Here's a Tip: Just Do It

by Sarah MacDONALD

The elusive fifteen percent is under attack. As school-goers struggle with finances, economies wane . . . it’s easy to see why there may be a problem with student tipping in restaurants and other fine establishments. Despite this, many at UPEI are sticking by their guns claiming, “Hey, I can pay.”

Many questions arise when dealing with tipping. In a society that happens to have the custom, we are met with issues: Social expectation is more prevalent than anything when it comes to the matter. While students are sometimes looked at as the poorest of the poor in society, some wonder why they have to bother tipping. It is generally viewed that students do tip less. With that said, should we not tip at all? The Semantic explores the issue around UPEI.

Justin Douglas, a 5th year Honours student, believes that there’s a bit of leeway. “It depends on the restaurant,” he claims. Some establishments cater specifically to a certain clientele, and some of those are for students. Douglas also mentions the point that students are quite often those serving. “It’s probably a student working. If you’re tipping it’s probably to other students who need them.”

Some view the issue as perhaps even insulting to students. As it’s typical for students to tip less, it gives them a bad reputation in restaurants and bars. “If a waiter or waitress sees a group of teens walking in [they] know they won’t be getting a tip so they feel no need to go out of their way and help us,” explains 1st year Arts student, Chris Francis. He goes on to explain, “…it just casts a negative shadow.” With stigma attached, Francis believes this isn’t fair to the servers. “Why should we be any different? [They] do the same work they would for older folks.”

Tristan Gray, a new student to UPEI, claims that there’s a reason why there is a typical percentage for tipping and not a dollar amount. “Since you’re a student,” he argues, “you’re probably not getting a full meal.” Appetizers or snacks cost less and therefore would result in a smaller tip if measured by the usual fifteen percent. This accounts for students having less money than the usual customer in a restaurant.

There seems to be the delusion that tipping is mandatory. It is a gratuity based on the service provided. You, as a student or any other member of society, are giving a token of thanks for how courteous, friendly and efficient the server is. Gray argues and further claims, “Really, you should start at fifteen and either go up or down depending on the quality of service.”

Despite all of this, there are those who sympathize with students’ strife. “I think you should tip but only as much as you can afford, if you can afford it,” says 4th Year Business student, Asher Fredericks. Fredericks explains that there are people who cannot pay, and it is not obligatory to, in fact, give a tip. It seems that servers may take this into account as well. “Waiters, I think, do assume that certain patrons may be students and their tips may not be large,” elaborates Mike Carver, fifth year History student.

The general consensus on campus appears to be – do what you can. While servers may know you’re a student and cut you some slack, tipping is socially expected. The people waiting on you are providing you with a service no matter who you may be. As best put by Carver, “Tip what you can, for they will be less likely to spit in your food.”