T.I.P.S. - Tipping Insures Prompt (or Proper) Service. The argument above is usually very hard to argue against because there is no doubt that servers give good service based on what they perceive to be a carrot on end of a stick. They will work hard for you and you will reward them at end for a job well done. So to me, question is not really to tip or not, but rather how much to tip.

Tipping standards vary greatly from region to region and country to country. To complicate matters, tipping standards change over time and what services require a tip also change. Back in high school I had a friend who believed that tipping on drinks was not necessary. I never did figure out his logic on that one but it does go to show that there are many ideas about tipping.

When figuring your tip, you should consider following circumstances that may or may not apply to server depending on which state you are in.

*Hourly wages are typically significantly less in service industry, because tips are considered part of servers income.

*Your server is likely being taxed 8% to 10% of your bill weather you tip them or not. Many restaurants automatically deduct this percent from servers pay check to keep server in right ball park at tax time. This is not only income tax that server must claim. So if you do not tip server, it has actually cost server money to serve you. This also means that first 8% of a 10% tip goes to government and not server.

*Believe it or not, servers do not always get a paycheck. Sometimes, because of taxes they pay and/or deductions, servers must pay in to company rather than get a check.

From PreOwnedCars: The dot com with a heart. 7% goes to charity.

Prime directive: Make sure your claim is reasonable! Otherwise, forget it.

First thing: If you have a legitimate claim denied or a beef with a company (my method can be applied to insurance companies, dealerships, bad fish, or whatever), prepare yourself for likelihood of frustrating conversations with people who either can’t think for themselves or have been told by their boss not to.

If whoever takes your initial complaint is reasonable you'll be pleasantly surprised. If, however, what you’re being told sounds like it isn’t addressing your individual problem beware – answer you’re getting may be being read from a script. Companies often give their customer service reps pat, formulaic responses they must give and not stray from!

Get a name!! The person who answers your call will often say their name, if at all, in an inaudible light-speed mumble. Take time to ask them to repeat their name if necessary. 3 times if necessary. Be sure you write name down. When you call next time and person answering doesn’t know what you’re talking about you want to be able to answer inevitable “Who did you talk to?”

Always, always, always: Keep notes on not only who you talked to, but when, gist of conversation, and date and time. These records may be invaluable (see below).

If you expect BS you won’t get as upset when you get it. This is especially true with first person you talk to. By definition this is low person on totem pole. Anticipate they have zero decision-making authority and you’ll save lots of energy right at get-go.

Ask to speak to a supervisor. Do this sooner than later (see above). Don't make "lateral move mistake!" As soon as you detect you’re being stonewalled move up. Get a supervisor, then their supervisor, and on and on. Go as far as you have to go. You’re looking for a person who sounds reasonable, understands your problem, and can do something about it.

Save time and energy, big-time. When you’re connected to a “supervisor,” make sure you haven’t been passed to someone on same level or, worse, some unrelated and useless department (happens a lot). As soon as you get a supervisor ask their position. Ask also, “Do you have authority to remedy my complaint?” If not, move on immediately.

Present yourself as cool and confident. This sends message “I know I’m right and you’re not going to wear me down.” Some industries (did someone say "insurance companies?") count on you getting frustrated and giving up. Don’t let them know if you are upset. Remember: If facts are on your side you don’t have to sweat. They do.

Depersonalize issue. Don’t become what psychologists call “ego invested.”  It will help you to be polite and in control if you keep in mind you’re dealing with a human being who’s got a hard job, is almost certainly underpaid, and is very likely working for a jackass.

Keep your eyes on prize! Keep in mind your goal; you want to get your money or promised services – not to get angry at person you happen to be talking with.