My wife has always told me I tip too much. Generally 15-20% depending on the service. I am considering no longer tipping at all. Any thoughts?

Yes, here are a couple for you...

The govt. assumes an 8% tip, regardless of if the customer gives one. If I serve a $10.00 drink (I work in a hotel where prices are reasonably high, particularly in this market. Absolute rocks - $7.25, Bailey's rocks - $9.25, and a Grey Goose Martini - $10.00.) the govt. assumes that you gave me an 80¢ tip, even if you didn't. Such will be reported to the IRS on my behalf by my employer. So, if you're a brain-dead non-tipping tight-wad, it cost me the tax on 80¢, about 20¢, for the privilege of serving...

My wife has always told me I tip too much. Generally 15-20% depending on the service. I am considering no longer tipping at all. Any thoughts?

Yes, here are a couple for you...

The govt. assumes an 8% tip, regardless of if the customer gives one. If I serve a $10.00 drink (I work in a hotel where prices are reasonably high, particularly in this market. Absolute rocks - $7.25, Bailey's rocks - $9.25, and a Grey Goose Martini - $10.00.) the govt. assumes that you gave me an 80¢ tip, even if you didn't. Such will be reported to the IRS on my behalf by my employer. So, if you're a brain-dead non-tipping tight-wad, it cost me the tax on 80¢, about 20¢, for the privilege of serving you, with a freakin' smile no less. It doesn't seem like a lot, but add that up to say 60 drinks served on a busy shift, and it really takes a bite out of the net for the night.

Remember as well that a bartender's hourly wage may only be in the $6-9 hour range, and a food server might earn as little as $2.33 (I think that's the bottom figure).

Now, I love serving customers, and that's why I have for some 30 years of my life in one way or another. I really don't mean to sound like a total jerk with this, but recently one dude in particular was a royal pain. He bought about 5 rounds, always for a 2 or 3 people besides him, and didn't tip a damn dime. Jack-ass. "Yes, sir. I'm so glad I came into work tonight so I could be charged some $8 or $12 dollars or whatever for the pleasure of pouring you your swill rail-scotch and waters. If you're going to drink scotch, at least show a little class and pop for a Dewar's. Sure, not every pencil-neck geek can afford or appreciate 15 year old Glenfiddich, but jeez dude, your scotch should taste as least as good as the crap you put in you hair. You were most stylish tonight though, I must say. Good thing the leisure suit was ready at the dry-cleaner's, huh?

The service industry is a cruel world, indeed.

The govt. assumes an 8% tip, regardless of if the customer gives one.

That sounds like an issue between the server and the government. Why bring me into it?

So, if you're a brain-dead non-tipping tight-wad,

This type of attitude is the reason why I probably will no longer tip. Believe me, I am no tight wad. However, I think the money I save in tips would be better spent given to charity.

Tips are not an entitlement, they are a gratuity. To assume it is owed to you, whether you are the best in the service industry or not, is an unacceptable attitude in my view. Your attutude should be one of thanks regardless of the amount. As for that customer goes, at least...

The govt. assumes an 8% tip, regardless of if the customer gives one.

That sounds like an issue between the server and the government. Why bring me into it?

So, if you're a brain-dead non-tipping tight-wad,

This type of attitude is the reason why I probably will no longer tip. Believe me, I am no tight wad. However, I think the money I save in tips would be better spent given to charity.

Tips are not an entitlement, they are a gratuity. To assume it is owed to you, whether you are the best in the service industry or not, is an unacceptable attitude in my view. Your attutude should be one of thanks regardless of the amount. As for that customer goes, at least he contributed to your establishments profit, which allows it to stay in business. Are you not thankful for that? Why blame your patrons for the crappy deal you get from the government? That is why government should get the hell out of business and personal dealings between employers and employees.