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Contributed by D 2009-01-27

Portland — When going out for a sit down meal, at a nice restaurant with a server you would expect to tip. When having your hair cut or colored etc by a professional you would expect to tip. When ordering a pizza and having someone deliver it to your home, you would expect to tip.

Then comes the big question, more and more frequently I will go into places like Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds, etc .... I drive to the place myself, go inside, step up to the counter, order, wait, bring the food to my own table, and clean up after myself, at what point does the 3 minutes worth of coffee making or microwaving by the staff who already makes a decent amount of money warrant a tip?

I am not sure, but these tip jars are everywhere!

I even saw one in a clothing shop recently!

These workers wages are not below the standard state guidelines, they are not making $2 an hour like a waitress does and they are certainly not putting in the amount of work that a waitperson has to, so I wonder, does the work the do really warrant a tip? Especially after paying $4 for a cup of overpriced coffee at Starbucks perhaps? And when do the employers step in a say "Hey, this isnt appropriate, no tip jars."

Typically I ignore them, I tip when I feel its warranted, at normal places where tips are expected, but tips for practically everything we do now? Can't we all agree that some are taking it a little too far?

I work in an office, when I do paperwork, or answer the phone, I make an hourly amount. I do not have a tip jar and expect money from each and every person who asks me for assistance. Its my JOB. And during these difficult economic times I would think having a JOB would be a thankful position, not expecting more money from patrons. Everyone is strapped enough without feeling pressured to tip everyone who breathes in their direction.

I know most will just say "Ignore them if you don't want to tip." and I do, but sometimes the expectations can get a little out of hand. I am not a "cheapskate" I tip very well when I feel its warranted but other times the tip jars just annoy me. Some people have to scrimp and save to pay bills and treat themselves to a cup of coffee once in a while, they should not be facing pressure to tip people who are paid a decent wage to do their jobs anyway.