Tipping at Starbucks, etc.
#1
Original Poster




Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Vancouver, BC
Programs: UA MM *Gold, Accor Classic
Posts: 1,920
Tipping at Starbucks, etc.
Why is it "cool" to tip at Starbucks or any other "in" place to get your coffee, why do their employees deserve a tip than those at any other fast food place, I doubt anyone tips at McDonalds, Burger King, Tim Horton's or any other fast food restaurant, and that is what Starbucks is, just a fast food coffee joint.
#2
Moderator Communications Coordinator, Signatures


Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: deep within the Eskimo lair
Programs: TubWorld, Bar Alliance, Borratxo Legendarium
Posts: 16,970
The way I see it, you tip for extra complicated service.
At BK or Dunkin Donuts, you're getting a cup of coffee... no pumps, no "skinny", no half-caf, no foam options. If you're getting a drip coffee at Starbucks, I don't think that a tip is necessary.
I drink iced tea, unsweetened, and therefore do not tip, unless i really don't want to carry around those leftover coins.
If I come in with 4 drink orders for my office mates, and 3 different forms of payment ... I'm more likely to leave a tip.
At BK or Dunkin Donuts, you're getting a cup of coffee... no pumps, no "skinny", no half-caf, no foam options. If you're getting a drip coffee at Starbucks, I don't think that a tip is necessary.
I drink iced tea, unsweetened, and therefore do not tip, unless i really don't want to carry around those leftover coins.
If I come in with 4 drink orders for my office mates, and 3 different forms of payment ... I'm more likely to leave a tip.
#3

Join Date: May 2005
Location: PIT/CNX
Programs: UA dirt... and btw, THE innovator of the phrase 'gate lice'. Yeah, that's right.
Posts: 2,874
The way I see it, you tip for extra complicated service.
At BK or Dunkin Donuts, you're getting a cup of coffee... no pumps, no "skinny", no half-caf, no foam options. If you're getting a drip coffee at Starbucks, I don't think that a tip is necessary.
I drink iced tea, unsweetened, and therefore do not tip, unless i really don't want to carry around those leftover coins.
If I come in with 4 drink orders for my office mates, and 3 different forms of payment ... I'm more likely to leave a tip.
At BK or Dunkin Donuts, you're getting a cup of coffee... no pumps, no "skinny", no half-caf, no foam options. If you're getting a drip coffee at Starbucks, I don't think that a tip is necessary.
I drink iced tea, unsweetened, and therefore do not tip, unless i really don't want to carry around those leftover coins.
If I come in with 4 drink orders for my office mates, and 3 different forms of payment ... I'm more likely to leave a tip.
For the record, otherwise I'm a great tipper. The 'tenders at my local hangout always treat me well. Also just had a glass of house cab and an order of sliders at a new place while I dropped off and waited for my son nearby- bill= $10.70. I left $3 for the 'tender (not overwhelming, I know, but significantly more than 20%)
Again, a good tipper, I am but will never at a starbucks.
Happy to tip
#4
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Auburn, GA
Programs: Bowling Team Capt.
Posts: 598
I don't normally tip at any walk up counter, especially at my local Starbucks where they rin out of coffee at least twice a week. Is it really that tough to keep a fresh pot going all the time? They seem to handle this difficult feat at 7-11 without a problem.
#5
Moderator Communications Coordinator, Signatures


Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: deep within the Eskimo lair
Programs: TubWorld, Bar Alliance, Borratxo Legendarium
Posts: 16,970
Never have nor will I ever leave a starbucks employee a tip. An extra pump on the vanilla bottle, frothing the milk, or whatever... It ain't rocket science and IMO, not deserving of a tip.
For the record, otherwise I'm a great tipper. The 'tenders at my local hangout always treat me well. Also just had a glass of house cab and an order of sliders at a new place while I dropped off and waited for my son nearby- bill= $10.70. I left $3 for the 'tender (not overwhelming, I know, but significantly more than 20%)
Again, a good tipper, I am but will never at a starbucks.
Happy to tip
For the record, otherwise I'm a great tipper. The 'tenders at my local hangout always treat me well. Also just had a glass of house cab and an order of sliders at a new place while I dropped off and waited for my son nearby- bill= $10.70. I left $3 for the 'tender (not overwhelming, I know, but significantly more than 20%)
Again, a good tipper, I am but will never at a starbucks.
Happy to tip
Why is pouring a glass of wine any more tip worthy than making a frappucino?
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Marriott or Hilton hot tub with a big drink <glub> Beverage: To-Go Bag DYKWIA:SSSS /rolleyes ☈ Date Night:Costco
Programs: Sea Shell Lounge Platinum, TSA Pre✓ Refusnik Diamond, PWP Gold, FT subset of the subset
Posts: 12,523
#8
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend




Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 55,213
Why is it "cool" to tip at Starbucks or any other "in" place to get your coffee, why do their employees deserve a tip than those at any other fast food place, I doubt anyone tips at McDonalds, Burger King, Tim Horton's or any other fast food restaurant, and that is what Starbucks is, just a fast food coffee joint.

If you want to tip, do so. I don't tip at Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts or any like establishment.
#9
Original Poster




Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Vancouver, BC
Programs: UA MM *Gold, Accor Classic
Posts: 1,920
#11
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: ORD
Posts: 277
I visit the Starbucks near my work 3-4 times a week. They know who I am, know my order, and will actually make my drink when they see me enter the store and have it ready by the time I get to the register. So I tip them for the extra service. Don't know if that's "cool".
#12
Original Poster




Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Vancouver, BC
Programs: UA MM *Gold, Accor Classic
Posts: 1,920
I visit the Starbucks near my work 3-4 times a week. They know who I am, know my order, and will actually make my drink when they see me enter the store and have it ready by the time I get to the register. So I tip them for the extra service. Don't know if that's "cool". 

#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DCA
Programs: AMC MovieWatcher, Giant BonusCard, Petco PALS Card, Silver Diner Blue Plate Club
Posts: 22,314
Agree with falconred, disagree with sfo, if they provide extra personable and extra fast service that's worth rewarding/encouraging/thanking monetarily.
Whether or not it's hard or their job or a benefit to them somehow is beside the point.
And if you're going all the time and can encourage an extra positive experience, and the tip is reciprocated in extra good service, great ^
What I tend to object to is tipping for nothing/that doesn't get me anywhere compared to not tipping.
Whether or not it's hard or their job or a benefit to them somehow is beside the point.
And if you're going all the time and can encourage an extra positive experience, and the tip is reciprocated in extra good service, great ^
What I tend to object to is tipping for nothing/that doesn't get me anywhere compared to not tipping.
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Marriott or Hilton hot tub with a big drink <glub> Beverage: To-Go Bag DYKWIA:SSSS /rolleyes ☈ Date Night:Costco
Programs: Sea Shell Lounge Platinum, TSA Pre✓ Refusnik Diamond, PWP Gold, FT subset of the subset
Posts: 12,523
I visit the Starbucks near my work 3-4 times a week. They know who I am, know my order, and will actually make my drink when they see me enter the store and have it ready by the time I get to the register. So I tip them for the extra service. Don't know if that's "cool". 

#15
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVPG
Posts: 731

Of course.
We're not talking tipping 20% here people. We're talking pocket change, quite literally. People working service industry jobs behind a counter are already underpaid enough. I figure if I can afford to be buying a $4 coffee, I can afford to throw a few quarters in their tip jar (assuming the service is friendly).
I can tell you from experience working behind a counter, it really does feel good when someone tips you. Many people don't, so when someone takes the time to show a little appreciation it can really brighten your day. I've even had someone give me a $20 on a $4 order. Not that I'm at all advocating that, but it wouldn't kill you to throw 50 cents in the jar.

