ByGrace3 Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 After a rousing Facebook debate today, I am simply curious, do you tip at Sonic? (drive up/drive in not drive though). :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frugalmama Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 only if the service is really good, i.e. checking back to see if we need anything, making sure we have enough napkins / sauces / sweetners etc and being friendly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artichoke Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Usually only if it's a larger order or the weather is bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 That includes Sonic (of course i cant remember the last time i went there). Tipping based on quality of service of course, and friendliness of server. If I can afford to eat someplace, I can afford to tip. If I can't, I stay home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annandatje Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I always tip at Sonic. Quality of service generally does not affect tip. Mistakes happen and often it is not server error that causes delay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lamarley Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Dd works at Sonic and depends on her tips to pay her car insurance and phone bill. Not sure about other states, but here she makes less than minimum wage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 (edited) Other: we don't have Sonic as far as I know. I have been to other drive-ins over the years. If we stay there to eat and if they actually provide service...yes, I will tip but in the low 10% range. If I just drive up and order, then drive off (We get just root beer at A&W sometimes) then no, I don't. ETA: in Washington, all servers make at least minimum wage. Edited June 13, 2012 by Tap, tap, tap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirch Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Occasionally, but not always. I was under the impression that they madeat least min wage. I need to check that out--if they don't here, I'll start tipping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamela H in Texas Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Rarely. If I'm difficult or do something weird, I do. Or like last week, we went twice, once after each special event. Each time, they brought my kids' cones out super fast to buy us a little extra non-melted time. I did tip the second time (same server). Typically, no. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Crown Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Other: Yes, but not if all I have is a card and no cash, in which case I feel guilty. But we have a Sonic nearby and it's always the same two servers, and they know I make up the tip the next time; so not too guilty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kissy Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 A friend told me that the ones bringing out the food are hired as waiter/waitresses and make the same per hour as a waiter every since then I tip them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joker Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I've always tipped at Sonic. Growing up, my parents always did as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori C- Texas Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I was a carhop at Sonic in highschool. I made minimum wage. Not very many people tipped. It was nice when someone did but we didn't expect tips. I usually only tip now when I have cash which is never but I would tip if there was a way to add a tip to my card. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in Florida Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Always always tip your server, please. DD18 works at Sonic they make $5/hour it is assumed they get enough tips to come up to minimum wage. If folks don't tip they earn less then minimum. If you drive off without paying (yes people do that) the carhop has to cover the price of the food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reeciecup Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 My daughter works at Sonic. Most people tip, but she skates and is friendly, and good carhop, so maybe that's why. I didn't know that some people didn't know you should tip the car hops. My dd makes good money but she does work hard for it. Most of her friends won't work there because being a cashier is so much easier, but she's the one who makes the most in her group of friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in Florida Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Occasionally, but not always. I was under the impression that they madeat least min wage. I need to check that out--if they don't here, I'll start tipping. Here (northeast Florida) they make $5/hour, they depend on tips to come up to minimum wage. They also have to make up any money lost through drive offs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 What?? I had no idea we were supposed to. :001_smile: I just went to Sonic today and the food-bringer-outer said, "I'll be your waitress today.. is there anything else you need?" I was thinking, "How dumb. You're not a waitress, you're a food-bringer-outer." But I actually said "No" and then sped off like a maniac. Got home, gave the kiddos their hotdogs... and my HAMBURGER WAS MISSING! :glare: I had to eat a banana for lunch :glare: Miss Sorry-Excuse-for-a -waitress didn't even check to see if she got all my food in the bag. I forgive her though. So, the point of all this is: 1. I had no idea a tip was expected, but now I am no longer confused by the comment today by our "waitress". Why yes, I am slow. I've been going to Sonic for years, and it never occured to me.:001_huh: 2. I felt bad for a split second, but then it passed since she didn't deserve a tip anyway. I would have lost even MORE money had I tipped! 3. I will use the drive-thru for now on. The only reason I park is so I don't feel rushed to make a decision when I get up to the window. 4. I can't believe all of this! Sonic food is rediculously over-priced as it is! But I will continue to go because they deep-fry their corndogs. The End. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennsmile Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I emailed Sonic trying to get a straight answer if they work for tips or not. Never did get an answer. I often lately have been paying with my debit card and so I don't tip but they don't offer that as an option if you pay with your cc or debit card. So Yes if I pay cash usually yes. If I pay debit no. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I always used to until they changed to where you can use debit cards. For some reason their system doesn't allow you to leave tips so now I only leave a tip when I have cash. I do think that they deserve tips as they are more than just fast food service workers. They bring your food out to your car rain or shine and will make extra efforts to make sure that you have everything you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snickelfritz Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 (edited) Well, I did a little googling. I clearly remembered an article, years ago, saying the local Sonic workers were paid minimum wage and tips were not counted on in the same way as other waitresses. I found a few things that said, due to franchising, it does depend. I did find a current "help wanted" at the local Sonic that boasted of good tips. Now, what I run into is... 1. I don't carry much cash. At all. A handful of change, usually. If we buy food there, I use my card. There is not a tip option at Sonic. At sit-down restaurants, we always leave a tip on the card. 2. If we buy drinks at happy hour, we spend $2-$3 on drinks. So, how much tip is appropriate on that amount? Hand them 20% and call it an excellent tip? Edited June 13, 2012 by snickelfritz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reeciecup Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Here (northeast Florida) they make $5/hour, they depend on tips to come up to minimum wage. They also have to make up any money lost through drive offs. :iagree: My daughter had to pay $80 one night! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara in AZ Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I always feel unsure about this and have great anxiety. So that's why I always go through the drive through at Sonic. You don't have to tip at the drive through do you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ByGrace3 Posted June 13, 2012 Author Share Posted June 13, 2012 Thanks for all the responses! I admit to being baffled by all of this. The thought never crossed my mind before today. To me it was just like any other fast food establishment. Does it matter if you stay and eat there? We always treat it as a drive through. I am fairly certain the ones around here get minimum wage (not below). I do not go to Sonic very often, but when we do it is usually for happy hour/half price drinks. How much does one tip on a $.99 drink? and if you have to tip on it, the deal doesn't seem to wonderful anymore. I always drive up instead of through so I am not rushed to order, or if the line is long. And it is a little nicer to just sit and wait instead of slowly progressing through a line, Also, I think I just think it is cool since we never had a Sonic when I was little! ;) If tips ARE expected, why is there no option when you pay with a credit/debit card which I almost ALWAYS do... even for my $1.00 drink. :confused: And why did no one ever tell me this before now?!?!? :001_huh: Though, I am still not convinced. This poll being split in half is not helping my confusion. :willy_nilly: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I always do, because I had a friend who worked there years ago and made less than minimum wage, and depended on her tips. Even if I pay with my cc/debit card I will still give the car hop a cash tip when she brings out the food. Once, I was embarrassed to discover that I only had 50 lousy cents on hand! But I gave it to her, and she thanked me just as warmly as if I had given her a generous tip, which impressed me. (And told me that they probably DO depend on their tips, if they appreciate every one that much!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
praisefor3 Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 To me the ownership of Sonic deliberately discouraged tipping their employees when they went to their current electronic pay option which doesn't allow you to add a tip. Why would they do this? I know the technology is there to enter a tip. That being the case, I assume that they are aware that they have drastically reduced the tip potential for their own employees. However...if I do have cash I do tip. No cash...no tip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hannah C. Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I voted other. I have in the past, but don't usually. I have never been able to figure out whether or not they get paid minimum wage. If they get paid less, then I want to tip. But I usually pay with a credit card, and I do not think there is a way to tip on the credit card at our local Sonics. In TX, if a waiter doesn't make minimum wage with tips then the employer has to make up the difference. I would assume the same would go for Sonic employees if they are paid less than minimum wage by Sonic. As for carhops being forced to pay for food when people drive off: How is that even legal?!? HOW in the WORLD can they justify that?! Unless they're assuming that the carhop will know if the food's been paid for before they walk out with it, they will get the money first before handing over the food, and if they don't then they are complicit in the stealing. I've heard of restaurants doing this to waiters when people walk out, too, which makes even less sense. Thankfully none of the places my waiter husband works has had this vile policy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Other: Yes, but not if all I have is a card and no cash, in which case I feel guilty. But we have a Sonic nearby and it's always the same two servers, and they know I make up the tip the next time; so not too guilty. Ditto!