topic Re: Tipping in Australia in Community Spirit

Tipping in Australia

the_bob_delusion — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 03:33:24 GMT

THE push to introduce America's gratuity system could tip fed-up Aussie pub patrons over the edge.

While hospitality staff say it's time to embrace tipping for better service, critics have come out swinging.

Traditionally, patrons in New York City include a 20 per cent tip for everything from housekeeping to buying a beer.

A 15 per cent tip is considered the norm across the US.

Sandy Hill Road director Matt Mullins, a Melbourne hotelier, said the tipping trend could lift service standards.

http://www.news.com.au/money/money-matters/australians-tipping-more-than-ever-before-according-to-university-of-melbourne-study/story-e6frfmd9-1226762089659

Do you want it introduced here for mandatory tipping?

Re: Tipping in Australia

*crikey*mate* — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 03:51:33 GMT

but I would like to see a system for the even distribution amongst all relevant staff and an appropriate reporting system for any tips that are received.

Re: Tipping in Australia

just_me_karen — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 03:55:10 GMT

I nearly always tip 10% in restaurants or sit down cafes, but only if the service is decent. The other day I tried to tip the teenager who carried my shopping from the supermarket but he made such a fuss. I had to explain how accept it quietly.

I wonder if the tipping would cover school tuck shops. Crikey I hope not.

I don't think it should be mandatory...and I think most people already do tip in restaurants? Well, everyone I know does.

Re: Tipping in Australia

cherry*135 — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 04:40:37 GMT

bob - (or anyone else) Do you know if workers in the US have to declare tips on their income tax return? Some of them would earn heaps in tips...hotel concierges for one.

I don't think it is necessary in Australia because hospitality/service industry staff are on a high wage rate ($21 approx weekday - $30 Sunday p.h.) & penal time, compared to US workers where service industry is a very low paid job.

Someone working in a basic office job here would get $20 approx an hour, same as someone waiting on tables in a cafe.

I have seen more jars and saucers! being put out for tips here though. even in dingy fish and chips shops.

My eldest worked in a cafe while at Uni and got a lot of cash as tips (last job was a fine dining restaraunt). The money was pooled on the shift and at the end of the shift it is divided equally amongst the staff working that shift.

Hospitality staff in the US do have a much better attitude to their customers than they do here though.. they know they have to give good service if they expect a tip

Re: Tipping in Australia

joz*garage — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 05:39:55 GMT

i dont tip, they get paid for doing their job what more do they expect?

but i did tip 5c at a drive thru fast food joint the other night

the meal was 9.95 i gave 'em 10 bucks *keep the change*

Re: Tipping in Australia

spiritwinx — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 06:38:34 GMT

Lol joz,big spender there

I do agree though,no needs for tips unless you feel service has been good.

Some staff at restaurants think they are doing you a favour by serving you,no tips there.

Re: Tipping in Australia

cq_tech — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 06:59:12 GMT

Property developers and Businessmen have been tipping Australian Councils and Politicians for decades already (usually in brown paper bags) so it's not as if we're talking about anything new here.

Re: Tipping in Australia

pct001wine — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 07:06:00 GMT

I understand (could be wrong) that USA hospitality workers are actually assessed for income on the premise they get a certain amount of tips, hence they chase you down the street if you don't tip, you're actually losing them money 🙂

Re: Tipping in Australia

spotweldersfriend — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 07:12:27 GMT

I always tip cab drivers and sometimes coffee shops (if the coffee is excellent):-)

Re: Tipping in Australia

spotweldersfriend — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 07:15:54 GMT

Larry Pickering used to be a big tipper,but they usually ran last.

Re: Tipping in Australia

the_bob_delusion — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 07:37:07 GMT

@my*mum wrote:
no

but I would like to see a system for the even distribution amongst all relevant staff and an appropriate reporting system for any tips that are received.

WHy should tips be evenly distributed???

