The Wildcatter’s Philosophy of Tipping

Nothing opens up a Wildcatter's wallet like rewarding first rate service.

We can thank 17th Century England for the custom of tipping. Thought to be an acronym for “To Insure Promptitude”, tipping began in the taverns of the Mother Country (this makes total sense; Wildcatters do their best tipping in taverns!). Many people find the entire concept of tipping annoying and distasteful. In the United States during the early 1900s, there were even efforts to push for anti-tipping laws.  It was believed that the custom created an aristocratic class attitude in a country that fought so hard to avoid the stratification of our society.

So much drama over such a simple concept! Fortunately, Wildcatters have no stress or anxiety about tipping. Read on to learn how a Wildcatter views the much maligned practice of tipping.

  • Unwritten Contract – Wildcatters don’t make the rules, but they do play by them. For reasons we do not control, our society has created an unwritten contract between customers and certain service providers regarding tipping. Written or not, Wildcatters always honor their contracts.
  • Don’t Participate – If the concept of an unwritten contract is troublesome to you then, by all means, don’t participate. However, don’t selfishly expect to reap the benefits of these informal deals without holding up your end of the bargain. Simple solution: go to fast food joints instead of 5-star restaurants; carry your own luggage; walk instead of calling a taxi; and, most importantly, don’t go to Vegas…this city runs on tips. FYI – Wildcatters love Vegas!!
  • Hard Work – Wildcatters are self-made individuals that work hard…and they appreciate hard workers. Nothing opens up a Wildcatter’s wallet like rewarding first rate service.
  • To Insure Promptness…Nonsense! A Wildcatter knows that people in the service industry are working as diligently as possible. To suggest that service will be better if a little extra is paid is quite insulting.
  • Payment for Services Rendered – Many people tip well for the anticipation of better service in the future. Not Wildcatters. The tip they give is for the service rendered with no strings attached. The expectation of receiving preferential treatment in the future is just bad form. Oddly ironic though, most people in the service industry have very long memories.