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SALT LAKE CITY — The “standard” of tipping fluctuates quite frequently and may be different for each individual, making tipping a little tricky. However, one thing is clear for those serving without a minimum wage job: Tipping is necessary for servers to maintain an adequate living.
Chaunci Overman has been a server for four years and the struggle of receiving an appropriate tip for her service goes far beyond the money.
“It is hard work to be able to serve someone you don’t know. You have to know how to be personable, timely, fast, multitask and you need to memorize a lot of stuff," she said. "None of that is easy; especially when you do your best to make sure someone has the perfect experience. And then, they turn around and leave you a $2 tip on a $45 check or even worse, stiff you or walk out. It’s a slap in the face when that happens. I don’t think people realize that at the end of the day, their generosity either makes or breaks us.”
However, with the everyday expectations for services, it may not always be easy to know when and who to tip. Tipping spans over a variety of services from tipping your bellhop, delivery driver, hairdresser and server. But with the proper tools for tipping, as consumers, we can really make a difference for the emotional and financial state of those helping us.
For Overman, a good customer impacts her as a server, she says.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had many good tips here in Utah County that make up for the awful ones, but they’re a dime a dozen," Overman said. "When they do happen though, it’s almost emotional. You know when someone tips you appropriately that they appreciated your service and you did your job correctly. It makes you want to come back to work the next day.”
Following the tips provided would help guide amounts for services that may require tipping. These guides are meant to give an idea of how much to tip, but should be used with your own judgment as well. As consumers, we are responsible for paying an appropriate amount for the quality of service provided, but try to be patient and understanding of the situation before rushing to pay below the guide.
Photo credit: KSL-TV
Jessica Kaing is a student at the University of Utah and a social media intern for ksl.com. Email her at socialintern@deseretdigital.com.
