This is one of the few things I really dread about moving to the US. From a British perspective, I just don't understand it. It seems to me like a completely cynical ploy by the service sector to offset the rightful conflict over wages which should be happening employee vs. employer, to employee vs. customer.
It's the same stupid thing about not having sales tax included in the sticker price. Americans always say to me 'Yeah but if the price on the shelf/menu included tax/tips, then nobody would ever buy!'
What difference does it make?! I'm paying the same amount regardless. In fact, if the tip is included, there's less ambiguity, so we don't have this awkward mind game every time I go to settle up.
I have tipped in the UK, where it is not expected, but only when I receive truly outstanding service. To have it be expected just feels like a shakedown.
There's a lot I love about American culture, and look forward to adopting myself, but tipping is not part of that.
It's the same stupid thing about not having sales tax included in the sticker price. Americans always say to me 'Yeah but if the price on the shelf/menu included tax/tips, then nobody would ever buy!'
Having experienced both, I still like sales tax separate because it's a constant reminder that taxes exist. Otherwise you get the income tax problem where people vote for stupid policies because they've never had to calculate taxes and send a check to the feds.
I suppose that is a secondary benefit of having it out there in the open like that--people can see just how much of their daily purchases are going to the government. Personally, I get pissed enough just looking at my payslips.
This is one of the few things I really dread about moving to the US. From a British perspective, I just don't understand it. It seems to me like a completely cynical ploy by the service sector to offset the rightful conflict over wages which should be happening employee vs. employer, to employee vs. customer.
It's the same stupid thing about not having sales tax included in the sticker price. Americans always say to me 'Yeah but if the price on the shelf/menu included tax/tips, then nobody would ever buy!'
What difference does it make?! I'm paying the same amount regardless. In fact, if the tip is included, there's less ambiguity, so we don't have this awkward mind game every time I go to settle up.
I have tipped in the UK, where it is not expected, but only when I receive truly outstanding service. To have it be expected just feels like a shakedown.
There's a lot I love about American culture, and look forward to adopting myself, but tipping is not part of that.
Having experienced both, I still like sales tax separate because it's a constant reminder that taxes exist. Otherwise you get the income tax problem where people vote for stupid policies because they've never had to calculate taxes and send a check to the feds.
I suppose that is a secondary benefit of having it out there in the open like that--people can see just how much of their daily purchases are going to the government. Personally, I get pissed enough just looking at my payslips.