I'm Canadian. I've always kind of stood by the 'tipping should be for good service' rule. If I get poor service in a restaurant or other such place, I don't tip. I completely disagree with automatic tips being added for large parties or high bills. Some places do this. Some places will even happily sit there and let individuals add their own tips on top of the included one...which is sometimes kinda hidden on the bill.<p>Though, my sister was a waitress for a long time. She worked hard to earn tips, I understand being a service person, especially a server, kinda sucks. You have to deal with assholes, you're constantly moving your whole shift, breaks are limited, there's a bunch of shit to keep track of and again...you have to deal with assholes.<p>I also like tipping places I frequent with people i've come to know. People in these places always treat me well and makes me happy to leave something extra for them...especially because again...they talk about the shit they deal with.<p>I don't think tipping should be expected or mandatory and I don't think many of the places that have a tip option really should. Though again there's a few places I go that I kind of wish did because the people that work there work hard and go out of their way for me when I come in.<p>On another note, i've gotten some pretty decent tips after doing install work and other things at people's houses. I've always really appreciated those. They've never been asked for or expected, they come out of nowhere and when it's like that it does help show that the person you've spent a bunch of hours doing some hard work for appreciated it.<p>Though then again...sometimes better than a cash tip were the offers of coffee or food. That's very greatly appreciated.