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“Tipping Is Out Of Control”: Waitress Rejects 35% Gift Card Tip, Leaving Customer Confused
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“Tipping Is Out Of Control”: Waitress Rejects 35% Gift Card Tip, Leaving Customer Confused

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A restaurant customer thought she was being really generous after tipping her waitress a huge 35 percent tip for her services. Turns out, she was wrong because, according to the attendant, tips from gift cards “do not count.”

“I don’t know if you guys know this, but it is really rude not to tip your server,” the waitress said, demanding cash instead.

Highlights
  • A customer was shocked after a waitress rejected a generous 35% gift card tip, insisting it didn't count and demanded cash for her morning shift.
  • She took to TikTok for advice, sparking a heated debate about tipping norms and whether tipping should even be an accepted practice.
  • Viewers and service workers couldn't reach a consensus on whether gift card tips are valid, leaving the customer and others confused.

In her confusion, the customer took to TikTok to ask others if she had made a mistake, leading to heated debate in the comments about the extent to which one should go in order to tip servers or if “tipping” should even be an accepted practice at all.

In recent years, restaurants have started to include a 10 percent tip on every receipt, with some establishments suggesting a more generous 25 percent instead, making these earnings an important part of each worker’s salary.

A customer was left puzzled after a server called her “rude,” refused a 35% gift card tip, claiming it “didn’t count,” and said she was owed cash for working a morning shift

Image credits: tinysparksvixen

According to a travel guide by the Australian airline Qantas, “In America, tipping is optional in name only.”

“Legally it’s voluntary but if you slink out of a restaurant without leaving a gratuity of between 20 and 25 per cent, you’re likely to be chased by a waiter demanding to know why.”

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The airline proceeds to rub salt in the wound by stating that in Australia, “where workers are paid a fair minimum wage,” tipping remains a simple bonus for a great service.

Image credits: tinysparksvixen

“Under American federal law, the minimum wage for employees who also earn tips is just US$2.13 an hour and for those who don’t it’s US$7.25. Think of wait staff as independent contractors you’re paying to wait for your table. Taking a seat at a restaurant in the US means you’re entering a social contract with your waiter,” the airline warned their users.

Image credits: tinysparksvixen

For Arwa Mahdawi, columnist at The Guardian, the confusion experienced by the TikToker is expected, and it is a symptom of a greater problem. Her verdict is clear: “Tipping culture in the US is out of control.”

“The US norm of tipping at least 20% on a meal, and at least $1 a drink at a bar, has always confused European tourists,” her column reads. 

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“But in recent years, tipping prompts have become so ubiquitous and have spread to so many new areas of commerce, that even Americans are confused about when and where a tip is appropriate.”

The woman was left confused after having her generous tip rejected. Not knowing if her waitress was trying to get more money out of her or if the gift card really didn’t count, she turned to her audience for answers

Image credits: tinysparksvixen

After being confronted by her waitress, the TikToker reacted in perplexity.

“No, but we did tip you. We tipped you on the card. There should’ve been $40 there. Was there a problem?” she asked. “Because if the amount is wrong, I can give you more tip. I have no problem with that.”

Image credits: tinysparksvixen

The server then informed her that gift cards do not count and that because she woke up early and was working a morning shift, she should be compensated with cash.

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“I then thought, ‘Maybe she’s right.’ Maybe a tip does not count if it comes from a gift card. Does it not count?” the TikToker asked her viewers.

Image credits: tinysparksvixen

 

@tinysparksvixen #greenscreenvideo #giftcards #card #tip #tips #tipping #tippingculture #server #serverlife #serverproblems #deadpoolwolverine #parisolympics2024 ♬ original sound – Tiny Sparks

“There is now almost no payment transaction in the US that doesn’t involve a prompt for a tip. If you go to get a coffee or pick up a takeout order, for example, an electronic screen will almost certainly get swiveled in your direction, asking if you want to add a 20%, 25% or 30% tip,” Mahdawi explains in her column.

Waitresses, servants, and stewards came to the TikToker’s comments section to settle the matter once and for all

Image credits: Freepik

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People in the comments struggled with giving the customer definitive answers, with some claiming to be service workers themselves and giving contradictory accounts on the validity of gift cards when it comes to tips.

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“At my restaurant if someone leaves a gift card. we can’t use it as a tip. but if they leave it, I just use it on my next cash table,” shared one waitress.

