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Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Tipping: Bribery or a thank-you? For some Wisconsinites, it's a living - Green Bay Press Gazette

APPLETON - Meghan Selenka is a young entrepreneur who opened her first business as an esthetician just seven months ago. As the owner of Meghan Caroline Esthetics, where she provides cosmetic services, Selenka is used to receiving tips from her clients after their appointments.

Americans are familiar with the concept of tipping in a food service environment. But when it comes to other service industries, who to tip and how much to tip is often debated.

Although she sets her own prices, tips from Selenka's clients bring in a little more revenue, which allows her to improve her business. For example, she recently purchased a new machine thanks to tips she'd received.

"I never expect people to tip me because my pricing structure covers all my bases, but I do take it as a huge compliment when people do tip," Selenka said.

Selenka also has experience in the food industry. As a server, Selenka said tips were much more vital for her to make a living — so much so that when she didn't receive them, it made an impact.

100 years ago, in some parts of the country, tipping was illegal

At this point, it's safe to say customers understand why they should tip their waiters, waitresses and bartenders. The habit is so ingrained that some restaurants will include a gratuity on the bill for larger-than-normal tables.

Because these occupations are most likely to receive tips, the hourly wage is usually minimum wage or less.

While the origins of tipping in the U.S. are often debated, Time...



Read Full Story: https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/money/2022/10/17/tipping-bribery-t...