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cdninkorea
Joined: 27 Jan 2006
Location: Seoul
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 Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 7:17 am Post subject: To tip or not to tip? |
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Anytime I'm at Craftworks (great beer and burgers), I find it feels like I'm in a North American pub: Not only is the wait staff foreign, but they act like servers do there: Refilling water without being asked, checking to see "if everything is okay", a little friendly banter, and so on. I notice they have a tip jar at the bar, and every time I'm there I'm faced with a dilemma: Should I tip or not? On the one hand, it's Korea, where tipping is not customary. On the other hand...
I don't mean to single out Craftworks: I'm faced with this dilemma at a few places in Itaewon lately, and I'm never sure if a tip is expected or appropriate. Thoughts? |
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tardisrider
Joined: 13 Mar 2003
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 7:28 am Post subject: |
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Rumor has it that a lot of those tip jars go directly into the pocket of the manager/owner.
That being said, if it's a place where you go regularly and they know you, you might want to put 1000 in the jar just once in a while to show some good will--no need to go overboard. It's a token gesture to be sure, but it can't hurt. |
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optik404
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 8:12 am Post subject: |
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| I wouldn't tip. |
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Died By Bear
Joined: 13 Jul 2010
Location: On the big lake they call Gitche Gumee
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 1:24 pm Post subject: |
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| optik404 wrote: |
| I wouldn't tip. |
I don't tip because society says I have to. Alright, I mean I'll tip if somebody really deserves a tip, if they really put forth the effort, I'll give 'em something extra, but I mean this tipping automatically is for the birds. |
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Steelrails
Joined: 12 Mar 2009
Location: Earth, Solar System
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 2:18 pm Post subject: |
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The primary purpose of tipping at a busy bar is to get served promptly ahead of the 15 other people trying to get their order in.
Build up a reputation and go to the front of the line. |
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HapKi
Joined: 10 Dec 2004
Location: TALL BUILDING-SEOUL
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 2:56 pm Post subject: |
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| At Craftworks I've given my tip money directly to the waitress who served me. |
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War Eagle
Joined: 15 Feb 2009
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 4:19 pm Post subject: |
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| Died By Bear wrote: |
| optik404 wrote: |
| I wouldn't tip. |
I don't tip because society says I have to. Alright, I mean I'll tip if somebody really deserves a tip, if they really put forth the effort, I'll give 'em something extra, but I mean this tipping automatically is for the birds. |
I'm not sure if you imply this is your mentality when it comes to Korea alone, or overseas in other countries as well. Also, I don't mean to start some great debate as to whether or not people should tip. However, you do understand wait staff outside Korea, at least in the US, make MUCH lower wages (in the US $2.15 per hour) because people are expected to tip. And most people tip 15% on average service. 20% and above for people who "really put forth the effort".
To be clear: I am speaking for the service industry standards outside Korea.
It's a customary thing to do when you go out to eat. In my opinion, if you don't want to tip, then don't have someone else serve you. |
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mayorgc
Joined: 19 Oct 2008
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 4:48 pm Post subject: |
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| War Eagle wrote: |
| Died By Bear wrote: |
| optik404 wrote: |
| I wouldn't tip. |
I don't tip because society says I have to. Alright, I mean I'll tip if somebody really deserves a tip, if they really put forth the effort, I'll give 'em something extra, but I mean this tipping automatically is for the birds. |
I'm not sure if you imply this is your mentality when it comes to Korea alone, or overseas in other countries as well. Also, I don't mean to start some great debate as to whether or not people should tip. However, you do understand wait staff outside Korea, at least in the US, make MUCH lower wages (in the US $2.15 per hour) because people are expected to tip. And most people tip 15% on average service. 20% and above for people who "really put forth the effort".
To be clear: I am speaking for the service industry standards outside Korea.
It's a customary thing to do when you go out to eat. In my opinion, if you don't want to tip, then don't have someone else serve you. |
Ok, I'll open up the can of worms.
But should we tip doctors or policemen?
(has nothing to do with my opinion on tipping) |
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War Eagle
Joined: 15 Feb 2009
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 4:53 pm Post subject: |
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| mayorgc wrote: |
| War Eagle wrote: |
| Died By Bear wrote: |
| optik404 wrote: |
| I wouldn't tip. |
I don't tip because society says I have to. Alright, I mean I'll tip if somebody really deserves a tip, if they really put forth the effort, I'll give 'em something extra, but I mean this tipping automatically is for the birds. |
I'm not sure if you imply this is your mentality when it comes to Korea alone, or overseas in other countries as well. Also, I don't mean to start some great debate as to whether or not people should tip. However, you do understand wait staff outside Korea, at least in the US, make MUCH lower wages (in the US $2.15 per hour) because people are expected to tip. And most people tip 15% on average service. 20% and above for people who "really put forth the effort".
