It would be nice if tipping was just gone, and everybody got paid a living wage, like in most of the rest of the world. We’re in a Nash equilibrium right now where if you don’t tip, you’re an asshole. Other people might even tip more if they hear about it, which reinforces the status quo. So I keep tipping well, and disliking that we’re stuck here.
How can we end tipping culture and just have everyone be paid a living wage?
I tip for table service, hair cuts, valets, housekeeping at hotels, food delivery, bell hops, and I think that’s it. I’m thinking pretty hard. The only other thing is if some place I’m ordering a beer, ice cream, or other treat is very busy sometimes I’ll tip a small amount, but that’s the only time I’m doing it out of “kindness” instead of “obligation.”