Originally posted by destination now
reply to post by redhorse
But how would they know before presenting the bill whether they were going to get a tip or not? Good service should come first, then a tip.
But like I said, tipping is not the norm in the UK anyway
Here's how it works in the U.S.
If they have no incentive but minimum wage to pay extra attention to you, and be friendly, most people will just do their job with a minimum of effort. Sad but true. So if the industry has the expectation, or custom rather, of tipping, the wait-staff will work harder at service hoping for that tip.
Honestly, there was only one restaurant where I worked where they payed below minimum wage. Everywhere else was minimum wage or higher plus tips. It was made very clear that the expectations for customer service in those places was very high. There is a certain professionalism (believe it or not), even a sort of theatre required in high end restaurants. How hard the wait-staff work is actually carefully orchestrated to NOT be in view of the customers. It must all look effortless.


