Marie-Eve Fournier’s columns on tips have made many of our readers react. We have retained some of their comments.
Posted at 7:00 a.m.
“Even more aberrant, the tip is calculated automatically on the taxes. So, when we choose 15%, in fact, we give 17.25%… That’s stealing in disguise! So, as long as it is in force in this way, I will give 10% and never anywhere else than to the places where it has always been given: restaurant, hairdresser, delivery man…”
– Francis Vallee
“I would never agree with the idea of including tips in an upfront price. The idea was initially to thank in a more supported way a catering service which made memorable your evening, your meal. Is it a feature of Quebec culture to be embarrassed to say no to an undeserved tip service? I myself felt uncomfortable in some cases and quickly recovered from the tipping madness. Already, in the restaurant, there are incongruities on how to apply the tip. Two glaring examples. 1. The $65 and $200 bottle of wine. Why should my tip be applied to the price of the bottle? Isn’t it the service that comes first? Will the waiter serve a $400 better than a $65? That wasn’t the original spirit. Be aware that said bottle contains at least 35% tax before the tax on your bill. So, back to the service. 2. Why doesn’t the government legislate the form of bills to help us and our tourists avoid tipping taxes? When I do, I am told: sir, it’s a minimum of 15% tip. I must defend myself from this discomfort by saying that I removed the taxes and that I would like to remove those of the bottle also if the amount was known. »
–Jean Lefebvre
“For me, it’s simple: in the long term, they must be abolished completely. Let businesses raise prices and redistribute to employees, and that’s it. Taxes should also be included in the prices. There cannot be a 30-40% discrepancy between the displayed price and the actual price. In Japan, where I lived for more than five years, you pay exactly the price displayed. I miss it a lot… “
– Etienne Lehoux-Jobin
“I have always found the use of tips to be very unfair. I am a commission-free clothing salesperson and often spend hours advising the customer on creating an effective wardrobe for work or travel. I’m saving her time and money, but I’ve never gotten a penny in tip, whereas saleswomen start at minimum wage. Often, after an hour of trying, sometimes leaving the clothes on the floor, they leave ten minutes after closing telling us that they have time to wait for a friend… and we have to put everything away without overtime. But I have to tip the hairdresser, the one who washes my hair, to get my nails done, the beautician, etc. »
– MV
“It doesn’t make sense anymore. If, like restaurateurs, I had to tip my office workers every time they do a task for a customer so that they wouldn’t go to work elsewhere… All that doesn’t hold water! Even if it means looking stingy by returning my terminal to 0 at Mamie Clafoutis or at the ephemeral Ladurée counter at Holt Renfrew in Vancouver, I give 0. Frankly, it insults me to be asked for a tip (which starts at 18%, moreover extra) to put a macaron or a croissant in a bag. I give with pleasure to the itinerant, but those who give alms at a fund, no thank you. »
– Manon D.