Here in SW WA, the minimum wage is now $15.79/hr and set to go to $16.28/hr next year. There are cities in WA that are even higher, one is over $19/hour. We still tip the same, but I've been thinking, if they are now making a "living wage"...not relying on the tips, do we need to re-think the tipping percentage at restaurants and such? I mean, lunch at a fast food place is easily more than $10/pp. The other day, we were getting fuel and I noticed a "Help Wanted" kind of sign at one of the burger fast food places and it said, starting at, ya-da-da, ya-da-da, "plus tips." Hmmm...so now we're tipping at fast food places?
Yesterday, I went to a Beauty Supply store for a specific kind of brush. I figured, let's go to the one with the 4-letter name, as they have a store in the mall. We can walk around, grab a bite and go by the Beauty Supply too. I walk into the store, a girl asks if I need help, I asked where the make up brushes are and she pointed me to them. I found what I wanted and went up to the cashier. There was a line, 4 people ahead of me and the line wasn't moving. Once I make it to the cashier, I realize, what takes so long...the list of questions! OMG! Am I a member...no. Do I want to join...no, thank you. Am I sure...yes. It doesn't cost anything....<glare> You can use your email address instead of phone number...no, thank you. More questions and I kind of zone out...then, would I like to tip my assistant? I just starred...now I need to tip someone that pointed me to the aisle right next to me? Then, finally, do I want a printed receipt or email?
What happened to, "how's your day going?" and "thanks for shopping with us." And, maybe, sorry for the wait. Next time, you can be sure I'll just log on instead of driving!