Dear Editor,
Re: “Tipping on top of tax is too much,” Richmond-News.com, Aug. 27.
Mr. McGillivray has an interesting perspective on the never-ending issue of tipping. It is a bit of a consumer minefield.
While the letter appears to focus on the matter of ” tipping on tax,” various conflating issues are raised regarding a restaurant meal. These include: the inflationary costs of current menus, the quality of service, and “tipping prompts” on your payment system.
These are all concerns shared by many diners. The question is, is the aversion to “tip on tax” a relegation to cheapskatism? Or is it legitimate consumer prudence?
Let’s use the writer’s example. You take your friend to your favourite diner for the suggested burger and fries/salad. Add a drink (non alcoholic). Your bill comes to about $50.
Tax (5%) will be added to the total - $2.50. Tipping (15%) on the tax will cost you an additional 37 cents.
You have taken 37 cents from the server who presumably has given you good service. Is this really your intended consequence?
John Baines
Richmond
