A Tip of the Hat!

21 December 2023

By Royal Flushes

CINDY: Everywhere you go today, it seems workers want tips. I go to the local coffee shop and ask for a container of coffee to go and there is a big jar on the counter with the label – handwritten mind you and almost unreadable – that says “TIPS.” You tip them even if you have to go to another area to do your own milk and sugar. Years ago, I don’t remember such a thing. Maybe I was blind.

ABBY: My bagel costs “X” amount but with my tip and a bigger tip when they put cream cheese on it, well, that wasn’t something 30 years ago. At least I don’t think it was. It does seem that we tip so much more often today.

CINDY: Yes, but here is where I am mostly coming from. I have no problem tipping counter-type workers or people who prepare and deliver food and goods to my home. Waiters, yes. Hair stylists, carry-out deliverers of all types.

ABBY: I don’t mind either. Too many jobs just don’t pay enough. I think it is as simple as that. Tips have become necessary for many jobs or those jobs might not be worth doing; at least not worth doing for someone who is actually good at doing those jobs. Is it me or are too many workers actually not good at the jobs they do?

CINDY: I found that true too. Maybe it’s just that we’re getting old?

ABBY: Look, casinos are the land of the tip-a-holics. Just go through the jobs in the casino-hotels where tips are expected. Go on.

CINDY: You first.

ABBY: Okay, I’ll start. Valet parkers, bellhops, bus drivers if you take a bus to the casino or tip your limo driver if you take a car service.

CINDY: When we stay in a suite I tip the receptionist.

ABBY: Yep. Yes, tip for suites, that’s probably because we go into a special “elite” area to sign in and get the key. And it just seems you have to tip.

CINDY: The tips are for all the regular jobs too. Your servers for breakfast, lunch, dinner, counter service of any type. Cocktail servers when you are playing; bar tenders. And, of course, dealers.

ABBY: Some players refuse to tip dealers. We’ve seen that plenty of times. Some players have insane notions about tipping dealers.

CINDY: Some players think the dealers are deliberately beating them and won’t tip; won’t tip even a little bit. They think of the dealers as their personal enemies.

ABBY: I know. Many of the non-tippers are the players who are constantly moaning and groaning when things aren’t going their way. By the way, so far everyone you have listed I have no problem tipping them.

CINDY: And the ones you’ve mentioned too. The casino-hotels are tip worlds and we players should be aware of that and prepare for that.

ABBY: Could someone not tipping just be because that someone is cheap?

CINDY: Maybe. I’ve never asked a non-tipper why he doesn’t tip.

ABBY: If you do, you should ask that person for a tip!