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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RoxClymer · 41-45, M

I will give you an example, or rather a reverse example from an American view-

was coversing with a woman from a country that doesn't tip, she was at a bar having a drink or 3, getting Absolute shit service from a new bartender, she HAD to pay the 'included' price.

here in America we pay a lower price and leave a tip we think the deserve....in the case of this bartender, after a week or two, maybe a month he would get his shit together after receiving a fraction of the tips other wait staff receives, and improve his service....in other countries, he has no incentive to improve.

Renkon · 41-45, M

@RoxClymer Other countries, I noticed, do not require tipping as part of the payment. You can tip however much you like, if you like. The employees do not frown or complain

Smaller eateries and tea shops, which are usually managed and served by the owner, do not require a gratuity.

Perhaps it is due to differences in job and wage structures between countries.