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 · 36-40, M

@bijouxbroussard That make sense.

[quote]"gratuity" is calculated into the bill,[/quote]
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?

[quote] There’s even a saying among some of my countrymen, "If you can’t afford to tip, you can’t afford to eat out." [/quote]
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 [b]not[/b] 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 · 36-40, M

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