Twice I have changed where I wash my car. Just last week, I had to run away from my best restaurant and bar. Why? I can no longer sustain the demands for tips.
At my last carwash, I came to realize I was paying more than the rest of other clients. Why? Because “najulikana na mimi ni bazuu.” Then, on top of that, I have to buy “chai” for the guy washing my car. New clients are not asked for “chai.”
At my last restaurant and bar, I had to tip the guy who helps me park even though he is paid per month, I have to tip the waiters, and if I don’t, they demand for it, and with the current economy, it was becoming too much.
Tipping is not bad. But Kenya is not like the United States where tipping is mandatory. In Kenya, tipping is out of courtesy. If the customer is happy with your services, they leave you a tip. It is always nice.
But Kenyan employees have a bad habit. If you tip them once, when you come back the second time, you have to. If you don’t, they demand for it. And sometimes all the customer has is just enough to feed him or have that drink.
As a business owner, you might be wondering why your once loyal customers are running away. Chances are, they are running away because of too much demand for tips. Tips are killing so many businesses, especially bars, carwashes, and even barber shops. It is crazy.
Maybe I only have 500 shillings for two beers. I just want to have those two beers as I think about this corrupt government. Now, if you have to demand a tip, where will get it from? What is the solution? I look for a new joint where I can have two beers and go home to my beautiful wife.
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