what are gratuities

A gratuity, often called a tip, is a sum of money customarily given by a customer to certain service sector workers for the service they have performed, in addition to the basic price of the service. It is a voluntary payment beyond obligation and is a matter of social custom and etiquette, varying between countries and settings. In some cases, such as on cruises, gratuities may be pre-paid and included in the fare. Additionally, gratuity can also refer to a payment made by an employer to an employee in recognition of long and meritorious service, above and beyond the usual wages or salary