First of all, when the hell did 15% become customary? I remember not even ten years ago 10% was considered standard.
Now all of a sudden I find some of the debit/credit machines default to 20%? Are you kidding? That kind of chicanery automatically reduces what I'll give for a tip. I'm not a goddamn charity.
If you think your wage sucks so bad, then do something about it. I don't get tips in my line of work no matter how great or how ####ty of a job I do. If I don't like my wage I can do two things: make myself more useful and get a raise, or find another job. The restaurant/service industry should be no different.
A night out at a decent restaurant for your average couple without tip, maybe a glass of wine each already runs north of $50. That's ludicrous. Now you want at least 15% (preferrably 20%) for refilling my water glass? Screw off. Maybe you should've stayed in high school.
I can count on one hand the amount of times I've given over 15%, and that was for exceptional service and exquisite food.
Bottom line is that tipping started as a reward, a little something extra for someone who took that extra step above and beyond the expectations for their job. Now it's a ####ing handout.
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