I think that tipping should be used as an expression of gratitude for extra services or as a reward for going above and beyond. The current tipping system should be discontinued in favor of employer paying employees a living wage, or at least minimum wage.  Tipping should be solely at the discretion of the consumer, not an expectation. The current system of requesting a tip on nearly every bill presented to consumers, regardless of the service provided or even when personal services is not provided, now feels like everyone and every store is begging for more money from me.