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Why do some people think *gratuities* should always be paid?

Mark_d
Posts: 2,360 Forumite

A number of years ago the Advertising Standards Agency gave advice that non-optional charges should be included in the total cost, or at least made explicit (if memory serves me correctly). Lots of places, from restaurants to cruise ships, expect people to pay tips - sometimes a significant proportion of the total cost. I feel this is completely unjustified and downright greedy.
If I choose to pay £25 for a meal, or £2000 for a cruise, that's the amount I've committed to paying because that's what suits my budget. Why do people think I should offer more if the staff provides service with a smile?
Some people say that the workers get low pay and rely on tips. That's not my fault. If/when I want to support people in need - there are plenty of people more in need of money than the workers on cruise ships or in restaurants.
If someone comes to me as a consultant, they pay my agreed fee and that's the end of the matter. I don't ask for extra pay if people are delighted with the advice I give them. I give good service and hope people come back to me. And likewise I reward good service by offering repeat business.
How do others feel?
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Comments
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I just see the gratuity as a line on the bill, much like a glass of wine or the dessert. I don't tip on top of that.
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There are a couple of long running threads on this topic:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5517336/do-you-tip-in-restaurants/p1
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/79151176
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On most cruise lines they are clear about the expectation of tips with that being how their staff earn money. Some more progressive cruise lines have done away with this.
UK restaurants are different though. Many years ago wait staff were asked if they would prefer a higher wage or tips and they chose the wage. There is therefore no legal or moral requirement to pay tips in a UK restaurant (except were explicitly stated e.g. large tables). Other countries though expect tips - I would suggest it is a backward tradition for control freaks.
I personally do not tip in UK restaurants - they set their prices and that is what I pay. If I am in a hurry I may round up a few pence to the nearest pound.
Past caring about first world problems.2 -
I would be ashamed not to tip. You presumably earn a decent wage as a consultant, why shouldn't a waiter earn a decent wage. Although having said that even including tips, wages vary wildly from restaurant to restaurant.0 bonus saver
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Mark_d said:A number of years ago the Advertising Standards Agency gave advice that non-optional charges should be included in the total cost, or at least made explicit (if memory serves me correctly). Lots of places, from restaurants to cruise ships, expect people to pay tips - sometimes a significant proportion of the total cost. I feel this is completely unjustified and downright greedy.If I choose to pay £25 for a meal, or £2000 for a cruise, that's the amount I've committed to paying because that's what suits my budget. Why do people think I should offer more if the staff provides service with a smile?Some people say that the workers get low pay and rely on tips. That's not my fault. If/when I want to support people in need - there are plenty of people more in need of money than the workers on cruise ships or in restaurants.If someone comes to me as a consultant, they pay my agreed fee and that's the end of the matter. I don't ask for extra pay if people are delighted with the advice I give them. I give good service and hope people come back to me. And likewise I reward good service by offering repeat business.How do others feel?
It's your money, you spend it how you like.
You sound annoyed - why does it matter what other people do?2 -
itsthelittlethings said:I would be ashamed not to tip. You presumably earn a decent wage as a consultant, why shouldn't a waiter earn a decent wage. Although having said that even including tips, wages vary wildly from restaurant to restaurant.This is not about me versus a waiter. It's about the principle.Some jobs are trivially simple whilst others require years of training, knowledge and experience (plus the financial investment in the education, and the personal sacrifices that need to be made).Some people are suffering low wages or different kinds of hardship. There are any number of charities looking to help those most in need - So why have this stealth tax added on to people's bills?0
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Pollycat said:Mark_d said:A number of years ago the Advertising Standards Agency gave advice that non-optional charges should be included in the total cost, or at least made explicit (if memory serves me correctly). Lots of places, from restaurants to cruise ships, expect people to pay tips - sometimes a significant proportion of the total cost. I feel this is completely unjustified and downright greedy.If I choose to pay £25 for a meal, or £2000 for a cruise, that's the amount I've committed to paying because that's what suits my budget. Why do people think I should offer more if the staff provides service with a smile?Some people say that the workers get low pay and rely on tips. That's not my fault. If/when I want to support people in need - there are plenty of people more in need of money than the workers on cruise ships or in restaurants.If someone comes to me as a consultant, they pay my agreed fee and that's the end of the matter. I don't ask for extra pay if people are delighted with the advice I give them. I give good service and hope people come back to me. And likewise I reward good service by offering repeat business.How do others feel?
It's your money, you spend it how you like.
You sound annoyed - why does it matter what other people do?Thank you @PollycatI know that I do my bit for the benefit of society. I just don't like feeling judged by people who think they know better how my money should be spent.0 -
Mark_d said:Pollycat said:Mark_d said:A number of years ago the Advertising Standards Agency gave advice that non-optional charges should be included in the total cost, or at least made explicit (if memory serves me correctly). Lots of places, from restaurants to cruise ships, expect people to pay tips - sometimes a significant proportion of the total cost. I feel this is completely unjustified and downright greedy.If I choose to pay £25 for a meal, or £2000 for a cruise, that's the amount I've committed to paying because that's what suits my budget. Why do people think I should offer more if the staff provides service with a smile?Some people say that the workers get low pay and rely on tips. That's not my fault. If/when I want to support people in need - there are plenty of people more in need of money than the workers on cruise ships or in restaurants.If someone comes to me as a consultant, they pay my agreed fee and that's the end of the matter. I don't ask for extra pay if people are delighted with the advice I give them. I give good service and hope people come back to me. And likewise I reward good service by offering repeat business.How do others feel?
It's your money, you spend it how you like.
You sound annoyed - why does it matter what other people do?Thank you @PollycatI know that I do my bit for the benefit of society. I just don't like feeling judged by people who think they know better how my money should be spent.So don't tip. It' isn't compulsory.I always tip for good service. In restaurants that I use regularly I find that in return I am well looked after.Going out for a meal isn't simply about the food. It is about the whole experience. As a known tipper I don't ever have any trouble catching the waiter's eye. My wine glass will be topped up for me and I tend to get a decent table.By tipping I help out the generally low paid staff. I also get a bit of an upgraded experience. Win, win!"When the people fear the government there is tyranny, when the government fears the people there is liberty." - Thomas Jefferson2 -
Mark_d said:itsthelittlethings said:I would be ashamed not to tip. You presumably earn a decent wage as a consultant, why shouldn't a waiter earn a decent wage. Although having said that even including tips, wages vary wildly from restaurant to restaurant.This is not about me versus a waiter. It's about the principle.Some jobs are trivially simple whilst others require years of training, knowledge and experience (plus the financial investment in the education, and the personal sacrifices that need to be made).Some people are suffering low wages or different kinds of hardship. There are any number of charities looking to help those most in need - So why have this stealth tax added on to people's bills?
0 bonus saver
35 NS&I
220 credit union
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I mostly tip 10%, unless I'm not happy about something.
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