We recently had to pay because we received a package mailed as Media Mail, which got opened and declared not media mail.

Here's the thing, though -- the sender had the post office she sent the package from inspect the content before sealing the package, because it wasn't clear to her what the rules allowed. They said it was fine. A different post office seemed to disagree.

So, at least based on this example, the rules are far from clear. If they're going to crack down on this, they need to be crystal clear about what's allowed.

If it's mandatory, it's not a tip. It's part of the purchase price.

Personally, I don't go to places where there's a mandatory gratuity. It's insulting. Just be honest and raise the prices on the menu.

I do tip well (typically 20+%, believe it or not), but the tip is a bonus, not a requirement.