Tipping isn't a city in China.....

So I can't remember if I have written about tipping before or how many of you I might have spouted off in front of about this topic but seriously, this tipping everyone and their mother is a load of shit. I visited a local coffee shop today and saw the tip jar flowing over with dollar bills and the guy who gave me my cup of coffee seemed offended that I didn't contribute to his greenback salad. But what the heck did he just do for me. He took a cup, poured in some black coffee, gave me a funny look when I told him I didn't want cream or sugar, put a lid on it (cool lid from this place by the way), slid on a heat sleeve, and took my money. Is that really worth a buck or two? I say no. It's kind of like the people at the big chain bagel shops. What do they do that is any different than someone at the local McDonald's? Now, there are local shops that do treat you and your food better and they might deserve a tip but they are the places that don't have tip jars and don't expect a gratuity.

Before you start to think I'm some Miser I do believe in tipping very well for good service. Non fast food Restaurants (I include the aforementioned bagel shops and coffee houses in the group of fast food restaurants. The waiters / waitresses in my opinion should not be seen and not try to interrupt the meal by making themselves seem likable so you will want to give them more.), Barbers (Uh...haven't been to one in a while), those people who provide a service such as concierge, Mail Carrier, Valets, Doormen, the creepy dudes in the bathrooms if you use their colognes and stuff they set out, delivery men who lift crap you don't want to lift unless you paid for the delivery, I'm sure there are many others that I'm missing but you get the point. I guess it boils down to the idea that I don't believe in tipping someone, for a service that I can get elsewhere that is as good, just because they have a job title like Barista.

Thankfully the coffee house I was at today had their cups listed as small, medium, and large otherwise I'd have to waste more time typing away here. Have a good week everyone.