Quote:
Originally Posted by tazzy
Except you don't absolutely have to tip. Its an optional extra which is just the polite thing to do and standard practice- when places back home do include a service charge on the bill though then I feel fully within my rights to moan about it, that is just wrong and defeats the point of a tip.
And wow, so much agro in this thread.
I like Japan too, that doesn't mean I even defend the bad parts of it.
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In the Uk, tipping isn't common AT ALL, just like Japan. I've been a waitress, there was no way I could have lived off my tips. But I had a guaranteed wage because my pub had a service charge. Some places just factor this into the cost of their food and drink, and sometimes it's actually listed on the bill, but you always pay it.
What's more you usually pay the service charge without getting any kind of snack in return, regardless of if the service was exceptional or awful and regardless of wether you tip or not.
Perhaps this is why I don't feel like the Japanese system is that much of a raw deal; it's a set rate to pay no matter your budget or how much you order or how long you spend, so everyone essentially tips the same and all the staff get paid back the same. I think thats a pretty fair way to run your business. I don't think this is a 'bad part' of Japan at all.
I'm sorry to say as well, but generally the people who don't understand the system or why people accept it are American. This is simply another aspect of culture shock. You're simply not used to it.