I think at places like togos, or a coffee bar, or some place similar, the tip jar has sort of turned into the “tips from regulars and random folk, and unwanted miscellaneous change jar”.  If I get $.18 back from buying a sandwich, I’m probably not going to want the change, and I’ll just dump it in the tip jar.

just my $0.18…

I’m inclined to agree with you, mice.  In this upcoming-Olympic city, there has been quite a lot of debate in the free commuter newspaper about tipping.  Rarely do I feel I get outstanding service though so I generally stick to the 15% rule.  It’s not up to me to subsidise a server’s wage.  They do just fine.  Last summer my friend was paying rent and living off her tips and banking the wages.  I’ve never worked a job where I’ve been tipped. 

I’m not sure about the coffee bar tip jar..