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Debate Info

18
18
Yes No
Debate Score:36
Arguments:20
Total Votes:39
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Argument Ratio

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 Yes (10)
 
 No (10)

Debate Creator

Nichole(689) pic



Tipping, is it really necessary?

We're required to tip a "minimum" to waiters. We're also told to tip valet parkers and barbers (and probably others that aren't coming to mind right now). But is it really necessary that we tip these people? Why don't we tip anyone who does something for us? Why not grocery baggers, customer service helpers in any store, anyone? These people still make minimum wage, but we're forced to give a select few extra money over others, it seems, quite, corrupt. Is it necessary?

Yes

Side Score: 18
VS.

No

Side Score: 18

Absolutely yes! The federal tip minimum wage has been 2.13 since the 50's. That's all i'll say

Side: yes
3 points

Well, in Las Vegas at least, you would tip many of those additional people you mentioned.

I believe in France though for instance, a tip is always included in bills at places like restaraunts, kind of how here in the US a tip would be included for say a party of 10 or above, but there it's for anyone, so they don't tip usually. Consequently, French tourists are ranked the worst in the world (not US tourists as some believe) one of the reasons being they tend not to tip simply because it is something they are not used to having to do.

'Tips' is actually an acronym for "to insure proper service," the idea being that, you have a guy or girl doing a job they most likely hate, for way less money then they deserve, and chances are they don't actually really give a rat's ass about your food/car/groceries/hair etc.

Tipping really works. If you are a known tipper at a place, you are treated much better (at a bar especially, many bartenders have a way of making your bill kind of disappear if you are a regular tipper, don't expect it all the time though, as it's something they need to be sneaky about), and tipping before, or somehow subtly letting a waiter/ valet or whatever know you are going to tip if they don't know you, is very wise, as they may be one more crappy customer away from spitting in your burger or scratching your Camry.

Many who have never been cursed with having to work in the service industry for any amount of time don't understand what complete a-holes some customers are no matter how polite you are to them. You get a few of these in a row, and I've seen the sunniest personalities break down, we're all human.

I understand though, that it seems tipping has gotten out of control, "I mean really, all he did was grab a beer from the fridge which was right by his hand anyway, then opened it for me... I could have done that myself just as well." But think of the tip as not just the specific action taken, but as the overall service, atmosphere, etc, then it's a bit easier to swallow.

At any rate, if you don't have money to tip, you don't have money to tip. Let them know and apologize, most are understanding, and that is far better than no explanation at all. Just a smile and a thank you, while it doesn't pay the bills, is at least pleasant. But definitely tip when you can, and definitely don't become a regular at a place and not ever tip, because people remember that, even if it's a different waiter or bartender, or whatever, word gets around, and they will get their revenge one way or another.

Side: yes

There are two minimum wages in this land of ours. One for most people and one for people who make tips as part of their pay. To say that it's ludacrous is an understatement at best. Everyone should make the regular minimum wage and then they can afford to pay taxes on their tips.

Side: yes
1 point

Up to US$13000 per year can be considered as monetary gifts by the IRS. Its very grey area if tips can be considered as gifts.

Side: yes
deebers(2) Disputed
1 point

Wrong, sorry.

http://www.dol.gov/elaws/faq/esa/flsa/002.htm

"If an employee's tips combined with the employer's direct wages of at least $2.13 an hour do not equal the federal minimum hourly wage, the employer must make up the difference."

Side: No
1 point

Waiters and waitresses don't get paid minimum wage. They need tips to survive. End of story.

I used to be a busboy at a country club which was pretty cool. We got a small percentage of all or the servers' tips, which came out to $20 on busy nights, but usually around $5-$8 (the lowest was like $2 lol. We had one customer the entire night). Also, one time, the owner of the country club left his jacket at the table and I had no idea they were even coming back to the bar later, so I ran to find him to give it back and he tipped me $10 on the spot! :D That was a nice day.

Side: yes
2 points

A tip (also called a gratuity) is a voluntary extra payment made to certain service sector workers in addition to the advertised price of the transaction. Such payments and their size are a matter of social custom.

Supporting Evidence: wedding jewelry (www.perfectvow.com)
Side: yes
Umibozu(4) Disputed
2 points

tips and gratuities are a bonus and are a supplement to your wage. Relying solely on a bonus means something is already wrong. Ideally aiming for a better job is far rewarding than aiming for a tip.

