Tipping

Dean,

Good points. I'd add that marrying a waiter brings similar insights!

Jeanne, I would like to add that from your description, your son sounds like a professional at his work (at the very least displays a professional attitude). Kudos to him for waiting tables! He will always now appreciate good service, often understand when things don't go right that are not within the waiters' control, and will never tolerate poor service again. It will make him better at whatever he chooses to do in the future.

My comment was to Jeanne.

Thank you for clarifying this, I apologize for the confusion and or misunderstanding.  

Jason,

Though you addressed your comment to me, I believe you were responding to Jeanne. An understandable point of confusion.

Thanks for the input.

Jeanne,

Thanks for weighing in. Appreciate your comment.

Janey,

You are right not to accept tips, however, in some instances not to accept the tip is more offensive to the client.  I reported the tip and it was used for a holiday party.  Because of my exceptional service to a client the facility had a wonderful party. Is that so bad?

My son is a waiter helping to put himself through college and to save up for a car. He doesn't change his service whether his "guests" are local or from out of town... all for a little over $2/hour plus tips.

  Dean, Your comments are always insightful.

   Jason, honestly...I hope my son never waits on you! That "out of town" attitude is awful. We as PT's should never accepts tips. We are paid professionals.

Dean and Jason,

Thanks for weighing in on tipping in PT. I find the topic intersting on multiple levels. I'm interested to hear how the chatter on this progresses!  Appreciate you guys taking the time to share your perspectives.

As someone who worked their way through PT waiting tables, I take great offence to your friend who doesn't tip because they won't see that person again. In many states, labor laws allow employers to pay less than minimum wage in occupations where tipping is customary. When I worked as a waiter in New York, I earned $1.00 an hour. That was the standard no matter which restaurant I worked in. I then had to split my tips with the bartender and they bus staff. If I made $100 in a night, I went home with $80 after splitting tips. That isn't a lot for the amount of labor involved. Although I don't know the current salary standard in New York,  I do know that they still don't have to provide minimum wage.

This poses an interesting idea. What if PTs were paid $1.00 per session by third party payers? The patient then could decide what your service was worth and pay that amount. Your degree wouldn't matter, your previous successes wouldn't matter, and if your ultrasound machine wasn't working that day, it would probably be reflected in your "tip". At the end of the day you would have to split your tips with the PTA, the aide, and the receptionists. Now THERE is a true market economy!

Can't wait for responses to this one.

Steve Dublanica's book, "Waiter Rant" changed my perspective on how much I tip and what to expect when going out to eat.  I have been tipped for my services in therapy when working for wealthy clients.  I turned the money over per my employers requirements not to accept gifts over $5.  

I can agree with your friend, if you will never use a service again why tip, however, if the service was exceptional a tip should be proffered.