Tipping in the service industry

[Tiberius]

I've seen the point mentioned that people should tip because "wait staff don't make minimum wage" if you don't. This is untrue: https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/faq/esa/flsa/002.htm

If an employee's tips combined with the employer's direct wages of at least $2.13 an hour do not equal the Federal minimum hourly wage, the employer must make up the difference.

Just an FYI.

Personally I'm of the opinion that the person providing the service should set a reasonable price based on that service. Tipping should be reserved only for exceptional / "above and beyond" service. It shouldn't be expected, it shouldn't be "required". Luckily the price of food in America is damn cheap, so an extra 10-20% on top of the bill really isn't that much. I tip because it's what society expects.

When service is truly awful, I've left no tip, and I don't feel any guilt doing that. Part of the expectation of you (service staff) receiving a tip from me (the customer) is that you perform your job to a certain standard. If you do, I'll give you a 10-15% tip (if it's exceptional service I'll tip 20-25%), but if you don't, I'm not going to reward you for failing.