Amazon shortchanged drivers $61.7M in tips • Hacker News Board

Re: Amazon shortchanged drivers $61.7M in tips

#341

Post by P_I_Staker » Fri, Feb 05, 2021, 9:39 PM UTC

ntsplnkv2 wrote: post #323

P_I_Staker wrote: post #310

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yeah, I have to object to the OPs tone... maybe it was unintentional. Not only is OP wrong about servers (would you quit your corporate gig if the pay was the same? I 100% would not), but I actually don't want to live in a world without bartenders/servers. I'd hate to have my meals come out of a mailslot, or whatever.

The tone is baseline. You're objecting because you "feel bad about it." We rich westerners like to self loath a lot - a lot of loathing, little action. Of course we all "feel bad" about it. But half the posts in this thread are more "I don't want to tip this server whom I love very much and we need oh so desperately!" Pretty contradictory. Everyone cares for everyone else, until it's their pocketbook. That's why it's…

No, I was objecting to you saying the job is "easy", which is absolutely wrong and insulting. Also, I simply disagree that these jobs are "low value", ie "I don't want a world without servers". That's was part of an explanation for why I value them, so it's not really a strawman. It wasn't really meant as a core point, or characterization of the other side.

> Most people can not be developers

I don't agree with you there. I'm not 100% sure the numbers, but there's really nothing special about being good at programming. These arrogant attitudes give our profession a terrible reputation, then I have to go back to the real world, and deal with people that assume I'm like you before I even say a word.

Re: Amazon shortchanged drivers $61.7M in tips

#342

Post by abandonliberty » Sat, Feb 06, 2021, 1:12 AM UTC

emptysongglass wrote: post #214

abandonliberty wrote: post #212

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's cultural. You can get amazing service in other countries with little or no tipping culture. Sure, tipping may be an incentive as well, but most people I know won't go below 10% even if the service is terrible.

Which other countries with little to no tipping culture do you receive amazing service? Again, I am curious, not combative, so please take care if applying disdain to my comments.

Taiwan as well

Outside of that it's on an establishment by establishment basis. I know an amazing restaurant in a less touristic Paris arrondissement that will provide stellar service no matter who I show up with or how terrible my French is. Their menus are only in French. If I'm not fast enough the staff notices I'm using a translation app and starts translating it into English.

This in the city of famously terrible service.

Re: Amazon shortchanged drivers $61.7M in tips

#343

Post by djmips » Sat, Feb 06, 2021, 9:26 AM UTC

leetcrew wrote: post #305

emptysongglass wrote: post #209

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Can we talk about why service is astronomically better in the US than countries with very high worker protections and base wages like Denmark? I'm genuinely curious what you think the factors are in their difference because when I live in Denmark (as I do now) it feels like the waiter could give less of a s** whether the service is good or not whereas when I live in LA or NYC I feel like I am the golden child of thei…

first of all, some people seem to dislike what is considered "good service" in the US, so let's call it "high touch" instead. tips are definitely a factor, but I think it's mostly just the US service/retail culture. even people who don't work tipped jobs are quite likely to ask you if you need help finding something if they are not busy.

You can get used to it however and when you go to even a neighbor country like Canada, the staff seems apathetic. I'm not saying they are but it takes an adjustment from the 'high touch' trained Americans.

Re: Amazon shortchanged drivers $61.7M in tips

#344

Post by tjansen » Mon, Feb 08, 2021, 8:17 AM UTC

nixass wrote: post #251

tjansen wrote: post #194

I understand (and generally agree to) the arguments that people should be paid a living wage, and tipping after the transaction doesn't have any effect on an individual level. But I wonder what's the effect on service quality on general? Are there any studies on this? Asking because here in Germany, service is often terrible, at least in casual restaurants. Like it's not uncommon to spend more time waiting than eatin…

Why would you need to be seated? Casual restaurants in Europe are normally free to set wherever you want. The menus are normally at the table, waiter acknowledges you by offering drinks and by the time he's back you're ready to order food. I don't wanna assume but US customers seem very spoiled

I don't need to be seated, but when they seat you, the staff already knows that you there. If you just sit at a table, it often happens that they don't even notice you. Especially if they didn't clean the table yet and it looks like you've just finished.