Tip Jar

I don't understand the tip jar at locations where I, the customer, do all the work. For instance, there is a buffet near my office I sometimes visit for lunch. As per usual buffet protocol, I start at one end of the long line and get my tray, plate, fork, napkin, etc. Then I go through the line and serve myself. At the end of the line is a lady at a cash register. All she does is take money. (Drink cups are by the soda machine, which you get yourself) But sitting right in front of the register is a tip jar, labeled as such in large font. I can't help but wonder, does she expect me to tip her for taking my money? I mean, seriously? I do all the work. About the only thing I imagine would make sense would be to leave a tip on the table for the busboy. I just don't get it.

While I'm at it, I don't understand the tip jar at the bar, on the bar. If I have to walk up to a bar and stand there waiting to get a drink, should I really have to tip anyone? I tip a waitress for walking a drink the 20 feet from the bar to my table, which seems a bit much to begin with. But if I have to get up and go fetch my own beer, seems like I ought to get a break.

Maybe I'm just anti-tipping. I think I'd rather just pay an all-in cost, tax, tip, service charge and everything. That way I know what I'm getting in to when I look at a menu. Less guilt that way, too.

Or maybe I'm just cheap.

The Service Charge

What is the deal with "service charge" at a hotel?

I stayed at a hotel recently, and I ordered something to my room. There was the charge for the food, plus a $4 delivery charge, tax, 18.5% service charge which had a comment from the hotel indicating it was for the server, but then there was a line for "tip". I ask you, if service charge is for the person delivering the food, what is tip? I kind of feel guilty leaving the line blank, so I always put something there. I think folks delivering food to my hotel room get a 30% or greater tip, just for dropping something off.

What do you do?

Where have I been...?

Well, probably not a good way to get a following going...post a few times then take a month or two off. I suppose now I'll know who my faithful followers are...