Tipping debate (Part 2): How much should you tip for a cup of coffee?

I'm not sure how much more can be said about tipping -- this topic has prompted hundreds of reader comments in the past two years -- but people continue to weigh in on tipping versus not tipping. I know people get worked up about this matter, but keep your comments civil or they'll be deleted.
> Read the first batch of comments about tipping

Comments

[Brian]

Excuse me... I am so sick and tired of hearing ppl on here say "Do you tip at McDonalds??" Well, if there was a tip jar sitting out on the counter, there is a 99 percent likelihood that I probably would! And I hope that the rest of you would, too.

It's all about manners, and being polite and considerate. If there is a tip jar, tip. If there isn't, don't. If you know that most ppl tip a valet guy, then tip him. If you think that a certain service isn't worth a tip, then don't tip. It's america (as I said before in a previous post on here) and its your right to tip or not to tip.

End of story.

Thanks.

That is all.

-B

1: I don't care whether a customer tips or not. It's at their discretion. If they believe that wat we do is worth tipping, then they will tip. If not, they won't. I won't treat you any differently if you don't.

2: Coffee at Starbucks is not outrageously priced...at least in my market. Compared to other coffee shops in my market, we run 10-20 cents cheaper by the cup, for coffee. Compared to McDonalds, or other fast food...we are more expensive. But, you get what you pay for. And, if you can't tell the difference, you'd be better off with your McDonald's coffee.

3: For those of you who think you're coffee experts who are upset when you come in for a French Vanilla Cappucino and it's foamy, I know right away you're used to getting your cappucinos from a machine. If you don't know the difference between a cappucino and a latte, or the difference between a handcrafted beverage using honest-to-goodness milk instead of hot water added to powder, then you won't tip either. I'm OK with that too.

4: For those with such animosity toward Starbucks, I'm fine with your attitude. What I don't understand is why, if you feel that way, do you choose to purchase beverages at Starbucks? If you're so against all things Starbucks, why do you go?

Can I just ask what this argument is about? It's a customers choice to tip or not to tip. So are you guys arguing that other customers shouldn't be tipping us, or are you just trying to defend why you don't tip us? And as for those of you who think we just "stand" behind the coffee counter? Please come and put on a green apron and lets see how you do. Maybe you'll drop this arguement and get onto things that actually matter in this world.

[Ree Ree]

I am a regular Starbucks drinker - daily I order my Venti NF WM for $4.30 and I generally tip a dollar. Not because I have to or because the service is spectacular. This is a place that I come to every single morning Monday - Friday for the last 2 years (before this there was another location) a few employees remember me or I should say my drink (not my name) and one nice girl that works evenings and cleans the bathroom well she knows me and jokes with me and my husband every time I see her. I like it when she's working.
I wonder if the employees are happy cause they all look so serious and rarely get a smile, just pumping out coffees like robots. I think I put a tip in, hoping to make someone smile -most of the time it's not noticed cause they are so busy. Maybe they smile at the end of the day and I think it's worth it.

Surprised at all the comments and debates, just think it's a nice thing to do and for a regular like me I want the staff to feel appreciated.

as has been stated before, baristas are more akin to bartenders than mcdonald's employees. (barista isn't italian for bartender for nothing.) you always tip a bartender...

[JeffInMaine]

OK, so I frequent a small Starbucks in the town where I live -- a double espresso, every day, $1.87 (*not* overpriced, in my book). I usually try to have an extra buck to pitch into the tip jar. Why? First, I know too many folks who work in the service industry -- tips just seem to be the right thing to do. The $.13 change I usually get just seems too little -- if I get something else that leaves me with $.50 or more, then that's what goes in.

The folks who work there treat me nicely; some know my name, but that's not required. They don't seem to mind if I'm in there in my sweaty bike commuter egar. If it's lax in there, we usually share a laugh over something; if it's busy, I get out of the way in a hurry. On the flip side, if it's busy, I can often catch the barista's eye and they have my drink made for me before I reach the register.

