Thailand Question: Do you tip your Waiter when Service Charge is Included?

[kokopelli]

Christian, you would be driven nuts in both USA and Canada where most prices in restaurants and stores are given before tax is calculated so really you never know how much you pay for say,  pack of condoms  with price tag 12.99 as tax will be added at cash register.

 

 

Quite right vinapu but your example of condoms is an exception. They are normally considered a "health" item in US and are exempt from sales tax.

[Guest frequentflier]

I always tip but the amount depends on the service.

[Guest]

Christian, you would be driven nuts in both USA and Canada where most prices in restaurants and stores are given before tax is calculated so really you never know how much you pay for say,  pack of condoms  with price tag 12.99 as tax will be added at cash register.

We once had the same nonsense in the UK, with certain types of retail business quoting prices excluding vat.

 

Then the wonderful Mrs T passed a law requiring any business selling to a predominantly retail customer base to quote prices including taxes.

[Gaybutton]

My answer is a simple no - if there is a service charge, then as far as I'm concerned that's the tip. 

[vinapu]

And that is because there is no national sales tax or VAT; there are sales taxes at the state, county or local level. Some states such as Texas have no sales tax. Sales taxes are usually not applied to the food basics such as milk, butter, bread. There is no tax on labor, so if you get your car repaired only the parts are taxed not the labor. Americans take these sales tax rates very seriously as they must be voted upon and most citizens know exactly what the rate for where they live. The rate can not be hidden in the "total" price and an advertised price is for the cost of the item, no taxes included. It would be near impossible for retailers to advertise the "total" cost of an item since taxes could vary from locale to locale.

In Canada they have national tax called HST and still is not included in price  but added  at the register.

 

I don't think there's any obstacle to include and advertise full , all inclusive price in prices posted  and reason is not done  in those 2 countries is not known to me other than prices look lower than actually paid by client.   

[vinapu]

Quite right vinapu but your example of condoms is an exception. They are normally considered a "health" item in US and are exempt from sales tax.

not sure that's the case in all states

[vinapu]

We once had the same nonsense in the UK, with certain types of retail business quoting prices excluding vat.

 

Then the wonderful Mrs T passed a law requiring any business selling to a predominantly retail customer base to quote prices including taxes.

She had her moments, God let her rest in peace