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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.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Your Waitress Doesn't Have A Salary
Daniela Lavanza 3 months ago (edited)
"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.
#2
It's Getting Out Of Hand. Asked To Tip For An Online Purchase, When I Put $0, It Redirected Me To This
#3
Only In America Would A Restaurant Display On The Wall That They Don’t Pay Their Staff Enough To Live On
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
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.
Daniela Lavanza 3 months ago (edited)
Deceitful again. As for the manager not knowing, lol: he probably did it on purpose.
#5
This Restaurant Covered Up The "No Tip" Option With A Sticker To Force Tipping
Daniela Lavanza 3 months ago
Remove it, I would even in front of them. And never come back by the way.
#6
To Get A Tip
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
Daniela Lavanza 3 months ago
Yes, I would like to tip the person who did the job: myself. Thanks for allowing me to reduce my bill. :-)
#8
Airbnb Is Asking For Tips After Charging A Cleaning Fee
#9
Amazon Sellers Asking For Tips
Jane Jayne Jain Jeign Jein 3 months ago
I bet Amazon takes a cut of that too - boycott Amazon!
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.”
#10
I’m Sorry. What? This Is In Maui
#11
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.
#12
Deceptive Tipping Amount
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.
#13
Is This Passive-Aggressive, Or Am I Just Taking It Too Seriously?
#14
Tipping - No Words. Bought An Iced Latte Close To Port Credit Go Station, And Saw The Suggested Tipping
#15
So Entitled
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
#17
I Just Booked A Flight Using The Hopper App. Who Am I Tipping?
I enjoy tipping service industry workers. This is downright absurd.
#18
“That’s Totally Up To You”
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
Daniela Lavanza 3 months ago
"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.
#20
How To Sneakily Charge Tips Twice?
Daniela Lavanza 3 months ago
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.
Matthew Barabas 2 months ago (edited)
and thats just punishing the worker.
Load More Replies...
Daune Tullina 3 months ago
All pos systems are set up like that. I always tell my table when the tip is included and point it out on the check. I'm not going to say no if they want to tip more, but I'm not double dipping. That's unethical and not worth losing my job
#21
The Diner I Went To Has A Separate Line To Tip The Cook
Brenda 3 months ago
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!)
“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.”
#22
Can't Order A Takeout Unless I Tip "Restaurant Employees"
#23
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.
#24
This Bag Of Coffee Beans I Bought (In The US) Has A QR Code That Lets Me Tip The Farmer (In Africa)
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
#26
Suggested Tipping Is Getting Way Out Of Hand
Hmmm hmmmm 3 months ago
That price is already extortionate for a chorizo taco some fries and a drink , nobody is tipping on top
#27
DoorDash Made Me Think I’d Forgotten To Tip. They Actually Just Wanted Me To Leave A Second Tip
ί𝔫ＣίŦᵃт𝐔𝐬 3 months ago
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??
“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
Megan Curl 3 months ago
I thought dashers had to accept the order. Why take an order if you know it’s far away?
#29
Finally, I Can Leave A Tip For My Local Gas Station Bathroom
#30
I Can't Check Out Without Submitting A Tip
#31
This Can’t Be Real
#32
A Water Park In Hungary Is Asking For A 0–20% Tip For A Self-Serve Kiosk That Sells Popsicles And Drinks
#33
How Much Should I Tip For A Walk-In Haircut?
#34
You Can Only Order From The Kiosk
#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
#36
What Is Going On In The UK?
#37
Good God Now Even Websites Want You To Tip Them
#38
The Tipping Culture Is Getting Out Of Hand. This Was At A Beer Garden In Boston Inside A Portable Trailer Toilet. No Attended
#39
Local Dunkin’s Way Of Begging For Tips
#40
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.
#41
There Was An Attempt To Get A 20% Tip
#42
Our (Not Cheap) Airbnb Has A Tip Jar
Brittania Kelli 3 months ago
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.
#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
#44
Tipping Websites Now?
#45
The Local UPS Store Now Has A Tip Jar
#46
I Took A Taxi In Vegas. Not Only Did They Charge A $3 Fee But Also This
#47
A Local Thai Restaurant Has A Tip Jar Specifically For To-Go Orders
#48
I Was Supposed To Get $36 In Tips, But I Only Got $27
#49
The Park Near My House Has A Card Reader To Tip $5 For The Beauty
#50
Wait, If I Pumped The Gas Myself, Am I Tipping Myself?
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Gavin Johnson 3 months ago
America, you’ve done this to yourself. The combined forces of capitalism and the American Dream have smashed together and now corporate America is telling you that you HAVE to support your fellow citizen by funding their American Dream. It’s not the responsibility of the business to pay the employees a living wage, it’s now up to you if your server gets to eat or pay rent. Well done.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 3 months ago
When did America adopt the pound note?
