Hacker News Reader

Comment by rayiner | Hacker News Reader

Have you ever encountered the customer service in Europe? (Especially outside Germany, Sweden, etc.) It's awful and everyone is rude. It's because they don't have to worry about being replaced by illegal immigrants.

View on HN

No, it is because we don't use the tipping system.

And it's not awful, and people are not rude, just not "fake-friendly" as americans.

And in my experience, the "fake friendly" is largely confined to chain restaurants in the US. I haven't encountered it much at Michelin-starred establishments, for example.

Counterpoint: Customer service at restaurants in Japan (where tipping is not customary and where immigration policy is strict) is excellent, much better than in America. I’ve had wonderful service even at fast food restaurants; the workers are friendly, service is timely, the orders come out correctly, and the presentation of the food is thoughtful and considerate of the customer. I stress these things because I’ve had some bad experiences in America where I end up with sloppy food served by surly staff.

I think the differences in customer service expectations are cultural in nature.

UK, Italy, and Iceland in the last decade, haven't encountered what you describe. Restaurant staff have universally been polite and professional.

I don't see the leap in logic from "I experienced bad service in areas of Europe" to "downward wage pressure alleviation results in a better experience."

Can you expound how they are related, and if you have some insight, where this has been researched?

Or worry about tips.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com