I’m confused. Wouldn’t ordering takeout at the counter also require the worker to ensure that the meal is correct, containers are properly sealed, and extra items like napkins and sauces are included? I’m not necessarily saying that those duties aren’t tip-worthy, but it seems to me that the only difference between ordering online or over the phone vs ordering at the counter is whether they hand you the food directly or put it in a pickup shelf.
I meant a takeout counter like Chipotle or somewhere else that you order and get the food at the same time, not sitting and waiting for an order somewhere.
I guess? I mean, they still follow my directions with what goes into the burrito, wrap it up nice with a sticker to keep it closed when they’re done, and ask if I want napkins and utensils if I’m ordering to-go. Seems like the same work but with a shorter time frame.
I did a bit of reading to confirm my understanding, which is that employers can pay below minimum wage when tips are regularly earned by that employee. So technically, baristas, fast food workers, counter-service workers, and the like could fall into that category, but since it’s not a cultural expectation that those employees are tipped on every transaction, I think it would be harder for an employer to justify the regularity of their tip earnings and therefore pay them less than minimum wage.
That’s why, in my personal practice, those tips are optional and based exclusively on above-average service.
When it comes to takeout from a restaurant, there are usually two types of places I go: 1) smaller, individually owned restaurants, or 2) large chain restaurants like the one my coworker had previously worked for.
In the first case, I leave some tip because it’s a small business and I’ve known people who own restaurants and realize how hard a business it is. In the latter, I tip because that coworker told me that her role was paid under the assumption of her receiving tips and I realized there is a service being provided.
Anyway, lots of people seem to be disappointed about my personal choice to tip some types of food service. I appreciate you engaging in a way that doesn’t seem judgmental or defensive.
Gotcha. Yeah, I try to tip based on whether or not the employee’s pay is being cut down due to the expectation of tipping. I can’t do anything to change the jobs that are already allowed to pay peanuts, but I worry that all of this rise in tipping prompts is to try to make a case that tipping is expected in places like fast food, and will be used to justify paying those workers even less as a result. You’re right that it’s a lot of work regardless, though.
I’m confused. Wouldn’t ordering takeout at the counter also require the worker to ensure that the meal is correct, containers are properly sealed, and extra items like napkins and sauces are included? I’m not necessarily saying that those duties aren’t tip-worthy, but it seems to me that the only difference between ordering online or over the phone vs ordering at the counter is whether they hand you the food directly or put it in a pickup shelf.
I meant a takeout counter like Chipotle or somewhere else that you order and get the food at the same time, not sitting and waiting for an order somewhere.
I guess? I mean, they still follow my directions with what goes into the burrito, wrap it up nice with a sticker to keep it closed when they’re done, and ask if I want napkins and utensils if I’m ordering to-go. Seems like the same work but with a shorter time frame.
I did a bit of reading to confirm my understanding, which is that employers can pay below minimum wage when tips are regularly earned by that employee. So technically, baristas, fast food workers, counter-service workers, and the like could fall into that category, but since it’s not a cultural expectation that those employees are tipped on every transaction, I think it would be harder for an employer to justify the regularity of their tip earnings and therefore pay them less than minimum wage.
That’s why, in my personal practice, those tips are optional and based exclusively on above-average service.
When it comes to takeout from a restaurant, there are usually two types of places I go: 1) smaller, individually owned restaurants, or 2) large chain restaurants like the one my coworker had previously worked for.
In the first case, I leave some tip because it’s a small business and I’ve known people who own restaurants and realize how hard a business it is. In the latter, I tip because that coworker told me that her role was paid under the assumption of her receiving tips and I realized there is a service being provided.
Anyway, lots of people seem to be disappointed about my personal choice to tip some types of food service. I appreciate you engaging in a way that doesn’t seem judgmental or defensive.
Gotcha. Yeah, I try to tip based on whether or not the employee’s pay is being cut down due to the expectation of tipping. I can’t do anything to change the jobs that are already allowed to pay peanuts, but I worry that all of this rise in tipping prompts is to try to make a case that tipping is expected in places like fast food, and will be used to justify paying those workers even less as a result. You’re right that it’s a lot of work regardless, though.