> In countries such as Japan where gratuity isn't commonplace, leaving a tip inappropriately is almost like saying: "This business probably isn't doing well enough to pay you a proper salary, so here's a little something extra."
> On the rare occasion that you actually need to give a tip in Japan, do so by putting the money inside of a tasteful, decorative envelope and seal it. The tip should be presented as more of a gift than simply additional cash or payment for services. Hand it to the recipient using both hands and with a slight bow.
> Don't insist that someone accept your tip; it may be forbidden and a condition of employment.
There must be some different kind of worldview here.. I guess it must have something to do with coming from a tipping culture vs a non-tipping culture.
If I imagine myself, in my current job, dropping by a customer and deliver the updated product, and then the customer tries to hand over a fiver. I would go, in my mind, "What? What am I supposed to do with that? Do I look like a beggar that just happened to bring the product? I have a wage, I don't need to be "supported" with breadcrumbs by someone who think he's above me. I'm not a dog." And so on. It would definitely put a sour taste on everything.
And actually my company's code of ethics (we're a worldwide company) do forbid receiving anything from customers, with the exception of the occasional shared lunch.
> On the rare occasion that you actually need to give a tip in Japan, do so by putting the money inside of a tasteful, decorative envelope and seal it. The tip should be presented as more of a gift than simply additional cash or payment for services. Hand it to the recipient using both hands and with a slight bow.
> Don't insist that someone accept your tip; it may be forbidden and a condition of employment.
This raises more questions than it answers