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If an establishment you entered is asking for tips, it’s a brightly lit-up sign that their workers aren’t getting paid a minimum wage. By relying on gratuity, businesses don’t have to raise their salaries while keeping prices relatively low. Unfortunately, over the years, such practice has gotten out of hand, with the option to tip being everywhere: self-checkouts, Airbnb, bathrooms, and even parks.

To prove how bad it has gotten, Bored Panda compiled a list of some of the most infuriating examples of tipping culture found online. Scroll down to see them, and be sure to share your own gratuity horror stories below.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out a conversation with finance experts Mafe Aclado from Coupon Snake and Michael Ashley from Richiest, who kindly agreed to share a few ways we can combat excessive tipping culture.

#1

Your Waitress Doesn't Have A Salary

Your Waitress Doesn't Have A Salary

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Daniela Lavanza
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Your waiter doesn't have a salary". Well, as their boss, it's YOUR problem, right? Don't tell me you can't afford it, we poor Europeans can perfectly. Oh, and we do tip for good service, in top of their decent wage and social protection.

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#2

It's Getting Out Of Hand. Asked To Tip For An Online Purchase, When I Put $0, It Redirected Me To This

It's Getting Out Of Hand. Asked To Tip For An Online Purchase, When I Put $0, It Redirected Me To This

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#3

Only In America Would A Restaurant Display On The Wall That They Don’t Pay Their Staff Enough To Live On

Only In America Would A Restaurant Display On The Wall That They Don’t Pay Their Staff Enough To Live On

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Firstly, we wanted to get to the bottom of why gratuity has gotten so out of hand. “Traditionally, tipping was originally an act of appreciation, completely voluntary, not an obligation or expectation,” recalls Mafe Aclado, finance expert and general manager of Coupon Snake.

“Today, it has become quite the contrary,” she notes.

However, Aclado believes that it’s not the fault of servers, who all of a sudden became entitled to be tipped 20% or more, as some people might think.

#4

Be Careful When Tipping At Pins Easton

Be Careful When Tipping At Pins Easton

Their 20% option was 60%, their 25% option was 74%, and their 35% option which was more than my bill as a whole was 104%.
After letting the manager know about this he didn’t know why at first, but after investigation it seems their POS calculates the tip before any promotions or nightly specials. The night I went was a $2 fireball shot night, however they were calculating the tip for our bill as if the shots were $8 each.
I love pins, but this, their mandatory processing fee, and no allowance of cash is making it hard to justify buying drinks there regularly.

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Daniela Lavanza
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Deceitful again. As for the manager not knowing, lol: he probably did it on purpose.

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#5

This Restaurant Covered Up The "No Tip" Option With A Sticker To Force Tipping

This Restaurant Covered Up The "No Tip" Option With A Sticker To Force Tipping

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Daniela Lavanza
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Remove it, I would even in front of them. And never come back by the way.

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#6

To Get A Tip

To Get A Tip

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It’s rather the fault of inflation, the high cost of living, and societal pressure, according to Aclado. “For most servers, income doesn't go up with inflation, so they are forced to depend on the tips they receive in order to make up the difference from their income. Another reason for this is social influence; people feel tipping is a necessity, and they feel guilty for not doing it.

#7

I Got An Option To Tip At The Self-Checkout Lane

I Got An Option To Tip At The Self-Checkout Lane

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Daniela Lavanza
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, I would like to tip the person who did the job: myself. Thanks for allowing me to reduce my bill. :-)

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#8

Airbnb Is Asking For Tips After Charging A Cleaning Fee

Airbnb Is Asking For Tips After Charging A Cleaning Fee

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Meanwhile, financial expert and founder of Richiest Michael Ashley says, “I believe the tipping culture in the U.S. has gotten out of control largely because it’s a way for businesses to dodge paying fair wages. Employers can legally pay workers as little as $2.13 an hour, expecting tips to cover the rest.”

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#11

Tipping Culture Has Gone Too Far

Tipping Culture Has Gone Too Far

A friend in Pennsylvania took this photo today. It might be a joke, but it’s very literally in the window of the bank without any indication of it being a joke.

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This means that customers are burdened to make sure workers earn a liveable wage, which “isn’t fair to either party,” says Ashley. “Over time, tipping has become more expected across various industries, even in situations where it wasn’t traditionally common, like grocery delivery or coffee shops. It’s also tied to systemic issues like racism and sexism, which makes the problem even more complex. Ultimately, it's a way for companies to maximize profits while passing the responsibility of fair pay onto consumers,” he explains.

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#13

Is This Passive-Aggressive, Or Am I Just Taking It Too Seriously?

Is This Passive-Aggressive, Or Am I Just Taking It Too Seriously?

