"Martin Hotze" wrote in message
news
On Sun, 28 Nov 2004 18:14:30 GMT, C Kingsbury wrote:

*hehe*
yep, in Europe most likely you don't calculate a percentage as a tip but
more likely you round up the total. And I don't like the idea of
*expected*
tipping - even as part of their income. Let the boss pay their wages (even
if this would mean to raise the prices on the menue). I generally only tip
if the service was more than average (friendly and prompt service is part
of the job and is expected).

Just keep in mind that your average waitress is paid somewhere around
$3/hour by the restaraunt. Thus if you don't tip, the person basically
doesn't get paid. You may find the "system" objectionable but don't take it
out on the person at the bottom of the food chain. When in Rome...

FWIW, the "system" does make some sense. First, it clearly connects pay to
volume of work. On a busy night you work harder and get paid more. This is
fairer to the staff and simpler for management. Second, it connects pay to
quality very directly. The waitress is essentially paid by the customer
after the service has been delivered, allowing you to vote with your wallet.

I am one of those who feels tipping is getting a little out of hand- more
and more people expect it and the percentage people think they're entitled
to keeps going up. But, I have no doubt that the alternative would lead to
much worse service.

-cwk.