in restaurants or a take out place. If the wait staff is exceptional and gives outstanding service, then I understand why someone would tip. But under the general circumstances, tipping seems to be mandatory in the USA, and like the OP originally stated, even before you are served your food in some places. Comes back to the question about the tipping your bus driver, when one tips a taxi cab driver? Serious inquiry from a African

[RockyRoadg]

Self service places no tip, but if there is a tip jar I will through my change in. Full service places 20%. Tour guides/bus drivers I slip them a 20 on the way out.

[LS Jaun]

Originally Posted by Gerania

I leave cash tips as often as possible. I don't like being prompted to tip.

With table service, the waiter or waitress knows how much you're giving them if you add it to the bill.

Are you asking if we tip for no service? I usually don't... but sometimes I do.

Yep, pay with card, leave a buck. You are tipping for waitress/waiter service not counter side fast food service.

[JustForYOu]

Originally Posted by MamasHouse

Saying that I can afford to leave this tip if I can afford a $30 salad and Acai bowl is nonsense. That's like saying I should tip the cashier at foodland if I can afford to buy my large family $300 with of groceries for the week.
My buying my kids and I a $33 salad and Acai bowl (5 people sharing mind you) is a complete luxury, one that we cannot afford to take on a whim, same as going out to eat. Even so, does that mean I question leaving the waitress 25-30% tip??? Absolutely not. Even with money tight that's a given. That's why I'm asking and questioning this new system. IS IT A GIVEN TO TIP THESE NON SERVICE COUNTER-pick up places??? If so, then I need to plan accordingly. And if so, at what point does it start and stop with all no-service type places??? Tip the cashier? Tip the bus driver?

I can't believe how selfish you are...you don't tip the cashier at FoodLand!?!??!

Tipping is usually asked for (and expected) after service is rendered. I agree that it is awkward to ask for it while initially paying. If I've been there before, I tip something decent. If it's my first time, I usually leave it blank or whatever.

Yes, these are 1st world problems, but that's how we humans are. We create problems wherever we are. "Aww, geez, taxes for my third home in Makena is $3,000,000 this year, no fair!"

Aloha