The "Man" Exists In India

As I logged in to create this post, I realized it's been a while since I blogged last. I guess that means we are finally settling in here. We have something that resembles a routine, and most days pass without major issues. To keep us rooted in our western ways, we order Subway at least once a week; sometimes more. Compared to other options, they are fast, cheap and reasonably healthy. The guys usually show up in 15-20 minutes (like clockwork), so we tend to use the 'keep the change' methodology of tipping. Our rational is the guys do a good job of holding up on their end of the bargain, so it's a good excuse for us to be generous and give to India in a way that doesn't end up in the pockets of those who already have plenty?

Apparently, this has caused problems at our local Subway. We ordered lunch today, and new face appeared at the door. Today was a 15 minute day. I open the door to great him, but something out of the ordinary happened. Instead of giving me the total and handing me our lunch, the delivery guy introduces himself as "Srinivas, the manager of Subway Gachibowli", and extends his hand. Suddenly, the green and white checkered shirt made sense.

Srinivas proceeds to tell me that when his guys come, we take the food and the receipt, give them the money and say 'keep the change'. I confirmed this is what usually happens. This is an indirect and non-confrontational (read: typical Indian) way of saying we are over tipping. He goes on to say that his guys are fighting with each other to determine who gets our delivery. Being a fixer, I suggested that he have the guys take turns. That seems reasonable, right?

His solution to the problem was that we reduce our tip amount by 80-90% of what we normally give. Instead of helping out a group of guys who are working to earn an honest living, we were basically asked to scale things back stick to the status quo.

I was pretty amused by the whole thing. I haven't decided what to the next time we order Subway. Do we continue to fund the Subway Fight Club, or do we help an ineffective manager keep control of his team by tipping more appropriately?

The takeaway for this one is no matter where you go, The Man will be there to keep the people below him down. Sigh...

I hope things are more boring or normal where ever you are.

Be well,

-TJS