Something new about tipping for me.

We were eating lunch at a little hot dog place in Charleston SC and there was the iPad to pay and add a tip. I admit I felt a little pressured to leave one, so I did. Then later realized I picked up our food at the window and cleaned up our table when we finished. What exactly was the tip for?

I have seen tips for carry out for a long time, but I don’t usually see drive thru options to tip. I remember years ago trying to tip a drive thru worker, and she said she wasn’t allowed to take tips. It’s good they changed that. I mean, sometimes drive thru workers are so helpful you really want to show your appreciation. Of course, Europeans think we are weird for tipping, but in Europe and other countries, restaurant workers get paid a lot more, and there is no need to tip. Here, the rule of thumb is to tip at least 15%, but more if the service was really good, and one can afford it. I have heard some wait staff bemoan customers from overseas because they don’t bother tipping since it doesn’t happen where they live.

I never leave tips in places like that. It isn't up to me to make up for the wages your cheap employer is not paying you. It costs enough to eat and drink out anyway...I do leave tips in restaurants though of course, and for hairdressers.

I wouldn't be doing it, new or not. Would you?

I wouldn't leave a tip in such a place.

Tipping has gotten out of control and now tips are being asked for for all sorts of things that weren't tipped before. I only tip at restaurants, for delivery, for the shuttle drivers who handle my luggage at airports, bartenders and so on and so forth.

I only tip if I eat in where I am served at the table.