I think customers in Australia and the US "were" different back then. Perhaps part of it is that you have a culture that works for tips (in some industries), Australia doesn't. I think that changes customer behavior overall.
I wish that was the case here. I am suffering tip fatigue bad. Our issue had to do with not being in a mall. People were just walking around looking to spend money. They were coming in to get a specific part and then leaving. They didn't want to be up sold or offered anything beyond that.
tip fatigue - That is likely something that can be officially diagnosed these days!