Americans have been tipping for good service for centuries.
Tipping is so ingrained in our American story that we rarely question why we still do it, even though we leave an estimated $40 billion in tips every year.
Some say tipping is a good thing because it gives a much-needed boost to lower-paying service jobs. Others wonder if tipping still serves its purpose: to reward good service. Workers reliant on tips to pay their bills are sometimes tempted to discriminate against customers they think will be “bad” tippers.
This hour, we talk about the pros and cons of tipping. How much do you tip? Is it for a job well done? Or, is it just a social pressure you’d just as soon avoid?
Chion Wolf contributed to this program, which originally aired on March 23, 2015.
GUESTS:
- Peter Tercyak - Democratic State Representative, 26th Assembly District of New Britain; Chair Labor & Public Employees Committee
- Colleen Shaddox - writer and author of the essay, "Yes, You're Free To Leave a Small Tip. You're Just a Jerk," for the Washington Post
- Chris Prosperi - chef and co-owner of Metro Bis in Simsbury, CT
- Daniel Senning Post - author and spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute, co-host with Lizzy Post of the “Awesome Etiquette” podcast.
