51–60 of 112 posts
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Yes
It seems crazy to me that you're doing this as a kind of social service for the waiter or waitress, while helping to withhold owed tax revenue that could be used for other people who may be in need of social services.
slightly related: I've never been to the US but have been aware of the mandatory tipping situation for a fair while. I'm curious though; when I was first made aware of it (2 or 3 decades ago), I am sure that the 'standard' tip was supposed to be closer to 10% than 20%. Is this correct? Has the actual % amount changed?
I'm personally, as a French and as a customer, much more confortable with the new system, and I always a bit ill at ease when dining out in countries that still use the old system: fear of making a miscalculation, of forgetting the tip, of not giving an amount that would be satisfying for the waiter/waitress, of the money not going to the actual person who would deserve it (especially when paying with a credit card), etc.
Many people don't realise; If you receive bad service, complain and the charge can be either reduced or waived altogether.
[edit for clarity]
Earlier quoted context omitted.
It seems crazy to me that you're doing this as a kind of social service for the waiter or waitress, while helping to withhold owed tax revenue that could be used for other people who may be in need of social services.
The tax money would be spent on nukes, not public services.
That really makes no sense to me. When I go to a restaurant, I value the food a lot more than the service. I've come back again to restaurants where I hated the service but loved the food. I've never returned to a restaurant where I loved the service but the food was so-so. So, if I had to choose, I'd be tipping the kitchen staff only.
But as a European, I don't really like the practice of tipping and the rather pushy service from waiters trying to increase the bill (and come every 5 minutes asking me if everything's alright) that comes with it. It's also so much easier to not have to think about tipping at the end of a meal.
Including "tips" (you could still tip for extraordinary service) as well as sales tax in the price might be the first step towards more transparency and fair pay for everyone involved (owners to waiters) in what essentially amounts to a luxury service anyway.
Wage slavery is especially rampant in the food and beverage industry where low margins and high competition are the norm. Including "tips" (you could still tip for extraordinary service) as well as sales tax in the price might be the first step towards more transparency and fair pay for everyone involved (owners to waiters) in what essentially amounts to a luxury service anyway.
I just spent 10 days in New Delhi, India, where they add between 25% and 33% to your bill, before tips, in the name of VAT, Service Tax and Service Charge.
It's a world of difference. So much trust is lost.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Yes
It seems crazy to me that you're doing this as a kind of social service for the waiter or waitress, while helping to withhold owed tax revenue that could be used for other people who may be in need of social services.