Tipping: I can't be the only one, right?

[gh1950]

"Tipping" is a public subsidy. The federal government allows restaurateurs to pay wait staff less than minimum wage and we subsidize the rest of their pay. It's not about honoring work ethic or about showing off. It's 100% a reminder that the federal government is OK with people being paid less than they should because they can get us to cover the difference in tips....which then becomes taxed twice. Once when I got it and again when I give it as a tip. The whole thing pisses me off.

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I used to make the same argument about subsidizing restaurant owners then I graduated high school, went to college and took a course on economics.

Right now the going wage for a fast food worked in my area is $15.00 +/-. When you buy a Big Whopper, the cost of all the $15/hr workers is factored into the price, which is why the burgers cost nearly $8.00 now, and a burger and a soft drink can be over $10.

If sit down, table cloth restaurants had to pay the same wage, the owner is simply going to factor that cost in the cost of goods sold - your food. So you are going to meet the wage expectations of the worker one way or another. That's not a justification for the tipping system, which is inherently stupid and inefficient, but you are not "subsidizing" anyone through tips.

 

[Fatal_Bert]

I'm extremely offended by the ass backwards thinking that the government is forcing anyone to tip because they allow an exception in the minimum wage laws.

There should be no minimum wage at all. What the **** is it the business of the government if two people engage in a mutual contract. If I want to hire someone to sandblast parts for $2 hour and they want to work for $2 hour, it should be completely legal.

Young woman with no education or marketable skills but a good work ethic and cheerful attitude can make damn good money in this country because of tips. Start forcing restaurants to pay minimum wage and you'll have the average Walmart or burger king employee taking your order. No ****ing thanks.

 

[rOmiLaYu]

If sit down, table cloth restaurants had to pay the same wage, the owner is simply going to factor that cost in the cost of goods sold - your food. So you are going to meet the wage expectations of the worker one way or another. That's not a justification for the tipping system, which is inherently stupid and inefficient, but you are not "subsidizing" anyone through tips.

Yes you are. The owner of the restaurant. You're paying the waitress what the owner should be paying but the federal government has said it is OK not to.

 

[gh1950]

Yes you are. The owner of the restaurant. You're paying the waitress what the owner should be paying but the federal government has said it is OK not to.

You really don't understand how goods are priced, do you?

 

[rOmiLaYu]

I'm extremely offended by the ass backwards thinking that the government is forcing anyone to tip because they allow an exception in the minimum wage laws.

I didn't say the government is "forcing" anyone to tip. But if you want to look at the Mack Daddy of all tip shamers, it's Uncle Sam. He put the whole thing in motion.

 

[rOmiLaYu]

You really don't understand how goods are priced, do you?

No, I do...and if waitresses were brought to the same pay standard as the rest of the staff at the restaurant, the price of your meal would go up.

As it is, the price doesn't go up because your "tip" is the "subsidy" that allows the restaurant owner to pay the wait staff less than minimum wage, keeping the price from going up.

 

[gh1950]

I didn't say the government is "forcing" anyone to tip. But if you want to look at the Mack Daddy of all tip shamers, it's Uncle Sam. He put the whole thing in motion.

BTW, tipping is not common in Europe; most commonly there might be a fixed "service charge" tacked on to the bill, making if clear that the cost of service is part of the cost of the product.

 

[Fatal_Bert]

I didn't say the government is "forcing" anyone to tip. But if you want to look at the Mack Daddy of all tip shamers, it's Uncle Sam. He put the whole thing in motion.

I'm still offended

 

[gh1950]

No, I do...and if waitresses were brought to the same pay standard as the rest of the staff at the restaurant, the price of your meal would go up.

As it is, the price doesn't go up because your "tip" is the "subsidy" that allows the restaurant owner to pay the wait staff less than minimum wage, keeping the price from going up.

Pretty sure that's exactly what I said. You are going to pay the price (wages) of your server one way or another.

 

[rOmiLaYu]

I'm still offended

No one cares, cupcake.

Do better.