“Server here. It does count! She just wanted more,” said another.

“At my restaurant, it doesn’t let you tip on a gift card, but in this case we would keep the card to use the balance for our meals. Same difference as cash,” a third server explained.

Image credits: Freepik

Finally, a user claiming to be a restaurant owner gave a more complete answer: “We don’t accept cash back on our gift cards.” 

“The server who said ‘use it on your next cash table’ is right, that’s the solution.” 

They also added that in their establishment, the behavior displayed by the waitress wouldn’t have been tolerated. “We have fired servers who ask customers about tips.”

“Tipping is out of control,” viewers debated the validity of the gift card, but most agreed that the culture surrounding the practice needs to be revised

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Abel Musa Miño

Abel Musa Miño

Writer, BoredPanda staff

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Abel is a journalist at Bored Panda. Born in Santiago, Chile, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication and a diploma in International Relations. In his spare time, you can find him tinkering with his motorbike, playing with his dog, or reading a good novel.

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Abel Musa Miño

Abel Musa Miño

Writer, BoredPanda staff

Abel is a journalist at Bored Panda. Born in Santiago, Chile, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication and a diploma in International Relations. In his spare time, you can find him tinkering with his motorbike, playing with his dog, or reading a good novel.

Ugnė Lazauskaitė

Ugnė Lazauskaitė

Author, BoredPanda staff

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I am employed as a Visual Editor in the news team. I make sure you have the best pictures near the most interesting text. In general all day I am looking at all you favourite celebrities facies and I am geting payed for it!

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Ugnė Lazauskaitė

Ugnė Lazauskaitė

Author, BoredPanda staff

I am employed as a Visual Editor in the news team. I make sure you have the best pictures near the most interesting text. In general all day I am looking at all you favourite celebrities facies and I am geting payed for it!

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POST
Anony Mouse
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Boring tiktok post guaranteed to generate the same boring tipping culture comments, and starting with the same boring 30 fake upvotes.

WindySwede
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only 30 oj this? Saw a starting on 60 today. Forgotten what, some celeb/tickmock

Load More Replies...
tori Ohno
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nobody is "owed"a tip. It's high time we Americans stand up against this. Tips are for when your service has been above and beyond, not for making up for a low wage, or because the employee feels entitled. Like this tiktok idiot. Abolish below minimum wage for servers, and stop tipping unless the service was more than excellent.

LonelyLittleLeafSheep
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree, but until the system is changed are you going to punish those servers by withholding a tip?

Load More Replies...
Michael Largey
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When the waitress said "Tips from gift cards do not count", she may mean that any money on the card will go to the restaurant and never reach her. And yes, that would be illegal. And yes, it still happens.

Serena Myers
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tipping is crawling its way into UK culture. Was asked if I'd like to leave a tip for my One Stop driver. No. They are paid minimum wage, £11.44 an hour (US $14.79) As a pensioner, I receive the huge sum of £5.50 an hour. (US $7.11) They are paid more than I am.

tee-lena
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Luckily servers in my city are minimum wage of at least 15$ an hr. I no longer tip. I only receive 1200 a month on disability. They make more than I do so not a chance

Load More Replies...
WonderWoman
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an American customer, I DO NOT enter into a social contract with the wait staff. Them getting paid is between them and their employer. I CAN tip if I CHOOSE to but I am NOT obligated to do so. In fact, there are many times when I do not choose to. The wait staff gets paid at LEAST the $2.50 an hour PLUS tips BUT if their tips to not add up to the state's minimum wage $7+ the employers MUST pay them that. So NOT tipping, FORCES the employer to actually pay them the min wage, you know the same as the Walmart worker, the mcDonalds worker, etc. The obligation for paying their staff falls with the employers. Wait staff can and often does make WAY above minimum wage, which is why they push the notion that the consumer OWES them 15, 20, 25% of the total for the luxury of dining out. WE DO NOT and the tipping culture has gone TOO FAR. ENOUGH, stop tipping.

Bec
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Both US presidential candidates have touted no tips on taxes as part of their platform to try to lure tipped workers. I think that is B S. We need to raise the minimum wage and do away with the tipped workers loophole.

John Smith (he/him/xy/️)
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the servers are struggling, they need to take that up with their employers, not with their clientele. Stop acting as slaves working for alms

Sand Ers
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since prices inexorably rise, while the minimum wage pretends it’s still the 90s.

