Originally Posted by xyzzy
I don't agree with this system but it's what we're stuck with in the US.
If I had my druthers I'd start with tip money on the table and add/remove as appropriate duing my time at the establishment leaving the pile of money on the table/bar at the end. That would avoid any miscommunication between the server and the customer and allow poor service to be improved upon.
I love our system of tipping and think it generally works as designed.
Your idea could work in theory, but I suspect many diners would not wish to anger their waiter before they finished eating.
On a related topic, has anyone else noticed that pre-September 11 you had to offer a FA a tip three times before she would accept it, but now most accept it immediately?