Originally Posted by crabbing

people need to stop perpetuating the notion that not tipping servers, or tipping less than 15%, cuts into their income.

outside of california, if servers (or anyone whose wages are expected to be supplemented by tips) don't make 15%, their employers must make up the difference. in california, tipped workers make full minimum wage already, and the tip is truly a "bonus."

the whole reason we've had tip inflation, with the spreading expectation to tip 20% or more, is restaurant employers trying to protect themselves from this obligation. if the restaurant convinces three customers to tip 20%, then it doesn't have to worry about the fourth who doesn't leave any tip.

remember: the server whose conduct makes you want to leave a 0% is the restaurant's problem, not yours. if circumstances justify leaving a small tip or no tip at all, then leave the tip that you feel is appropriate.