The "tipping" point

A British TV programme "Great Food Live" recently asked its audience to give opinion on the practice of tipping in restaurants. Supporters argue that tipping is a direct monetary reward for good service and acts as an incentive for waiters/waitresses to keep up the good effort.

I find the whole idea of tipping those who serve me well rather unacceptable. In fact, the idea of being "served" is rather unacceptable to me.

There are so many service industries out there. Most of the time, we are being "served" in one way or another. But we don't tip doctors or nurses for good service. We also don't tip the sales in a boutique, or the clerks in a government office. We have an implicit understanding that by paying for a service, the consumers are entitled to expect a satisfactory level of service deliverance. Otherwise, the consumers can complain to the service provider or a governing authority. If the service is outstanding, the consumers may reward the provider by more frequent purchases or spreading good words about them.

In Australia, you are not expected to tip anywhere except in high-class restaurants.