The Science of Tipping
I was in Wimbledon tonight and thus was eating out.
After a wonder up and down “The Broadway” decided to have a pizza, and went to the newish, and reasonably priced, one called “Casa Nostra”. Had a nice pizza with Artichokes, Ham and Olives on.
Was good, service was good, I enjoyed myself (well as much as one can when eating out alone, tends to be a bit odd). So there was no question I would leave a tip.
But when the bill came they had included a column for “optional service charge”. Now I really don’t know why but for some reason I object to having this added to the bill. I almost always tip in restaurants but I like the feeling that I am deciding to do so, when it is on the bill for some reason it just puts me off.
Now here is the thing I left an appropriate bill which covered the cost of both the bill, and the service charge. But I had given no indication if I wanted to pay it. When the lass came back with my change the tip had already been deducted.
Now here is the thing, how is that an optional service charge if they take it without asking? I wanted to leave a tip, and would probably have left more if it was left to me (I tend to round up to the nearest quid)…. but I somehow came away with the feeling I had been seen off, even though I clearly hadn’t.
Anyhow got me thinking about tips in general, why is it for example that we mostly tip taxi drivers? I wonder do people who get their groceries delivered tip the drivers?
Is there a science to tipping? A set of social mores? If I had my way then it certainly should contain not trying to force people to leave them.