Every so often, a barista pitches me a freebie -- nice, but not expected. Much like what I expect the tip thing is all about on the other side of the counter.

They know I'm going to be back, even when the local retail thing goes flat (it's a seasonal business hereabouts). I like the espresso, and like the folks that work there. And I tip, because of all the above...

Jeff

LMAO

VENTI non fat white mocha....why even bother with the nonfat? DO you know how much of the fat just comes from the white mocha syrup?

[jafc]

Mocha syrup (per shot) -

Amt Per Serving

Calories 25
Fat Calories 0
Total Fat (g) 0.5
Saturated Fat (g) 0
Trans Fat (g) 0
Cholesterol (mg) 0
Sodium (mg) 0
Total Carbohydrates (g) 6
Fiber (g) 0
Sugars (g) 4
Protein (g) 1
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 0%
Iron 4%

Maybe the poster drinks non-fat milk to reduce cholesterol intake... It's not always about calories. Is there a sugar-free version of the mocha syrup?

[Hector]

Freakin get over it! I can buy a cafe latte at Riviera on 17th ave in Miami for $1.00 yet I go to the Starbucks in Coconut Grove on my way to work every third day and pay $3.42 plus a $1.00 tip just because the girls are DAMN good looking. Anyone paying $3.42 for a Latte grande can afford to leave a damn tip or maybe you shouldn't be buying aty Starbucks. Think about it people, I'm sure the employees at Starbucks don't make what you make $ or have the benefits you have at work, if you can afford to gulp your $4.00 coffee leave a damn tip!

[Barista sUz]

I don't think tips are that big of a deal.
I find it rather OBNOXIOUS when people try to steal from our tip jar. Yeah. It happens. Those dollars aren't yours for the taking buddy. It seriously trips me out how often we'll tell people the price, and then they go roaming in our tip jar for 18 cents. It sucks that we're not allowed to make a sign saying "tips".

However, my bf and I are Baristas, he worked at a local coffee shop that got TONS more tips than I do [$20 a night as opposed to my 20-some$, a WEEK] and we both know how it feels so we generally tip at least $2 when we get a cup of coffee. Same goes for restaurants, we tend to over tip.

ALTHOUGH tipping is NICE if you're a repeat customer. Don't need to tip ALL the time, but an ocassionally 5 cents or whatever is at least telling me, "Hey, you made my day. Keep being FAAAAANTASTIC :D"

[Barista sUz]

People should tip. I don't care if it's a dime. But just tip. It's the thought that counts. If you pay a $1.60 for your coffee, go ahead, don't be afraid; put that $0.40 in the tip jar. It's just gonna fall out in your car seat anyway...
But seriously, you should tip. But no pennies. You can keep those. Apply those to your kids' college funds. Be nice, tip. It's called courtesy.

"Mocha syrup (per shot) -

Amt Per Serving

Calories 25
Fat Calories 0
Total Fat (g) 0.5
Saturated Fat (g) 0
Trans Fat (g) 0
Cholesterol (mg) 0
Sodium (mg) 0
Total Carbohydrates (g) 6
Fiber (g) 0
Sugars (g) 4
Protein (g) 1
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 0%
Iron 4%

Maybe the poster drinks non-fat milk to reduce cholesterol intake... It's not always about calories. Is there a sugar-free version of the mocha syrup?"

Um.....WHITE MOCHA...not nasty ass mocha

[MNBarista]

Hmmm...I work at Caribou Coffee and we split the tips every few hours only between the people currently working. Sometimes I take over $20 home on an 8 hour shift. And trust me, we stand on our feet for hours running around, hurrying, and stressing out for customers, and we get absolutely NO breaks (except when you get a free moment to quickly use the restroom).

I do notice when people tip, and I am greatly appreciative. I am a college student who now has a worn out back and shoulders from making mochas and blended drinks. Tipping is always greatly appreciated, and when I notice someone tip I make a point to make eye contact and say "thankyou."

