Originally Posted by
QueenOfCoach
That's just the way it is. Don't like it? Eat at home. If you are not in the US, don't come here. You are not particularly welcome if you act like a Big Jerk to American workers.
Obviously hit a nerve here. Since it's America, and America is all about free market, you should welcome the customer paying the price they see fit. If the establishment/server makes it clear that a tip of a minimum amount is a contractual obligation (before service is entered into) then tip it is. If the server doesn't like that, they are welcome to find another job in the free market which they do like (or, live the American dream and start their own business).
If I'm not required by law to tip, and I'm not required by contractual agreement to tip, then don't expect me to tip. Even in America. It's your fault for not stating it as a requirement at the outright.