TIPPING ETIQUETTE

Tipping is something most of us do knowingly or unknowingly and also voluntarily and involuntarily. Here in Nigeria, it is not mandatory to give tips to people for their services, it is something that you can do at your own free will. It wasn’t until now I got to realize that in some parts of the world, giving tips is mandatory and there is even a percentage attached to it. I’m not sure why that is but then, it is always better to leave people to do things because they want to do it, than making them do it even when they don’t want to.

Most times, when I employ the service of someone and they deliver a good job, I always feel the need to pay them a little higher than bargained and that is not because I have so much to spare but then, it is for me to encourage the person to do better and keep up the good work. Because, personally, I do know how happy I feel when someone appreciates me for what I have done and I just feel it’s right others get to feel that joy too.

On the aspect of those receiving these tips, I don’t think it’s ideal to make someone tip you out of their own free will. Next time, they might have doubts of employing your services if they don’t have any tips to give to you. And they will rather employ the service of someone who is willing to just take the normal compensation price for a job well done. Also, for some other countries like mine where it is not compulsory to give tips, when those who give tips happen to give to some persons, they somehow think that every other person who employ their services should do the same.

In fact, I can remember when I was a little child, I always like going on errands for only those who I know will tip me for it. It was only until later I learnt that it wasn’t a good behavior because, obviously, not everyone can tip you and also not everyone has that mind too. I grew up to believe that, no matter what, anything you can do, whether there is a tip or not, just do it well. It might take long, but then, one day people will acknowledge that about you.

In some cultures here in my country, it is normal for them to appreciate people by tipping them for a job well done and I do think that it is a thoughtful practice and as much as I want it to be something that most people should emulate, I will also still appreciate it better if every one is left to do it the way they feel is best. That way, you will help them not to be guilty in any way. Because, it is obvious that some persons do what they do because they know people are watching.

As you know, I’m an hairstylist and there was a time in my life when I was basically surviving from making hair do for people. I always struggled with giving people a value for what my work is worth but then, I try to just place a value on it so I don’t end up getting surprised by how much people will want to value what I have done. There was this particular day, I finished making an hair do for someone and she was so pleased with what she saw and she gave me almost times two of what I normally charge for that hair do.

That was even besides the lunch and t-fare she provided for me. I knew how happy I was that day, I felt really happy and grateful because on a normal day I won’t want to value my service at that price whether or not I know you are capable. And after that experience, I was a bit tempted to increase my value but then I realized that not every one can afford to appreciate what people do for them and I was able to caution myself.

Some people just know how to be appreciative of what others do for them by tipping them and that is totally fine, but for those who can’t, it is also fine as long as they continue employing your services. I also believe a good review is also a form of tipping because that way more persons will get to know about you and that is something too.

The when to tip varies with every individual. Personally, I always prefer to tip when I’m really satisfied with the results and also when I’m in a position to tip someone. I do this because I want that person to do better next time and also I feel I have to just appreciate them for a job well done and this I believe is something that should be done out of free will and not out of necessity so the purpose won’t be defeated.

Thank you for stopping by ❤️.