If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it

In Friday’s Opinion section, columnist Coke Ellington argues that tipping has outlasted its usefulness. Don’t tell that to restaurant customers: A recent survey of 3,000 U.S. consumers by Horizon Media found that a whopping 81 percent prefer the status quo to a tip-free alternative.

Restaurant employees hold a similar view: My organization used Google’s Consumer Survey tool to poll roughly 2,500 self-reported restaurant employees who earn tips, and nearly 60 percent rejected even a $15 minimum wage if it meant they would no longer receive tips.

Those looking to get rid of this successful model should take a tip from employees and customers: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”