One of my earliest jobs was working at McDonald’s for $4 an hour grilling burgers in front of a hot stove while my manager yelled at me for not being fast enough.
Today, I’m a self-made millionaire. But I’ve never forgotten how tough service jobs are, and I want to be generous with my resources while building wealth. Lately, though, I’ve noticed that tipping isn’t really a voluntary demonstration of gratitude anymore. It’s become a built-in expectation — and an expensive one.
But you can shift your mindset to reward people for great service, while still protecting your finances. While some people may disagree, here are three things I refuse to tip on:
1. At a point of sale reader where no service is rendered
Let’s say you go to the mall and buy a pastry displayed at the front counter. The clerk uses a tong to place the pastry in a brown paper bag, punches the cost in the electronic kiosk, and spins it around to you.
You see default tip options of 15%, 20%, 25% or no tip. I’ll usually hit that no tip button or adjust the percentage to what I think is more reasonable.
The same goes for coffee, unless I’ve developed a personal relationship with the clerk or they lift your spirits every morning.
2. Picking up a takeout order
One of the more awkward tipping situations is when you get to a restaurant before your to-go order is ready. As you’re sitting or standing around waiting, you might make some small talk with the person working there.
When the bill finally comes, there’s a check with the word “tip” underneath the total. What do you do?
I rarely hesitate to cross a horizontal line across the tipping field. Given that no service was rendered, no tip needs to be paid. I shouldn’t have to tip an employee for just smiling and saying “hi.”
Now, if I get to the restaurant early and the bartender welcomes me to sit down, pours me a glass of water, and serves me a side of bread and butter, a small tip is in order.
3. Paying a tradesperson for house repairs
When a plumber,…
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