Are Starbucks bosses taking tip jars off *your* drive-thru ledges?

A STARBUCKS GOSSIP reader writes:

Our DM just went around to all his stores and made them take EVERYTHING off the drive thru ledge (product displays, beans, etc.) including the tip jar! He says it comes from his regional director, and I was wondering if this is nationwide. It seems like it is going to cost baristas a lot of money in tips, and I would guess if it sticks we're going to see another tip lawsuit.

Is this happening at your store, too? || Jump to the second page of comments.

Comments

[Jmo]

I think it is more interesting to see what customers really think. Some of these comments really make you seem far worse then so called entitled baristas.

[Doppio con karma]

I just don't understand the negativity around the topic of tipping on any discussion forum it comes up on.
Tip, or don't, its that simple. I won't begrudge you either way because I won't see those tips but they're appreciated by my partners.
If you don't tip, I really don't care nor do I notice. I'm still going to try and bend over backwards to make sure your visit is pleasant, and everyone you interact with, friendly.

If you're a barista that treats people poorly for not tipping, get over yourself. If you're a customer that gets huffy that we "don't deserve tips", get over yourself.

[abarista]

Not everyone necessarily CHOOSES to be a barista. Some people had to do it out of necessity in order to pay the bills. I have two degrees, five years of work experience, and excellent recommendations yet no one in the area I'm in wants to hire me. I had to move for personal reasons, otherwise I would've stayed at my last job where they were planning on promoting me. I've been applying around for five months, but no dice.

Thus I went to Starbucks where I can get health benefits even though it paid far less than what I used to make. Several of my coworkers are students that needed a flexible job. I and the partners at my store don't care whether or not you tip. In fact, our tip jar is a little bit hidden behind the snack display on the counter and people ask where it is. It's just a nice plus to have, considering we barely make enough to get by.

[Coffee Drinker]

Tipping makes me feel good, really makes my day! I usually have drip bold, no room, often in my own cup. Nothing special.

I tip whether I can afford it or not. Makes me oh so happy, I feel like it's Christmas.

I don't care if anyone "deserves" it or not. Were I to list all the good things that have happened in my life, deserved or not, I'd fill the Internet the list is so long. And many bad things I deserved have never happened; oh yes, I've been rude and mean in my day, especially when I was an important Yuppie in Seattle. Bah!

So I tip, I tip well, I over time, and I care about people Deal with it! Tipping makes me feel great!!!

Think about it; when you don't tip or tip a penny or quarter because "service was lousy" to teach the person a lesson, well to me that seems mean and cruel, the intention is to hurt a person, get revenge, teach a lesson! And then what? Do you drive away feeling happy, satisfied, smiling and singing? I sure hope not, and I doubt it.

Now, give the worst barista or server you ever had a big smile and a nice tip. Drive away feeling super! It'll make your year I promise.

As they say, being kind is more important than being write.

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Oh, and if you tip your barista, maybe they'll have more to tip others...get it? Spreads the good will all around and we all need that.

[frapatte]

"Hey, those McKingTacoWendys don't have tips!" Hey, who cares? Starbucks has a tipping system in place as an added benefit of employment. Can we move on from this terrible horrible burden placed on humanity?

[inkedmuse]

yes the tips are nice. are they required? of course not. But when, like most customers, you're a royal b*tch, make me listen to your three minute phone conversation while you blabber on, line forming behind you with a "just a minute" wave into the DRIVE THRU screen, demand what you NEEEEED in a high pitched squeal - and of course your drink has atleast 5 modifiers that you can't say in normal words becuase mocha isn't as fun as dark chocolate latte (and the longer label looks super important at the office. wow, splenda, and no water and no foam and half caff. you are so clever and sophisticated) even thought you order it every d*mn day, i know that when you pull around you're going to throw a buck in my jar, and i think OK. were even. you treat me like crap, and i'll gladly take your cash and refrain from serving you a 220 degree decaf something or other that you can't make sense of anyway.

[hearbutloud]

Simply put, if a customer chooses to tip us, then we are entitled to that money. It is money GIVEN TO US.

If a customer does not choose to tip us, we are entitled to nothing.

Why the argument?

If any of the fast food establishments gave me the level of service my store offers AND had a tip jar available, I would gladly tip.

And to Bill, who sounds like our beloved Green Cup, making more money for less work does not make you better or smarter than a barista. I used to make a whole lot more money than I do at Starbucks, but I am infinitely happier and healthier with an honest living.

[Coffee drinker]

Heartbutloud, if there is no tip jar, simply leave the tip on the counter. Believe me the servers will thank you. Don't ask them--say thanks and, leave that money and walk. Done!

[Bill]

I knew I was going to have people read more into my post had I intended. I never said I am a better person than you.

To be gin with that's totally subjective, and silly to even begin to measure. what i am saying is, I don't why I am expected to stand in line, wait for my order and carry it to my own table; and then bus my table when I am done at Starbucks AND be asked (and thru the miracles of peer pressure) EXPECTED to subsidize your salary.

