On Tipping

I was recently asked for my opinion on tipping at coffee houses. Honestly, the subject doesn't excite me that much. Tip or don't tip; be excessively for it or self-rightously against it--you won't upset me either way.

That said, as a barista, I benefit from tips. That little bit of extra cash is nice. I keep my tips in a safe place and then use them to buy something nice for my wife, or save it so that I can go out to eat when I'm on vacation (if I get a vacation).

I don't think that a tip at the coffee shop should be considered manditory. That is, I'm not offended if a customer does not leave a tip. If a customer doesn't thank me or in some other way show their appreciation, well, that can be troublesome. But a tip--well, it's something extra: a way to say "thank you", or to say "please do an extra good job on my drink" or "I know that my order is a pain in the tushy so here's a little something to keep you from spitting in my drink," or "I love the heart you poured on my Latte last time--please do it again!"

Now, if a customer has a huge order, or changes their mind about their drink after it's already made, or is in some other way especially demanding, then he or she should leave a tip. It's also nice if you leave your change in the tip jar, (and you look cheap if you pocket that 28 cents instead of putting it in the jar).

I think that the real issue here is the relationship of the Barista with the public. The job is physically and emotionally demanding; It requires much care and artistry to be done well. If customers show that they understand these things and are appreciative, either through a tip or through a kind word, then the baristi of the world will be happy; good will and awesome espresso will abound. The alternative is, of course, barista angst...

Larry J.P.