Herman by Jim Unger for August 12, 2022

The tipping point

The tip of the iceberg. Always carry one around with me. Just in case.

“You’re a college student Majoring in Philosophy? Well, here’s a philosophical tip: ‘Money doesn’t grow on trays.’”

Here’s a tip: don’t eat yellow snow.

There have been a few occasions where the service was so bad that I left a few pennies as a tip

I thought that message was clearer than no tip at all

Too late.

His feelings were already hurt by having to work for a pittance in that dump and serving an a**hole like you.

My first job, many years ago, was as a cook (the actual title was “counterman”). I got a minimum wage of $2 an hour. The waitresses got $1.50 an hour, so they relied on tips to make up the difference. Of course, unless they got really lousy tips, they would end up getting more than I did, but I had no problem with that. At least I didn’t have to deal with the customers directly.

No tip, no food. Or — what may be worse — our normal food.

Gimme. I can take it.

I wonder if not leaving a tip sends any message?

Is it bad service or a skinflint nitpicking customer?

Instead of just not leaving a tip, I write on the receipt how bad the waiter was. That way, the whole staff sees it.

OK, I’ll give you a tip, don’t invest in crypto.

Very thoughtful.