@LukeAlmighty idk how it is elsewhere in the world, but in the US, waiters get less than minimum wage in order to incentivize them treating the customers well so that they get tips. if you're a crusty cum sock to everyone, you won't make money.

it keeps prices down for the restaurant too.

the amount that people generally say is the minimum to tip, 12%, isn't that expensive either. waiters actually end up getting paid pretty well if they do a good job.

honestly i would rather have it like this, than getting paid minimum wage and making a commission percentage, because with getting tips you know it's because people liked having you as their waiter but with commission it's just because you convinced them to buy a product.