To be clear: I am speaking for the service industry standards outside Korea.
It's a customary thing to do when you go out to eat. In my opinion, if you don't want to tip, then don't have someone else serve you. |
Ok, I'll open up the can of worms.
But should we tip doctors or policemen?
(has nothing to do with my opinion on tipping) |
If people didn't tip, the restaurants/pubs would have to pay the wait staff more money. To compensate, the restaurants/pubs would increase their prices. You, in turn, would have to pay the increased prices. Either way, you pay.
If we tipped doctors, our insuance premiums wouldn't be so damn high  I'm all for it. I've met some shady doctors. |
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mayorgc
Joined: 19 Oct 2008
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 5:29 pm Post subject: |
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| War Eagle wrote: |
| mayorgc wrote: |
| War Eagle wrote: |
| Died By Bear wrote: |
| optik404 wrote: |
| I wouldn't tip. |
I don't tip because society says I have to. Alright, I mean I'll tip if somebody really deserves a tip, if they really put forth the effort, I'll give 'em something extra, but I mean this tipping automatically is for the birds. |
I'm not sure if you imply this is your mentality when it comes to Korea alone, or overseas in other countries as well. Also, I don't mean to start some great debate as to whether or not people should tip. However, you do understand wait staff outside Korea, at least in the US, make MUCH lower wages (in the US $2.15 per hour) because people are expected to tip. And most people tip 15% on average service. 20% and above for people who "really put forth the effort".
To be clear: I am speaking for the service industry standards outside Korea.
It's a customary thing to do when you go out to eat. In my opinion, if you don't want to tip, then don't have someone else serve you. |
Ok, I'll open up the can of worms.
But should we tip doctors or policemen?
(has nothing to do with my opinion on tipping) |
If people didn't tip, the restaurants/pubs would have to pay the wait staff more money. To compensate, the restaurants/pubs would increase their prices. You, in turn, would have to pay the increased prices. Either way, you pay.
If we tipped doctors, our insuance premiums wouldn't be so damn high I'm all for it. I've met some shady doctors. |
I like your reply, only because other ppl seem to ignore that concept (increased prices).
But, why not let restaurants charge more? In the end, is it a zero sum scenario?
What I mean is, if the end result is the same, then why not go to the non-tip system?
Is it so we could reward those who go above and beyond? |
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FDNY
Joined: 27 Sep 2010
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 5:30 pm Post subject: |
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| There is no tipping in Asia. Period. End of story. If you want to throw away your money, go ahead. |
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War Eagle
Joined: 15 Feb 2009
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 5:42 pm Post subject: |
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| mayorgc wrote: |
| War Eagle wrote: |
| mayorgc wrote: |
| War Eagle wrote: |
| Died By Bear wrote: |
| optik404 wrote: |
| I wouldn't tip. |
I don't tip because society says I have to. Alright, I mean I'll tip if somebody really deserves a tip, if they really put forth the effort, I'll give 'em something extra, but I mean this tipping automatically is for the birds. |
I'm not sure if you imply this is your mentality when it comes to Korea alone, or overseas in other countries as well. Also, I don't mean to start some great debate as to whether or not people should tip. However, you do understand wait staff outside Korea, at least in the US, make MUCH lower wages (in the US $2.15 per hour) because people are expected to tip. And most people tip 15% on average service. 20% and above for people who "really put forth the effort".
To be clear: I am speaking for the service industry standards outside Korea.
It's a customary thing to do when you go out to eat. In my opinion, if you don't want to tip, then don't have someone else serve you. |
Ok, I'll open up the can of worms.
But should we tip doctors or policemen?
(has nothing to do with my opinion on tipping) |
If people didn't tip, the restaurants/pubs would have to pay the wait staff more money. To compensate, the restaurants/pubs would increase their prices. You, in turn, would have to pay the increased prices. Either way, you pay.
If we tipped doctors, our insuance premiums wouldn't be so damn high I'm all for it. I've met some shady doctors. |
I like your reply, only because other ppl seem to ignore that concept (increased prices).