Re: Tipping in Australia

shoptilludroptara — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 07:39:29 GMT

i always tip my taxi drivers(the fare is under $7-i always give them $10-)as they are great guys and so helpful

they carry my groceries to the front door

i always tip the bar staff at my local club(my drink now costs $3.15-i give them $4)most of the staff are great

i always tip the pizza guys(my order is $36.95-i give them $40-)they are always on time

at the shop when i get my daughter a milkshake for $4.50-i tell them to keep the 0.50-change

these are the only times i do this

and i prefer not to be forced to do it.i do it cause i want to

tara

Re: Tipping in Australia

*crikey*mate* — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 07:39:58 GMT

@**freethinker_bob** wrote:
@my*mum wrote:
no

but I would like to see a system for the even distribution amongst all relevant staff and an appropriate reporting system for any tips that are received.
WHy should tips be evenly distributed???

because there are a lot more people involved behind the scenes that all help the waiter to provide excellent service, the housekeeper to do their job efficiently and effectively etc,

Re: Tipping in Australia

*elizabeths-mum* — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 07:53:49 GMT

I agree, especially when the staff get a box of chocolates and the day staff scoff the lot leaving the poor hardworking night shift to go hungry! 😄

Re: Tipping in Australia

toon_town_nutter — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 08:31:06 GMT

@**freethinker_bob** wrote:
@my*mum wrote:
no

but I would like to see a system for the even distribution amongst all relevant staff and an appropriate reporting system for any tips that are received.
WHy should tips be evenly distributed???

Wait staff aren't the ones who've prepared and cooked the meal you deem worthy of tipping. They just deliver it to your table.

I tipped whilst in America as is customary and watched one waitress take $70 in tips in an hour. Not a bad hourly rate 😉

Re: Tipping in Australia

carls*world — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 08:53:20 GMT

Good way to justify smashing wages down to sub standards. And yes by the way, tips are considered taxable income. Surprised nobody else remembers seeing the question while doing their tax return. (Those who can do their own)

Re: Tipping in Australia

blujinja — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 10:56:04 GMT

The introduction of compulsory tipping is another way the government will use to moderate wages in the hospitality sector. Weekend and public holiday rates are already under the microscope, tipping will just make it easier to eliminate special hourly rates.

Cut the hourly rate because attendants will be getting paid in tips.

I understand that spending has to be cut in order for our industries to inprove but I dont want to see the worst paid jobs in the country lose benefits because of tipping.

I dont agree with this idea for that reason.

I do think however that if the hospitality sector is in that much jepardy because of weekend and public holiday rates then we should get rid of those rates. All people could get paid the same hourly rate throughout the week regardless of the weekend or public holidays. If you dont want to work on the weekend (at normal hourly rates ) you just say " no" to the shifts offered to you.

Re: Tipping in Australia

cherry*135 — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 11:15:39 GMT

@carls*world wrote:
Good way to justify smashing wages down to sub standards. And yes by the way, tips are considered taxable income. Surprised nobody else remembers seeing the question while doing their tax return. (Those who can do their own)

Yes, I have seen the question on the tax return form. My question is.. how many people that receive tips actually declare them?

I asked about whether US workers pay tax on their tips.

Re: Tipping in Australia

cherry*135 — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 11:19:25 GMT

If you dont want to work on the weekend (at normal hourly rates ) you just say " no" to the shifts offered to you.

What if most workers say No? Who is going to do the job then.

I have a relative who works as a disability support worker and he would not work night shift or weekends if he didn't get paid penal time. His particular job, is not a job a lot of other people would be willing to do.

Re: Tipping in Australia

carls*world — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 12:32:54 GMT

@am*3 wrote:
@carls*world wrote:
Good way to justify smashing wages down to sub standards. And yes by the way, tips are considered taxable income. Surprised nobody else remembers seeing the question while doing their tax return. (Those who can do their own)
Yes, I have seen the question on the tax return form. My question is.. how many people that receive tips actually declare them?

I asked about whether US workers pay tax on their tips.

Strangely, I answered that to another post, which doesn't appear to be there now, asking IF they would be counted as taxable income