why do you think gratuities, rather than wages alone, are paid in the service industries?

Answer 1

because those restaaurant onwers are cheap. Sometiem the service is not the servers fault but the restaurant's. But it the worker who loses.

Answer 2

I'm guessing that the possibility of earning gratuities will motivate people to do a good job. After all, we are talking about service industries. If the wait staff at your favorite restauarant got paid a flat wage, where's the motivation to be friendly and prompt with your service?

Answer 3

It has become the cultural norm in this country. It's not the same in all countries.

You'd NEVER tip in a British pub, though you would tip 10% - 15% in an upscale or better restaurant.

In Mexico, 10% is generally expected -- and is usually well earned from my experience.

In Germany, it's considered an insult to leave anything more than rounding up to the next Euro.

In China, it's not expected in local restaurants but in upscale Western style hotels and restaurants 10% - 15% is common.

In Korea, it's pretty much like China. I left a tip in a small back-alley restaurant in Busan a few weeks ago and the gal ran after me to give it back, assuming that I'd forgotten it.

In Spain, 5% - 10% is appreciated unless the owner is serving you. Upscale restaurants and hotels would expect 15% - 20%.

Answer 4

Because someone served you...Take a resturant for example...you tip there because if you think about it, you don't have to get your own drinks, you don't have to cook your own food, you don't have to clean up the mess, you don't have to do the dishes or wash the table, etc.
You tip because it's the right thing to do

Answer 5

Its a cop out for cheap employers..Some restaurants now being unionised,, KFC Whitespot Etc Same with hotels