Tipping in restaurants

Grumpy_chap

I wonder whether the OP would be interested in these threads:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5517336/do-you-tip-in-restaurants/p1
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6372048/service-charge-in-restaurants-yes-or-no/p1

I wonder whether anything different will be said in this thread.

saajan_12

Voluntary tipping is a good thing IMO - whether as a thank you for very good service or an apology because your table was that much more demanding. The point is that its for something outside the norm, and not expected.

Everything that is normal (eg staff taking orders and bringing the food over in a sit down restaurant) should be taken care of by the dish prices, in a single clear price not a little subscript that says "x% extra service charge". We don't have a separate plate charge for placing the food on plates rather than in your cupped hands, or a light charge for them pointing sufficient lightbulbs in your direction.. why have a separate charge for service? 

oldernonethewiser

Voyager2002 said:

If a restaurant imposes a service charge than I absolutely do not tip.

So far I haven't come across a mandatory service charge.  Optional ones are easy to get removed.

Cefca

vacheron said:

if you don't tip in the USA (and they "expect" 20-30%
 

15-20% is what's usually expected. I've never been anywhere expecting 30%.

MetaPhysical

In the US tips are used to pay staff less and so the business profits more.  Even the Barista at Starbucks expects you to round up to the dollar at the very least, even if you did wait in line for ten minutes and never had a seat.
I think this is a blatant rip off of the customer.  The costs are already sky high and yet these businesses expect me to pay towards their staff costs when I already paid big bucks.