Do you think tipping or gratuity is necessary?

[MrOracle]

It depends on where you are. In the US, tipping is expected and the economy of many service businesses are built around it. In other countries, things are structured differently and tipping isn't expected.

Let me give you an example, and for obvious reasons, I'm simplifying the example and we'll ignore things like exchange rates and such.

You are in, say, Italy, and you go out for a meal in a sit-down restaurant. Tipping isn't expected or common, and wait staff are paid above the minimum wage, as that is their only compensation. You order a basic meal and you pay $25 for it.

Then, you are in the US. You go out for essentially the same meal, but tipping is expected in the US, and wait staff are paid about HALF of the normal minimum wage by the restaurant (this is the norm and the law allows it for jobs where tipping is expected). The restaurant charges you $20 for your meal, $5 less than Italy, because their payroll costs are lowet, BUT you are expected to leave a 15-20% tip if you received good service. Your total cost for your meal is essentially the same, it's just structured differently. The tipping system motivates servers to give you good (even great) service or risk an instant reduction in pay.

For anyone who has experienced service in restaurants without tipping, you will have probably experienced indifferent or even hostile "service" that is jarring to someone used to the American system. Not all places are this way, certainly, but it's not uncommon either.

The key point to understand is that if tipping was eliminated, restaurants would have to pay wait staff about triple to make up for it, and menu prices would be raised significantly to pay for it. You'd effectively end up paying just as much, but there would be much less motivation to provide excellent service.

Wait positions would be much less competitive, and would attract a lower quality worker on average, and service quality would definitely fall.

[guesswhoseback]

One thing I like about tipping is it rewards servers/workers on PERFORMANCE. Also in some restaurants tips are split with the kitchen staff. A bar I worked at in college split all the tips between doormen, servers and bartenders. So it was a team effort to please the customer.

I much rather have the tip system vs some ridiculously government mandated $15 an hour minimum wage (which is going out lots of places out of business)

With that said I tend to be the generous type. If I have a bad experience I will tip the custom 15 percent but I’ll never frequent the restaurant/bar (or where ever) again. But I know there are a lot of cheap ass people out there who don’t tip well or tip at all.

I don’t know if you have ever seen the movie “serving” with Ryan Reynolds. He had a famous quote “don’t f*ck with people who serve your food”. After hearing that I’m always polite to servers. If their rude to me I’ll talk to the manager about their behavior afterwards. That usually sets them straight later.

[SomeBlondeChick]

Except for cultures where tipping is a no or included in the bill if you pay attention... I always tip and I think of people who don't in similar situations as conceited/pretentious good for nothing's that aren't worth associating with. They'd be the first and loudest to bitch after all about not getting tips if they worked that job instead.

What's the issue? The average server, delivery driver, etc., after all, makes minimum or below wage and may end up working two or three jobs to get by. When I was helping a friend at his hotel restaurant, doing the accounting work for woman on holiday, one of the wait staff got three-four hours of sleep a day with all his jobs.

[lilyanony1]

Everyone is seriously underpaid when they have to serve others...
I think its nice to tip as it would help balance out their wages but no one else is able to get that sort of return. And that's why I think many aren't bothering so instead companies are increasing delivery fees with the option of tips, that way it means they can make it worth their while but honestly I think like anything the company benefits from it. I resort to giving drivers a tip at the door, so they don't have to declare it

[dmgstarfleet]

When I was a child a tip was expected to be up to 10%. Somewhere along the line it became 15% then 20%. Now even fast food places expect a tip. I tip because most of these positions don't pay well but I resent the steady rise in % which seems just to be restaurant owners saving on paying a decent wage and really resent paying a tip for fast food. Also, when the Republicans passed their tax "reform" (More like tax DEFORM) they included a provision that employers can take their employees tips. It was explained it could then be distributed to non-tipped employees "to be fair". There is, however, no requirement that the business owner redistribute such tips and nothing stops them from simply keeping it.

[Hermes-Paris]

In the US it is out of hand. I buy a donut and I have to press a button on how much tip I should give. It starts at 10% and goes to 20%. It' a fricking donut. They take it out of a case and put it in a bag and for that they want another 20% on top of the price of the donut? I saved our client over 4 million dollars on a project several years ago. I did not get a tip. Maybe I should have sent my invoice with one of those things where you press the button. 10% 15% 20%. I will take 15% of 4 million any day. I might even buy some donuts.

