[demosthanos]

I'm not saying upfront pricing would survive in a free-for-all laissez-faire economy, I'm saying that it ought to be required because it is better for consumers.

They pick based on the advertised price because hidden fees and culturally-mandated tips exploit weaknesses in our psychology, not because customers actually like to spend more than they'd planned on.

[Waterluvian]

In Ontario, Canada we did away with the lower tier minimum wage. Everyone, including servers, bartenders, etc, make at least $16.55/hr. Tips, if any, add on to that. It makes it so much easier to look at the price tag and know what something costs, and not to tip when it doesn’t feel like anything exceptional happened.

But my favourite thing: it gives weight back to tips. They mean something again.

[frumper]

California doesn't have a tip wage, tips still expected.

[fishtacos]

Great - tips there should be optional, but that's now not part of the discussion. California's progressive laws rarely reflect the rest of the country, especially Texas.

[frumper]

progressive 1970's policies

[fishtacos]

Both can co-exist. Also, let's not forget that California lives in its own bubble, not reflective of the rest of Americana.

[demosthanos]

I don't know why you're bringing California into this. I don't live there, and TFA takes place in Austin, TX.

[fishtacos]

Shoud've clarified - I couldn't reply to the 3rd reply due to HN's limitations, but it was related to the "California" reply without making mention of it. This has nothing to do with Canada.

HN has posting limitations.

[frumper]

That's a weird take. What about life in California do you think is so different?