I’m American but lived in Japan for a couple of years. I was so shocked by the amazing customer service the Japanese workers gave me but never asked or expected a tip.
I was so confused coming back here and seeing all of stores implementing an option to tip and I’m trying to figure out… for what? Most of the workers hardly acknowledge me when I’m there and it feels as if I’m bothering them coming to order something, and then they turn the iPad around asking for a tip.
I always say it’s shocking what us Americans are accustomed to here in the US, and those that have never been outside of the country would never know these things. I also visited Australia for a bit and noticed no one asked or expected a tip as well.
Glad I had the opportunity to see how other countries do things outside the US 🙂
I once asked to have an automatic tip removed from my order at the cheese bar in Camden and they seemed ready to bite my nose off. Supposed to be a place that knows a bit about labour history, Camden. Not going back, the food was late and it all came at different times.
As a terrible seppo immigrant I feel like I'm being chased by the terrible seppo shit I ran away from, sometimes.
I think thats more to do with Japanese culture than anything. Staff at even convenience stores were super nice and helpful when I stayed in Japan. But here people don't really care that much. You cant expect a culture of people to change. Id much rather permanently live in Japan if my work and family didnt tie me down.
Oh I definitely agree. The Japanese were taught at a young age to show respect to others and to do your best no matter how small or insignificant the job may seem to others. At this point, it is what it is here in the US, I just expect it now. It was just more of a reverse culture shock coming back here after living in Japan for a few years.
I’ve also got my mind set on moving back and staying in Japan permanently when I get the chance.