Side: No
deebers(2) Disputed
1 point

Wrong, sorry.

http://www.dol.gov/elaws/faq/esa/flsa/002.htm

"If an employee's tips combined with the employer's direct wages of at least $2.13 an hour do not equal the federal minimum hourly wage, the employer must make up the difference."

Side: No
1 point

If the worker offers the best service she or he can, tben why the hell not?

Side: yes
1 point

I take the view, we can giv tips to waiters or shop-assistants if we like how they serve and help us. Because, through tipping we give them a chance try to be more accurate and helpful for you. So sometimes people should encorage them through tipping

Side: yes
1 point

Personally i give tips, when the waiter really deserves it. As i know they work many hours per day and it`s work is not easy. It`s up to you leave or not, but in my point of view it would be better if you leave a bit.

Side: yes

For some professions, it is. For instance, food servers in restaurants work for their tips.

Side: Yes
3 points

Tipping is not required in my country because there is one minimum wage set for everyone.

In the restaurants and other service industry sectors, sometimes the owners will include a 10% service charge already on your bill. Waiters are distributed certain sections of a restaurant and thus you can choose which waiter you want if it is your preference to be catered by someone specific.

Wouldn't it be better for the government to establish laws that treat all employees equally and thus have a minimum wage that is fair for EVERYONE including customers?

I find it very annoying that in the U.S. even if the service was not extraordinarily good, my friends still insist on tipping... why should I pay extra for someone who is just doing their job? I rarely hear of people in the U.S. who do not tip. It is something that is more of a habit than a real evaluation of the work the person has done. Everyone gets a tip.. unless the waiter has been a REAL a-hole, which , is also rarely the case, since not only do people not tip him but they find other ways of "punishing" the service by talking to the manager, etc.

There are no clear standards or rules and I think the worker's own standard of living could go up if a slightly higher minimum wage was set up for them. .... tipping just ensures that the government continues to be lazy in finding ways to care for its own citizens.

Side: No
3 points

You are absolutely correct.

Amercians, myself included, generally tip X amount regardless of how well the job is done.

And it is retarded literally. Like, look up retarded, and that is the definition.

The US is a very Conservative nation, in fact, perhaps the most conservative of all the Westernized nations.

This has been very good for us in the past, but is very bad for us in a lot of respects, the wages of the common worker would be one of the bad parts of the equation.

I obviously being a liberal, feel that a much higher minimum wage would be an excellent solution... get that past congress though, good luck.

Side: No
2 points

In countries where tipping is expected (the United States for example), complicated unofficial standards and customs have developed over the exact percentage to tip, and what should and should not be included in this calculation. In other cultures where tipping exists it is more flexible and no specific assumptions of the tip amount exist.

Supporting Evidence: wedding gowns (www.perfectvow.com)
Side: No
2 points

Tipping is not necessary, it is customary. If you enjoyed the person who provided a service to you or he/she did a good job, it is customary to thank them with a monatary amount, however if said person provides bad service, he/she should not be given a tip.

Besides, tipping in whole is unnecessary. People go to places to eat. Waiters/waitresses work at such places and are paid a wage to serve you. It is not your responsibility to give the waiter or waitress an additional amount of money for doing the job that they are paid to do.

Side: No
2 points

In our country it isn't required to pay a minimum tip, however, if you do get good service and the product has been good it is customary to leave a tip and a compliment on the way out. I think this promotes good service and encourages the people to work better. However, should someone just expect a tip every time. I dont think so. If all you do is just your job, than all you should get is just your wage. And by the same token, the way you treat your customer shouldn't just be based on money but a geniune desire to please and do yourself proud.

Side: yes

It is not necessary, but if you want good service then next you go there, it is suggested.

Side: No
1 point

Tipping is certainly not necessary.

Tips should be earned, and in most cases they are... but should never be expected.

Give me pleasant service, I will give you a tip.

Act like a jerk... forget it.

And to anyone who tries to tell you that they don't get paid the standard minimum wage as the rest of the USA... well find out where they work and report their employer as their boss is obviously violating Federal Labor Laws.

http://www.dol.gov/elaws/faq/esa/flsa/002.htm

"If an employee's tips combined with the employer's direct wages of at least $2.13 an hour do not equal the federal minimum hourly wage, the employer must make up the difference."

If you think that minimum wage sucks anyway, then don't cry to restaurant patrons to pick up the slack... take your life into your own hands and do what you can (if anything) to find a higher paying job.

Alternatively, you could talk to your congressman and representatives and push for a higher minimum wage.

Side: No