Here is my tipping framework after being taken advantage of extensively by tipping culture in the US.
TIPS: A small bribe to a wage-worker for skipping to the head of the line, expediting service or otherwise special treatment that can be exercised under their control. TIPS = "To Insure Prompt Service"
GRATUITY: A premium, some additional % of cost, paid at the conclusion of service delivery, to recognize exceptional service or highly skilled individual, paid to them specifically. It is their option to "tip out" other participants at their discretion, only the exceptional or skillful person will be paid, with no consideration to others who may have played a role. If this person is "behind the scenes", there is usually no mechanism for them to receive a gratuity.
THEREFORE: a transaction or service must fit into one of the two categories to be eligible.
> swinging a tablet in your direction "it has a question for you"
no special treatment was exchanged, no skill or exceptional experience, no tip.
> donate to ____
no, this is a tax offset for the business as it goes through their accounting, it likely goes to insanely inefficient "charities" (money laundering schemes)
> valet no urgency, making casual conversation
no tip
> valet running as fast as he can
exceptional service, nominal gratuity
> wait in line for haircut, basic haircut
no tip, this is price distortion by the owner, gratuity is only helping underpay
> exceptional haircut, suggestions, customer service
10% gratuity
> bartender sees me approaching and gets my drink ready before taking other orders
skipped to head of line, $5
etc etc
