Tipping Culture in US vs Europe

[Sorrow]

I hear that in the US that you are expected to tip 15-20% when you go to a restuarant or stay at hotels etc and if you don't tip they depise you. Whereas here in the UK, we are not expected to tip, and the only time we are likely to tip is if we we're so impressed by the person serving us and wish to show our thanks and appreciation that we may leave a tip for them (which is the original concept of tipping).

Why do waitresses, bag carriers etc in the US expect such a high tip from customers for providing a service that they are getting paid for by their employer in the first?

[MossadConspiracy]

Originally Posted by Sorrow

Why do waitresses, bag carriers etc in the US expect such a high tip from customers for providing a service that they are getting paid for by their employer in the first?

because thats the culture here. also people in these jobs usually get low wages and rely on tips

[Revert]

Originally Posted by Sorrow

I hear that in the US that you are expected to tip 15-20% when you go to a restuarant or stay at hotels etc and if you don't tip they depise you. Whereas here in the UK, we are not expected to tip, and the only time we are likely to tip is if we we're so impressed by the person serving us and wish to show our thanks and appreciation that we may leave a tip for them (which is the original concept of tipping).

Why do waitresses, bag carriers etc in the US expect such a high tip from customers for providing a service that they are getting paid for by their employer in the first?

IN the UK people in the Service industry generally get paid an adequate rate of pay. Here in the US they get minium wage, so the tips are the only way they can actually live, its the custom to tip, its American culture, just like you would be expected to respect the customs of any country you visit.

When I first got here i didn't understand it either, but now I tip just like everyone else.

[Sugarberry]

I thought this thread was about tippin cows

[shadha]

Sorrow: Why do waitresses, bag carriers etc in the US expect such a high tip from customers for providing a service that they are getting paid for by their employer in the first?

They get paid the minimum, well actually waitresses get paid below the minimum wage. Sad. Culturally, we feel compelled to make up for the lost wages if they perform their services well.


shadha-

[Purple_alien]

I consider myself to be a generous tipper. I tip at least 15%, but if I like the service, I go higher. I tip even when service is bad. (just like a dollar less.) My friend never tips unless she thinks the service is amazing. And she is from Philly. I was so embarassed when we went out and she walked away without tipping. I made up for it, out of obligation.