Tipping in restaurants.

I have been followed out and had my tip returned to me!
Yeap, same happened to us, she came running out after us to give us back the change we left behind, think it was about a Euro or two
The difference between her and an Irish waiter is, she wasn't expecting a tip for just doing her normal paid job
And we got the full 50 degree "thank you bow" as well, don't get that in Ireland
 
We always tip 10% of the total price whether the service is good or bad. Occasionally, I’d get an unnecessary smart comment about something or other, then No Tip from Ol’ Lep.

We were in a Chinese restaurant in Boston some years ago and I left my usual 10% tip. A member of staff followed us out to the street informing us the expected tip was 12.5% and he wanted the difference, I coughed up, but thought his actions somewhat weird.

In Ireland I understand the sharing of tips is covered by law. If any member of staff has a grievance then there is a legal route. I bet some trade unions could represent their members along this route.
 
We were in a Chinese restaurant in Boston some years ago and I left my usual 10% tip. A member of staff followed us out to the street informing us the expected tip was 12.5% and he wanted the difference, I coughed up, but thought his actions somewhat weird.
In the US tipping is very much expected in restaurants. It forms a significant component of the waitstaff's wages and, if you leave without tipping, the manager will often follow you out to object on behalf of the waitstaff.

You can decline to tip if you think there is a issue that justifies that, but in such a case you're expected to complain about the issue. If you leave without tipping, and also without having indicated that you have any problem or any complaint, that's known as "stiffing" and it's an incredibly rude, contemptuous thing to do. The restaurant staff will feel that honour more or less requires them to challenge your behaviour.
 
I'm a fan of good service but I'm not a fan of subservience.
Well then I'd advise you to stay away from China and especially Japan, where in Japanese culture, bowing, or "ojigi," is a fundamental way to show respect, used for greetings, thanks, apologies, and requests while shaking hands and saying thank you is not the done thing over there
 
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