Load More Replies...
LonelyLittleLeafSheep
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Couldn't watch the video because my phone is a b***h sometimes, so can someone explain. Did the customer use a gift card to pay for her meal, and add the server's tip to the bill in order to use up the card? OR did she leave a gift card as the tip? A couple of points to note: cash tips are not taxed unless the server declares the money voluntarily; tips left on cards are taxed because the IRS has a record of the transaction. One reason servers prefer cash. Also, if she left a gift card for the server, how is the server supposed to know if it's even valid or has funds on it? She may not have time to call the number on the back to verify funds. And finally, was the gift card for the restaurant where she works? Because maybe she doesn't want to eat the food she serves all day. You can get sick of smelling the same things all the time. Honest questions, please don't be mean. I would have watched the video myself if my phone would cooperate.

Marnie
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am also wondering, but I think it's that the customer paid for her meal with a gift card, and also paid for the tip out of that same gift cared. To me, that should work, and if it does not, the blame goes to the restaurant.

Load More Replies...
Perry Bennett
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who does generally tip well above the societal standard in the US, I do very much wish the restaurant would just pay their f'ing staff appropriately and charge me what's necessary to do so. I hate haggling. And side note, same goes for you delivery services. Hire people, pay them right.

R Ray
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

waitress sounds like she's a greedy c-nt and asking for cash. F*ck that B!

Tabitha
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can’t pay your rent with a gift card for another business, ffs. Just tip cash, people. Quit being cheapskates.

Slapdash1
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who's paying the server? Is it my job? Or their employer's? Paid the bill. Unless your service has been exceotional you're getting jack.

Load More Replies...
Elly Anna
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The other day we ordered take out from a gyro shop. Two gyros, a large fry, and a small smoothie came to just over $30. Sorry, but at that price, I can't afford to tip as well, especially when I'm picking it up and all you have to do is make it. (The food was "meh", at best, and totally not worth the amount of money spent.)

varwenea
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many businesses do not allow tipping to be paid via the business' gift cards. The reason being gift cards are sometimes sold at a discount or some incentive based discount, earning points via a third party, or even a donated gift, etc. If they also pay the tip to the cashier, the restaurant will net negative on that tip. The OP likely offered a high 35% tip because she did get it at lower cost. The verbiage is exaggerated to generate outrage. Move on.

M G----no
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We've tipped through gift cards before, both local and national chains. Never had a problem. In fact, usually there's way more than 20% left on the card, but we'll give it all because we just want to get rid of the card and the server will be grateful. But if there's a problem at a restaurant, the server needs to POLITELY mention it ("I'm sorry, I appreciate your generosity, but unfortunately, our restaurant does not accept tips from gift cards.") . If the patron has a problem, they can ask to talk to a manager to clarify. It shouldn't cause a huge issue.

Beth Gietl
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember when charge tips were frowned upon because they had to be reported to the IRS. The servers wanted cash and nothing else. I do think that servers are not paid that much and that needs to be addressed. In some countries tipping is not allowed at all. How did this get so out of control? I rarely go out to eat anymore because I just can't afford it.

Mike Loux
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am so confused by this article. Tipping on the gift card? What the f**k does that even mean?

Bec
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They used a gift card to pay and on the credit slip added a generous tip (perhaps the remaining balance on the gift card).

Load More Replies...
Gary
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am from UK and just did a driving trip around death valley, Joshua tree etc, its was fantastic, the people were lovely and having eaten 24 meals in different locations each time had no issues with tipping, i.e. we tipped a reasonable amount and staff were friendly and helpful.

Oskar vanZandt
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This issue doesn't affect me as I life in The UK where serving staff are paid decent wages... I tipped 15% the last time I went out to eat at a restaurant (a carvery where you partially serve yourself). The young woman was pleasantly surprised I tipped her. I've been to other European countries where there were service charges added to the bill and some were discretionary. Once again, the serving staff weren't dependent on tips to top up their wages...

Cat Chat
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It probably differs from place to place. I have seen some restaurant issued gift cards state they are only good for goods, but not services. It is different, often, when it's a gift card purchased instead of given away, too. If you're just leaving a random gift card as a tip, that's just an a*****e move. Just like there's no real consensus on what to tip, there won't be with this question. It's just "depends".

