Do you tip at Starbucks?

[lumpkin]

Okay, maybe it's beyond me, but why on earth would I want to tip for a $4 cappuccino when no one waits on me at my table, I have to wait for, listen for, then get my own order?

Do the people who make the coffee at Starbuck's get paid $2.08 per hour and depend on tips? It just seems a little crazy to me. They even have little tip cups at the drive through. Are we going to have to tip at McD's and Taco Bell soon?

 

[Dee*Jay]

This is one of those things that irks the sh*t out of me. You got me a *cup of coffee* for god's sake, and I'm expected to TIP you for it? NO. But if there is some element of *exceptional* service (which is RARE... so rare as a matter of fact that I can't even think of an example... but I do know that it has happened) I will indeed put a buck in the square plastic thing.

I'll be interested to see how this thread pans out.

ETA: There was an article about this (maybe in the "Economist"?) some time ago that was rather amusing. I'll see if I can find it.

 

[sumbride]

Not usually, but sometimes when it''s really crazy, I will throw my change from a buck in. Meaning never a whole dollar, but if I have an extra 26 cents I might share. I don''t go to Starbucks every morning now that I have my Keurig, but when I did, one of the people there comped be about once a week... I considered the tips to be paying for that free coffee.

And yes, it''s really ridiculous that they even put the tip jar out when the coffee is already $4.

 

[lumpkin]

DeeJay, I''d be interested in that article.

Sumbride, that''s kinda what I do, but if you have a Starbuck''s card you''d have to deliberately have cash to tip with.

I don''t want to be a cheapskate -- if the people behind the counter really don''t even get minimum wage I''d figure if I can''t afford to tip there, maybe I don''t need a $4 cup of coffee. OTOH, it seems ridiculous to have to tip for virtually no service. Yes, there is a knack to making the specialty coffees, but there''s a knack to grilling a good steak, too, only I don''t tip the chef. I tip a bartender, but I know they depend on the tips, and I''m not paying $4 for a beer, either.

Really curious if anyone knows if the employees are paid didly and that''s what''s up with the tip cups, or whether they think anyone who can afford a $4 cup of coffee OUGHT to tip them....

 

[gwendolyn]

I worked at a family-owned coffeeshop/bookstore in Baltimore for 4 years (only quit because I left the country), and there are understood rules on tipping for coffeeshops--well, understood among baristas, anyway.

1. If you order a regular coffee or anything else that someone just pours out of a jug or something, you don''t tip. You can if you love your server, but we don''t (or shouldn''t) expect tips for anything that basic.

2. If you order something slightly more complicated than a regular coffee (where you add a certain number of pumps of syrup, or used steamed milk instead of creamer or whatever, then it''d be nice if you threw a couple cents in the jar but again, it was no big deal and part of good customer service, so that isn''t expected either.

3. If you order a half-fat, half-skim, dab of whipped cream, 2 pumps vanilla, 1/2 pump hazelnut, extra shot half-decaf latte with whipped cream and super hot milk AND we get it right, please tip. Usually those of us behind the counter are running around like crazy trying to get everyone''s drinks done well while also getting them done as quickly as possible, and the more complicated your drink is, the longer it takes to make and get right, so a little appreciation is nice.

4. If you order half a dozen number 3''s, then you really should tip.

Oh, and I never go to Starbucks. Their chai and mochas are terrible!

 

[lumpkin]

Date: 12/17/2007 11:04:58 PM
Author: gwendolyn
I worked at a family-owned coffeeshop/bookstore in Baltimore for 4 years (only quit because I left the country), and there are understood rules on tipping for coffeeshops--well, understood among baristas, anyway.

1. If you order a regular coffee or anything else that someone just pours out of a jug or something, you don''t tip. You can if you love your server, but we don''t (or shouldn''t) expect tips for anything that basic.

2. If you order something slightly more complicated than a regular coffee (where you add a certain number of pumps of syrup, or used steamed milk instead of creamer or whatever, then it''d be nice if you threw a couple cents in the jar but again, it was no big deal and part of good customer service, so that isn''t expected either.

3. If you order a half-fat, half-skim, dab of whipped cream, 2 pumps vanilla, 1/2 pump hazelnut, extra shot half-decaf latte with whipped cream and super hot milk AND we get it right, please tip. Usually those of us behind the counter are running around like crazy trying to get everyone''s drinks done well while also getting them done as quickly as possible, and the more complicated your drink is, the longer it takes to make and get right, so a little appreciation is nice.

