Wait isn't this the argument for tipping, I mean maybe it's time to extend the practice to fast food. I mean that way those who do "get it right" and provides fast courtesy and competent services can be rewarded and those that screw it up "3/4 of the time" don't. Seems like a performance incentive. I guess the tip would have to be like 80-120% but hey maybe it be worth it if the service really was that greatly improved. :)
Only problem is, they'd then see their wages cut (just like waiters have), because employers make the justification that "they can get most of their money from tips". But since tips are optional, and the whole model of fast food is order, pay, then scram with your grub, digging out your phone to get the tip calculator app up, then digging out the appropriate amount for a tip will only complicate things, and lengthen lines at the drive thru and counters (which can already be quite long). The chains would see loss of business.
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1. I know you asserted that it wasn't a "living wage" and I'm suggesting that the current minimum wage is in fact a "living wage" not sure where the confusion came from here.
2.Which amount If you mean 1.25 a day yeah that's probably about true, but even making adjustments for ppp I'm sure that 7.50 an hour for an 8 hr day (48x that amount) is a sufficient amount (at least potentially). IF we're talking survival then this is urely plenty sufficient, I mean heck if you work at a fast food place you have cheap access to food right there.
3. Well yeah and that's why mcdonalds in it's much derided sample budget suggests a second job to make up for any shortfall. I mean if youre not working fulltime I don't see why you should be expecting that youre going to be making enough money to support yourself.
4. Calculating a tip really isn't that difficult. I mean especially if were talking about large easy percentages like 100% for example that would be he easiest and accomplish about the same thing. Also i don't think most people worry about tip calculation down to the penny as long as youre accurate in the dollar amount you should be good. I really don't see it as being as problematic as you think, imean there's usually a few minutes wait time anyway between placing the order and picking up the food, maybe in the drive thru it would be an issue but heck with lcd screens they use now they could post a suggested tip to save time.