Load More Replies...
Kobe (she) 3 months ago
a tip should always be voluntary - always - in every situation. It is a thank you for good service. And not an additional income for an employee because the employer does not pay enough. The only two exceptions is 1. perhaps the toilet attendant. (if the toilets are indeed clean and there is indeed a toilet attendant present). He/she probably does not earn an hourly wage but lives only on toilet money. But where you just pay for toilet use - is very common in western Europe - you do not have to tip extra. Then it is just a task of an employee, for which he/she is already paid. And 2. If there is a free anything to enjoy and there is a tipping jar where on can voluntarily leave something behind.
UncleJohn3000 3 months ago
It's going to take federal action to shut this down in the US. And about damn time.
Thom Serveaux 3 months ago
Just a thought from a former worker: not giving tips are not the way to fight this. You are punishing the people who actually worked to get you what you bought. Boycott places instead that ask for a tip--management may eventually notice that. They will never notice a lack of tips.
Marno C. 3 months ago
Idea. If a tip is being asked for in a traditionally non-tipping setting OR if the suggested tips are outrageously expensive OR there is an implied threat iif you don't tip, I wonder if the following might create some reconsideration: Request the manager. Have a long, loud, 'concerned' conversation where other patrons can hear. Ask if the business is failing. Are they having problems pricing themselves competitively AND paying their employees a living wage? Are their competitors just beating them at this game? Because you cannot help but notice that their employees have been reduced to begging customers for extra money in order to make ends meet. They must be desperate! And scared that the doors are going to close any minute now and are shoring up some savings. Is the manager SURE the business is on a firm footing? Because this is signalling bad things to customers and they may start fleeing due to the discomfort and the feeling that the end is inevitable anyway.
Thom Serveaux 3 months ago
Honestly, I kind of like this. Bring it up to the manager not the worker.
Load More Replies... Daniela Lavanza 3 months ago (edited)
Many cases here are simply illegal. And a good way for customers to never come again or have someone sue them. I don't like the taste of Americans for legal procedures but here, it's fine. And if you really wanna tip for a good service, give it directly to the waiter, not to a machine.
Jess Smith 3 months ago (edited)
If a business cannot or will not pay its employees a fair wage and wants to get regular people to subsidize it, that business should not be in business anymore. Edit: adding 'or will not'
Richard Graham 3 months ago
I'm starting a new movements TTC - Tip The Customer. If I am polite, well-behaved, and look nice in any establishment I will expect a tip. 10%_____ 15% ______ 20%_______ and the default 150%______.
Steve Hall 3 months ago
I hope you all know that if we refused to buy anything for just one week we could control this problem.
Kevin Hickey 3 months ago
Anyone who thinks that tipping is a good idea needs to have their salary cut in half. Then, if they do a good job, a complete stranger might decide to give them some back.
Sven Horlemann 3 months ago
I always wanted to visit the US again, and include Canada. Nope. I find this whole tipping disgusting, fake and a shame. I stay in Europe, thank you very much. Enough places to visit. And tip if i feel like it.
Uncle Schmickle 3 months ago
I'm so happy all this is being brought to light. It's a blight on humanity and is a prime example of corporate greed and screwing workers.
Huddo's sister 3 months ago
I only have two real experiences of tipping. First when I was traveling through Canada. Most of the card pay machines had you select either 10%, 15% or 20% tip. I'm terrible at maths so have no idea how much I was paying (don't have to do percentages in my head much). The second is back at home in Australia where you usually only tip for great service. My family went out to eat at a pub where you could order at the bar or using a QR code. I don't even have a QR scanner on my phone so ordered at the bar. When I got back to my seat my brother who had ordered via QR said they put a compulsory tip on the order! At least he earns more than me so could afford it, but I've never seen such cheek here before!
Curry on... 3 months ago
I will not pay suggested tips. I will avoid merchants that try to guilt me for a tip. I cook my own meals, and what I cook taste better anyway.
Alexandra Nara 3 months ago
Maybe start to tip with a recommend file,point out good service and hard work,so the stuff have the ability to find a better employer
frederick clause 3 months ago
As long as enough people continue to support this it will not go away. It will only get worse. Just stop going to these places and ignore the guilt trip if you are in a situation where you can't avoid the insanity.
Undercover 3 months ago
I have to try this at work! "Dear old lady, I help you of the toilet if you tip me 5 €. And I want 1€ for every glass of water i pour you!" /s
Gavin Johnson 3 months ago
America, you’ve done this to yourself. The combined forces of capitalism and the American Dream have smashed together and now corporate America is telling you that you HAVE to support your fellow citizen by funding their American Dream. It’s not the responsibility of the business to pay the employees a living wage, it’s now up to you if your server gets to eat or pay rent. Well done.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 3 months ago
When did America adopt the pound note?