[WhiteSteve]

It depends on the wage rules where you live. But where I live, all of those occupations are paid well below minimum wage and the expectation is that the tip money from the customers will be the bulk of their earnings. We can say that it shouldn’t be up to the customer to pay a business’ employee, and maybe that’s a fair dispute, but the fact is, if we eliminated tipping, your fixed cost of your meal would greatly increase, and you’re now paying $20 instead of $12. The point is, it’s going to come out of your pocket one way or another, or you’ll price yourself out of being able to eat out, so just tip and don’t be a douche about the whole thing, lmao.

[Anonymous]

Pay the servers the same as the kitchen staff and let this tipping garbage fall by the wayside. Servers are entirely too entitled. You write down orders and carry food, get off the high horse. And I've seen the little chat groups they keep to talk shit about customers who inconvenience them. They seriously believe you should state your order with no small-talk, take what you're given even if it's wrong, never ask for extra anything, and tip them big bucks for their extraordinary service, even if they're doing the bare minimum.

[NamerOfStars]

Here in the US, many service jobs are paid below minimum wage with the expectation that tips will compensate for it. The law actually requires employers to make up the difference if they don't, so it's not quite as screwy as it sounds at first glance, but it's still kinda stupid.

As the idea of tipping has spread beyond sit-down restaurants to more and more parts of the service sector, the annoyance has grown accordingly; in particular because it's usually unspoken. I'd much prefer it if they simply charged more upfront- I like to know what I'm getting into ahead of time. It seems downright manipulative to do otherwise.

[SystemOfTheMachine]

I live in the USA, and if you don't tip here, then you're an asshole. Only if they give you bad service should you not tip. Mediocre or good service should get about 20% of the check. Servers get paid like no money by their employers and unless it is one of the few American restaurants that are ethical and pay their workers an actual living wage, you should always tip. Restaurants relying on tipping is a terrible practice and it is a by-product of slavery in the United States, look up the history of it. It would be nice if we made legislation that banned it and forced restaurants to pay their servers the actual minimum wage, so we wouldn't have to even think about it.

[lightbulb27]

id say no, they are doing a job. but the concept is a reward system for doing doing well. in restaurants, its very important to keep someone coming back and positive reviews, working for a tip means they will be extra nice.

but I don't tip my banker...

[Luv2BRealExotic13]

Now that CoVid is happening, with small business I try tip 10% on to go. I used to be a server and delivery driver but I also read what minimum wage is. People can’t live off $4/hr and get a nice pair of shoes they wanted or even gas. So I tip. If someone can’t afford to tip that’s okay too. If they’re a regular sit in that doesn’t tip, servers might be hesitant to pick them up on their roster. If the server is a complete jerk I may not tip depends though on a case by case basis.

[courtney06]

Yes usually I tip especially if I have consistent income. Even if it’s a little, better than nothing.

I may not tip if:
- If I’ve done business with them multiple times in a small period and already tipped them those times.
- If my budget is low

[legalboxers]

https://dianegottsman.com/2014/04/16/tips-to-insure-prompt-service-and-other-useful-acronyms/

TIPS: “To Insure Prompt Service”. The acronym T-I-P-S is a valuable reminder to treat your server with respect and courtesy, and to reward people who provide services to you with a proper gratuity for their efforts. There are several debates over the definition and origin of this acronym, and whether the word “tips” came about in the 16th century, 18th century or someone made the story up behind a blue velvet curtain in 1962, it clearly has training value. It also makes teaching, and learning more fun. Despite how you pronounce potato or “potahto,” tomato or “tomahto,” your server deserves a respectable tip for good service!

[Kurαȷ]

I think tipping is exploitation of the customer.
If you can afford to have a pay-what-you want business model, it's either because you are already getting paid enough, or you are selling something that nobody would be willing to buy if you put a price tag on it.

There is only one motivation behind it- the hope to get paid more than you deserve to get paid.

[Riebeck]

When I worked in deliveries tips doubled my pay, and I actually despised someone if they gave exact change. I gave a subtle nazi goodbye wave if they didn't tip. People who don't tip or tipped excessively left lasting impressions, whereas average tips became a norm and expected. Kinda sad now that I think about it.

