When did it become normal for fast-casual restaurants to ask for tips? If I go in, stand in line, order from the guy at the counter, follow along as my food is prepared, pay at the end, carry my own food to the table, and clean up after we're done, why should I be asked for a tip when paying? Why is it expected?

The tip is to keep your food from hitting the floor.

Did they ask for it, or was there a jar sitting there? Either way, if you are providing table service, I tip at the table. I don't tip while I'm walking my own food and drink to my table. Likewise, if I'm picking up food to go (steak, whatever) and I come to the counter, I don't tip unless I get exceptional service (offer me a gratis drink while they get it ready, pull out each item to confirm that it's correctly done, etc). I do usually give a few bucks if it's one of those deals where they bring the food to my car.

quote:

Originally posted by slabsides45:
Did they ask for it, or was there a jar sitting there?

In most cases, there is a screen on the terminal where I can conveniently select a tip amount while paying. In other cases, the credit card receipt has a line for me to add a tip.

I frequently tip $1.00 at fast food restaurants like McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, etc. when the person is helpful and friendly, and give it directly to the person. Did it yesterday at BK.

a couple of the sub sandwich places are pulling this with a selection on the cc screen to add a tip. Sorry, I don't go there. Pizza delivery guy, sure, person that brings you drinks and takes away dirty plates at a buffet, okay I see that and of course regular servers at a sit-down place get at least 15% usually rounded to nearest dollar. But good grief, next it will be the guy who sells you a protein bar at the Quick Trip.

I hate this and add in the fact that almost everywhere I go my order is fucked up (except Chick fil a). I don't even have crazy orders, mostly just no tomatoes but I get the wrong stuff, not there right amount of stuff etc..

If my order is taken and served to me at a table, I tip.

If I order at the counter, take my number and sit-down, and order comes out in a reasonable amount of time and that service is pleasant, I'll tip on the table.

If I'm ordering to-go or, it's 'fast food', no tip.

If I'm at the motel and there's a person cleaning the tables of the free breakfast offer, I'll tip on the table.

It hasn't become normal. Yet.

You are witnessing the efforts to make it the new normal. Just ask them if they want the $15 an hour or the tips, tell them they can't have both.

quote:

Originally posted by NavyGuy:
a couple of the sub sandwich places are pulling this with a selection on the cc screen to add a tip. Sorry, I don't go there. Pizza delivery guy, sure, person that brings you drinks and takes away dirty plates at a buffet, okay I see that and of course regular servers at a sit-down place get at least 15% usually rounded to nearest dollar. But good grief, next it will be the guy who sells you a protein bar at the Quick Trip.

Right on!
And while we are at it, when did it become the norm to bus your own table when you are done eating?
All the while the hourly "paid" workers stand around thinking of new ways to get free shit?
Incramenalism is sickening disease

I never tip at fast food but on the rare occasion I am at Mickey D I will give money for the Ronald McDonald house.

I have seen tip jars in a few fast or fast-casual restaurants, but have never been solicited for tips. I almost never put anything in them.

If I’m doing all the work they should give me a tip.

Nope, NEVER. Yesterday, the Wife and I were at a fast-foodery and placed our orders. I paid the bill in the exact amount in cash (I don’t like using plastic at these places), and order-taker asked if I wanted to “tip” the staff. I just glared at him and took my food.

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Originally posted by 2BobTanner:
...and order-taker asked if I wanted to “tip” the staff. I just glared at him and took my food.

Wow. I've never actually been asked, but if I were I'd tell them not to eat the yellow snow.

I may throw excess change in a cup but fast food is not "service" in my mind. That involves waiting on my table, refilling my beverage, and making sure my food arrives hot and ready. Not tossing a microwaved burger in a sack and whisking me through the line.

I'll tip at coffee shops.

I don't know why I feel the impulse to do so.

Do you tip the cashier at the grocery store?

I give tips all the time - usually it's to either dress neatly or "find a better career option"

I do not tip for To Go, Pick Up, Fast Food, or anything where I serve myself or am not literally waited on in an individual sense at my individual table (or sitting at the bar).

quote:

Originally posted by FenderBender:
I'll tip at coffee shops.

I don't know why I feel the impulse to do so.

I don't. Nor at Ice Cream stores. Or the Smoothie shop.