There’s a guy in the neighbourhood who washes the cars in the morning. He’s a really old guy, and he’s really friendly. Generally, I don’t talk to people unless they talk to me first [or unless the conversation is online]. Out in the ‘real’ world, I often let people make the first approach. I got friendly with him because he’d say hi at 6.00 a.m. as I walked into the gym. We’ve never said more than good morning, but it’s now pretty much routine.

Two days into 2011, he said a few more words. He hinted that I hadn’t given him his New Year. Please note that he doesn’t work for me, I don’t know his name, and I don’t even own a car … yet. I was put off, but I was in a good mood, so I laughed it off and walked on. I’m surprised I didn’t frown or look embarrassed.

It reminded me of my watchman in Dar. When I was moving house, he demanded a tip. I was going to give him one anyway, but I was offended that he asked, especially as it was a company house, and the reason I was moving is that I was no longer eligible for staff housing. I had explained all this clearly, but in his mind, I was Kenyan, and I was raising a baby on my own, ergo, I must have money.

Conversely, the guy at School Outfitters was courteous, fun, and respectfully flirty. I bought uniforms late due of a late-clearing cheque. That meant I couldn’t take princess with me for fitting, as she was already in school. I had to guesstimate her size using a complex algorithm which involved her height, her shoe size, her weight in pounds … and buying three sizes larger than last year. So I went to the shop armed with … last year’s receipts. Sharp, yes?

When the guy recognized his handwriting from last year, he bantered a lot more, gave advice on silicone swimming caps … and asked for soda after. I gladly gave it to him. Maybe it was the way he asked, or maybe he’s just a really good flirt. His Muindi boss was furious … and I hope it’s not offensive to call him a Muindi Boss. iCon?

All this made me think about waitresses, bag boys, and all the other workers in the tip-based industry. I’ve always felt rather begrudging about people who ask to be tipped for doing their jobs. Isn’t that why you draw a wage?

I’m reminded of the debate at the beginning of Reservoir dogs. Not the Madonna debate, though that’s my favourite part of the movie. I mean the next debate, the one about the bill. Mr Pink says he doesn’t do tips, and Mr White says the waitresses need tips because it’s how they survive. Their salary is way too low to live on.

Here’s my question. Managers decide waiters’ salaries based on the assumption that they’ll be tipped. That’s why – if sitcoms are to be trusted – tips are part of culture in some places. It’s like part of the bill or something, No thought, no argument, no reasoning … it’s just something you do. Still, do we tip because the wages are low, or are the wages low because we tip? Who’s the chicken and who’s the egg? Also, who decided waitresses should be tipped and hairdressers shouldn’t? How come no one ever thinks to tip their dentist or their shoe shine guy, or even their house help? Aren’t they all low paying jobs?

Well maybe not the dentist, but you get my point. Who decided the hierarchy of tipping?

I suppose after a while, you stop fighting it and go with the flow, just like Mr Pink did in the movie. I don’t issue tips out of habit. I give it if you were really nice to me, or if I don’t feel like carrying the change. I’ve never tipped more than 50 bob, and I was amazed to see a lady tip a G at Java, seeing as that cost way more than my entire meal. Still it was Java Gigiri, and the air is slightly different there. I think it’s all the trees.

Kharma is a funny b*tch, and she’ll probably make a me a waitress in my next life, just to prove a point. But until then, I’m going to wonder why some careers demand tips and others don’t.

I’ll close with an urban legend I heard about Grand Regency [or whatever it’s calling itself now]. A client was calculating what to give as a tip when he was forewarned [the legend doesn’t say by who] …

“Don’t bother. He probably earns more than you do.”

342 thoughts on “On the issue of tipping”

  7. Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve take into account your stuff previous to and you are simply extremely excellent. I actually like what you have received here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way in which you are saying it. You are making it entertaining and you still care for to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read much more from you. That is really a terrific site.

  23. Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed!
    Very useful information particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such info much.
    I was looking for this particular information for a long time.
    Thank you and good luck.

  25. A person essentially help to make critically posts I’d state.
    That is the very first time I frequented your website
    page and so far? I surprised with the research you
    made to make this actual publish amazing. Excellent process!

  26. I wanted to write you one very little word to help give many thanks over again over the unique pointers you have provided in this case. This has been quite seriously open-handed with people like you to convey openly precisely what a few individuals might have offered as an e book to earn some dough for their own end, notably seeing that you could possibly have tried it in case you decided. These tactics additionally acted like the fantastic way to be aware that other people online have similar desire just like my very own to realize many more with respect to this problem. I am certain there are thousands of more pleasurable occasions ahead for many who take a look at your website.

  28. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your website.

    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here
    and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create
    your theme? Exceptional work!

  33. Many thanks taking a few minutes to discuss this unique, I find myself passionately with this and also adoration looking over on that problem. Just in case likely, since complete specialist knowledge, on earth would you feelings modernizing your main internet page along with other facts? This is very helpful for me.

  46. I really appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thx again!

  48. I have mastered some points through your blog post post. One other stuff I would like to state is that there are numerous games on the market designed in particular for preschool age kids. They include things like pattern acceptance, colors, pets, and forms. These usually focus on familiarization instead of memorization. This keeps little kids engaged without having a sensation like they are studying. Thanks

  49. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!

  50. Hey very nice blog!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds also…I am happy to find numerous useful info here in the post, we need develop more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.