Tipping
...ourself? Tipping is said to have started somewhere in the 17th Century in eating establishments. When someone tipped, it was to avoid envy on the part of the server and to send the message that the server should have a drink at the customer’s expense. It is also believed that the word “tip” began as a verb in the seventeenth century in the language of thieves, meaning “to give.” By the early Eighteenth century, the meaning included “to give a gratuity to a servant or employee.” Tip is also considered by many to be an acronym for “To Insure Promptness” The best reason for tipping someone appears to be out of guilt for the employee, but research has shown that the quality of service we receive is not always reflected in the tip left. Several studies have been done to find server habits that can boost the tipping amount. Several actions have been proven effective in increasing the amount a person is tipped: Touching; the tip increased with a simple touch of the shoulder. Squatting; getting down to the customers level; making eye contact showed a large increase in tip percentage. Giving Candy; leaving a piece of candy increased the tip, whereas leaving two pieces of candy increased the tipping amount even more. How the server gives the customers the candy will either increase or decrease the tip. Being helpful; taking a few extra minutes to help the guest will almost double the tip amount. In the mind of the employee, not all but some, the thought of earning a tip does not cross their minds until they have made contact with the person and established a trust. Once trust has been established, small talk usually follows. This is usu...