Quote Originally Posted by X
Quote Originally Posted by shza
Quote Originally Posted by X
Quote Originally Posted by SecondRoundKO
In most states, tips count for 90% of the waiter/waitresses salary. Not tipping is very disrespectful imo.
They should just pay them properly in the first place. The price I see on the menu is what I expect to pay. Why should I be subsidising the restaurant to underpay their staff?

If the money is not good enough, they should get another job and not expect me to bale them out.
Why would you expect to pay the price on the menu, given that the norm--of which everyone who eats in restaurants is aware--is that you pay the menu price, plus tax, plus tip? There's no reason to change the system--it's been this way forever, and everyone understands it just fine. And this way you often avoid the shite (non)service you get all over Europe.
You make a good point about Europe. Definitely the worst customer service in the world.

However, that does not make the US system right either.

I think it is entirely reasonable to pay the price stated on the menu and then - and only then - leave something additional for good service OVER AND ABOVE your expectations. Usual service is part of normal overhead and should be costed on the menu,.
It's the same difference though. You're "subsidizing the restaurant to . . . pay their staff" regardless of whether it's through tip, or through the higher "food" prices that would result from the system you're contemplating. Your $10 plate (plus tip) will just cost $12 (no tip) instead.