So, here’s my question this week. Do you tip on ice cream? I’d like to think I’m a pretty decent tipper. When figuring out a tip on a tab at dinner or for drinks, I usually go for 22%…more than the maybe average 20% but not a full 25% because that feels a little bit excessive. I also usually err on the side of caution if I’m not totally certain that tipping is necessary but would be appreciated. I try to survey the scene and see if others are tipping first…like on a shuttle bus to/from the airport. If others are, I do. But…if others aren’t…I feel even worse and so I tip then as well.
So, the other day, the boys and I stopped for ice cream and, after having paid in exact change, I only had a $20 bill left. I agonized a bit because that left me with nothing to put into the little tip cup. I walked away feeling totally guilty….but then thought, “Well, is it necessary or just kind of rare, but appreciated, to tip the person who scoops a couple of ice cream cones for you?” My modus operandi is to give my spare change if it is close to like 75 cents…or $1 if my change is less than that. Is that cheap?
So, what do you do?
Good Morning Gloucester 
If I have change I do but it isn’t the same level of service as a waitperson in a restaurant so I don’t agonize if I miss once in a while.
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If I’m with 4 grandchildren ~ $1.00 and change ~ big scoops or a little extra on top ~ $2.00 + an “I’ll be back”
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Having scooped ice cream as a teenager years ago it can be a tough job, just diving down into the chest and scooping seems easy but no. My sons were taught when they were younger to always tip those who scooped ice cream. No it isn’t restaurant service, but they are providing a service. Depending on the amount of cones, I would leave a $1.00 for two. Some may think its excessive, but the look of surprise and appreciation of those kids I’ve left tips for always makes me happy. My sons would come home when they were young so proud to tell me they remembered to tip 🙂
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I throw it under the label “take-out”, and I tip 10% for take-out. That said, ice cream is pretty cheap, and the scoopers tend to be school age teens who mever get pa id much, so I never tip less than $2, and I feel great when I leave a $5….so I think I will do that more often! 😃 For me it’s less about what is the “rule”, and more about what feels right.
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Both of our daughters scooped ice cream when in high school. They said that they made minimum wage, not the $2.63/hr. +/- that restaurant servers were paid and that it really wasn’t necessary to tip. Reminds me of when we went to Italy and tipped at all eateries and then, when returning to the USA, only then learned that tips were built into the cost of the meals.
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No because it’s the gesture and the smile and thank you that matter’s the most acknowledged and appreciated! 🙂 Dave & Kim 🙂
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