Isn't tipping strange?

[koster]

I must admit that I don't like paying more than I have to.

I mean, it seems odd to scrutinise the prices in the supermarket and choose one brand over another because of a 10p price difference, and then leave a couple of pounds tip in a restaurant.

Is 10% still the 'going rate'?

Generally speaking, in places where you pay first (like in pubs where you order at the bar), you don't leave a tip. There's still a chef though, and someone who bring the food to the table, so are they any less deserving of a tip than restaurant waiters?

Sometimes if I'm alone, or paying by card, it seems easier to get away with not tipping.

I was on a GNER train though, and had a cooked breakfast in the restaurant car, and didn't leave a tip. I was made to feel distinctly uncomfortable, being asked in a certain way if everything had been alright.

[Everhelpful]

Nobody tipped me when I was doing my job. I'm not a skinflint,but I don't believe in it. I hate being pressured into tipping,although I would buy a Barman/Barmaid a drink at MY discretion.

[RATTER15]

I have had a couple of jobs where I have been well tipped and it was much appreciated but I would never expect a tip!!

And I don't like the idea that it should be expected, I would only tip if the service was beyond expectation or if the person was exceptionally polite or helpful, not simply because it was expected or the done thing!!!

[Reverandfunk]

Very strange.

I will tip when I have good service but more often than not it's rubbish so I don't leave anything.

Traditionally the wages for waiting staff have always been poor and they often made their money up with tips, but with the minimum now in force don't think thats the case any more. At the end of the day in my job no-one says to me well done you did your job have some more money.

[heathfield]

Tipping in Japan was always considered to be insulting. It suggested that the employer wasn't providing an adequate wage, and so such action showed disrespect towards the employee's honourable boss.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if this sentiment prevailed elsewhere in the world!!!

[Twenty20]

If someone looks for a tip then they dont get one. If someone gives good service and I feel they deserve a bit extra then I might.

[Whickerman]

Seems tipping isn't limited to 10% in some areas
http://www.lifeintheusa.com/services2/tipwaite rs.htm

[boobesque]

i was once tipped �40.

What gets me is that in some restaurants they include the service charge in the bill, kind of asking for a tip. You have to ask for the service charge to be removed if you felt that the waiting person did a poor job. If i want to tip i will, if i dont i wont. dont pressure me or you'll get nothing.
Also some people dont realise and tip on top of the service charge

[mibn2cweus]

Here's my tip: If you are not prepared to leave a tip for good service where this is customary practice, avoid eating there if possible. I'd rather settle for a big bag of chips and a burger to go than get indigestion over not being comfortable with the situation where I'm eating.

Whilst we're on the subject; has anyone else here noticed a lack of stars being given out lately . . . or is it just me?

[shanx]

please dont bring bad memories back on tipping, a few years ago in bulgaria caught up in the atmostphia of the night and not knowing the currencey i tipped a violinist three weeks wages, pulling what i thought was a small note out of my purse turned out to to be a large one, it went into his pocket quicker than the blinking of an eye,i was seen sat on a pavement crying when i realised lol

[heathfield]

Mibn - I think this lack of stars is shameful, so here's some just for you! * * *

[mibn2cweus]

"Tell the nice man 'Thank you!' Mibn."

[Kromovaracun]

i was once tipped �40.

It wouldn't have anything to do with your username, would it?

Boom, Tish!

I kid, I kid.