How about we just make tipping rounding and pay people a living wage? You know in Europe, eating out is not more expensive than it is in the US and they don't beg for tips. It's such bullshit here
I'm not from North America but I live in Canada now. I find tipping is ridiculous. But if I'm going to be forced to tip it should be made clear to me before the transaction starts. I'm not saying this is the best solution. Tipping should obviously be abolished but I'm just answering this question.
You are basically never forced to tip. I’ve seen some places auto add tip for huge parties, but it was known upfront. Otherwise it’s always a skippable option.
I hate tipping as much as the next guy but it really doesn’t bother me that the option exists, just hit 0 and move on if you feel like they shouldn’t get a tip. (Ex. Fast food)
You're down playing the social and anchoring forces. For instance, you're in a long line and you're prompted to pay, the no tip or tip less than the default options is always more difficult. These default options are used by employers as a way to under pay staff. If these default options were made clear before the purchase there would be a pressure for businesses to reduce or remove those options. As it stands, the default options is a strong anchor.
I disagree. Hardest I’ve ever seen to not tip is click “other amount”, press 0, you’re done.
Your argument about a livable wage would have made sense years ago when there was a separate wage for tipped workers. Everyone in Canada get paid at least minimum wage now.
It's deliberately more difficult to not tip, it's always more buttons and less obvious. Ideally tipping should be abolished (with employees being paid a decent wage) but until then, some form of regulation would be helpful. Otherwise there is no pressure for businesses to act better. I still think my suggestion fits into the theme of this thread.