I’ve always assumed that tips are for any non-professional personal service where the output quality can vary massively depending on care and/or attention to de

I’ve always assumed that tips are for any non-professional personal service where the output quality can vary massively depending on care and/or attention to detail, and which requires a degree of trust in the service provider — whether or not there’s actually “table service” involved, or a human being directly handling your money. Tipping is effective at encouraging that care and attention to detail, and shows a degree of respect for someone doing you a service. I tip movers, my house cleaner, the valet, hotel maid service, bartenders, and anyone (at a non-chain restaurant) involved in directly preparing, serving, or delivering my food — including take-out. I’m okay with this. I think the US’ tipping culture produces a better overall level of service than we’d have otherwise — barring some massive shift in our underlying culture.