The restaurant manager (I think) it was, approached and asked, if we found any problem with the food. We told her how much we liked it. She then went on to ask, if there was a problem with the service, and we also indicated vocally on the nice decent service. The next statement from her was shocking; she questioned us on our low tip. We were embarrassed, pulled out another $5 and left the place.
With a promise not to return again to the eatery, which thinks… No incorrectly believes tip is their right.
Here is what Wikipedia says “A tip (also called a gratuity) is a sum of money tendered to certain service sector workers for a service performed or anticipated. Such payments and their size are a matter of social custom. Tipping varies among cultures and by service industry. Though a tip is seldom required, and its amount is usually at the discretion of the patron being served, in some circumstances failing to give an adequate tip when one is expected is a serious faux pas, and may be considered very miserly, a violation of etiquette, or unethical. In some other cultures or situations, giving a tip is not expected and offering one would be considered at best odd and at worst condescending or demeaning…” (Read full knowledge article here).
So not giving a tip is considered unethical by certain cultures / societies and is considered morally violating in others.
For those of you who may not know, tipping in Japan, South Korea is considered insulting or at least confusing. In countries like India, Bangladesh and even Malaysia & Singapore there is no expectation of a tip (however always appreciated), for most establishments except for upscale institutions. Even for countries like Australia, New Zealand it is not customary for a patron to offer tips although it is becoming more common.
In contrast almost all of Europe (except for few in central Europe like Sweden, Switzerland and Spain) and Americas have an expectation of gratuity for rendering the services which are already paid for.
Given the unique circumstances that many countries (some more than others) of the world are facing with respect to intermingling of cultures, economic anomalies and personal value, tipping is becoming a complex fad (some like to call it art).
I personally, do pay the tip with my own set of rules to be a part of the customs of the society I live in even though in principle I am against it. My Reason: A price is a price.
If you are in a large area like Tokyo and can’t speak any Japanese, a waiter or waitress might take the extra money you happen to leave rather than force them to deal with the awkward situation of explaining the concept of no tipping in broken English.
In some circumstances, such as with U.S. government worker, receiving of tips is illegal.
If I were to go as per accepted norm in the society, I see no harm in tipping a government official to expedite a work, provide a better service. Yet, it is illegal.
Pardon my insensitivity, however I see tipping as a “social disease” rather than a good norm. Since when an honest day’s wage is not enough to do what is expected. People do not go to a fancy restaurant expecting slower service and pay much higher the price for same food they can have at a not so famous place. They go because they expect the service to be good, food to be tasty (not out of the world mind it) and hygienic and where they can have their peace of mind. This is a package deal included as part of the price of the food. Where is the gratuity?
Here is a successful case study where no tips is working as good as (even better) for them. And yes, they are in US. This is not an aberration, there are several such instances, such as in Chicago.
There are also societal ill effects of tipping like a family locked for not tipping, or arrests on no tip. Please note the second case is clearly when no tip was offered for BAD service.
Just remind yourself: a price is a price.
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