Also, acknowledging the employees as more than mere robots (making eye contact, letting them know you heard them say "thank you have a good day.") is just as good as tips. There's nothing more irritating than hand crafting and putting work into a drink, setting it on the bar, yelling out the drink, then making a point to nod your head and say "thank you so much, have a great weekend." and being completely ignored.

P.S. To those who think we get such great benefits because we get free drinks and bakery...ick! The last thing I want to drink when Im stressed, sweating, and busy is the exact same drinks I am making. And the free old bakery/pasteries? Yuck, do you know whats in those?

You guys get to eat the leftover pastries? At the Sbux where I work, we aren't allowed to...

Which system is more common?

[Barista sUz]

Our SM doesn't mind if we do. As long as we mark them out.
I think one of the other stores here donates them.

Even though we're not s'pposed to... :D

[Mikie]

I never tip Starbucks baristas. Because you do not go anywhere. The barista does not walk all across the way to deliver your coffee. In an Restaurant yes. Because the person has to grab your food and come back many times. An barista is just standing in front of you. It's bad enough that the barista does not think of customers when making drinks. How many times do I have to tell the barista not to fill my Venti drink all the way to the top? When this happens. The extra liquid collects under the lid and spills on your shirt! Then half the time I ask for light ice and its like no one lisens.. If I get awesoe service. I will let the manager know and offer an discount to fix their car since I am an Mechanic. Tips no way...

[stuffed]

well, mike, you're the typical starbucks/american asshole. why don't you make you own coffee if they're such a pain in the ass?

[coffee2go]

I don't expect tips from anyone but they are extremely appreciated. Even if they come out to only $1.00/hr each week, they helped me through hard times. I've used them for things such as diapers, baby formula, gas, or maybe just a nice dinner out with my wife. I think the bottom line is that most baristas don't expect a tip. No one has to come online to call us lazy and uneducated because they resent other people tipping us. If you don't like the people, the drinks, and the prices, do yourself a favor and don't come.

I go to this 24 hr starbucks in Reno. There's this crazy ass dude that brings in a portable tv and playstation 2. I'm pretty sure he's homeless. But he sits there all night and plays Madden, drinking coffee and getting 50c refills. I think I'll tip him next time cause he's entertaining.

I could care less if you tip, honestly, but kindly treat me like a human being. Kindness and friendliness go way further than a tip in my books. Nothing wrecks your day faster than being treated like you are beneath notice.

barista "Hi, how are you today?"
customer "grande brewed"
barista "okay, would you like medium or bold? room for cream? can I get you anything to eat today? all right, that will be $2 please."
customer puts $2 on the counter, ignoring barista's outstretched hand
barista "thanks, have a good afternoon!"
customer walks away
barista feels like shit

[DenverCindy]

I haven't been tipping, but thanks to this discussion I will, even if its only change. I definitely appreciate the baristas in the Starbucks I go to. They all know my name, they made an attempt to tag my favorite drink but I switch around too much (*grin*), they always swap jokes with me and occasionally give me a free coffee and they notice if I haven't come in for a day or so. I think they are definitely worth it; they start my day with a smile.

I honestly don't care if people tip or not. I think it is better to get a friendly customer then some extra money. Although the extra money is not bad either, but I HATE when peopl feel entitled to treat us like crap because they spent some money for their drink and maybe even tiped us. If our service is bad DON'T TIP, don't treat us like animals.
As far as the prices, it depends on what you compare it to... for example a large cup of coffee is $1.94, where at Dunkin Donuts it is 2.25. Also I like a lot of cream and sugar in my coffee so i get a medium in a large cup. then i saved an extra 10 cents. As opposed to Dunkin Donuts where they fill up 1/4 of the cup with cream and sugar and charge you for the size of the cup, not the ammount of coffee. now when you start getting fancy espresso drinks it starts to add up. as with a small coffee shop or another chain (dunkin donuts, honey dew donuts, etc)
also i do not get any of the profit from the drinks, all i get is my normal pay check if i sell 1 small coffee for 1.63, or if i sell $500.00 worth of drinks.
just another opinion from a barista. making $8/hr

