The purpose of a
tip is maybe clearer if we refer to its synonym,
gratuity. Various definitions include general notions as to something given voluntarily, and beyond one's obligation. (Of course, bring more than 6 people to dinner and see just how "voluntary" the gratuity is :brick
So, what is the service provider doing for the customer that is also
beyond their obligation? If nothing, why would they anticipate any gratuity in return? Is a housekeeper's salary offset by anticipated gratuity like that of a restaurant server? Different people have different opinions as to the appropriate social custom, but if someone is paid a fair wage to do their job, gratuity ought to reflect the quality of the service received, and not based on some automatic and arbitrary calculation. If I order a bottle of vintage wine for my family at $200, should the tip really be ten times greater than if I had ordered a pitcher of coca-cola? That would be quite a profitable stroll from the kitchen to my table.
The only time that I would suggest throwing someone an undeserved tip is when there's an expectation combined with the possibility of mistreatment in the discretion of the disgruntled employee. Yes, this makes it more of a "bribe" than a tip, unfortunately. But when I'm checking in my luggage curbside, I prefer to at least minimize the pre-existing possibility that my luggage will end up at Tokyo Disney (unless, of course, that is my destination). If that means throwing a couple dollars at someone who did nothing to earn it, so be it.
