Fine. Raise the cost of the meal, and pay your employees. It's the same business model for everyone else, why not the food service industry. THe US is insane with tipping, and other countries are NOT happy when we bring it elsewhere.

Those who don't want to tip waiters, taxi drivers, and housekeepers might want to consider eating at McDonald's, traveling by bus, and staying at camp sites.

HTTY

<<<Those who don't want to tip waiters, taxi drivers, and housekeepers might want to consider eating at McDonald's, traveling by bus, and staying at camp sites.>>>


Why is that - because we disagree with you, or with the concept of tipping? I'd much rather the actual price reflect the cost of what I'm buying than have the price be "cheap" but have to add 30% for "extras".

I agree wtih HTTY.

Who said anything about "30% for extras". We're talking about normal tipping practices in the U.S. which is (you don't have to like it but it's a fact) 15-20% in restaurants, and at least a few bucks for drivers and hotel maids.

OK, 22% more. And I'm not disagreeing with what is "normal practice in the US", I'm just expressing my opinion that I don't like the fact that it IS "normal practice in the US".

Waiters and taxi drivers are certainly included in "normal tipping practices" in the US, but I do not believe that hotel maids are.

Anyone who doesn't believe this, try not tipping each of these and you will most likely get a negative reaction in restaurants and cabs and no reaction whatsoever at a hotel.

Tipping maids just isn't as common as some people on this site contend.

Brian_in_Charlotte: "<i>Tipping maids just isn't as common as some people on this site contend.</i>"

Then maybe you should read some of the IRS info/instructions re tipping and income taxes. Restaurant workers, hair dressers, cab drivers, and maids/housekeepers all have to fill out the same tipping forms and report tips to their employers. Other occupations are not singled out like those in the 'hospitality' industry. Apparently the feds think maids get tips.

The question on this thread is to HELP someone from New Zealand know what is expected and standard practice in the U.S.

I hardly see how rants about why people don't like what is accepted and usual policies help.

There is a category with the IRS called MAIDS which includes people who work in housekeeping for hotels??? That's quite a surprise to me.

I've known several people who work in housekeeping for hotels and none have ever had to report income from tips. That's really news to me -- and to THEM. It's also one reason why they are paid the standard minimum wage, unlike waiters.

Yep - housekeeprs (and waiters etc) have to report their tips and their employers are required to deduct withholding on the amount reported. In fact there are special IRS provisions to cover when the tip withholding plus other deductions results in a $0 regular paycheck.

Actually, waitstaff paid less than minimum wage have an assumed amount of income calculated on the basis of the day's receipts. A maid does not. Sure, everyone is supposed to report all income; but the IRS does NOT assume or calculate wages for maids that include tips. Teenage babysitters are supposed to report wages, too; that doesn't mean they do.

"<i> the IRS does NOT assume or calculate wages for maids that include tips</i>"

I didn't say the IRS assumes or calculates tip wages for Maids. I said they are supposed to report their tips - and the the employer has to then deduct withholding based on those tips.

Lots of info on the IRS site

<<<I said they are supposed to report their tips>>>

Everyone who earns any money, regardless of its source, is supposed to report that income to the IRS.

Oh I love a good rant!

This question has lead to some good discussion, and a few rants, mine included! :-)

I dont think Americans are divided over the issue of tipping. I think we like the added 'control' for what we pay for service AND SATISFACTION. The tipped employee will keep the patrons interest in mind in ways a non tipped wouldnt. Then of course you have people here who tip because they love to tip, its not unusual for my Mom to tip 40% if she likes the server

Frank, you <<<dont think Americans are divided over the issue of tipping>>>? Have you read this thread?

Top six controversies: (6) Iraq, (5) Afghanistan (4) health care reform, (3) abortion, (2) capital punishment, (1) tipping.

Not necessarily in that order. . .

sf7307,
I think Fodors has a vocal minority that are encouraged by out of country posters. Americans I know do not have this anti tipping sentiment, albeit maybe most havent thought of it any other way.

happytrailstoyou
:)

All I can say in response is, I am American, and I think for myself (needing no encouragement from out-of-country posters) that I do not like our "tip culture".