I can get the same experience at McD's (except for beverage quality)without being expected to subsidize. You already get a better wage than the Mickey D people--better benefits too, but I don't see that you work harder than they do. If you want tips, start doing the things that customarily generates them like bringing the drinks to the table; busing the tables for the customers and things like that.

[frapatte]

I can get the same experience at McD's (except for beverage quality)without being expected to subsidize. You already get a better wage than the Mickey D people--better benefits too, but I don't see that you work harder than they do. If you want tips, start doing the things that customarily generates them like bringing the drinks to the table; busing the tables for the customers and things like that.

Hey, I want tips, and I get them. Don't give me yours if you don't want to, I don't care. No one cares. No one cares that you're the kind of pretentious dumbass to assume you know everything involved in working for two completely separate companies.

[hearbutloud]

Um, yeah, I do bring drinks to customers. I help them out to their car with drinks. I bus tables for customers. I hold doors open for them. I remake their drink when they don't like it, or when they forgot to say decaf/soy/sugar-free/iced... or whatever. I clean up their giant drink spills with a smile and have their drink re-made for free. I accommodate customer requests to have their drinks rang in at lower prices because they've learned how to manipulate the system (because this is what my former DM has requested.) I stop everything to make travelers. Not only that, but I can speak knowledgeably about all our products and beans, as well as educate customers on espresso and milk excellence (if they are interested). I can teach them how to brew the perfect cup at home. I sometimes have drinks ready for my regular customers as they walk up to the register. So, please don't compare me to a McDonald's worker... we are not the same. We may do "fast food" work but I guarantee you EXPECT a much higher level of service at Starbucks.

And no, as far as real wages go, we don't earn more than McDonald's employees. Starbucks starts at minimum wage.

I do NOT EXPECT tips. I am doing my job. However, tips are greatly appreciated and in some circumstances, absolutely warranted.

[midamsm]

My baristas start at minimum wage. Thats 7.25...contrary to popular belief they are not well compensated. My baristas also average almost $2.00 an hour in tips at a store that does less than 20G a week.That is really high. Why do people tip them? Because they are incredibely engaging, because they go above and beyond to make your drink perfect. Because they know your name, they know your kids and they know your drinks by heart. People tip them because they deserve it. This is the what seperates us from fast food...we care, and take enormous pride in knowing people individually and strive to make you feel at home...and come back for the experience. Baristas that dont give a s@#$ dont deserved to be tipped...if I was told to take away my baristas tip jars..I wouldn't. Its that simple.

[baristamclane]

Bill, you're ignorant to assume a barista postition is a career. It's a job to help kids pay their way through college. At my store alone, we have one girl going to school to be an RN, and another who is pre-law, and pretty much all of our baristas and supervisors are going to school full-time. Stop being an elitist jerk, my husband serves in the miltary and makes four times what the typical barista makes...and HE still leaves a tip in the jar.

[Jeff Tom]

Sorry. For a Starbucks abrista, tips should be considered optional. Tips should be for exceptional service or for occasional "thank you". Starbucks baristas should not be tipped just for doing their job - making a drink correctly. That is their job. You mix a few ingredients, and press a few buttons. It is not rocket science. If it was a shop where the barista has control of the preparation of shots, and can pull a "sweet shot" (vs a pre-programmed shot), I am a lot more inclined to tip for the effort, especially when it is something I specifically request (hotter than normal, longer pull time etc).

And yes, I do tip frequently at Starbucks, at my "home" store, again for the familiarity and direct consideration shown to me (and returned) by the basristas that I interact with. Elsewhere, not so much. The basic level of service does not warrant it.

[Cris]

@coffeedrinker

Couldn't have said it better myself.

You people take yourselves too seriously. :)

[Crema]

Then why do you tip at a bar?

[hipsterdufus]

I don't tip at Starbucks. I used to work at Starbucks. I know what level of service should be provided to earn a tip, and I never receive it.

Some one earlier said they're sure if you go to McDonalds every day they would remember your name and order too.

That IS true. I find the counter workers at McDonalds far more polite than most Baristas I encounter.

There was a stretch of time where I got a very specific breakfast sandwhich from McD's several times a week. They memorized it by the second time I came.

Not once since I quit Starbucks have I encountered a barista that remembered my order, or even bothered to take my name, thank me, or SMILE!

[spence]

This discussion is getting repetitive. Tip or not tip; it's up to you. For those that do, we appreciate it. In my store, there are a few baristas that use their tip money for groceries. If they eat regularly, it is only because of tips. For them, I say, "Thank You."

[Jamie]

If people who work at Sbux are so badly off that they eat only when they are tipped, direct your anger at the company that underpays them, not at the customer who is being wildly overcharged for a cup of coffee. It would be hilarious if I expected the students whom I teach to make up for my crappy salary by tipping me, and I do know all their names and genuinely care about how they are doing.