Load More Replies... Kobe (she) 3 months ago
a tip should always be voluntary - always - in every situation. It is a thank you for good service. And not an additional income for an employee because the employer does not pay enough. The only two exceptions is 1. perhaps the toilet attendant. (if the toilets are indeed clean and there is indeed a toilet attendant present). He/she probably does not earn an hourly wage but lives only on toilet money. But where you just pay for toilet use - is very common in western Europe - you do not have to tip extra. Then it is just a task of an employee, for which he/she is already paid. And 2. If there is a free anything to enjoy and there is a tipping jar where on can voluntarily leave something behind.
UncleJohn3000 3 months ago
It's going to take federal action to shut this down in the US. And about damn time.
Thom Serveaux 3 months ago
Just a thought from a former worker: not giving tips are not the way to fight this. You are punishing the people who actually worked to get you what you bought. Boycott places instead that ask for a tip--management may eventually notice that. They will never notice a lack of tips.
Marno C. 3 months ago
Idea. If a tip is being asked for in a traditionally non-tipping setting OR if the suggested tips are outrageously expensive OR there is an implied threat iif you don't tip, I wonder if the following might create some reconsideration: Request the manager. Have a long, loud, 'concerned' conversation where other patrons can hear. Ask if the business is failing. Are they having problems pricing themselves competitively AND paying their employees a living wage? Are their competitors just beating them at this game? Because you cannot help but notice that their employees have been reduced to begging customers for extra money in order to make ends meet. They must be desperate! And scared that the doors are going to close any minute now and are shoring up some savings. Is the manager SURE the business is on a firm footing? Because this is signalling bad things to customers and they may start fleeing due to the discomfort and the feeling that the end is inevitable anyway.
Thom Serveaux 3 months ago
Honestly, I kind of like this. Bring it up to the manager not the worker.
Load More Replies... Daniela Lavanza 3 months ago (edited)
Many cases here are simply illegal. And a good way for customers to never come again or have someone sue them. I don't like the taste of Americans for legal procedures but here, it's fine. And if you really wanna tip for a good service, give it directly to the waiter, not to a machine.
Jess Smith 3 months ago (edited)
If a business cannot or will not pay its employees a fair wage and wants to get regular people to subsidize it, that business should not be in business anymore. Edit: adding 'or will not'
Richard Graham 3 months ago
I'm starting a new movements TTC - Tip The Customer. If I am polite, well-behaved, and look nice in any establishment I will expect a tip. 10%_____ 15% ______ 20%_______ and the default 150%______.
Steve Hall 3 months ago
I hope you all know that if we refused to buy anything for just one week we could control this problem.
Kevin Hickey 3 months ago
Anyone who thinks that tipping is a good idea needs to have their salary cut in half. Then, if they do a good job, a complete stranger might decide to give them some back.
Sven Horlemann 3 months ago
I always wanted to visit the US again, and include Canada. Nope. I find this whole tipping disgusting, fake and a shame. I stay in Europe, thank you very much. Enough places to visit. And tip if i feel like it.
Uncle Schmickle 3 months ago
I'm so happy all this is being brought to light. It's a blight on humanity and is a prime example of corporate greed and screwing workers.
Huddo's sister 3 months ago
I only have two real experiences of tipping. First when I was traveling through Canada. Most of the card pay machines had you select either 10%, 15% or 20% tip. I'm terrible at maths so have no idea how much I was paying (don't have to do percentages in my head much). The second is back at home in Australia where you usually only tip for great service. My family went out to eat at a pub where you could order at the bar or using a QR code. I don't even have a QR scanner on my phone so ordered at the bar. When I got back to my seat my brother who had ordered via QR said they put a compulsory tip on the order! At least he earns more than me so could afford it, but I've never seen such cheek here before!
Curry on... 3 months ago
I will not pay suggested tips. I will avoid merchants that try to guilt me for a tip. I cook my own meals, and what I cook taste better anyway.
Alexandra Nara 3 months ago
Maybe start to tip with a recommend file,point out good service and hard work,so the stuff have the ability to find a better employer
frederick clause 3 months ago
As long as enough people continue to support this it will not go away. It will only get worse. Just stop going to these places and ignore the guilt trip if you are in a situation where you can't avoid the insanity.
Undercover 3 months ago
I have to try this at work! "Dear old lady, I help you of the toilet if you tip me 5 €. And I want 1€ for every glass of water i pour you!" /s
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