4. If you order half a dozen number 3''s, then you really should tip.

Oh, and I never go to Starbucks. Their chai and mochas are terrible!

Okay, I GET that, LOL! It''s the "you have to pay extra to be a complete pain in the neck" tip. My hairdresser talks about people who are so unreasonably picky about their hair (she is excellent, BTW) that they consistently come back a week later because a strand of hair underneath didn''t get as much highlight as the strand on the other side or they decided they really wanted a little more layering, or the color wasn''t as "golden" as it was the last time, etc. It''s something a little different every time, but it''s always something, and always something no one else can see. She charges them 20% more, unbeknownst to them, and I wouldn''t even know that except that I used to work with her (she doesn''t gossip about her clientelle -- she''s a total sweetie).

 

[crown1]

if you google: starbucks tips? there is a good bit of info. hth.

 

[Diamond*Dana]

I am a regular at my Starbucks, and I occasionally score a free latte. When that happens, I do thip, and there are other times that I tip as well. I used to tip every time I would go in there, and it was a lot...I just think, I am paying so much for the damn drink as it is, why should I feel the need to tip?

 

[lumpkin]

Crown, I just googled. I had no idea this was such a heavily debated topic. I don''t actually go to Starbuck''s that often, but I got a gift card and got a few cappuccinos there. I''m relatively new to the whole "Starbuck''s experience", LOL! I usually make my own coffee in my little 4 cup Mr. Coffee (which is on its last leg and really needs to be replaced).

I guess I should google before I ask such questions.....

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 12/17/2007 11:38:57 PM
Author: lumpkin
Crown, I just googled. I had no idea this was such a heavily debated topic. I don't actually go to Starbuck's that often, but I got a gift card and got a few cappuccinos there. I'm relatively new to the whole 'Starbuck's experience', LOL! I usually make my own coffee in my little 4 cup Mr. Coffee (which is on its last leg and really needs to be replaced).

I guess I should google before I ask such questions.....

This is an Interesting topic Lumpkin!!! I don't go to Starbucks too often too; I really like that they are in the airports. I never noticed the tip jars when I went in.

I try to go to the local coffee shops, though.

 

[justageek]

One of my cousins actually manages a Starbucks, and she says she doesn''t expect tips from most people. However, she did mention that tips HIGHLY aid the recognition factor -- I think she memorized ~20-25 people''s regular drinks, and most of them just happened to be great tippers

 

[fleur-de-lis]

LMAO! Lumpkin, I don''t go to Starbucks all that often, but when I do, I always tip by tossing a buck in. But now that I think about it... one dollar on a 3 dollar drink is a 33% tip, the employees there spend only a few seconds making my order, and Starbucks is notorious for being one of the few hourly/retail employers that offer health insurance and benefits!

Hmmm... I think this thread just convinced me to be more miserly! LOL

 

[FireGoddess]

People at Starbucks HAVE to be paid minimum wage at least - theirs is not a profession that makes a significant amount on tips. I know waiters are paid diddly - even below minimum wage which I thought was illegal??? But because they are expected to get tips, somehow restaurants get away with it.

Re: tipping at Starbucks, HECK no. I might throw the spare change in, but after paying $4 for a latte...and then giving a tip?? I don''t think so.

 

[iheartscience]

I don''t really drink coffee so I rarely go to Starbucks, but they get paid pretty well there, as far as retail-type jobs go. A couple of my friends have worked there. I''m pretty sure it''s at least like $8/hour to start out with. They get an okay amount extra from the tips, I believe. Nothing crazy, though, as I recall. They split the tips up every week or two and hand them out, or at least that''s what they did when my friend worked at a Starbucks.

I am a pretty generous tipper over all, so if I was a regular Starbucks customer, I''d probably throw in the change if I paid cash. However, I rarely have cash, and they don''t have a tip line on the credit card receipt, which is actually pretty awesome. I always feel awkward putting a slash through the tip line when I pick up food or something somewhere and I don''t feel like tipping!

 

[door knob solitaire]

I have a hard time with this too. Paying someone to do what they are doing seems silly. I mean , they are going to take your order...they are going to take you money...they are going to make the drink...and then call your name.

Now if they juggled my money, or drew artwork on my cup, or sang to me...you know give me something that goes one step beyond what you are being paid to do.

