The End of Over-Tipping

My dad came to visit me for USC’s annual Parents Weekend from China. As a considerate parent who knows that poor college students do not often treat themselves to quality meals, he took me to The Lobster on the Santa Monica Pier.

When the bill came, we were less concerned about the $60 lobster that mainly comprised of shell, but we were bewildered by the additional 15% charge added to the total. Our waiter kindly explained to us that it is the minimum gratuity the restaurant charges.

Coming from a culture where restaurant gratuity is nonexistent, my dad was especially furious. I also felt cheated because no person or writing informed us of the gratuity policy. But what was most infuriating was that our waters were not refilled, my request for oil and vinegar was forgotten, and our food took nearly an hour to be served. Tips should serve as incentives for wait staff to provide excellent customer service and should be deservedly earned. Customers should not feel obligated to tip, and restaurants should never coerce it. The waiters at The Lobster certainly didn’t deserve that much gratuity.

America is one of the few countries where tipping remains a cultural norm. In her recent blog on Gourmet Live, Foster Kamer gives three main reasons why Americans should also put an end to tipping.

1. Tipping isn’t fair.

From the waiters/waitresses’ perspectives, tipping isn’t fair because their “tip pools” get split evenly, regardless of how hard individual waiters worked. In addition, studies have found that waiters/waitresses that are more attractive receive more tips.

From the customers’ perspective, tipping isn’t fair because we are expected to make up for the wait staff’s wages, which are strategically kept low by restaurants.

2. Tipping reduces government tax revenue.

In 2008, service industry tips were estimated to be $26 billion. If, very conservatively speaking, only one in 20 waiters/waitresses underreported their tips, there would have been a $1.6 billion tax revenue loss that year.

I don’t support a big government or high taxes. But that is money cheated from the Americans amidst of a recession.

3. Tipping doesn’t guarantee good service.

My dad and my experience at The Lobster is a perfect example, and I’m sure you can think of some too.

On the contrary, Europe, where tipping is not expected, is reputable for exceptional fine dining and services.

For many people, the biggest hurdle for not tipping is guilt, because the American society sees tipping as an obligation. But for the reasons stated above and all the poor restaurant services you have received, next time you dine out, make sure the tip you leave is well deserved and not simply an emotional justification.