Tipping in the US (at a restaurant)?

miles wrote:
wrote:

So you paid for the disposal, but didn't pay for the labor to
install it?

If its not done right I dont pay at all until it is done right. But
your case is not the same as that of a waiter. A TIP is not part of
the
bill. It is a gift I give at my own discretion.

It is not a gift, ask the IRS.


Bull. Ask your employer if your paycheck is an optional gift.

My employer does not add tips onto my paycheck for me doing work.
Nor
do they charge customers extra if I did a good job.

Many employers give bonuses and commissions. They are earned,
not gifts.


It is the tacit agreement made before seating.

No, it is not. Thats where your logic is flawed. A TIP is whatever
a
customer feels like paying. It is 100% optional.

It is discretionary, which is different than optional.


Yeah, ya are actually. We can discuss what you are legally
obligated to do, but ethically you are.

No I'm not. If I feel like it, I tip. If I don't, I won't. The
problem is with our culture in thinking that tips are mandatory. It's
a
gift if I wish to reward for good service.

No, ask the IRS, it is income. It is compensation for services
rendered.