Researching Tips & Tipping

[Mountainjoe]

I am writing a book on tips and tipping, and trying to canvass views from people within the catering and taxi businesses (the two dominant tipping cultures), customers, tourists, business travellers, etc. What is the point of tipping? Is it out of control? Should customers bear any responsibility for "topping up" service employee wages? Should tipping be mandatory or discretionary? It's a minefield, but all opinions welcome.

Thank you.

[coccinelle]

I no longer tip taxis or restaurants unless there has been additional service offered ie the taxi driver carries my case into the house or the waitor allows me to 'taste' a certain dish before ordering. However, on holiday in certain countries I do tip as these tips are in fact their wages.
I think I'd only tip a hairdresser if she went to some pains to make my hair look lovely for a special occasion and wasn't charging more than the usual rate.
A tip is a way of saying 'thank you I really appreciate what you've done'.
I give private English lessons and at the end of the year I often get presents to thank me for my patience, results etc. I appreciate this gesture.

[Mountainjoe]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated.