What is the justification for "no tipping" policies?

[Mojo Electro]

The most recent example I've noticed is the Publix supermarket I shop at, but I see them around from time to time.

The sign at Publix says something like "Carrying your bags to your car is our pleasure. No tipping please."

And I see the sign at the counters of some places, like Subway for example. Subway used to have tip jars.

I don't understand the harm in it. If a grocery bagger at Publix makes 8 dollars an hours, and they get tipped $4 every hour, that's $12 an hour. Seems like that would be significant for someone trying to get by. If the minimum wage wasn't so low and I knew people were getting a decent wage, I wouldn't worry about it. I pretty much always carry my bags out to the car, but the few times I do get help, I drop the tip down in the trunk of the car so they can get it, and I explain to them that I understand they have that policy but the store doesn't get to dictate to me whether or not I hand you a couple bucks. I wouldn't want them to get in trouble for accepting it, though. I worked at Publix when I was younger bagging groceries, and that's how customers used to tip me, that's where I learned that from. I hope I am not in the wrong.

Maybe I am missing something. Can anyone enlighten me on why these policies exist?

[question everything]

1. I think that the message is that the establishment takes care of its employees

and expects all customers to be treated the same way, regardless of expected tip.

Say you are a tipper and are now recognized at the store. Would you, at least subconsciously, be treated differently? Will the employees "fight" on who gets to carry your bags?

As for Subways, I remember having a different policy at different stores. This was 15 years ago. Things may have changed.

[Mojo Electro]

2. That makes sense, I hadn't really considered that.

Known tippers being treated better than non tippers. I can see a valid point there. I will probably still tip on the sly in any situation where it feels appropriate, though.

Thanks.

[Nye Bevan]

3. Just bear in mind that if you pressure them to take a tip, and they are tempted to give in to you,

they may end up losing their jobs as a result.

[WillowTree]

4. Might not be a great idea to encourage employees to break the employer's rules.

If they do and get caught violating publicly posted policy, it could cost them their jobs.

I understand that your heart is in the right place, really I do. But if you disapprove of the store's no tipping policy, perhaps it would be best to shop elsewhere.

[Mojo Electro]

5. I think you are right.

I don't run into it very much since I carry my own stuff.

Still, it would be nice to be able to kick in a few extra bucks without worrying about someone losing their job. That's the last thing in the world I would want.

[WillowTree]

8. Yeah, I figured that you'd feel that way.

Sometimes it's a pretty thin line that we walk when trying to do something we *think* will help someone else.

[MurrayDelph]

6. Most of the markets that do not allow you to tip employees

also hit you up like crazy for donations to one of their pet charities.

If you feel so inclined, you could always tip by giving to their charity?

[Mojo Electro]

7. Yes, they do.

And I do. I've never looked much into where that goes. It's usually spur of the moment. I hope it's doing some good somewhere.