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy1k Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Huh. Sonic is fairly new around here, but I never even considered tipping. I figured it was like any fast food place. FTR, here everyone is paid at least minimum wage...$9.04 right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Here (northeast Florida) they make $5/hour, they depend on tips to come up to minimum wage. They also have to make up any money lost through drive offs. This is illegal in many states. You should check with your DoL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chepyl Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I don't tip at Sonic. I also don't sit and eat and I don't ask them to go back for anything unleas my order is messed up. The one by our house does not have a drive thru option. It also had awful drinks!! So I have not been to a Sonic in two years! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara in AZ Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 It really stresses me out at Sonic when the drive through line gets backed up and they send a rollerblader out to swipe my card at one of the stalls. What to do then? I don't think I have to tip, but I always feel awkward and guilty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 (edited) :iagree: My daughter had to pay $80 one night! In my state it is not legal for an employer to make an employee pay for things like that. That totally sucks and even in states where it is legal is a bad policy and hearing that makes me think twice about stopping at Sonic for drinks when we drive through a city with one (for the best since I can't drink them now!) I think it is incumbent on the restaurant to set up a system that ensures they get paid and not take it out on the low wage food service worker. Edited June 13, 2012 by kijipt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I usually tip there but I don't go often. The closest one is 250+ miles away to my knowledge. We have stopped there but the food is not my thing. I did like the drinks but I really can't drink calories anymore so I think it is unlikely I will ever go again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reeciecup Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 In my state it is not legal for an employer to make an employee pay for things like that. That totally sucks and even in states where it is legal is a bad policy and hearing that makes me think twice about stopping at Sonic for drinks when we drive through a city with one (for the best since I can't drink them now!) I think it is incumbent on the restaurant to set up a system that ensures they get paid and not take it out on the low wage food service worker. They don't say she is paying for the drive off, they say she is paying for the shortage. Every order she takes out, she has to scan into her system atthe end of the night she has to have the money for everything she scanned for. If she comes up short she has to pay the difference. If she comes up over they keep the difference. The only time she had a drive off, wasn't really her fault or the customers. The customer called in the order, then paid with a credit card. Then the customer called back and added something to the order. The change in the order caused the computer to cancel the credit card payment. The customer was supposed to run the card again, but probably didn't realize it. My dd didn't take the order, she only carried it out, and she thought the order was paid, because she had the original receipt and it said it was paid. It was really the fault of the person taking the order, but my dd had to pay it, and $80 is like a week's pay for her! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveOaksAcademy Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I tip sometimes. I don't always tip them. If I go to happy hour in order to save money, I'm not going to give them more than small change. I often give them 15-20 cents to go along with my $1 drink. It just depends on the day and how much I have. Some days I have nothing, so I give them nothing. Other times I go above and beyond. I don't feel obligated...it is a fast food place, not a restaurant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2denj Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Here (northeast Florida) they make $5/hour, they depend on tips to come up to minimum wage. They also have to make up any money lost through drive offs. I am so glad that you posted this!! I am in NE FLA, and I too am guilty. I usually leave the change as a tip. I will definitely be tipping them more now. I had no idea that they only made $5/hr. I honestly think they should have a sign up, maybe saying tips are appreciated. Thanks for sharing the info!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTJo1996 Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I do tip them since my nearest Sonic is in a college town, and I know the servers are all students at the university. I recently went during "happy hour" and the total was something crazy like $1.75. I gave her a $5 and told her to keep it. she was shocked, and I thought WOW! My change just made her day! And then she started telling me she was saving up her money and trying hard NOT to need to take out her college loan for her last semester. You never know how your change can bless a person! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Lordy , I never thought of that! There is a Sonic near CollegeMan's college and we always stop there either coming or going from school....now I better make sure I have a couple bucks handy to tip the kid who brings out the food. I do not recall ever seeing a way to add a tip when swiping a card, like I have done each time I order. Thanks for the heads up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I voted no, although dh would sometimes. As it is these days we haven't been to one in many, many months and if we went previously it was just for drinks as they didn't have anything to eat and even then that was extremely rare. It seems an odd thing to expect people to tip for though, as it isn't much different than regular fastfood. Also, it seems as a pp stated that with the change to electronic transactions so much they need to change that as well. I'd rather they just pay everyone the same personally. I hate tip etiquette. