PDT 2/2 : Why has tipping increased?

[SlowHabit]

Diablo,

The increase in tipping is due to a higher standard of living since the US economy has been prospering for past 10 years. While we the US did experience a recession after the dot com boom, those who could afford to go out then inevitably could afford to go out now, especially after the recent real estate boom where most thought they were set for life in terms of money. And as virtual net worth increases, so does spending.

Another point is the rich keeps getting richer. As the elites keep accumulating moneys and start balling at fancy restaurants with their standard 20%+ tips, I would feel kind of cheap if my tip percentage is too below that amount. Thus, I think the elites' generosity plays a big role in tip incrementation. I can just imagine going to a fancy restaurant and witnessing two hotshots out tipping each other just to feel good about themselves. If I was rich, I would probably do it [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[JaredL]

Question I just thought of, that may or may not be relevant.

Is this happening elsewhere?

In Europe, where tipping isn't nearly as common, is it significantly more common than 10 years ago? Are people tipping more than just the leftover change these days?

[El Diablo]

All,

Jared asked me to elaborate. Among other things.

a) there is not a fixed service fee in america
b) customers do not know how much dishwashers get paid
c) customers do not give a [censored] about ratio of waiter:dishwasher pay
d) minimum wage has increased at rate far below rate of restaurant price increase