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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ArishMell · 70-79, M

A very good point.

It's not done to tip most services people, only restaurant and hotel staff, taxi-drivers, one or two others perhaps; but these are usually on low pay or (the drivers) self-employed.

I have no compunction about dropping some coins in a jar on the counter, and I often do that.

Unfortunately the widespread use now of paying by bank-card or telephone, and a growing idea that no-one needs use cash even to buy a bar of chocolate, has led to businesses putting gratuity requests on their card-readers. Since the staff-member is holding that in front of you personally, it leads to tipping by guilt more than gratitude, and in set steps of 0 (no tip) or so-many %.

It feels demanded and impersonal.

Renkon · 41-45, M

@ArishMell 'It feels demanded and impersonal.'
That's exactly what I was thinking. It is becoming increasingly arbitrary rather than voluntary.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@Renkon Losing its point in the process.