Should we tip taxi drivers?

[Old Cruser]

The lady taxi driver who collected the Middletons from their hospital visit to see their newly born grandson didn't get a tip.

The £15.00 fare had been pre-paid.

Isn't it a bit mean not to tip taxi drivers,  and others who do us a service in hotels or when eating out etc?

Some disagree with the whole of tipping, maybe the Middletons do - or maybe they just didn't think.

[Pete]

There is no need to tip taxi drivers. We all know that they make massive amounts of money... 

[simondjuk]

I only tip when the service is excellent.  Unfortunately, these days, it lacks somewhat.

Even 'fast food'.  Went to KFC last week, waited nearly 10 minutes to be served and then again for the food.

[therealjr]

I'm not sure where/when the habit of tipping started and who drew the lines of demarcation.

For example both Simon and OC have said they tip for good service. But isn't a taxi driver or a maid or a waitress employed and Paid to give good service? I have a lot of colleagues at work who give great service because thats what we are paid to do and we are expressly forbidden from taking tips.

Why do I tip a taxi driver but not a bus driver?
Why do I tip a waitress for bringing me my food but I don't tip an Airline stewardess for doing the same thing?
Why do I tip a maid for cleaning my room but don't tip the dry cleaner who did my suits?

Makes no sense to me. Just seems an excuse for certain employers to not pay a decent wage and expect the customers to effectively pay their staff's wages twice.

[Pete]

>> Just seems an excuse for certain employers to not pay a decent wage and expect the customers to effectively pay their staff's wages twice.

Exactly.

[Fly]

Did a £6 job the other day. The nice lady gave me £15. She looks for me on the rank, does this regularly.
Another lady, £4 job, gives me a tenner. They like me

[Old Cruser]

@ JR I 'think' the tipping came maybe from America they are known to be big on giving tips - on the cruises I haven't heard Americans moan about the tipping but the brits do (well some of them) and just like you say the emplyers should give a decent wage although maybe in some cases they can't afford too?

[Fly]

I wonder if 'tip type jobs' used to be low paid.

[Old Cruser]

Certainly the staff on cruise ships are Fly including P&O who are british.

There was documentary on TV last year - undercover on a ship. The people on the cruise forum I use were up in arms about the pay and what they take from it. truly disgusting.

Catering staff didn't used to get much in wages at one time, not sure about now?

[Slacker]

Been to a couple of restaurants while we were away that if you are paying by plastic they ask you if you want to add on a tip. Makes you feel a bit mean if you press no.

[Pete]

I do - I always press no. Fuck 'em, I've paid top whack for the food - done deal.

[Old Cruser]

We will tip if the service/food is good Likewise taxi drivers providing they haven't scared the shit out of us with their driving and are pleasant. Well come on let's be honest some bus/taxi drivers make you feel as if you have just got off the Wild Mouse on the Pleasure Beach in Blackpool!