Quote Originally Posted by Vincent888 View Post
So when you are always given your regular favourite table with the best view or location in the place it doesn’t deserve some reciprocal generosity? Or when the waiter comes out with your favourite drink without asking?
My reciprocal generosity is my repeat business. I call it the Cheers experience (American TV show). There are places where I walk in, sit down, make eye contact, and the server brings me my favorite drink. I don't have to say anything. Why wouldn't they if I'm a regular. Plenty of places to go for a drink at the same price, so I kind of expect to be acknowledged if I'm a regular. Tipping is not the norm here. Once, I even left the coins on the tray and the cashier remined me that they were there. I said to keep it, and she seemed very confused. $2+ certainly not really a "tip", just my ack, but misunderstood.

For me, at a shop, we've agreed on the price of the extras. Why would I pay extra - should I be expecting marginal service and be happy if it was exceptional? For marginal, it's a one-of. For exceptional, it's repeats, often weekly. It's why I repeat - I know what she provides, she knows what I like and delivers it. We don't have to start from zero.

The exception was when I departed. I would always have the exact amount for the extras, especially as I knew what they cost. I don't expect her to be a bank. But in this case, I paid $150, not $130. EVERY one asked if I wanted change - here, I told them to keep it as I wouldn't be seeing them for a long time. But for normal visits, no, it's not a slight, it's just business as usual.

YMMV