Have I ever tipped there? You bet. There are just some people who really deserve to be rewarded. When the ordinary becomes extraordinary...I tip. Doesn''t matter where I am. But sometimes they might ask if I have tried this or that and suggest what they love most...or make something really special for me...ding clunk clank...the jar gets a jingle.

I don''t care for tip jars everywhere. Like I said...you do something that is ordinary you''ll get tipped, no need to hang a sign and make us all feel obligated. §

This comment may bring out the mud pies...but as a prospective employee you learn what your pay will be. If you take the job than you agreed to do the work for the amount offered. It isn''t the world''s place to make up the slack in your income by tips just because you are the contact behind the counter or because you work for minimum wage. (oops....let em rip...) You should know I worked my familys restaurant for less than minimum. The hourly tips were to make up the difference. So I have worked for less...much less.

 

[Mara]

Not sure about what Sbucks pays elsewhere but here they pay something like $9 to start I think. I remember this because a lot of college students were telling my sister when she was in college that it was a great gig to get kind of thing. Also I believe I have heard they have excellent benefits. Supposedly they are a top quality employer, in the top 100 or something like that for all of US? Not sure exactly what the stats are...but also around here when the bubble burst, people used to joke about going to work for Sbucks since they paid so well.

Whenever I am at a Peets or a Sbucks or something, I typically put my change in from whatever I just got. Like if it's $3.20 then I drop the 80 cents in. If I use a Sbucks card or whatever, I don't tip because I don't have any change. Actually last time I was at the local Sbucks I went to put my change in and the little tip jar wasn't even there. So I wondered if maybe they were doing away with the whole thing.

Found this, Sbucks employees all over the US listing what they are paid.
http://www.starbucksunion.org/node/569?from=40&comments_per_page=10

 

[oobiecoo]

I usually don''t tip when i go to Seattle''s Best (prefer them over Starbucks). I rarely carry cash anyway but when I do, I sometimes throw a dollar in... especially if its one of my favorite baristas. A couple of them have taken the time to know my name and my "usual" order and I really appreciate that kind of service. In fact, I get really bummed out if I go in there and its someone new or who I haven''t seen very much and they don''t remember my name or order... lol

 

[crown1]

Date: 12/17/2007 11:38:57 PM
Author: lumpkin
Crown, I just googled. I had no idea this was such a heavily debated topic. I don''t actually go to Starbuck''s that often, but I got a gift card and got a few cappuccinos there. I''m relatively new to the whole ''Starbuck''s experience'', LOL! I usually make my own coffee in my little 4 cup Mr. Coffee (which is on its last leg and really needs to be replaced).


I guess I should google before I ask such questions.....

i actually think you offered a good question. who would have thought there was so much debate over the question. i personally hate the tip concept. i would much prefer to pay more and the business pay a fair wage and be done with it. i don''t see that happening though.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

It annoys me too. Just like when there is a tip jar at an ice cream place or a sub place for example. Maybe it is from my years of waiting tables but 45 seconds of helping me does not deserve a tip. Unless they are getting $2.13 an hour they aren''t getting extra compensation from me. Servers work HARD for their tips. They deserve them. Some teen at Starbucks...not so much.

 

[gwendolyn]

Date: 12/18/2007 12:06:37 AM
Author: justageek
One of my cousins actually manages a Starbucks, and she says she doesn''t expect tips from most people. However, she did mention that tips HIGHLY aid the recognition factor -- I think she memorized ~20-25 people''s regular drinks, and most of them just happened to be great tippers

Well, sure. In a given day, you wait on hundreds of people--naturally the ones you are more inclined to remember are 1) the ones who come every day, 2) the ones who leave you a tip, 3) the ones who have long & complicated orders, or 4) a combo of the above. Why the rolling eyes?

 

[Cleopatra]

I go to Starbucks nearly every morning for my "skinny mocha" (in fact, I''m sipping one right now...hehe) Every morning, I go through the drive-thru and pay with my debit card (I never carry cash). When I pay with my debit card, they never give you a receipt to sign, they just hand the card back along with the customer copy of the receipt. So, once every now and then, when I do have extra cash on me (usually only $1s), I tip about $2 to the tip jar. Definitely not everyday. That would make my $4 coffee even MORE ridiculous.....if that''s even possible!

