Pizza Capers Brisbane

Dip in tipping hits service workers' hip pockets

"It doesn't matter whether you offer the ultimate service with a winning smile, people simply aren't tipping," said Steve Rowley, manager of Spoon Cafe in Paddington, Brisbane.

"There is the assumption that wages are good in Queensland and tips are already built in but in these tough times a few extra dollars can make all the difference to a worker.

"Of course, tipping is not obligatory but it is a great feedback system, too. It can really make your day if someone shows an appreciation of your personal touch."

In good times service industry staff can boost wages by up to 10 per cent per week.

Home delivery workers are also feeling the pinch.

A west Brisbane university student who delivers pizzas said: "People don't tip much these days. I have had feedback that it is because the delivery costs have gone up and I accept that, but I do miss the few extra dollars."

Pizza Hut charges $8 for delivery - even if the trip is just 1km - while the rate at Pizza Capers is $6.

Behavioural economist Tony Beatton from Queensland University of Technology believes that tipping motivates individual service providers to improve the quality of their service.

"Perhaps the lack of tipping in Australia is one reason why service is often considered of lower quality than in the US or Europe," he said.

"But really, is the lack of tipping a reflection of a non-tipping culture or a symptom of reducing disposable household income due to high mortgage payments and cost of living?"

Staff at high-end businesses like Brisbane's luxury Emporium Hotel are still enjoying tips from international visitors.

"Tourists or international businessmen are more inclined to give you a few dollars, I suppose because they are coming from a culture of tipping," Emporium chief concierge Graham Hodgson said.

A porter could pick up more than $100 extra per week, he said.

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