Janos Schumacher
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's make it simple: Tip if you want, or be a jerk if you want. That's fine. Tip your server, your bartender, your hair dresser/barber, your valet, and your dockboy (highly specific I know). Other than that, your digression. Counter service is not normally tipped. You came to them. They handed you things. Do you tip the person at the parts counter at Autozone? Probably not, even thought they helped you make sure you got the right part and it would work with your equipment and gave you advice on how to install it and remined you to bring the core back. You wouldn't give them a dime. But they work hard too. Everyone works hard, but there are some professions where a tip is expected. You are tipping them to put up with you. You suck. and I assure you, you do. I suck. I know I do. Everyone sucks. Tip those that are paid (barely paid) to pretend that you don't suck. Don't whine about it though. It's not helping. Do something about it. Start a movement. Start a revolution!

John Smith (he/him/xy/️)
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are tipping them for performing a service that went above what is listed in their contract

Load More Replies...
Anony Mouse
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Boring tiktok post guaranteed to generate the same boring tipping culture comments, and starting with the same boring 30 fake upvotes.

WindySwede
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only 30 oj this? Saw a starting on 60 today. Forgotten what, some celeb/tickmock

Load More Replies...
tori Ohno
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nobody is "owed"a tip. It's high time we Americans stand up against this. Tips are for when your service has been above and beyond, not for making up for a low wage, or because the employee feels entitled. Like this tiktok idiot. Abolish below minimum wage for servers, and stop tipping unless the service was more than excellent.

LonelyLittleLeafSheep
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree, but until the system is changed are you going to punish those servers by withholding a tip?

Load More Replies...
Michael Largey
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When the waitress said "Tips from gift cards do not count", she may mean that any money on the card will go to the restaurant and never reach her. And yes, that would be illegal. And yes, it still happens.

Serena Myers
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tipping is crawling its way into UK culture. Was asked if I'd like to leave a tip for my One Stop driver. No. They are paid minimum wage, £11.44 an hour (US $14.79) As a pensioner, I receive the huge sum of £5.50 an hour. (US $7.11) They are paid more than I am.

tee-lena
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Luckily servers in my city are minimum wage of at least 15$ an hr. I no longer tip. I only receive 1200 a month on disability. They make more than I do so not a chance

Load More Replies...
WonderWoman
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an American customer, I DO NOT enter into a social contract with the wait staff. Them getting paid is between them and their employer. I CAN tip if I CHOOSE to but I am NOT obligated to do so. In fact, there are many times when I do not choose to. The wait staff gets paid at LEAST the $2.50 an hour PLUS tips BUT if their tips to not add up to the state's minimum wage $7+ the employers MUST pay them that. So NOT tipping, FORCES the employer to actually pay them the min wage, you know the same as the Walmart worker, the mcDonalds worker, etc. The obligation for paying their staff falls with the employers. Wait staff can and often does make WAY above minimum wage, which is why they push the notion that the consumer OWES them 15, 20, 25% of the total for the luxury of dining out. WE DO NOT and the tipping culture has gone TOO FAR. ENOUGH, stop tipping.

Bec
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Both US presidential candidates have touted no tips on taxes as part of their platform to try to lure tipped workers. I think that is B S. We need to raise the minimum wage and do away with the tipped workers loophole.

John Smith (he/him/xy/️)
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the servers are struggling, they need to take that up with their employers, not with their clientele. Stop acting as slaves working for alms

Sand Ers
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since prices inexorably rise, while the minimum wage pretends it’s still the 90s.

Load More Replies...
LonelyLittleLeafSheep
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Couldn't watch the video because my phone is a b***h sometimes, so can someone explain. Did the customer use a gift card to pay for her meal, and add the server's tip to the bill in order to use up the card? OR did she leave a gift card as the tip? A couple of points to note: cash tips are not taxed unless the server declares the money voluntarily; tips left on cards are taxed because the IRS has a record of the transaction. One reason servers prefer cash. Also, if she left a gift card for the server, how is the server supposed to know if it's even valid or has funds on it? She may not have time to call the number on the back to verify funds. And finally, was the gift card for the restaurant where she works? Because maybe she doesn't want to eat the food she serves all day. You can get sick of smelling the same things all the time. Honest questions, please don't be mean. I would have watched the video myself if my phone would cooperate.

