My Rant

This week's Saturday Market flower purchase.

Yes those are patio chairs-how WT am I?

I have not done anything exciting lately. I have been thinking of many things. One thing that has been on my mind and possibly been on a previous post. 

Tips.

To Insure Prompt service! 

I understand waiters, waitresses working for tips. I dont understand . . .

1. coffee counters--you just put hot liquid in a cup. you didnt even get out from behind the counter

2.  massage therapists--you just charged me $60/hour and I am supposed to be so relaxed I give you more! I dont make over $60/hour.

3. carnival food--I just paid inflated prices for yummy fried food and you want more $$

4. eyebrow waxers--hmmm

5. hair cuts--you are cutting my hair just like last time-nothing special

I guess I am stingy. I actually think I am uncomfortable and possibly jealous (I want more income per hour!). I just dont know how or when to tip. Restaurants are different. I tip on the service I get. I like being catered to. I like my drink refilled, I like being asked if I need anything else. I like being waited upon. I can tip very generously to a good attentive and personal person. I just dont get massage therapy. Especially when my insurance is paying it. I pay a co-pay and get a massage. So now it becomes a medical procedure and there is a billing code etc. and I tip????? Why dont they tip me?

I am sure you are all familiar with Groupon, Living Social etc. They are local coupons advertising 1/2 off coupons for restaurants, spas, books, laser treatments etc. I have purchased quite a few and got some really good deals. I read an article Thursday where the reporter lived in the Groupon idea for a week. She ate at the specific restaurant, got coffee at the discount place of the day etc.She noticed waiters were not happy because people tipped on the discounted price not the original price and so they lost money. I get why they are upset. My co-worker had some laser hair removal at two different spas. One spa was nice and helpful and generous. The 2nd one was bitter and made her read a note saying how tips were expected and if they did not tip they needed to get their money back from Groupon. I was so confused because why would Groupon be responsible for the Spa lack of willing to honor the coupon. I mean the spa made the deal with Groupon the spa needs to honor that coupon. As far as tipping, if the technician is making money solely on tips they need to find another job that pays better. The spa is obviously so stingy they dont want to honor their own promotion and they dont want to pay their laser techs. Well, sorry. But I am a consumer and I am trying to find ways to save money on things I use. I want to do laser on my pits. I am going to buy the next Groupon I see and while I will tip I also know why pay full price when I can get a coupon for 1/2 off? Paying full price is not even smart nowadays.

So why do we tip? How do we determine who gets tipped? I think dental assistants need tips. Can you imagine one not paying attention and letting you drown in your own spit? Or one who does not help the dr keep your tongue out of the drill so you dont get a papilla wound up in there? I mean the public just does not know how much assistants save their lives every minute of the procedure. They deserve tips.

What about bank tellers?

Why taxi drivers and not bus drivers?

Why not actors?

I just dont know how tipping is decided and how much? Waiters get $15 now right? it used to be 10% or is it 20% now? I just dont know. I am so confused and to avoid embarrassment I will just opt not to go places that require tips.