Milk and Honey: The tipping point

Personally, I am thrilled whenever I see an article by this author. Just thought I'd mention it. Really good writing.

You can tip anyone, not just waitstaff. Pizza delivery, trash pickup. The vendor at the Farmer's Market. In some places, its the only way to get things done. Like the middle east. You could even call tipping Legalized Optional Bribery.

Was it Shoko? Great sushi, but notorious for bad service.

The last sentence of your article is one that I have repeated many times.
I'm so proud of you to stand up for the 20% tip!
For those that are math challenged, take the first 2 numbers and double them, then you have 20%!

One of the worst things is when guests say, as i'm dropping their check, "great service" or "you were great".
This does not excuse your 12 % tip. I know the restaurant that I work at is expensive, but a "verbal tip" doesn't pay my rent.
Imagine if I said "you've been great" to my landlord on the 1st of the month. Would that get me out of paying a portion of my rent???
Of course not.
I would rather hear nothing and have you tip poorly for exceptional service, than to hear "your service was great" and get a less than standard tip. Talk about mixed messages!!
Please remember, this is how I make my living. I don't come to your job, give you a hard time, look down my nose at you, and then expect to pay a lower price for your goods and services; so please don't do that to me!