I don't support the idea of tipping. The responsibility shouldn't fall on the consumer to ensure that employees are paid well — that competition is, and should be, between the employer and employee — tipping encourages employers to underpay their employees, thereby artificially reducing their overhead. It makes even less sense when one considers people who set their own rates, eg hair stylists — one should charge what they think their service is worth. If no one is willing to pay the price of the service, then the service isn't worth the price — tips will just end up artificially inflating prices. Furthermore, it just rubs salt in the wound when taxes, ie VAT, are charged after tipping.