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The Tipping Point: Starbucks v. McDonald’s

Posted on December 18th, 2009 10:54am by Glenn Hunter
Filed under Business, Local News

Talking about tipping yesterday Candy Evans mentioned Starbucks, which raises a whole other can of worms. How come you’re expected to tip the help there–the big glass jars are a not-so-subtle hint–when you’re never asked to do the same at a Taco Bell or a McDonald’s? No offense, but my McDonald’s server (Irma from El Salvador) probably needs the dough a lot more than barista Biff from Hilton Head.

10 Comments to “The Tipping Point: Starbucks v. McDonald’s”

A.J. Mistretta @ December 18th, 2009 at 11:27 am

I struggle with this all the time Glenn. At coffee shops, the take-out counter and every other place where there’s that little tip line at the bottom of the receipt. I get that a lot of service industry folks rely on tips as part of their income. But really, you just made me a latte and bagged a scone. Does that necessitate a tip? Does this make me cheap? And am I risking getting really bad service or the “special” drink if I rarely leave a buck at the spots I frequent?
DMBurrows @ December 18th, 2009 at 11:39 am

Good point Glenn. A few weeks ago, just for fun, I tipped a young girl two dollars at a McD’s drive-thru. She giggled and was actually excited and waved as I drove away. A little goes a long way, especially in times like these.
Bob @ December 18th, 2009 at 12:43 pm

“Expected”? Starbucks indirectly asks by setting out a tip jar, but the “expectation” is all yours, Andy Rooney.
TLS @ December 18th, 2009 at 1:36 pm

I tip always and everywhere. What goes around comes around, and that includes money.
Bob V @ December 18th, 2009 at 1:46 pm

The Taco Bell in the Renaissance Tower food court does put out plastic cups with hand written notes asking for tips.
amanda @ December 18th, 2009 at 1:51 pm

“TIPS” is short for “to insure prompt service.” How long are you willing to wait for your latte, Glenn?

And, as for Irma, sure, everyone needs a little something. For the best service EVER, have TRACEY at Starbuck’s @ Coit/
Beltline make your order. I don’t know what she does, but it’s well worth the price and then some.
Dallasite @ December 18th, 2009 at 4:48 pm

No tips for counter service. Sorry Baristas.
James @ December 18th, 2009 at 5:25 pm

Chipotle is another place that has tip jars (really more like tip bowls)…
Ryan @ December 18th, 2009 at 8:32 pm

If there is no tip line on the credit card slip, no tip. Simple.
El Rey @ December 21st, 2009 at 3:42 pm

I use the tip jars at fast food joints and coffee shops as a convenient place to discard those noisy pennies from my pocket. C’mon, it’s not like they are going to tell the guy in the back to throw a extra slice of bacon on my burger or not to pile all of the pickles in one spot.