Marnie
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am also wondering, but I think it's that the customer paid for her meal with a gift card, and also paid for the tip out of that same gift cared. To me, that should work, and if it does not, the blame goes to the restaurant.

Load More Replies...
Perry Bennett
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who does generally tip well above the societal standard in the US, I do very much wish the restaurant would just pay their f'ing staff appropriately and charge me what's necessary to do so. I hate haggling. And side note, same goes for you delivery services. Hire people, pay them right.

R Ray
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

waitress sounds like she's a greedy c-nt and asking for cash. F*ck that B!

Tabitha
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can’t pay your rent with a gift card for another business, ffs. Just tip cash, people. Quit being cheapskates.

Slapdash1
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who's paying the server? Is it my job? Or their employer's? Paid the bill. Unless your service has been exceotional you're getting jack.

Load More Replies...
Elly Anna
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The other day we ordered take out from a gyro shop. Two gyros, a large fry, and a small smoothie came to just over $30. Sorry, but at that price, I can't afford to tip as well, especially when I'm picking it up and all you have to do is make it. (The food was "meh", at best, and totally not worth the amount of money spent.)

varwenea
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many businesses do not allow tipping to be paid via the business' gift cards. The reason being gift cards are sometimes sold at a discount or some incentive based discount, earning points via a third party, or even a donated gift, etc. If they also pay the tip to the cashier, the restaurant will net negative on that tip. The OP likely offered a high 35% tip because she did get it at lower cost. The verbiage is exaggerated to generate outrage. Move on.

M G----no
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We've tipped through gift cards before, both local and national chains. Never had a problem. In fact, usually there's way more than 20% left on the card, but we'll give it all because we just want to get rid of the card and the server will be grateful. But if there's a problem at a restaurant, the server needs to POLITELY mention it ("I'm sorry, I appreciate your generosity, but unfortunately, our restaurant does not accept tips from gift cards.") . If the patron has a problem, they can ask to talk to a manager to clarify. It shouldn't cause a huge issue.

Beth Gietl
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember when charge tips were frowned upon because they had to be reported to the IRS. The servers wanted cash and nothing else. I do think that servers are not paid that much and that needs to be addressed. In some countries tipping is not allowed at all. How did this get so out of control? I rarely go out to eat anymore because I just can't afford it.

Mike Loux
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am so confused by this article. Tipping on the gift card? What the f**k does that even mean?

Bec
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They used a gift card to pay and on the credit slip added a generous tip (perhaps the remaining balance on the gift card).

Load More Replies...
Gary
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am from UK and just did a driving trip around death valley, Joshua tree etc, its was fantastic, the people were lovely and having eaten 24 meals in different locations each time had no issues with tipping, i.e. we tipped a reasonable amount and staff were friendly and helpful.

Oskar vanZandt
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This issue doesn't affect me as I life in The UK where serving staff are paid decent wages... I tipped 15% the last time I went out to eat at a restaurant (a carvery where you partially serve yourself). The young woman was pleasantly surprised I tipped her. I've been to other European countries where there were service charges added to the bill and some were discretionary. Once again, the serving staff weren't dependent on tips to top up their wages...

Cat Chat
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It probably differs from place to place. I have seen some restaurant issued gift cards state they are only good for goods, but not services. It is different, often, when it's a gift card purchased instead of given away, too. If you're just leaving a random gift card as a tip, that's just an a*****e move. Just like there's no real consensus on what to tip, there won't be with this question. It's just "depends".

Janos Schumacher
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's make it simple: Tip if you want, or be a jerk if you want. That's fine. Tip your server, your bartender, your hair dresser/barber, your valet, and your dockboy (highly specific I know). Other than that, your digression. Counter service is not normally tipped. You came to them. They handed you things. Do you tip the person at the parts counter at Autozone? Probably not, even thought they helped you make sure you got the right part and it would work with your equipment and gave you advice on how to install it and remined you to bring the core back. You wouldn't give them a dime. But they work hard too. Everyone works hard, but there are some professions where a tip is expected. You are tipping them to put up with you. You suck. and I assure you, you do. I suck. I know I do. Everyone sucks. Tip those that are paid (barely paid) to pretend that you don't suck. Don't whine about it though. It's not helping. Do something about it. Start a movement. Start a revolution!

John Smith (he/him/xy/️)
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are tipping them for performing a service that went above what is listed in their contract

Load More Replies...
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