Has everyone but me been tipping generously the people who stand behind the counter and put your coffee into the cup? I have not been tipping. I did not know that this was a tip-needing activity. I tip: waiters, cab drivers, and the men who deliver my groceries. My mom used to tip the mailman, but he was married to our plumber and they had a lot to put up with from us!
I usually figure if someone is behind a counter and you take the thing from them and carry it away, then you are not required to tip. I used not to tip the grocery guy. I did not know how to ask if I should. I thought he might be offended. But he got really surly, so then I began tipping him and he is much nicer now. (He puts the food over the threshold, instead of hurling it against my door.)
I do not actually go to Starbucks very much at all. But there is a really good independent place down the street from us. If I am going to tip coffee pourers I will do it there.
