July 17 tipping 

After 3 months I havn’t got a true handle of what and when I tip in the US. What I know is that the minimum wage specified to servers on the federal level is $2.13 per hour on the proviso that they receive at least $30 a month in tips .Each state has their own minimum requirements ,California is $10.50 per hour, which is one  of the highest awards in the US. Restaraunts and cafes you should be tipping around the15% mark and upwards depending on your satisfaction levels . What I’ve found that with tips that eating out is no cheaper than Australia ,maybe a bit more expensive. Alcohol is at the same price with cocktails a bit cheaper . This is where they make their money because as I’ve previously stated alcohol is ridiculously cheap in the US. The 2 major differences in your standard eat out experience is the 1st class service you receive and the large portion servings .The latter is where you save money as you realise you don’t need to order a main or you can share with others and be more than well fed . Milkbars and general stores is where I’m confused as I’m starting to realise that a tip is appreciated, same with fast food outlets . All these places have tip jars and your receipt will have a gratuity extra for you to fill out . Ridiculous ,as this is not a service that requires an extra effort but has an underlying expectation that you help supplement their wage. This is something I’m coming to terms with as it comes down to the sympathy factor . And I do have a lot of empathy for these people as you can’t live on some of these pathetic wages. Older adults I will tip more to as for young kids they might get spare change . Even at your market fare the stall holders that sell their specialty produce have tip jars for you to fill. This is where I draw the line as you already pay overs and sure most of this stuff is really good but please don’t go sucking for a tip on top of your tax free profit. Bus drivers , porters ,taxi drivers,Uber’s ect all expect at  the bare minimum that you round out your fare . It’s a system that many like but I’ve got a deep seated twist in my gut that says this is not the best way . Pay people properly , collect more tax and stretch the money from the top down to your worker and I reckon you’ll get more love . Yeah I’m showing my political leanings but I have a lack of trust in the tipping  culture here , I reckon it’s just passing the buck .     Ps I’ve got to get my haircut today for $25 it’s about the same as in Aus but of course I’m expected to tip at least another $5 or more on top . I know I sound like a tight arse but it’s a concern  when your barber relies on this extra to supplement their wage . You can see how being the business owner is king and I understand the risk and effort they’ve made to establish themselves but please can we keep tipping to the restaraunt and cafe seen .