i was in ireland and there was no tipping anywhere i went. even in pubs there was no tip option when i went to pay. i usually tip 20% in restaurants and tattoo parlors. automatic 20% gratuity for buying a t-shirt is insane.
it's the continuous passing of the buck to the consumer from businesses. instead of accounting for a proper wage, put it on me and you. and what exactly are mostly of these waiters doing for the 20%? takes order brings order interrupts meal (usually in the middle of a conversation) to ask: IS EVERYTHING OKAY? brings check
yes, that is what waiters do. except that good ones know not to do the 3rd thing. have you ever waited tables?
I have waiters do more than that. a good waiter knows the menu inside out, knows how to recommend things. Knows when to come by and check on things. A good waiter is there and not there! people doing the bare minimum for their job and expecting 20%. Dude if the minimum is 20% just freaking add it to every ticket then. Why make me do this song and dance?