[Mark]

I have been an employee at another coffee chain and i believe counterpeople should not be tipped. Youre job is to serve customers and be polite as possibile. thats what your paycheck is for. and if youre doing an exceptionally above and beyond your requrements job youre manager will 9 times out of 10 give you a raise

[Jacqueline]

This is a load of crap! How much the drinks cost has no effect on how much baristas at Starbucks make! Most make about $8/hour. $1280/month if they work 40 hours per week. WAY UNDER THE POVERTY LEVEL! And that's for a full-time barista. Nearly all are part-time.

Tips go directly into the employees' pockets, whereas the amount they make per hour equals about two Venti espresso beverages.

Many stores make upwards of $500 per hour. And pay each barista only about $8. Wow.

Tips add up. If one requests a highly modified beverage, the poster who said they should tip is spot on. If a customer is disrespectful, requests a complicated drink, and doesn't tip, I'm pretty sure that they will remember who those customers are.

And I hope those customers like decaf.

[Michael]

Tipping? At Starbucks? You've got to be kidding me. The servious is so hideously poor. The other day in the Starbucks at my office building, there were six employees and only four customers (including me) and yet it still took me nearly ten minutes to get a cup of drip coffee.

[jon]

I drove through dunkin donuts....the drive-thru girl took my change and threw it in her tip cup without asking...almost being sneaky about it when i wasnt paying attention....what a skeeza.

[Have it the "Howard" way]

WHO GETS STARBUCKS TIPS?
Shift Managers & Baristas (why shifts who are management, I dunno!!??)

IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO TIP. It is mearly a suggestion. Sadly, Shift Managers doing less of the Barista-ing but have more hours sadly take home most of the tips. So, I never tip.

STARBUCKS DOES NOT PAY THEIR BARISTAS A GREAT WAGE. In most places, it is not even a living wage. Without their tips (totaling a $2-$3 an hour increase in an average market; $4 in wealthier markets) Baristas wouldn't take home more than $100 a week. Most of us are not full time. Heck, we're lucky to be half-time.

TIP DISBURSEMENT should be revampped Corporate-wide. Store Managers have the capability to track this. Tips should only be given to the Baristas. Why should shifts get tips when they are 1)full time, and 2)management?

During busy times, most shifts are not even working the bar -- they are merely deploying.

So, from a Barista standpoint, that five-cent change you drop in our jar helps us. That buys my kids' lunch each week and I thank you.

[Have it the "Howard" way]

QUOTE: ["Youre job is to serve customers and be polite as possibile. thats what your paycheck is for. and if youre doing an exceptionally above and beyond your requrements job youre manager will 9 times out of 10 give you a raise"]

Ahhh... in a perfect world, but NOT in Starbucks world, trust me.

[Melody]

"STARBUCKS DOES NOT PAY THEIR BARISTAS A GREAT WAGE. In most places, it is not even a living wage. Without their tips (totaling a $2-$3 an hour increase in an average market; $4 in wealthier markets) Baristas wouldn't take home more than $100 a week. Most of us are not full time. Heck, we're lucky to be half-time."

^ In response to above:
From what I gather (as a customer reading this site) most stores do not average tips in such a high range of $2 to $3 an hour. Whatever store you're at, you're lucky, imho.

[Giant Corporation]

Starbucks is like the McDonalds of Coffee shops. I wouldn't tip at a Starbucks, for this reason. Steer clear, support local business, get better coffee and service (not to mention work environment), and an exponentially better environment.

Most of the units you see at the stores online are still three piece, with a battery, an atomizer and a cartridge, and in my experience, they’ re just not nearly as good.