General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Completely f'd up business practice I just found out about [View all]Luminous Animal
(27,310 posts)I've seen it in Great Britain, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand when meeting with other Americans. I've travelled with American friends through those countries who just can't leave the table without tipping. It is a standard that has been ingrained in us.
Also, in those countries, restaurant workers receive a much higher wage and benefits (i.e., universal health care) than their U.S. counterparts and greater worker protection.
Thus, until the average worker can enjoy a living wage and benefits, I wouldn't trust ANY proprietor to pay their employees on a par that would mitigate the loss of tips.
And think of the learning curve for customers. They are used to seeing a posted price and mentally calculate the cost of dinner with tip. Until they subconsciously know and feel that they will be walking out of the place only paying the posted price, they are going to suffer sticker shock because their mind is trained to see the base price and the tip, and avoid eating there.
It's a huge cultural change and a venture best taken on by someone with deep pockets or a sustaining loyal clientele... though, I agree, tipping is an inherently bad system.
(An interesting thing that I learned in Australia, when riding in a cab, one of the passengers - whether solo or in a group - rides next to the driver. To leave the front passenger seat empty is an insult. As if you view the driver as a member of a lower caste. This may not be true for every community there or for everyone who lives there but I was traveling with academics, IT workers, environmental engineers, and medical administrators, and they all confirmed that this was the case and absolutely contrary to U.S. custom.)