Message 162 of 22774 in Behind the Bar

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> Maybe  they don't get to decide if 
> their steak is worth what they pay, but they have complete control 
> over the decision as to what the service is worth.
Could be I have an incomplete knowlege of a tips limited intent then.
I almost never tip by default (cultural ;-) yet I commonly round up or add 
extra if I enjoyed the EXPERIENCE I just had.
* If the meal was beyond expectation, I got more than I expected, the prices 
were well below what I was accustomed to paying, or I simply wanted it more, 
and was therefore more satisfied with the result. IE I would tip if the steak 
was good. In smaller places anyway.
* If the bar was bucking the pop trends and playing some good music I hadn't 
heard for a while and sat down to listen, and felt better for it.
* If I was sitting there for a more than reasonable length of time - writing 
postcards, reading, enjoying the view or people-watching.
* If the bar is understaffed or rushed for an unseasonable reason (ferry 
cancellation, three tour busses at once), yet the crew are doing all they can, 
I sympathise.
In those examples, my satisfaction was above and beyond average, yet the 
'service' of someone getting a drink in front of me doesn't come into it!
In the last case, chances are 'service' was sub-standard.
This holistic approach probably explains why I believe the team should share 
any bonus.
> Because they chose to eat at a restaurant where the 
> food and drinks are served to them and not at a buffet.
Yet another anomaly.
I reckon that buying a meal implicitly means that you're going to GET the 
meal!
Are restaurant prices not already that much higher?
There was a lot more effort involved getting it onto the plate than getting 
the plate across the room, why not tip the chef for preparation? (stranger 
things have happened)
And although no-one tips at McDonalds (at least I hope not!) does that mean 
that getting up and fetching your own drink over the bar is therefore exempt 
from a service component?
.dan.
<asbestos>
PS, I know I'm never going to change the way things are done, but I want to 
explore the concept here. Why do you believe compulsory tipping is right?
</asbestos>