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#14

Tipping - No Words. Bought An Iced Latte Close To Port Credit Go Station, And Saw The Suggested Tipping

Tipping - No Words. Bought An Iced Latte Close To Port Credit Go Station, And Saw The Suggested Tipping

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#15

So Entitled

So Entitled

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James016
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is when you find out the customer is going to give you a cash tip and the complains that their order was stone cold.

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If tipping culture continues to progress, Aclado believes that it will increase financial burden and reduce satisfaction for both customers and employees. “The fact is, we live in an economy where money is tight, and the truth is that it is only a matter of time before today's excessive tipping pressure becomes unbearable for customers, causing them to withdraw their patronage, and this would affect businesses profit, and their ability to increase employee wages.”

#16

Dashers Going To Start Eating My Food To Survive At This Point

Dashers Going To Start Eating My Food To Survive At This Point

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#17

I Just Booked A Flight Using The Hopper App. Who Am I Tipping?

I Just Booked A Flight Using The Hopper App. Who Am I Tipping?

I enjoy tipping service industry workers. This is downright absurd.

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Robert T
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is clearly a donation to the company who created the app. However it is a rubbish business model to need people to tip to pay your costs.

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Ashley believes that if tipping culture escalates, it’s going to result in greater unfairness to employees. “Workers will be increasingly dependent on the whims of customers to make a decent living, which is incredibly unstable and unfair. This could exacerbate stress and burnout among workers, especially in service industries.”

#19

Just In Case You Were Thinking Of Tipping Less... Think Again

Just In Case You Were Thinking Of Tipping Less... Think Again

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Daniela Lavanza
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"No exception". Save that the law forbids it. Nevermind, I won't come to your place if you threaten me from the start to extort my money.

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#20

How To Sneakily Charge Tips Twice?

How To Sneakily Charge Tips Twice?

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Daniela Lavanza
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Illegal. I for one would pay the exact value of my meal without any tip, and keep the ticket as a proof of their scam, just in case.

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#21

The Diner I Went To Has A Separate Line To Tip The Cook

The Diner I Went To Has A Separate Line To Tip The Cook

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Brenda
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cooks get paid much more than wait staff, even when wait staff makes better than minimum wage. I tip those who give me good to excellent personal service. The cook doesn't give personal service. Bussers and table runners are usually paid minimum wage (more than wait staff), and good ones got extra from the wait staff they helped. These days, a lot of places make wait staff pool their tips. Then it is split between all the wait staff, bussers, runners and the kitchen staff. This is why if I'm paying with a card, I put only a very small amount on the card. I then give my wait person a cash "gift". They do not have to share a "gift" nor declare it for tax purposes. (Make sure you say it is a gift!)

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“Customers might also start feeling more resentful as they’re expected to tip for more and more services, potentially leading to a backlash against tipping altogether,” he further explains. “If we don’t address the root issues like the sub-minimum wage, where both employees and customers will suffer, we'll continue to see growing economic disparity.”

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#22

Can't Order A Takeout Unless I Tip "Restaurant Employees"

Can't Order A Takeout Unless I Tip "Restaurant Employees"

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#23

No. I Would Not Like To Tip On Amazon

No. I Would Not Like To Tip On Amazon

I just wanted to buy a pet memorial for a friend whose dog passed away. Has anyone else been asked to give a tip on an Amazon purchase? Unbelievable.

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#24

This Bag Of Coffee Beans I Bought (In The US) Has A QR Code That Lets Me Tip The Farmer (In Africa)

This Bag Of Coffee Beans I Bought (In The US) Has A QR Code That Lets Me Tip The Farmer (In Africa)

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To prevent this from happening, Aclado recommends setting a limit on how much tip they are willing to leave. Meanwhile, Ashley believes that people need to push for the abolition of the sub-minimum wage so all workers are guaranteed a fair wage without having to rely on tips.

#25

The “Suggested Tips” Section On The Receipt From The Hipster Bar We Were Just At

The “Suggested Tips” Section On The Receipt From The Hipster Bar We Were Just At

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#26

Suggested Tipping Is Getting Way Out Of Hand

Suggested Tipping Is Getting Way Out Of Hand

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Hmmm hmmmm
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That price is already extortionate for a chorizo taco some fries and a drink , nobody is tipping on top

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#27

DoorDash Made Me Think I’d Forgotten To Tip. They Actually Just Wanted Me To Leave A Second Tip

DoorDash Made Me Think I’d Forgotten To Tip. They Actually Just Wanted Me To Leave A Second Tip

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ί𝔫CίŦᵃт𝐔𝐬
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These food delivery companies in my area overcharge so much I could never use them. I thought we were all struggling these days, but we're unwilling to save a lot of money to just go out and get our own food? I know no one will agree with my stance, but at some restaurants here, services like door dash almost double the menu prices. How do you all manage this??

