Is Tipping Headed for Extinction?

Posted by: Monica Gagnier on June 11

At the yoga studio where I’ve been practicing, I overheard one of the young women who checks in people at the front desk mention that she also works at a golf resort in Indian Wells, Calif., to help pay her college tuition.

The other day, when no one else was around, I buttonholed Megan (not her real name) and asked her how her golf job was going.

In typical upbeat California fashion, she replied, “Great!”

I decided to push a little. “Really? My husband works at a golf course and the customers have really been stingy with tips this season,” I said.

After looking around to make sure no one else was within earshot, Megan confessed, “Actually, things have been really bad this year. I work the drinks cart and I’m barely making enough to get by. Last year, I was doing great.”

Megan has a theory: “Most people go to restaurants on a date or with a group. You can’t not tip because of peer pressure. You don’t want to look like a cheapskate in front of your date.”

According to Megan, it’s easier to stiff the gal who sold you a soda or the guy who cleans your clubs because you’re usually by yourself when it happens.

I’m not sure about that because golfers often go out in groups. Nevertheless, based on my conversations with people like Megan, it appears that tips are down dramatically this year in the Coachella Valley, home of more than 100 golf courses.

I know that many Californians have gotten clobbered twice — in the stock market and in real estate. But if you’ve got $160 for a round of golf, don’t you have a dollar for the yoga girl who just sold you a cold one?

Maybe this is a California phenomenon. I’d love to hear from people who depend on tips. How’s it going for you?