But, why not let restaurants charge more? In the end, is it a zero sum scenario?
What I mean is, if the end result is the same, then why not go to the non-tip system?
Is it so we could reward those who go above and beyond? |
Wait staff can earn much more in tips than an ower would ever be willing to pay. This means they can hire a higher caliber staff.
Many wait staff make $20-$50 an hour regularly. Good bartenders can make upwards of $100 an hour. If not for tips, restaurant owners would be paying their staff closer to minumum wage, and you would have ugly housewives serving you your beer instead of that hot little blonde chick in a low cut top or the muscular guy who can pull off a tight-tee and entertain you with some flair (bottle flipping).
Of course, aside from looks, there's also competent employees vs incompetent ones 
EDIT: being a GOOD server or bartender takes a VERY talented person, whether it be someone who is gifted with looks, conversation, or is highly efficient. Bottom line: store owners could never afford to keep these people on their payroll and keep costs/prices down. |
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mayorgc
Joined: 19 Oct 2008
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 5:51 pm Post subject: |
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| War Eagle wrote: |
| mayorgc wrote: |
| War Eagle wrote: |
| mayorgc wrote: |
| War Eagle wrote: |
| Died By Bear wrote: |
| optik404 wrote: |
| I wouldn't tip. |
I don't tip because society says I have to. Alright, I mean I'll tip if somebody really deserves a tip, if they really put forth the effort, I'll give 'em something extra, but I mean this tipping automatically is for the birds. |
I'm not sure if you imply this is your mentality when it comes to Korea alone, or overseas in other countries as well. Also, I don't mean to start some great debate as to whether or not people should tip. However, you do understand wait staff outside Korea, at least in the US, make MUCH lower wages (in the US $2.15 per hour) because people are expected to tip. And most people tip 15% on average service. 20% and above for people who "really put forth the effort".
To be clear: I am speaking for the service industry standards outside Korea.
It's a customary thing to do when you go out to eat. In my opinion, if you don't want to tip, then don't have someone else serve you. |
Ok, I'll open up the can of worms.
But should we tip doctors or policemen?
(has nothing to do with my opinion on tipping) |
If people didn't tip, the restaurants/pubs would have to pay the wait staff more money. To compensate, the restaurants/pubs would increase their prices. You, in turn, would have to pay the increased prices. Either way, you pay.
If we tipped doctors, our insuance premiums wouldn't be so damn high I'm all for it. I've met some shady doctors. |
I like your reply, only because other ppl seem to ignore that concept (increased prices).
But, why not let restaurants charge more? In the end, is it a zero sum scenario?
What I mean is, if the end result is the same, then why not go to the non-tip system?
Is it so we could reward those who go above and beyond? |
Wait staff can earn much more in tips than an ower would ever be willing to pay. This means they can hire a higher caliber staff.
Many wait staff make $20-$50 an hour regularly. Good bartenders can make upwards of $100 an hour. If not for tips, restaurant owners would be paying their staff closer to minumum wage, and you would have ugly housewives serving you your beer instead of that hot little blonde chick in a low cut top or the muscular guy who can pull off a tight-tee and entertain you with some flair (bottle flipping).
Of course, aside from looks, there's also competent employees vs incompetent ones
EDIT: being a GOOD server or bartender takes a VERY talented person, whether it be someone who is gifted with looks, conversation, or is highly efficient. Bottom line: store owners could never afford to keep these people on their payroll and keep costs/prices down. |
Yup, I agree with you. But, in different parts of the world, there is no tip, but good service.
Is this just a matter of culture and "that's just how it is"?
Obviously, you can't reverse 200 yrs of north american tipping culture, so it's there to stay. |
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Seoulman69
Joined: 14 Dec 2009
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 6:19 pm Post subject: |
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| I don't tip and I don't appreciate Americans trying to guilt trip me into tipping in Korea. If they raise their prices, so be it. I'll go elsewhere. |
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War Eagle
Joined: 15 Feb 2009
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 7:06 pm Post subject: |
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| Seoulman69 wrote: |
| I don't tip and I don't appreciate Americans trying to guilt trip me into tipping in Korea. If they raise their prices, so be it. I'll go elsewhere. |
It's only Americans, huh? Or was that a silent jab at my posts? For if you had taken the time to read before you posted, then you would have seen this:
| War Eagle wrote: |
| To be clear: I am speaking for the service industry standards outside Korea. |
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