To tip at Starbucks or not to tip, that is the question

This week I’m dealing with a personal dilemma. Compared to what a lot people deal with on a daily basis (especially the recent tragedy in Japan), I realize whether to tip or not to tip at the Starbucks counter is not a real big problem. But since I do my work at Starbucks almost daily, it is something I face regularly.

My internal dialogue goes something like this. “Since when do we have to tip for counter service? We never used to tip for counter service. At McDonald’s and Burger King, there are no plastic containers (yet). Table service – no problem. I’m a 20 to 30% tipper (thereby convincing myself of my own generosity).

Perhaps people just don’t want to deal with the loose change. Well they obviously don’t know the value of a dollar. If they kept that change in a jar for a year, they’d be shocked at how much they would have to spend or invest.”

That’s one half of my inner voice. The other half sounds like this, “Well, I don’t want to look cheap. I mean, my change is only 14 cents. Am I really going to pocket that after spending $4.86 for a latte? Besides who is that 14 cents going to mean more to? Me or them? They are working a counter after all while I have a thriving business. And they do give me really great service. They even remember my name. Maybe I should leave the 14 cents and another dollar.”

Am I the only one who goes through this? Just for fun – and to lighten to mood a little bit this week – the next post is an article that I wrote about the different personality types and how they behave at Starbucks. Read it and see if you can identify yourself.

P.S. And so as to not overlook the tragedy in Japan, here are a couple places you can donate if you choose to. Go to Redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone.