Is tipping an expression of gratitude or a mandatory payment?

Is tip part of the chargeable fee? Is it mandatory or is it a social norm? If the institution expects the customer to tip, why not add that on the original bill?

Isn't the client paying for the product and service already? I love a gesture of appreciation for a good service , but if it's expected how can it be a gesture of gratitude.?

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bijouxbroussard · F

In the U.S., you’re basically helping some restaurants pay their staff, because the "gratuity" is calculated into the bill, whether you intended to tip or not. There’s even a saying among some of my countrymen, "If you can’t afford to tip, you can’t afford to eat out."

Possibly why there are so many fast food "drive-thrus"; no tipping is required.

Renkon · 41-45, M

@bijouxbroussard That make sense.

"gratuity" is calculated into the bill,

So essentially we tipping them double?

Aren't they supposed to pay their employees like any other business? These wages are factored into their costs. Why is it the client's responsibility?

There’s even a saying among some of my countrymen, "If you can’t afford to tip, you can’t afford to eat out."

I am finding it hard to agree with this. In this line of reasoning, we should tip the nurse who cares for us at the hospital or any service sector employees.

bijouxbroussard · F

@Renkon I’m not saying it’s logical, although choosing to go out to eat is hardly like needing a nurse’s care. But in the U.S. that does tend to be how tipping works in many restaurants.

Renkon · 41-45, M

@bijouxbroussard hmm.. May be it's something to do the US or a particular social norm.