Tips

To Insure Prompt Service

The addition of a tip or gratuity to a bill is presently perceived as a gift for good service, and these days many rely on this gift as a substantial and necessary part of their income.

The origin of the practice may be traced back to 18th Century English pubs when tipping was considered an essential incentive for better service. It is said that urns were labeled with, “To Insure Promptitude” in which patrons could place their money for better service.

Giving money to servants for better service quickly spread across Europe.  Many visitors expressed amazement when they visited America and found most waiters and waitress saw themselves as employees and not as servants and as such refused tips.

Tipping slowly began to be accepted and by the 1910’s where around five million workers in the US (more than 10% of the labor force) had tip-taking occupations.

The tipping etiquette of Canadians is between 15% and 20%.  Most establishments automatically add gratuity to groups of 8 or more.

My take on tipping?  What goes around comes around.  In my case what came around is now going back around. This industry has paid for my education and allowed me to live comfortable as a single mother and as such I am a 20% tipper all the way.

It’s funny though, when I dine with fellow industry mates half instantly give 20% while the other half tally their personal survey’s they have conducted throughout the meal and tip accordingly.

At the end of the day; it’s your money; you work hard for it and you get to decide how you spend it. Having said that I will warn those individuals whom leave absolutely nothing; if you consider re entering the same establishment again you will not be forgotten and will have triggered some alter egos to come out and play.  Just saying ;)

Bridgit :)