Tipping in the service industry

[emjay]

I don't use many services that expect tipping since I don't go out that much... the only thing I can think of is occasionally going to restaurants. I pay, or chip in for, the tip, but tbh I don't really understand it; I don't really consider that in my mind as tipping, at least not what I'd consider the spirit of tipping, but just a strange custom; I think of tipping as something you do when you've been impressed by an individual's service... something that comes out of choice rather than obligation, as a expression of gratitude to an individual, and based on individual merits. Like sometimes I'm particularly impressed by the service/manner of a bartender in a pub and ask if I can tip them, individually. But if it's just the custom that a certain percentage of the bill is essentially obligated to be paid, regardless of service quality and irrespective of individuals, then although I'll do it since it is the custom, it ceases to be what I see as the essence of tipping, and something else entirely.