 

[emeraldlover1]

I actually love this topic. Living in NYC you see this in just about every food service place that you go into. The deli across the street, the bagel place on the corner, the bodega on the corner, the starbucks, the pizza place, tasti d lite (low cal ice cream)....seriously everywhere. Having done a fair share of bartending in my college years I understand what it is like to be paid for in tips, however, I can''t imagine that if these places employed people based on tips or I doubt that anyone would be working there. Since most of you don''t live in NYC I won''t get started on Tasti D, however, unlike starbucks the people that work there are always in a bad mood and a 4oz ice cream is now $4 and then they want a tip...geez.

The only time that I feel compelled to tip (in these type of establishments) are in the following situations:
- If I have multiple orders, say 15, and they get it right
- If I go to the establishment on a daily basis sometimes I throw in an extra dollar

I can''t think of too many more off hand but I''d love to hear if people have suggestions where they think it is appropriate.

 

[Haven]

I don''t go to Starbuck''s often, but when I do I never leave a tip. I would never consider leaving a tip at a Jimmy John''s or Dunkin Donuts--what makes Starbuck''s any different? I don''t understand. I always order a caramel apple spice right off the menu, though, perhaps I''d consider tipping if I had a ridiculously specific off-the-menu order.

I will say that Starbuck''s is a mastermind at marketing and branding, and if anyone can get make people believe that tipping for coffee is appropriate (or even expected) it''s the same company that convinced this country that paying $4 for a cup of coffee is acceptable. I''ve never studied business, but I imagine that Starbuck''s is an exceptional model--they turned ordering coffee into an 8-step process! Next thing you know we''ll be seeing coffee sommeliers!

 

[mirre]

I never tip at Starbucks... not that I can recall anyway. I may have thrown in some change after breaking a dollar or something but doubt it. Their coffee is overpriced anyway... but yet I still buy it (not often but I''ll get that Starbucks craving once a month or so and just have to have some). I rarely tip anyway though... I''m bad about it but I''m usually doing good to be able to go somewhere and pay for my meal let alone tip. Once I am working full-time and at a good job I''ll be a better tipper but at Starbucks most likely not. Another place I have a problem tipping is Sonic. Someone takes your order and walks it out to you... I find it hard to compare that to a sit down restaurant where they constantly check on you. I have had people keep my change at Sonic like if it''s $1.75 and I give them $2.00 they''ll walk off with my $0.25 without me telling them to keep the change. I know it''s just a quarter but to me it''s a manners problem. I have also been to a restaurant that on several occasions while filling out my credit card receipt asks me how much I am tipping and puts pressure on me to do it... I also find this rude, and actually discourages me from wanting to tip there at all. For me a tip is a sign of appreciation of good service and is an option on my part, it''s not required in order to eat somewhere and if I didn''t get good service I don''t usually plan to tip. Sorry for the rant but tipping is a touchy subject for me sometimes especially when it''s something like Starbucks.

I will say there is a little ice cream shop here that''s pretty pricey but it''s homemade ice cream and they mix it for you on a marble slab with whatever add-ins you want. They have a tip jar and whenever someone tips they sing a cute little thank you song and they have to sing it each time a tip is put in the jar. Some people may tip because of service and some just to make them sing but I think it''s a nice little jesture and would entice me to tip there more than I would at a place like Starbucks, that and they are actually DOING SOMETHING... standing over a freezing marble slab mixing hard ice cream is a little more difficult than pouring coffee. Just my opinion though. But if Starbucks would do something like singing or saying thank you in unison each time a tip is given I bet they''d get more.

Again I''m sorry this got so long.

 

[partgypsy]

OK my family is in the restaurant business so I have to respond. Waiters and waitresses and bartenders at restaurants get paid less than minimum wage with the expectation that their tips will bring them over minimum wage. They have to report tips and pay taxes on them. If they make less than minimum wage (wage plus tips combined) then the owners of the restaurants are legally obligated to make up the difference (which doesn''t ever happen). You get good service because better service = bigger tips and more money.
Take out places on the other hand, the people working there DO get paid minimum wage (typically more, exp at coffee places). Yeah maybe I''ll throw in some extra bucks if you just catered my party, but otherwise no. I''m sorry, they knew what they were getting paid when they got hired; to put out a tip jar to me, almost seems akin to a scam. What''s next? Will the people at your local gas station and grocery put out a tip jar when they check you out?

