Hi Savin,
Actually, a tip, i.e., is a gratuity. In other words, a gratuity is a special thank you for exceptional service.
If the service is not exceptional -- how can the server expect to be given special thanks?
When restaurants tell us, "A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to the restaurant bill" -- that is not a "gratuity." That is we the patron helping the restaurant pay its workers salary. This really should be reflected in the price of the meal -- not shown as as "special gratuity."
So, my policy has always been to tip generously when I have received good service; but, to leave little for poor service -- and nothing for bad service.
And, I have made it a policy to avoid restaurants which try to hide their employee payment schemes in such things as, "A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to the restaurant bill."
In hotels, when I call for Room Service, if the bill reflects this "automatic gratuity" -- I will scratch it out -- and correct the balance BEFORE I sign the bill.
Then, I will add in what I feel should be the proper gratuity. Sometimes it is more than originally shown -- depending upon the service.
But, when it becomes AUTOMATIC -- it is no longer gratuity.
Just my thoughts.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
