[rapht]

> why would you tip a barber? because they cut your hair good? what was the base payment for then?

Let me return the question: why would you tip a waiter? because they brought your food to your table? isn't that why they should be paid by the restaurant?

Let me also state that, residing in a European city, I do tip my (cheap) barber every time I go because I feel they do an outstanding job at 20% less the price than most competitors, and that work deserves praise in the form of a tip.

In general, it seems to me that a tip should reflect something outstanding. In addition to my cheap barber, I also usually tip at fancy restaurants where the service has proved very, very high above comparables.

[pie420]

"Let me also state that, residing in a European city, I do tip my (cheap) barber every time I go because I feel they do an outstanding job at 20% less the price than most competitors, and that work deserves praise in the form of a tip."

Do you also tip your local bike shop or computer store when they sell you a computer or bike that is outstanding and costs 20% less than most competitors? Do you tip your car salesman? Do you tip your bus driver when he/she is 20% faster?

[piperswe]

I might tip a bike or computer shop for doing a superb job at repairs. Hell, if I were to hire a person to build a computer for me I might tip them if they did an exceptional job. Tips are for services (like a barber provides), not products (like computers, bikes, or cars).

Tipping in the example circumstances I gave isn't typical, but it's something I would consider doing in exceptional circumstances.