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Comment by jlawer | Hacker News Reader

I am really glad in Australia companies aren't typically allowed to advertise prices ex taxes / fees. They are allowed to mention the costs as a line item, but can't advertise only part of the cost (i.e. if they advertise its a $89 room, you need to be able to get it for $89)

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Thankfully we have great consumer laws in Australia. This is referred to as drip pricing. It also makes practices such as mandatory minimum tips illegal, which would make someone from the US’s head spin.

https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/pricing/price-displays

The only case I can think of where there is a mandatory minimum tip in the US is that a lot of restaurants will charge a minimum gratuity for parties larger than 6-8.

You are expected to tip 15% for service, even if mediocre or outright bad.

You're expected to tip north of 20% for good service.

Sure, in theory this is not strictly mandatory. Socially, if you don't play the game you're a leeching pariah.

To put it explicitly: if you don't tip, you're personally choosing for that person to make as little as $2.13 an hour for that transaction. Most would balk at pulling that lever.

Well, you are actually pushing their wage downward, but not to $2.13. The lowest would be the minimum wage of the area since the company is required by law to make up the difference.

You also have a true minimum wage for wait staff positions

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