[frapatte]

It's hilarious how you interpret someone saying "Some of my baristas use tips for food so I appreciate those who tip" as "Grrr I'm so angry because some customers don't tip!" I hope you use better reading comprehension when looking over student papers.

[J.Shawty]

WOW, @frapatte...It's like we are kindred spirits, I DO or have DONE ALL THOSE things!!!!!! I currently work at a Sbux in mall in LA. and even though we are not a freestanding store however we are still Starbucks...Shucks,honestly in your defense to this tip thing...It is a ''gift'' I believe, because when I was first introduced to Starbucks I always thought of it as ''too fancy'' and never even bothered to go in because I just thought they were too expensive and that only pretend important people and white people drink it..That's just me speaking from a younger guy view growing up in New Orleans..So I never really had education on coffee u can say..But To make this long story short I believe we are better than the ''rest'' WE ARE CALLED STARbucks for a reason... We give.. **ahem** are supposed to give INTERNATIONAL Legendary SERVICE... I mean it's one of the best companies I ever worked for... Tell me what's cooler.. Going to MCd's and people knowing your $16.83 order that includes all type of fatty fast thrown put together shit...orrrrr have a deliciously made hand-crafted beverage where people know your name and genuinely care about you? Hmmm, all I know is that we are all not they.. ***THEYCALLMESHORTY***

[twitter.com/calwatch]

Good for those who tip. I do if it's a Traveler or if I hold up the line to do a group order. Otherwise, I just get the grande drip. And no one makes the effort to learn my name or what I like, which is just the same as normal. Maybe in your small town they do, but at my high volume location, they don't. Which is just as well.

[buttonpusherhater]

If you do a good job a tip jar is useless. A satisfied customer will make sure you are rewarded. The tip jar is tacky and low class. Just do a good job and your customers will oblige.

[henrietta]

I don't understand why so many anti-tippers (who can just keep their 50¢ to themselves and not begrudge others' generosity) compare the barista job to McDonalds, when it's much more like being a bartender. In the same way that I tip a bartender when he gets me a beer in a bottle, I tip a barista when they make me a drink. I bet some of the same people who assert that 'it's just pushing buttons' and 'it's not rocket science' are the people who huff and roll their eyes in line when a two-week-new barista is struggling at the helm of the espresso bar making their drinks. It's not mentally taxing work, but there is a degree of skill to it, and the great ones are truly artists. The tip jars are required to be low, square containers without any signs or 'for starving students!' exhortations so they are as unobtrusive as possible. Yes -- if each and every customer gave a dime, that would add up nicely! But some give a five, and many give nothing, and both are OK. Why tip your bartender just for opening a bottle that you have to carry back to your table at a concert? Why tip a parking valet when he is just doing his job? It's because it's customary in certain service industries to allow tipping to thank someone for being in a serving (as in implicitly subservient) position. Why anyone would want that opportunity taken away from everyone, and why they would possibly be surprised that low-wage workers would get glum about that possibility, is utterly beyond me.

[ers]

Have to say, in reference to those comparing tipping at Starbucks vs. McDonalds? An easy answer is that it is against McDonalds policy to tip. I worked there for years and honestly had people try to give us money...it goes to the Ronald McDonald house funds. Tipping at Starbucks is written into the policy that it is OK. Tipping is on an individual basis, and for a service that is appreciated. Tips are not (or shouldn't) ever be expected but they are always appreciated.
Personally, I tip based on the type of service I receive (as it should be). If I have poor service, my tips will reflect that.
As for tip jars being removed?? Some customers will continue to tip...just because they want to and they have the knowledge of it. Many customers do not know of tipping, so removing the tip jar will hurt your tip amounts for sure. Since Starbucks does write this into their policy, than I would question them re: why the tip jars should be removed...or the DM, whichever the case may be.

[Lortte]

Starbucks is NOT "fast food." Every beverage is prepared with its own individual pitcher of feshly steamed milk. And yes, any time I see a tip jar out in any retail local I tip!

[SCDL]

Today at my starbucks I wish I had not tipped! I went inside at the same time another gal went to drive thru. Since my Barista was busy flirting with the JJ's guy and giving him free coffee... I waited longer than the lady in drive and watched 3 more cars go by! Maybe they should move the tip jar to counter where you pick up your coffee. I won't be tipping when I pay any more. Your service is determined after the sale.

[edh]

Tipping for counter service is and should be discretionary. Many of the transactions are so brief and simple I'm not sure what you could possible do to justify a tip.

And I'm not sure how learning my name or engaging me in conversation is something baristas believe should be compensated financially. I know and speak with many people who do not grease my palm for this "service".

That said, if I order a bunch of drinks or food for a group and it's handled well, then yes I'd tip 10-15% on that. But for just one $4 drink, what would be appropriate? $.40? You may as well stand in front of the store rattling a tin can.

[jga]

cents add up when you see over 200 customers an hour, and tips are split among all the partners at the end of the week.

thanks coffee drinker.