Prompt Cast
The History and Psychology of Tipping
TLDR Tipping originated in Europe as a way to show appreciation to servants, but over time it became expected and dependent on. Tipping is often driven by guilt and fear, and small gestures like candy or a personalized item can significantly increase tips.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
This podcast episode is about tipping and the challenges and triumphs of life with an autoimmune disorder.
06:00
Tipping originated in Europe in the 16th century as a way to show appreciation to servants, but over time it became expected and dependent on, and the idea that tipping stands for "To Insure Promptness" is not valid as acronyms weren't used until the 1920s and the word "tip" has been around for much longer.
11:30
Tipping originated from the idea of giving money for drinking, and in the United States, it became more prevalent when the Pullman railcar company relied on tips to underpay their porters.
16:30
Tipping is often driven by guilt and fear, as customers feel obligated to pay a tip to ensure good service and to prevent any negative consequences.
21:38
Neurotic and extroverted individuals are more likely to leave bigger tips, as neurotic people feel obligated to tip and extroverts see it as a way to get extra attention.
26:36
Giving small gestures like candy or a personalized item can significantly increase tips, with the highest tipping percentage being around 23%.
31:58
Telling customers that it's sunny outside can increase tips by an average of 5%.
37:05
Tips for sommeliers can range from $10 to $20 depending on the depth of their recommendation, while buffet servers should be tipped around 10% of the bill.
41:54
Tipping guidelines for various service providers include tipping manicurists $10 to $50, hairdressers $25 to $100, hotel maids $1 to $10 per night, bellhops $1 per bag, concierge $5 to $10, doorman $1 if they hail a taxi, and food delivery drivers $2 to $5 depending on the weather and neighborhood.
46:46
Tipping guidelines for furniture delivery include a 60% chance of receiving a tip from someone age 65 or older, while tipping for movers is expected on top of the moving cost.
51:56
The federal tipped minimum wage has been the same since 1991, but there is a bill in Congress that would tie it to 60% of the federal minimum wage, raising it to $4.35 an hour.
57:04
The hosts receive a listener's email about the concept of "home gang" in Viking culture, where parties would go to an isolated area to settle disputes through combat.
Categories:
Society & Culture
