Originally Posted by
HMPS
Agreed 100 %. I see tip jars all over. Surprised the heck out of me to see a jar at a "order here, pick up there" joints. They are simply taking advantage of CUSTOMER's "guilt quotient / succumbing to peer pressure", "will I look too cheap, will they prepare it like they should" .I shudder at the vision of tip jars at pharmacies, doctor's reception desks etc.....
And yes most Americans are guilty of over tipping, spoiling it for the rest.
Sorry, I must be a real monster spoiling it for the rest of you-I even tip FAs with gift cards for outstanding service (always at the end of the flight, I never try to bribe them).
As an aside, I was playing the piano for relaxation at MSP recently (a very nice Kawai grand with superb action) and someone came up and dropped a fiver on the music shelf and said, "great job". I was shocked and tried to protest and return it, but the guy refused and kept walking. It was the first tip of my life and it felt good to be appreciated.