Nowadays I don't really tip and only leave an excessive tip when I'm well off.

[hahahmm]

It's a social custom in my country (U. S.) where it's necessary to tip if it's normal for the job & industry the person works in & they did their part of the custom which is providing a professional level of customer service. If they're rude or provide less than the customary amount of service then they don't deserve a tip.

[DrunkAss]

I don't like it at all. In Japan we don't have this system... people like waiters/waitresses get paid properly. But when I'm in the US, I treat it like a requirement. I don't care if the person is mediocre at the job. I figure they need to make a living. So I tip. That said, if someone is outstanding, I'll leave like $100 dollar tip for $20 dinner.

[Ripper_E]

No. That's why it isn't a part of their wage. The only thing a person should ever be required to pay is whatever good or services cost. I wouldn't expect someone to tip me for doing a job if they already paid me for the job. Whether or not they need the money is completely irrelevant.

[Hazelstar99]

In India, labour is cheap. So, it would be really generous to the people who provide you service as they are paid less. Well, tipping should be given according to a country's culture. Like I heard in Scandinavian country they don't pay tip. Even if you try to give them they're going to return it because they believe that they are paid for their service already.

[RawIronhide]

Yes, tip well, I know servers they deserve the tips they don't get paid much without it. I think it's strange that they don't just pay them more and not add gratuity but whatever it's not like that now.

[NopeWhatTime]

People who work for tips don't make minimum wage, so you should always tip to some degree no matter the service. They need to be able to make an income. That said, if they provide bad service then don't tip them much more, but if you get great service then tip them more. A "thank you" is wonderful, but it won't pay their bills.

[Inexpensivefurniture]

Currently yes. Jobs where tipping is expected often have lower salaries because it's expected that the tips will make up for it. If servers and delivery drivers were paid properly by their job then tipping wouldn't be as necessary

[Makeushiver]

I like to tip people who don't normally receive tips but have performed service that's worth of an added bonus. I don't like to - and often tip a minimum amount - to those people who are customarily tipped but give you lousy service and perform as if they're put upon to do the job they are supposed to do

[Anonymous]

Anyone who thinks tipping their server isn't necessary is a moron.

If customers didn't tip, the price of their meal would have to be increased to make up the difference. What tipping does is give the customer some control over that portion of the "price" of their meal so they can choose whether or not to pay it based on the server's performance and thereby motivate the server to impress the customer. That's a good thing.

If morons want tipping to go away, they would only be hurting themselves.

[TheorionMage]

In parts of Europe and Asia it's an insult to the waitstaff's 'professionalism'. Often refused.

The origin of "tips" = "To Insure Prompt Service"
here, its to garner preferentially attentive treatment.

[girlwithsomeqs]

I find it incredibly annoying, just because I can't afford it most of the time. They should just be paid minimum wage. I can't stand the stress of tipping

[MissDawn7961]

I voted yes for those who do the most work need the tips to live off of ! for they R not paid near enough for the job they do and for what they have to put up with ! thanks

[Dazed0N0Confused]

At least in the US it is! My checks are normally voided due to taxes and I live off my tips! Especially if you run your server like a dog, you should tip generously!

[jamesgoldman]

No but here in the UK they don't do that crappy $2 a hour thing

I'll still tip at a bar if the fulfill one of my bizarre orders and on any sitdown meal in a restaurant

[Daedelus]

In the US, it's basic human decency to tip. It SHOULDN'T be - the tipping system is just a scam by businesses to pay lower wages and pass the cost on to customers, and should be abolished immediately and replaced with fair wages - but it is.

[Bee-Hatch]

When the service warrants it I'll happily tip, but it's not guaranteed from me.


However I don't live in one of those backwards places where the wages are so low the serving staff rely on it.

[dragoblack]

In the united states, tipping is needed because they get paid below minimum wage, because politics says "they make more off of tips than they would per hour on minimum wage". In other countries tips are not needed and in some, considered rude because they get paid a living wage to do their job

[humanearth]

The only time I don't tip, if I get crappy device.

Bad = Zero
Fair = 10%
Good = 15%
Off the chart = 20% - 30%

I believe good service should be rewarded

[RationalMale]

Literally everyone wants a tip these days. You walk up to the counter, buy a donut, and they hand it to you in a bag? Tip jar. Drive through at a coffee place? Tip jar. Was the effort of handing me my order too much? I thought it was the person's job! Silly me.

