Do you feel obligated to leave a tip in a service counter tip jar?

Yes: 30% (298 out of 999)
No: 70% (701 out of 999)

The facts: 701 people said they did not feel obligated to leave a tip in a tip jar while 298 people said they do feel obligated to leave a tip in a tip jar.

Tip jars are becoming more and more prevalent and we are being asked if people should feel obligated to leave a tip in a tip jar. By a resounding two to one vote, respondents to our poll overwhelmingly indicated they felt no "obligation" to leave a tip in a tip jar.

Interestingly, the "no" respondents often indicated that they leave a tip in a tip jar when they feel a tip is warranted. Many of the respondents indicated that they believed a tip was intended to reward exemplary service and that no one should feel obligated to tip.

Before we hear from all the waiters and waitresses out there, we should also be quick to note that many respondents recognized that wait staff often are paid less than minimum wage and depend on tips to make up the difference. They also pointed out that wait staff provide more service by taking orders, carrying food to your table, and clearing the table. These facts should be taken into account anytime a customer is wondering whether or not to leave a tip for a waiter or waitress. At counter service places where tip jars proliferate, the situation is different. Respondents pointed out that people working behind the counter do receive at least minimum wage and do not have the same dependence on tips as traditional wait staff. Respondents also pointed out that the tip jars, by their very presence, convey a certain expectation of obligation and some would feel a pang of guilt if they did not leave a tip.

Traditionally, tipping has never been obligatory in any circumstance. The purpose of a tip is to reward a server for good or exemplary service. The gesture should come from the giver, not the server. There should be no sense of obligation on the part of the customer.

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