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nkblitz's avatar

What’s a tipping conversation with everyone in agreement. America is a melting pot of lots of cultures and the good and the bad that comes with it. There is no shame in tipping with your heart whatever the amount is. There are no percentages that make anyone better or less than another person. I pay what I feel like and no amount of proud self proclaimed gratuitous hecklers make a difference to me. I like where these tipping discussions are going (20%, 30% or whatever) when restaurants are often struggling to stay open - it will be great for this whole thing to get blown up so restaurants can once and for all price per their cost of doing business. Go see the world a bit (Italy is an example) and see the service you get with zero expectation of a tip. BTW - how is supporting businesses that underpay their employees any different than supporting goods from the an emerging economy that employs bad labor practices?

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Sam Fawaz's avatar

I was a wedding DJ for thirteen years in the 80's and 90's and I can count on one hand the number of times I was tipped. Frankly, I never expected it but was pleasantly surprised when it happened. Back then, it was about $150 for a four hour gig plus $25 per hour for overtime. Our service was over the top, we made sure we had every song on their lists and were true professionals from start to finish (never helped ourselves to the buffet unless the host invited us and insisted, but we never drank.) The work was back breaking with all the equipment and vinyl. Regardless being the center of attention, at least for a few minutes a night, was fun and memorable, especially since I was a true music lover and music trivia buff. At one wedding, the bride was so drunk and upset over me playing a guest's request that she actually took a swing at me. That party ended early.

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