I do it because it’s a social norm. I’m sure you also do illogical and inefficient things solely because your culture dictates it, weather you realize it or not.

And some restaurants are starting to implement a standard service fee, it’s more common at high end restaurants.

> I don't understand this. Why do you Americans tip for this? Isn't being seated, handed a menu, food brought to the table, and plates being cleared part of a waiter's job?

1. Because nobody you'd want waiting a table wants to be a waiter for minimum wage.

2. And because restaurants don't want to pay waiters more than minimum wage on slow nights.

Your options if you don't like this situation are:

1. A ~20% price hike in the cost of your food.

2. Significantly worse service.

3. Significantly limited hours.

Pick two.

the short answer is for wait service it's customary. this thing where you're now being asked to tip 20%+ for any product or service as long as there's a touchscreen POS terminal is the new thing everyone is getting rankled about.

I think that would be considered socialism /s