[AdithyaR]

Tipping isn't very common here in India, so I wouldn't know much about it.
I tipped the delivery people when they worked during the lockdowns.
Sometimes I tip for exceptional service in restaurants.

[InferiorElegy]

I always tip, except in countries where it's seen as a rude gesture (haven't been to any other country yet but I wouldn't want to come off as rude when I do)

[Hypnos0929]

If you're in the US then yes. If you don't think tipping is okay then state it before you order any food otherwise I'll assume you're just a cheap dick.
If you can't afford to tip then I understand, as someone who is a waiter but can't dine out often I get it's embarrassing but I understand.

[genericname85]

here in germany, tipping is unusual, cause waiters get wages, they can live off. you'd tip for exceptionally good service. not normally. however i think being nice if you're treated nice should be mandatory.

[RasmusAiken]

Servers earn far below minimum wage. Therefore earning your tip becomes the hustle they need to earn a living. I tip 15-18% on the actual food and drinks (I won't tip for the "favor" of the restaurant adding sales and local taxes to my bill).

[Anonymous]

I mean, sometimes YES, but I don't think society should shun me if I don't want to. I'm not gonna tip you unless you've provided exceptional service. If you're not making enough take it up with your boss! I'm sure as hell not leaving you a 20% tip on a $100 meal.

[killerboots]

I don't think you're obligated to tip but you better do it. I hear people be putting some extra "special" sauce on stiffers. I do not like people doing anything to my food so I leave a decent amount

[CapitalismFailed]

We don't do it much int the UK except for t taxi drivers and waitresses. I understand in the US it's expected by pretty much anyone who provides a service.

[DizzyDesii]

If they seem rude or stuckup, fck a tip. They ain't gettin crap. If he’s hot, i’d tip a $10 or $20. If its a female or a nonhot dude then i’ll tip $2-5

[sheikalana]

Tipping and gratuity is not mandatory where I live. I'm very happy to tip when a job or a service is very well executed tho.

[Guanfei]

Here it's not mandatory, and it shouldn't be anywhere. The customer orders something, he pays the price for it, and that's it. He doesn't have to pay an extra because the boss refuses to pay his employees.
It's not the customer's problem.

[thecuriousone2020]

Depends on how good the service is but sometimes the tip is included in your bill.

[Ivan_]

I didn't vote because I always tip but I don't tip generously unless the service was deserving of a generous tip.

[Shamalien]

Tipping is the best. Merit based income is the best. A good server makes way more than a shitty one and frankly i think all jobs should be like that

[Anonymous]

I don’t tip if I don’t like the service. Why would I give my money to someone who was rude?

[vald9inches]

Its just a bribe so they don't spit in your food. So yes ideally people wouldn't spit in your food and tipping would not be necessary.

[MCheetah]

No. Tipping culture is stupid and should be done away with entirely.

[0112358]

Depends on the country. In some for some services it’s heavily expected.

[EaterPeter]

Yes I prefer to tip most of the time generous or not.

[blondfrog]

Gov should take care of that not the people. You rely on customers you take a chance of not getting tipped.
It's a stupid outdated law that needs to be changed.

[Shazzab]

Necessary? No. A tradition? Yes. Does it inconvenience me? No. Do I genuinely forget to do it? Always.

[msc545]

Yes, because many people live on their tips. That said, I don't like having to subsidize employers who pay shitty wages.

[Pete671]

No, in UK by the way, food is expensive enough as it is, US is much cheaper to eat out, so a fair one to tip,,,
Iceland refuse tips,

[StickStickity13]

In the USA yes, otherwise they get paid virtually nothing.

[dreamstar72]

They could/should abolished all tipping and raise the price of food by 25 percent

[Iron_Man]

Yes dog it is because they don’t hardly make anything and that’s how they make their living off of tips

[Slim57]

Yes unless they are completely horrible and direspectful, thats where most of their income comes from

[Maspolomas]

I argue with my son about this all restaurants should pay servers and wait staff 15 an hour so people shouldn’t be obligated to have to leave a tip sorry that’s how I feel. As for now when I do go out and eat I tip well

[Uptowngirl88]

Yes it is especially if they provided you with great customer service