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dobela Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Our local sonics now pay minimum wage. In years past they were paid much less, at one time only $2.85 an hour. I will tip sometimes, maybe up to the next dollar or 2, but not always. Ours now has signs posted saying that the server is not allowed to ask for tips, or ask if you want the change, and must always give back all change. You can then give them part of the change if you chose, but they are not to assume that they will automatically receive it. Apparently some rules like that are determined by local owners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DusksAngel Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 When I worked at Sonic, we made at least minimum wage. We still tip as long as we pay with cash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carol p Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 If there is a waiter, I tip. Carol Mom 3 boys:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXBeth Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 When I worked at Sonic we were paid minimum wage (5.15 at the time I started). I'd say about 50-60% of my customers tipped, and I walked away with at least $10/hr on nights I car hopped, which was way more than a 16-yr-old could have gotten anywhere else at that time. We did not have to pay for drive-offs that we had scanned; my boss said that was illegal and he always removed them from our tally. We don't go to Sonic very often because my husband doesn't like the food and it is way overpriced. That being id, I personally think minimum wage is perfectly acceptable for a fast food job, and I only tip at Sonic if a server goes above and beyond, if we stay and eat there, or if there is a little change that I would rather not have jangling around in my purse. Sometimes I also tip if the carhop skates, which is increasingly rare around here, because that makes it more of a fun experience than just picking up fast food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Other: Yes, but not if all I have is a card and no cash, in which case I feel guilty. But we have a Sonic nearby and it's always the same two servers, and they know I make up the tip the next time; so not too guilty. This is me. I so rarely have cash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
extendedforecast Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Only when I pay cash, or have some money in my wallet. If all I have is a credit card, I can't tip, because there is no space to add a tip to the receipt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 (edited) If there is a waiter, I tip. Carol Mom 3 boys:) Are fast-food deliverers waiters, though? They don't refill drinks or come back to check on you (then again, neither did our waitress at Applebees recently!). Once they take the money and give you your order, the customer interaction is pretty much over. If it's the walking that makes one a waiter, what about the times when a worker at a counter or in the drive-through has to bring your order to you for whatever reason? Do you (I mean the general you) tip then? I think all Sonics should pay at least minimum wage. It's absurd that some apparently don't. Edited June 13, 2012 by WordGirl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I assumed Sonic was just another fast food joint. We do not tip for fast food, so no I do not. I need to look into their pay, but most people in fast food here make more than minimum wage. We only tip at sit down restaurants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FriedClams Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Are fast-food deliverers waiters? :iagree: I do not tip and I go to Sonic often. I don't care how the system is set up - its fast food. I have to order it, and they carry it to me. To me it's no different than having someone hand me food at Wendy's. Carrying a drink to my car is not a huge service and not one deserving of a tip. I also do not tip at most 'fast casual' places. If I have to stand in line, order my food, get my drink, and refill my drink - and you carry out my food to me - no tip. It's ridiculous. I will tip marginally for fast casual that refills my drink. I will say that at sit down places I tip well. I consider 20% after tax my norm. I will also tip above that and call a manager over to laud a waiter for excellent service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snickelfritz Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Are fast-food deliverers waiters, though? They don't refill drinks or come back to check on you (then again, neither did our waitress at Applebees recently!). Once they take the money and give you your order, the customer interaction is pretty much over. If it's the walking that makes one a waiter, what about the times when a worker at a counter or in the drive-through has to bring your order to you for whatever reason? Do you (I mean the general you) tip then? I think all Sonics should pay at least minimum wage. It's absurd that some apparently don't. :iagree: I guess I'll hit the drive-through line, instead of parking, to avoid any future question. It's faster, anyway. I just like parking to get everything distributed to people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ByGrace3 Posted June 13, 2012 Author Share Posted June 13, 2012 I am seriously amazed at how heated this topic got on FB. One person even called it a "controversial" topic... :001_huh: I did a little googling myself and apparently the opinion is split down the middle. I imagine that is because some Sonics pay minimum wage and some pay less... If they got paid less then I can see expecting tips, but not if they make min wage. Well, I am officially unconvinced. :tongue_smilie: I think I will find out the wage of the local Sonic. But if it is minimum wage, I will continue to use the drive up without tipping . . . without guilt. :tongue_smilie: If it is less, I shall reconsider. Glad I don't go often because I can see this driving me crazy! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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