Not one person in this thread who regularly undertips or detests tipping does so because service was bad. You all just don't like the way restaurant tipping works in the United States. Go back and read the thread. "All the [server] does is...", "$2.50 per diner is plenty...", "It's the [server's] fault that my overall dining experience was made less enjoyable by the loud table, and my tip shows that...", ...
I totally admit that I don't like the way the tipping service works but that doesn't mean I regularly undertip.
The reason why I don't like the way the service works is because it rewards mediocre service when the tips are automatic.
Now I've said routinely I could care less what the server makes nor do I care whether a server can live on his salary. That's their business and I'm not about to go to wdw and start wondering how the cm's are surviving.
my opinion is that is between an employer and the employee. If servers feel they have a lower minimum wage, do like the fast food workers and start demonstrating. When I start getting bonuses simply because of my salary then I start tipping simply because of their salary.
I simply want the freedom to make the tip solely based on my experience. My example was my recent cruise where ever single transaction I was automatically charged a 18% gratuity. coffee rung up 18%, ring up a picture frame 18%.
That is extortion plan and simple imo. so yes I admit I detest having money taken from me without my input, decision or consent. a tip is supposed to be a "choice" when you make it automatic, I have to now fight to get it removed if the service is lousy.
So at the end of the cruise I had to go stand in line and make sure that the large % of my gratuity went to the cabin steward who actually took care of me and my family and not the kid behind the ice cream counter who simply made one lousy ice cream cone.
Ehat happens in 4 years if they don't raise the minimum wage, am I then expected to tip 33% because their wages haven't increased?? seriously?