The beer man is the star of the vending show. There's been a vendor selling ice cold beer just steps inside the gate at Kauffman Stadium on my last two visits -- you can buy a beer before you can buy a program or get a T-shirt for signing up for a credit card.
Just a step below the beer vendor is the hot dog vendor, who now hands a hot dog down the line very carefully, likely mindful of the legacy of Slugerrr. And after that, the peanut, Cracker Jack and cotton candy vendors all vie for their spots on the podium. Nearly everyone tips the beer vendor -- at least those who want him to return the next inning. A good number of people tip the hot dog vendor if they've ordered more than one dog. But it seems like most other vendors are out of luck.
Rising prices at ballparks have had the same affect as the delivery fee
instituted by pizza chains. The delivery fee is not a tip, though some
percentage goes to delivery drivers in the form of per delivery
rates or a higher mileage rate. But when customers see a delivery fee,
many understandably think of it as a tip and are less inclined
to add another few dollars at the door.
Besides, when your ballpark chicken tenders are $7.75, you can experience a bit of wallet shock. Recently, a reader asked The Consumerist whether vendors should be tipped:
My question is, with all those vendors walking around selling things like cotton candy, popcorn, coffee, hot chocolate, etc etc, are we suppose to tip them? I mean I'm already paying for overpriced food, and it's their job to walk around selling food, but should we tip as well?Slate answered the question, saying that vendors don't choose what they sell and it seems unfair to punish the messenger for delivering an expensive bottle of Pepsi. While beer vendors -- both stationary and in the stands -- will always receive tips, there's an easy way to recognize that vendors are on commission: Simply round up every order. If you're a dollar short of $10 or due back 50 cents, consider it part of a virtual tip jar attached to the vendor's tray.
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Have you ever been in a beer line when the people in the booth don't know what they are doing? Or gone to a bar when the bartender is so busy that he or she never gets over to you to find out what you want to drink? I HATE IT WHEN THESES THINGS HAPPEN! If you want people to serve you that know how to take orders, work the beer taps, remember that you wanted well done and not medium rare steaks, then you better start tipping those that serve you! The only way to keep these people around in their jobs is to be sure they can make a living.
Tipping is essentially rewarding the service provider for work well done. Since you are the consumer, you need to reward the messenger for the proper and prompt service. To find out if they did well, learn about proper handling of food from our site http://www.worldsbesthotdogcar... . World�s Best Hotdog is proud of its long history and with the site, the company shares its experience with would-be entrepreneurs.
Tipping is essentially rewarding the service provider for work well done. Since you are the consumer, you need to reward the messenger for the proper and prompt service. To find out if they did well, learn about proper handling of food from our site http://www.worldsbesthotdogcar... . World�s Best Hotdog is proud of its long history and with the site, the company shares its experience with would-be entrepreneurs.
As a concessions worker at a ball park ( Im not sure If I can give out which one.....) to be honest we work really hard and go out of our way to get you food and beer as fast as possible. We make about minimum wage but the tips are what we really work for and they are very much appreciated. If youre just getting a hotdog its not expected but if you have a tall order including alcohol you really should hand over a couple bucks or in least your change.
XXX - Well said.
Moose - I've been to a couple of countries where you don't tip the bar staff. Of course this is because they are paid well and don't rely on tips to make ends meat. In this country though we pay bar staff so little that they couldn't live on their salary alone. Different cultures.
I tip the vendors and I tip at the concession stands (although not as much) because I've been the one on the other side of the counter pouring the beer.
Nothing starts a fire like the debate on tipping. Moose, go ahead and don't tip your bartender. However, I'm sure you won't complain when he/she takes all orders for mixed drinks ahead of your ludicrous beer pour. The beer guy, hot dog guy, etc. are bringing your food to you(kind of like a waiter). Remember you are welcome to raise your posterior and shuffle to the concession stand in the concourse and purchase tip free, but I'd say it's rather pompous to expect someone who carries a pretty heavy load around on the stairs all night to bring you something without a little something extra for the effort.
I feel almost silly saying this, but it's never even occurred to me to tip the beer vendor that travels around handing out (overpriced) bottles of beer. Shit.
Good thing I don't go to too many games, eh? ::slumps away in shame::
You don't mean to suggest we should be tipping the beer vendors at the concession stands, correct? That seems ludicrous.
Of course, it is also ludicrous to tip bar staff when all they do is pour a beer--but that appears to be the cultural norm...
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