 

[Haven]

Date: 12/18/2007 10:32:00 AM
Author: part gypsy
OK my family is in the restaurant business so I have to respond. Waiters and waitresses and bartenders at restaurants get paid less than minimum wage with the expectation that their tips will bring them over minimum wage. They have to report tips and pay taxes on them. If they make less than minimum wage (wage plus tips combined) then the owners of the restaurants are legally obligated to make up the difference (which doesn''t ever happen). You get good service because better service = bigger tips and more money.
Take out places on the other hand, the people working there DO get paid minimum wage (typically more, exp at coffee places). Yeah maybe I''ll throw in some extra bucks if you just catered my party, but otherwise no. I''m sorry, they knew what they were getting paid when they got hired; to put out a tip jar to me, almost seems akin to a scam. What''s next? Will the people at your local gas station and grocery put out a tip jar when they check you out?

I completely agree. Thank you for the insight, Part Gypsy.

 

[HollyS]

Date: 12/17/2007 10:41:43 PM
Author:lumpkin
Okay, maybe it''s beyond me, but why on earth would I want to tip for a $4 cappuccino when no one waits on me at my table, I have to wait for, listen for, then get my own order?

Do the people who make the coffee at Starbuck''s get paid $2.08 per hour and depend on tips? It just seems a little crazy to me. They even have little tip cups at the drive through. Are we going to have to tip at McD''s and Taco Bell soon?

Well, yes; but it depends. I''m well known at my local Starbucks (3 of them!). The servers have given me larger sizes than I ordered, and did not expect me to pay for it. I have received two of a pastry when they didn''t think one was big enough or fresh enough. I have ordered at the drive-thru and received only one (and paid for only one) of what I thought I ordered two of, and then they gave me the second item and told me it was their mistake and it was on them. I''ve never had better service from any cafe/bar/restaurant than I get from our Starbucks here.

When you frequent a particular place, and they know you, and will treat you very well because you are a regular, then by all means, tip them. They remember, they appreciate it, and they will reciprocate. And if some poor child has been sticking her head out of the drive-thru window all day getting rained on, wind-blown, or frozen, then of course I tip her. If it wasn''t for my silly ass needing that cup o'' joe, or you, she would not get that head cold next week from serving the drive-thru!

And, the opposite is true for rotten servers. If there is attitude, if I''m just another pain-in-the-you-know to them, then they get squat. Same with restaurants, service gets rewarded; flinging food at me and dissappearing does not.

 

[MaryAlaina]

Date: 12/17/2007 11:04:58 PM
Author: gwendolyn
3. If you order a half-fat, half-skim, dab of whipped cream, 2 pumps vanilla, 1/2 pump hazelnut, extra shot half-decaf latte with whipped cream and super hot milk AND we get it right, please tip.

I''m supposed to tip because someone makes my drink correctly??? I don''t think so. Isn''t that their job?

You know going in to a job at Starbuck''s that most people order complicated drinks. If you don''t think you can handle it, why are you working there?

Sorry to be harsh, but I have little tolerance for incompetence and don''t feel like "just doing the job correctly" has to be rewarded with a tip!

 

[HollyS]

I sense a lot of disdain, resentment, and downright anger from many of you over this issue; for heaven''s sake why?

Are you really going to miss that change from your order that you could throw in the tip jar; or would you just have wasted it on something else as silly as a $4 specialty coffee drink?

Most of us make quite a bit more than anyone who spends their day serving customers; why ponder how much they might make before deciding whether to give a tip? They deal all day long with complete jerks and grouches; smile at them and show them someone appreciates that they are there to help. Generousity of spirit, spread around the circle of life you occupy, will make the world a better place. It''s just that simple. So do something nice today, like leaving a tip at Starbucks.

 

[lumpkin]

Wow, maybe *I* should go work at Starbucks! Seriously, it sounds like a very good part time gig that I could do while my kids are in school. For $8-9 per hour and benefits, I think tips are extreme. I worked at my son''s preschool last year as an aid to help transition him into a school environment -- I did everything from helping prepare for the class projects, bringing paint and supplies, cleaning up the classrooms and vacuuming after every class, fixing the snacks for the entire preschool and running them around to all the classes. When I got done with my day I was literally soaked with persperation. I didn''t make as much as the average barista, and of course no tips and no benefits except for a discount on my son''s tuition (and it wasn''t that much). There are a ton of jobs that require a lot of work that don''t pay very well, and many of us have done our fair share of them. Sounds like most of us are in agreement that we shouldn''t feel *obligated* to tip at Starbucks, but sometimes we do.

I actually was just wondering what was truly customary since I''m not a regular patron. It''s an interesting topic and seems pretty charged.