Tipping Etiquette: What About the Grocery Carry Out Person?
People Have Surprising Opinions
We tip many people that help us or offer us a service, don't we? It is customary and expected to tip waitresses. Some restaurants even add a gratuity to the check, especially if it is for a large reserved group. We tip bell hops, pizza delivery drivers, taxi cab drivers, bartenders and others that offer us a service.
People have varied opinions about tipping the grocery carry out person. I asked a friend who is in a management position at a grocery store if tipping was a common practice for carry-outs. He said that it was stated "somewhere" that carry-outs are not supposed to accept tips, but that it does happen. He said he has carried out groceries and refused tips when offered, but the customers became very insistent and even offended if you refuse the tip. So, yes, while it doesn't happen often, some customers do tip the carry-out for helping with groceries.
Why pay them for something that is part of the job? Some of the people I asked said that it was in their job description, so why offer a tip? That raises the question that a waitress or server's job is to bring you food and clean your table. Why tip them? Yes, they are usually paid a very meager wage because tips are expected to make up the difference. But still, how do you decide who deserves a tip and who doesn't?
A tip is supposed to be a "thank you" for good service. Some of the people I asked said that they have tipped an employee for carrying something to their car. Others said they lived in areas that did not offer carry out people, but if they did they would certainly tip them for their help. So, how do we decide who gets a tip and who doesn't?
Some military commissaries offer carry outs who only work for tips. I have never shopped in a military commissary, but I was told that military commissaries have signs that plainly say, "Baggers work for tips only." Some will argue that the economy is tough and they would rather bag and carry their own items then pay someone to do it.
Should the injured or disabled tip? Quite honestly, I have asked for help because I have a bad back and shoulder. Large bags of dog food are impossible for me to load into a tall SUV. Employees graciously came out and loaded these heavy items. If you ask an employee for help with heavy grocery items, they will help you, at least where I live. Sometimes, if they are not busy with another customer, they ask if you'd like help. Sometimes I accept the help, other times I decline, depending on how many groceries I have. If I ask for the help, should I then just say "thank you" and go on my way, or should I offer a tip? It's all about manners, but how much are good manners worth?
Other articles related to money and shopping:
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Published by Donna Thacker - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Donna is an award- winning fiction author, recently published with Twin Trinity Media. While she enjoys writing fiction, Donna also has a knack for writing informative articles that show her knowledge and p... View profile
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4 Comments
Post a CommentIf you are visiting a commissary, you should always remember to tip the bagger if they pack and unload your groceries, but I've not come across any other supermarket in America where it is customary to tip, as the workers receive a wage, unless commissary baggers who work for tips only.
Sophie
Great article! =0)
We used to use a grocery store where they would give you a number and hang a matching number on your cart. Then you would drive around under a covered drive through, you would give them your number, they would go get your cart, and load the groceries up for you. In those circumstances, we always tipped. However, if I go to Best Buy or someplace like that and buy a large item that I cannot handle, I do not tip for that help. For some reason, the circumstances are different to me, although I can't explain why. I just never thought of it before.
:)