Cultural Discussion - Tipping

Cultural Discussion - Tipping

What is a "tip"?

Have you ever been to a country where tipping is common? If so, did you ever forget to tip someone?

Do you think tipping is difficult to understand or calculate? If so, why?

Pronunciation:

Many Japanese people say "chip" instead of "tip". In English, a "chip" is something you eat (a fried potato) so be careful to pronounce "tip" correctly. Practice saying each word a few times to make sure you can say them correctly.

Usage:

(a) tip (noun)

• George left a big tip because his waitress was very good.
• Fred didn't leave a tip. His waiter was angry.
• I always leave a 15% tip.

Try to make your own sentences using the word "tip" as a noun.

(to) tip (verb)

• He tipped his waitress 20% because she was very pretty.
• I always tip 15%.
• You should always tip in restaurants.

Try to make your own sentences using the word "tip" as a verb.

(a) gratuity (noun) is a bigger word for "tip"

• Many restaurants allow you to pay a gratuity with your credit card.
• Please leave a gratuity for good service.

Try to make your own sentences using the word "gratuity". Making your own sentences helps you remember the word better.

Why We Tip:

Tipping is done in some countries as a way of getting the best service. If someone does a bad job serving you, he knows he will not get a good tip. If he does a good job, he knows he will get a good tip.

In countries where tipping is common, people who work at jobs where they commonly get tips get a low salary. Tips are very important to these types of workers. Without tips, many people in such jobs cannot pay their rent or buy food so they work hard to make the customer happy.

• Do you think tips are a good idea? Why? Why not?
• Do you think service in Japan would be better if tips were given? Why? Why not?
• Have you ever had bad service at a Japanese hotel or restaurant? If so, please describe it. Also, do you think tipping would reduce the chance that customers would receive bad service? Why? Why not?
  

When to Tip:

Usually, you tip any time someone serves you or takes care of your personal needs. Generally, you do not tip in places where the prices are cheap and there is little personal service.

For example, you should not tip in fast food restaurants because you carry your own food from the counter to the table. You do not tip a bus driver because he is not taking care of you personally. He is driving many people.

Should you tip at each of these places in the U.S.? Explain why you should or should not tip at each.

• Starbucks
• The Hard Rock Café
• The Sheraton Hotel
• Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
• Subway Sandwich shops
• a hotel bar

How to Tip:

There are several ways to tip.

1. You can give the tip in cash to the person who served/helped you.
2. You can write the amount you want to tip on the credit card bill and add it into your total bill. There is a special box on American credit card statements which will say “tip” or “gratuity” and you write the amount you would like to tip in the box.
3. You can put the money into a tip jar if there is such a jar on a counter or bar at which you are eating or drinking.

FYI — Who and How Much to Tip:

These amounts are average amounts. At an expensive restaurant or hotel, you should tip the higher amount of the given numbers (or more if you like). Additionally, in big cities, you may be expected to tip a little more compared to smaller cities.

Restaurants, Cafés, Bars, Food-related services:

• Waiters and Waitresses - 15-20% of the total bill
• Busboys - not necessary to tip
• Bartenders - $1 per drink or 15% of the total bill
• Baristas (those who prepare special coffee drinks) - 50 cents to $1 per drink
• Pizza (and other food) delivery people - 10% of total or $3, whichever is higher
• Restroom attendant - $1
• Coat checker - $1 per coat
• Valet parking attendants - $1-$2 twice (first when you arrive and second when you leave)
  

Transportation:

• Taxicab/limo drivers - 15% of the total bill

Hotels:

• Room Service 15-20% of the total bill
• Bellhops $1 to $2 per bag
• Hotel maids $2 per day (leave it on the bedside table)
• Hotel concierge - $5-$10 if you are helped by him/her
• Hotel doorman - $1 per bag for help with luggage, $1 for getting you a cab
• Sommeliers - 15% of the cost of a bottle of wine
• Restroom attendant - $1
• Spa service - 15-20% of the bill
• Coat checker - $1 per coat

Other Services:

• Hairdressers/barbers - 10%-20%
• Manicurist - $5-15%
• luggage handlers at airports - $1 per bag

Why do you think these types of jobs are ones in which people receive tips?

Do you think they are enjoyable jobs? Why? Why not?

Do you think people who do these jobs are treated kindly by customers, guests, or clients? Why? Why not?

Would you like to do one of these jobs? If not, do you think you'd enjoy it more if you got tips? Why? Why not?

Answers to the tipping questions above:

• Starbucks - no (you carry your own drink from the counter)
  
• The Hard Rock Café - yes (you order and are served at the table)
  
• The Sheraton Hotel - yes (you should tip at all hotels which offer help with carrying your bags and room service)
  
• Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) - no (you carry your own food to the table and order at a counter)
  
• Subway Sandwich shops - no (you carry your own food to the table and order at a counter)
  
• a hotel bar - yes (you order at the bar but are served at the bar or will be served by a waiter/waitress)
  

This material is (c) The Home Sensei