Tipping
Anyone else feel awkward when paying for a meal out and selecting the "no tip" option? I feel like we are already paying a premium for meals and drinks, and the reason NZ has a minimum wage is to ensure employees don't have to rely on tips. Also, where does the tip money even go when it is by eftpos/card? Do the staff get the tip, or is it retained by management? Even got asked to tip this weekend at a bar when I went up to get drinks (no table service and no food ordered). Are kiwis expected to tip or is this a way to make more money off certain tourists who come from places where tipping is normal? I really feel as though the resturant scene here is trying to normalise tipping and it is becoming increasingly offputting to eat out. Is the rest of NZ the same, or is it a Qtown thing? Do staff get offended when you don't tip? Starting to feel a little guilty for never tipping but I just don't think it's a NZ thing. Thoughts and opinions?