Bruni readers to New York: Take it from tourists, end tipping
Frank Bruni riled his commenters on Diner's Journal yesterday when he called for solutions to the tourist tipping conundrum: What can a restaurant do when foreign tourists don't (or under) tip? Bruni holds back his own opinion ("I’m not going to try to convince management of anything"). But while foreign travelers aren't going away, an overwhelming number of readers wants to rid America of tipping. Confrontation, printed instructions, and included service charges also had votes. Below, some choice comments:
• "Having confronted a group of foul-mouthed Englishmen at a bar last month over their paltry $1 tip on $30 of drinks, I think it’s safe to say that nearly all European tourists do in fact know that tipping is customary and expected in this country."
• "Actually tipping is another one of those nasty American habits that justifies slave labor wages ... Although we as an American family tip ... we only go to places that are owned by our friends or to places that do not expect a tip, 99% of the time."
• "If you have a good, professional staff … I think it is entirely appropriate for the management to confront lousy tippers."
• "I see no reason to have to leave a $40 tip on a $200 meal when the service has been mediocre at best, and the majority of the tab is from getting an already-marked-up bottle of wine."
• "Maybe it’s about time to just add 15% to the bill as a service charge, as they do throughout most of Europe."
• "One does not tip in China — and the service is fine."
• "Confront your Boss to pay you real wages, stop disturbing your customers, who have already left legal tips, and get a real job!"
• "As a server, I’ve given up on the niceties and simply add it onto the check (post-tax) and inform the diner that the gratuity has been added. After all, I’m there for the money, not to make friends."
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Comments
End tipping. It's demeaning, allows employers to get away with underpaying staff and, worst, reduces all service relationships to a financial contract and thus diminishes their enjoyment of a destination. I was delighted when a hotel staff member went out of his way to help me in New York but was hugely disappointed when that person hung around waiting for a tip. Is there no such thing as random acts of kindness for no pecuniary gain in the United States? Tipping is also stressful for the foreign guest who doesn't know what the accepted rate is. Pay people properly and dump tipping altogether. The service is no worse where tipping is not part of the culture.
Mandatory tipping is a disgrace.You expect to be served the food you order in a decent establishment and the staff is paid for that by the establishment - or should clients pick-uo their own food in the kitchen?
Tipping for extra, good or exceptional service is welcomed gesture and there could be some reasonable guidelines for that.
Birger Backman
Senior Advisor UFTAA
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