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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DunningKruger · 61-69, M

Tipping should be a reward for good service, but in this day and age, employers are allowed to pay workers such as waiters below the minimum wage because tips are counted as income. Because of that, tips have become a mandatory payment, unless you're a tool.

MartinTheFirst · 26-30, M

@DunningKruger In this day and age in america* it's literally not a problem anywhere else in the world and the mandatory tipping culture is enabling it for you guys.