Thinks..........
I've just read Stroppy's entry about going to the hairdressers, and I started pondering. I was growing my hair into pre-raphaelite tresses, but when I realised all I was achieving was a 'mullet' I crept back to my coiffeur and had my usual crop. I have been going to my hair stylist for 19 years, with the odd break due to special offers elsewhere, so we know each other quite well. Like many others I had always given him a tip, and never questioned the practice, that was until his wife had her first baby four years ago. They had been experiencing problems with contacting their midwife, and since they were hoping to have the baby at the hospital I work for I offered to sort everything out for them, which I did. A few weeks later I started working at their G.P's surgery so they came under my care anyway so I was officially 'their midwife'. Since I knew them they did get slightly different care, more home visits etc., but that was my choice. Anyway, baby was born, I did my postnatal bit and that was the end. Next time she was expecting a baby same thing, slightly adapted care , more of the personal touch, all well and goodbye. Musing one day, prior to a hair appointement, and making sure I had money to leave a tip I questioned why do I leave a tip? I pay for a service, why then give more than the stated rate? When I looked after them through two pregnancies etc. I didn't get a card saying thankyou, and they certainly didn't offer to supplement my salary, so why should I pay over the top for him doing his job? So, I don't anymore. It also got me questioning all the other times we give tips, taxi drivers, waiters,etc why do we do it, they are only doing their job. Mind you, I am really chuffed if my patients give me a pressie, but just as happy if it is a card and a photo of baby.
Today is Hubby's Christmas golf meet, so tonight my home turns into a doss house full of inebriated, middle-aged men, as long as they don't stain my new carpets I'm quite relaxed about it.
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(3.12.05 13:15) I couldnīt agree more with you. I am a non-tipper. I never get tips for my wonderful classes. 
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(3.12.05 14:39) MJ - Same here, 'Thankyou' is what you expect so why is it different for others? |
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(3.12.05 14:48) I'm a non tipper I'm afraid. What I mind the most is restaurants who add a service charge and then still have a line for the "gratuity" on the credit-card slip. |
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(3.12.05 15:27) Stroppy - That makes me really cross, even more so those who include a 10% sevice charge - if they're not going to serve me, why be a restaurant, be a take-away. |
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(5.12.05 13:20) I don't tip my hairdresser either. She owns the salon and has the benefit of repeated custom over the last 12 years from me and my two daughters. We spend a fortune in there and I often succomb to her sales patter and buy product from her. Therefore I'm blowed if I'm going to contribute any further to her mortgage repayments by giving her a tip. |
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(5.12.05 14:23) Ditto about my hairdresser! |
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(5.12.05 15:38) So, hairdressers don't get a tip...how about taxi drivers? You've asked to go from A to B, they've charged you the rate, why give them more? |
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(6.12.05 12:26) I bet it would be easier to have 20, 5 year olds rampaging through the house. |
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(6.12.05 13:00) You're so right - I always feel obliged to leave a few pounds tip after I've already spent about thirty quid on a hairdo!! Crazy or what!! I'm going to follow your example and stop (if I can only bring myself to do it) |
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(6.12.05 17:54) StarCorner - It is difficult, but I decided to be rational about it, and it hasn't affected my haircut or his attitude. Princess - I made them all take their shoes off, that made them aware how neurotic I've become, and there was very little trouble, although they did stay up until 4am. |