Tip Karma

When I worked as a pizza delivery driver, I believed in a thing called “tip karma" — a belief that, if I gave better tips to folks in customer service, I would get better tips as well.

When I would go out to eat or have pizza delivered, I’d be sure to give a generous tip. It made me feel better and made me feel optimistic — if only slightly — that I would get good tips the next time I worked.

Obviously, there is no science behind tip karma. But believing in it made me at least think my tips were better, which made me work harder and provide better service. And this actually would make my tips better.

I'm no longer working in a position where my income depends on tips, but I still like to give big tips. Having been in their shoes, I feel camaraderie with these folks. I’ve been there, and I remember how much better it made my day when I received a good tip.

The karma aspect still comes into play, too. If I leave good tips, I tend to get better, more prompt service in subsequent visits.

If you receive tips in your position, do you believe in “tip karma?” Even if you don’t, do you find yourself leaving better tips for other servers, delivery drivers, or bartenders?