Originally Posted by
PeteTheBrit
It would make things more comfortable for everyone if tips did not form such a crucial part of the wage of waiter/waitress. They will be able to safely predict their earnings over a period affording them stability.
I often wonder why Americans cling so fiercely to the tipping culture, and why a more socially responsible system is not in place. Can anyone enlighten me?
I think the underlying notion is that good service deserves recognition, if you remove the incentive (the tips) from otherwise low paying jobs, then service will suffer. In terms of the business owner it's a no-brainer, why not let the public supplement your staffs' wages? Mind you, I don't necessarily think the rationale holds up, service in Japan is almost always uniformly excellent and tipping is non-existent.
At the end of the day it's a cultural/societal norm, the merits of which are debatable. I think this is a situation where common sense should prevail, even if you find the practice objectionable bite the bullet during your travels and do like the locals.