Gratuitous Service

Due to the US slave wage labour laws, gratuity is understandably a big deal. In the service industry, there is potential to earn a substantial amount of money in tips to complement the pittance of a wage. Such a pittance that it really only covers the taxes.

Accordingly, i have experienced very good service and have more easily noticed bad service. One customer has the potential to give you more than an hours pay simply because you were bubbly, passionate or smiling. Back home, we would probably say it was for doing your job. With this 'bonus'  earning possibility, I cannot fathom how anyone would not provide spritely, sweet service in every situation. Amazingly this is not the case. I have experienced poor to awful service numerous times and i just do not know why. Depending on the industry, I will probably tip, at least a small amount, all the time. However, I refuse to reward rude employees or sour servers. Tips need to be a reward for going above and beyond and a lack of tips should be indicator that your work is not top shelf or that your moxie lacks a punch.

Whilst checking in to an airport, I noticed a "gratuities accepted" sign near the line up. It was an express line outside of the actual airport but the usual check-in was still an option. This seems awfully gratuitous to me for who, in their right mind, would refuse tips if they were offered? In the USA, this type of sign is akin to a homeless person with a sign saying "will accept change". I also believe that the proclamation places added pressure on the employee. In my case, I would tip if the service was acceptable. Heck it should be exceptional for gratuities to be suggested with such an easy job.

Alas, the man really did nothing to deserve it. There was limited eye contact, no small talk and he asked me "give me your ID" in an aggressive manner. The only small talk made was not with me but rather his colleague, complaining about their jobs. No doubt this would have been enough to put anyone off even considering tipping.

I understand the importance of tipping in America but do not believe that it should be treated as a given. Rather a reward for spreading happiness and doing a decent job. Treating every customer with respect and enthusiasm will ensure that karma congratulates you somewhere down the track. You may even luck out and be spoilt by a tequila soaked Australian cricket team on an end of season trip...