I do tip, before anyone jumps all over me, usually 20% but ...

If one accepts that it is the norm and that it would be done, I cannot fathom the argument against paying the staff (servers, meet and greet, chefs, etc.) a decent wage and adjusting the prices accordingly. In theory, wouldn't that result in the same amount being paid for the experience?

Then tipping could be left to acknowledging great service. I suspect I am missing something.

Apologies to Tangram. In response to what you have said, I have done something similar although, IIRC, it was "Don't leave us sitting at the table for 40 mins without taking our order." On that day, no tip was left. I am confident some will say I was wrong but the venue was empty when we arrived and the server was chatting to another server the whole time

Apologies, but I thought you believed that all my contributions were pointless

I wouldn't have left a tip in that instance either I'm afraid.

I did leave a tip, just not the type she was expecting

When did the whole tip thing become number driven? You should be able to give whatever amount you want, if you choose to without them saying it has to be x amount on paper or machine in the first place

At the time of the invention of the restaurant.

Do people argue against that? I have no idea, I have never worked in a tip driven environment.

It would be interesting to hear the point of view of bartenders & servers. Are they happy to receive a reduced minimum wage with tips on top? Or would they support a change to receive just a minimum wage, but one which is equal to everyone else.

Well, you're a feisty lot aren't you? I'm still not sure I understand the thinking behind tipping, but I'm more informed about it...
[QUOTE] Thanks for the helpful link - the system is very different here from in the UK, but it seems that a person is rewarded for their skills, therefore a student (acquiring skills) is paid slightly more than a bartender (unskilled). I have worked in hotels, restaurants and pubs. Tipping was not unheard of, but generally practised by wealthy people or Americans or a combination of the two. Working in a bar, a customer buying you a drink was more common than leaving a tip.

I don't dispute that tipping is the norm in North America, but I disagree that a belief in fairness and justice is irrelevant.
If it is a widely held belief that people in the service industry are underpaid, then steps should be taken to rectify the situation. Maybe someone should bring it up around election time.
Thanks to everyone for sharing your knowledge and views, please put me straight if I'm wrong but it seems tipping in Canada is about supplementing the wages of the lowest earners, more than an appreciation of exceptional service.

[QUOTE=AishaA;9675143]Well, you're a feisty lot aren't you? I'm still not sure I understand the thinking behind tipping, but I'm more informed about it...
A little from column A and a little from column B.

Tipping = performance related pay.

Had a meal at a restaurant in Banff recently. The menu had a very prominent statement "It is customary in Canada to provide a 15% tip for service". Somewhat heavy handed but I suspect the majority of the overseas vistors do not come from countries where tipping is the custom. I did leave a 15% tip and tend to these days although it does go completely against the grain.

Tip accordingly to the extent people can make your life uncomfortable.

Where did you pull that one out of? Don't answer that, I think I know where

If you eat something not issued to you by the government, you'll find that payment is required, payment in currency. That's measured using numbers. It was ever so, numbers aren't new.

Are you still talkin'?