Having recently become a barista, I have a newfound appreciation for tipping. There are a few reasons why this is such an important part of working as a barista. I will start with the obvious: it's extra money in our pockets. Although the work is very busy and involves tons of memorization and multitasking, baristas barely get paid anything. Like so many positions, it's an underpaid job and tipping is one way to help out the hardworking people who serve coffee.
Second: It's quite calming and relieving to see change (and of course paper) go in the tip jar. We work hard to serve customers and that extra change is a big token of appreciation. Even if it's just 40 or 50 cents, the change adds up. What else would someone do with that change anyways? Sure, some people like to keep it for future purchases, but that little bit of money would considerably lighten a barista's heart. It is all about the spirit of sharing and being thankful for one's coffee.
Third: Tipping is a sign of respect towards the barista. Many people who buy coffee have tons of money. Of course this isn't true with everyone who buys coffee beverages, but it still cannot be denied. If someone is driving around in a beautiful Mercedes and they're willing to spend $9+ on a couple of drinks, they would have a tough time convincing me they are dealing with "hard times." I don't care if it's a recession, a depression or the apocalypse, if someone is driving around in a nice car buying 20oz Lates with extra matcha powder that they know costs 50 cents extra, I think they can handle giving 40 cents to the broke barista getting steamed milk and whipped cream on their elbows and shoes.
Don't get me wrong, tipping isn't an obligation. For example, if service is lousy, this is an ok reason not to tip. Then again, if it is lousy service on one particular day but the customer is a regular and they know that normal service is 100% up to par, the tip is deserved! Sometimes things don't go perfect and one must have mercy on the people working.
A number of things could have happened to mess up the service, maybe one of the computers crashed, an espresso machine could be pulling shots slow or maybe the barista making drinks was out way too late the night before partying. Even if this is the case the customer must take into account that we baristas are human. We have needs and sometimes we must be social people. Every move in life cannot be focused on serving excellent coffee, there must be time to unwind. Perhaps the tip can be a little bit less, but it still should come.
Of course, people don't always want to tip and this is fine. Sometimes it may feel like one is overdoing it when they give 50 cents or a dollar a day. If this is the case, take a day off of tipping...take two days off tipping, that is fine. I don't want it to sound like I get mad at people any time they don't tip. Some people have their money on their mind and it is perfectly fine to just want to pay for only the coffee. But there is a difference between taking a day off tipping to save extra money and being stingy and disrespectful. Customers that value their coffee should stay away from the stinginess and appreciate the delicious beverage that fills up their plastic "eco-friendly" cup every morning.