Detail in KFC store prompts fiery debate about tipping culture in Australia
Requests for tips are becoming more common in businesses, and while some don't see the issue, others say there's no place for the US tradition in Australia.
An image taken inside a KFC store recently has reignited a great debate among Aussies about whether or not tipping should be allowed and even encouraged by local businesses.
A customer visiting a Sydney store caught sight of a large tin sitting on the counter at the fast-food store. It was thoughtfully decorated with printed butterflies and the words 'Tip Jar' emblazoned on it.
The intention it seems was to encourage customers to leave a tip when making their order — a divisive request that's growing increasingly common among businesses and establishments in Australia.
The image proved divisive when it was shared on social media on Friday. While some loathed the idea of adopting the US tradition, others suggested Aussie workers deserve the extra pay.
"To be honest it’s a little more personal than being asked during the order process in an app," one said noting a rise in delivery service apps encouraging a tip at checkout.
"At its heart, I don't see any difference between this and a cafe tip jar. Franchise, cafe, whatever. At best they could have turned it into a 'coins for charity' option," another said. While a third said "workers deserve far more than they're paid", not seeing an issue with tipping.
Is Australia adopting a US-style tipping culture?
But others were quick to draw on obvious comparisons between the US and Australia. Rates for Australian hospitality staff, while not the most highly paid workers in the country, are generally considered decent compared to the United States where the minimum wage is about $7.25 an hour— that's the equivalent of roughly A$10. The minimum wage in Australia is around $21 an hour, however, it depends on age.
Tipping is therefore expected in the States, and most of the time people are happy to tip for great service. But many argue, it's not the case here in Australia despite the growing trend.
"I really can’t help but think if we succumb to tipping culture we will hurtle towards an American system and we can see that their sh*t is falling apart," one argued. "If you’re thinking it’s there to compensate poorly paid workers then maybe you belong in America," another added.
"How on earth did tipping culture sneak its way into Australia? a third questioned.
Yahoo News Australia has reached out to KFC for comment.
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Union rep chimes in on hospitality tip debate
Godfrey Moase, United Workers Union Director of Allied Industries, previously agreed there has "definitely [been] a creep towards tipping" in recent years when speaking with Yahoo News Australia. It's likely due to higher business costs, including rent and staff wages.
And while the union would "rather hospitality staff get good tips for service rather than no tips," he said, "in most cases, it does get passed on to workers but there are times when it gets pocketed by the boss".
Alarmingly, a request to tip often "opens up hospitality staff to further disrespectful treatment from customers because it changes the power dynamic," he said, adding that "harassment and disrespect of hopso staff is absolutely rife in the industry."
Tipping becoming more common across various industries in Australia
While tipping seems to be commonplace in hospitality venues and through food and grocery delivery services, Aussies have previously lashed out after seeing the trend infiltrate other industries.
Previously, Louve Collection, a mobile phone accessory store, came under fire for encouraging customers to show "support for the team" by adding a 5, 10 or 15 per cent gratuity before completing a purchase. Meanwhile, an Australian pharmacy was previously slammed for asking customers to add a tip during the online ordering process. Even tradies have been slammed for requesting tips on the job.
Consumer psychologist Professor Jana Bowden previously told Yahoo that "consumer psychology tells us that negative reinforcement is a strong driver of consumer behaviour."
"We aren't forced to tip. Tipping is voluntary in Australia. But social norms might pressure us into doing so," she said.
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