Did you tip because it was expected? Was the amount based on the service you got or wanted to get? What are your thoughts on tipping culture in general? ( If you live in a place where tipping is not the norm, we probably already know your thoughts).
I always give a $10 gratuity to my Smoke Guy. The first couple times he tried to refuse to take a tip because he figured he was just doing his job. But I think if I called it a gratuity he would have been more open to. I think it shows appreciation for good service better than the word tip. Cheers!
The last person I tipped was my barber (back in 2013 or 2014 - when I had hair). I tipped him $1 (all I could afford at the time) for a job well done.
Tipping is Ok, but ONLY if it is deserved (meaning going beyond just doing the job one was hired to do). Back when I was a newspaper carrier, I enjoyed getting tips ... but I didn't expect it. I gave the same service to each and every customer - whether they tipped me or not.
Tipping should NEVER be expected or forced on the customer. It is up to the establishment to pay their workers a decent wage.
If someone doesn't do anything to deserve a tip (e.g. the person at a fast food window, a store clerk), they should not get one.
If I could afford to eat out, I would refuse to patronize any restaurant that required mandatory tipping. I worked hard to earn my money... so should your employees! It's called work ethic!
I don't understand why a person would work for just tips (or below minimum wage + tips). If the employer refuses to pay a decent wage (without tips), don't work for them.