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“Some businesses have already started experimenting with tip-free models, where they pay their employees higher wages and incorporate that into their pricing,” he notes. “This approach can work if it’s done thoughtfully, with transparency about pricing so customers understand where their money is going. Also, raising awareness about the origins and implications of tipping can help shift public opinion and encourage more people to support these kinds of changes.”

#28

Please Consider Getting A New Job

Please Consider Getting A New Job

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Megan Curl
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought dashers had to accept the order. Why take an order if you know it’s far away?

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#29

Finally, I Can Leave A Tip For My Local Gas Station Bathroom

Finally, I Can Leave A Tip For My Local Gas Station Bathroom

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#32

A Water Park In Hungary Is Asking For A 0–20% Tip For A Self-Serve Kiosk That Sells Popsicles And Drinks

A Water Park In Hungary Is Asking For A 0–20% Tip For A Self-Serve Kiosk That Sells Popsicles And Drinks

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#33

How Much Should I Tip For A Walk-In Haircut?

How Much Should I Tip For A Walk-In Haircut?

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Brenda
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No one, and I mean NO ONE, tips 50% or more for a freaking haircut! I'd give them $1 or $2 for a $15 cut

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#35

Raising Canes Has The Audacity To Charge A $5.99 Delivery Fee, A $2.13 Required Tip, And Still Automatically Picks Up A 15% Tip In The Optional Tip Box

Raising Canes Has The Audacity To Charge A $5.99 Delivery Fee, A $2.13 Required Tip, And Still Automatically Picks Up A 15% Tip In The Optional Tip Box

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#36

What Is Going On In The UK?

What Is Going On In The UK?

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#37

Good God Now Even Websites Want You To Tip Them

Good God Now Even Websites Want You To Tip Them

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#38

The Tipping Culture Is Getting Out Of Hand. This Was At A Beer Garden In Boston Inside A Portable Trailer Toilet. No Attended

The Tipping Culture Is Getting Out Of Hand. This Was At A Beer Garden In Boston Inside A Portable Trailer Toilet. No Attended

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#40

Has Tipping Culture Gone Too Far?

Has Tipping Culture Gone Too Far?

So I went out last night to a bar in Nulu, but after ordering two drinks which took less than 2 minutes to serve I came across this. Is this a common thing now? Why it doesn’t give you an option for 8%, 10% or 15% tip seems baffling to me. But hey, maybe I’m exaggerating, I’d like to know yours opinions.

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Brenda
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's what the "custom tip" button is for. But most people simply don't bother to look at all the options and just hit one

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#41

There Was An Attempt To Get A 20% Tip

There Was An Attempt To Get A 20% Tip

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#42

Our (Not Cheap) Airbnb Has A Tip Jar

Our (Not Cheap) Airbnb Has A Tip Jar

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Brittania Kelli
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would fill that tip container with as many little strips of paper with tips on how they could improve their service as would fit.

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#43

Went To A Medical Office, And They Were Weirdly Asking For Tips For Their... Nurses? I Also Have No Idea Why Their Desk Looks So Hairy

Went To A Medical Office, And They Were Weirdly Asking For Tips For Their... Nurses? I Also Have No Idea Why Their Desk Looks So Hairy

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#44

Tipping Websites Now?

Tipping Websites Now?

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2 months ago

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This comment has been deleted.

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#45

The Local UPS Store Now Has A Tip Jar

The Local UPS Store Now Has A Tip Jar

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#46

I Took A Taxi In Vegas. Not Only Did They Charge A $3 Fee But Also This

I Took A Taxi In Vegas. Not Only Did They Charge A $3 Fee But Also This

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#47

A Local Thai Restaurant Has A Tip Jar Specifically For To-Go Orders

A Local Thai Restaurant Has A Tip Jar Specifically For To-Go Orders

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ί𝔫CίŦᵃт𝐔𝐬
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always tip a couple dollars for the server who has to spend time getting that order together, away from their tables. It's usually not a salaried person who does this.

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#48

I Was Supposed To Get $36 In Tips, But I Only Got $27

I Was Supposed To Get $36 In Tips, But I Only Got $27

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#49

The Park Near My House Has A Card Reader To Tip $5 For The Beauty

The Park Near My House Has A Card Reader To Tip $5 For The Beauty

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James016
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not a tip, it will go towards upkeep/maintenance etc. Call it a donation

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#50

Wait, If I Pumped The Gas Myself, Am I Tipping Myself?

Wait, If I Pumped The Gas Myself, Am I Tipping Myself?

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Robert T
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another photoshop. Looks like the same dialog. Doesn't even line up with the screen!

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