While in some cultures a tip is expected or even demanded,
in India, it is left entirely up to our not-so-generous hearts! Of late, some restaurants add a “service charge”
of 5 to 10% to the invoice, which is supposed to go to the server. I think this is a good practice, except of
course, when the server takes it for granted and gives you lousy service in
return! Which brings me to the eternal
dilemma (at least for most) - whether to tip or not, in those cases where a
“service charge” is not included by default.
In my view, the answer is simple - you always tip! Simply
because the person serving you does not have as much as you do! I’ll make an
exception if the service was really that deplorable, but even then, might a tip
actually put the server in a better mood for the next customer? And this
doesn’t apply to just waiters in a restaurant, but also to taxi and auto
rickshaw drivers, delivery people, bell boys, doormen, really anyone providing
you a service. It’s not that hard to get the hang of this – these are people providing
you a service, which in most cases you cannot do without! Yes, they get paid
for that service. But how many of them really get to take home the full amount
or even part of it? Not many. In most cases, they work for someone who pays
them a salary that’s just a fraction of what you earn. The logic is simple - If
you can afford the service, you can afford the tip!
Not to take anything away from those donations you make to
big charities, but here, the money is actually reaching the needy directly.
Plus you get to see an instant reaction to your generosity! I can’t tell you
the number of times I’ve watched a cranky auto driver turn into a surprised,
grinning, grateful one, and all for just 10 extra rupees! You have to
understand, if the guy is in a bad mood, it’s probably with good reason. And in
the spirit of “paying it forward”, it’s quite likely that because you put
someone in a better mood, somewhere a spouse or child is spared the brunt of a
day’s exhaustions or frustrations. A
simple act of kindness can go a long way, and can touch many lives. So next
time you’re wondering whether the person deserves a tip or not, don’t
deliberate too much, just do it!
