Our post office delivery person doesn't get out of her van, she drives up to the boxes and puts all the mail in there. I like that system because I know my mail is safe, however she constantly screws up the mail....if its not presorted for her, she hasn't got a clue. So I'm not inclined to tip her. However my mani/pedi and hair salon is a different thing!

lol Well the ones I see on the Oregon coast are more like Billy Bob, or Jimmy Ray.

I just give fashion tips now .. there is so much need ...

Take 'em off, honey is NOT a fasion tip.

I think it is. She'd look better without!

Still need ironing though ..get all those wrinkles out

How long will it be before we have to tip cashiers in the shops I wonder?

Tip at least $1.00 per drink. Most people in NYC tip $2. If you are running a tab tip 15-20% on the tab. In NYC 15% is considerd on the low end .Also I do not get paid alot more than the waitstaff where I work. I get paid $5.00 more per shift and I also work 2-3 hours longer than them. I have no barback so I have to get all my own ice and restock the bar myself. I work in a highly rated zagat restaurant. We also just went up a point on service from last year. We also have 2 stars from the NY Times. Service is a very big part of where I work.

Shhh, another secret of our little corner of Paradise.... even if they are named Billy Bob (more like Rodrigo at my station).

I think one reason it's a hard thing to explain (tho you'd think they'd catch on right quick) is "optics". It doesn't matter how much you suck up to a barkeep in the UK, they can't pour heavy.
It takes a long time for that lesson to sink in.

I know how to show my bartender the love.

OK that's what I'd been told.

Say I'm sitting at the bar, and pint is $3 - $4, if I tip $1 for every drink, that is a tip of between 25% and 33%, much higher than the norm for a waitress/waiter, that seems unfair on the waitress/waiter as I perceive them to work harder for me than the bartender. Doesn't a $1 tip seem excessive?

I hate hidden charges such as tips and purchase tax. I like to know upfront exactly how much something is going to cost me...therefore I would prefer tips to be included in the price. If I don't like the service then I complain...if it's not resolved to my satisfaction they lose my custom.

If that happened the level of customer service would be the same as in the UK. Low.

Really??...I find it's about the same in both countries. I've usually had good service in restaurants and bars in the UK. I have experienced bad service in the US...despite the server working for tips. Plus I hate fake sugary...over friendlyness for $$'s...just be polite, efficient and serve the meal and for goodness sake stop writing 'have a nice day ' on the bill.

I've never had a problem with the service in the UK in general...and not having a pair of knockers hasn't led to worse service, nor have drinks been shit because of a tip or not...