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‘Nobody Is Obligated To Tip’: Tipping Culture Reaches Turning Point After TikToker Is Denied Service At A Restaurant
Interview With Author
Tipping is the cultural norm of dining out in the United States. But it is controversial. Heated debates around the gratuity system have bounced back into the headlines of late, with one side saying it is getting out of hand while the other argues that workers rely on patrons’ generosity as their main source of income. Wherever you land on the matter, the topic continues to be the focus of attention on the platform.
A Florida-based TikToker, Bueli Njheri, has claimed in a recent video that a restaurant refused to serve her and her friends because workers believed there was a “non-tipper” in her group. The woman, who goes under the handle @buelistic, stitched another content creator who stated, “Nobody is obligated to tip.” As a tattoo artist, her income also relies on tipping, so she encourages her clients to tip when they can.
But at the same time, the woman agreed with this statement and acknowledged that tipping is not something that should be forced. Her video quickly went viral and amassed nearly 1 million views. Scroll down to read the story in full, as well as the mixed reactions it got from the platform. Then be sure to let us know your thoughts about the situation in the comments.
RELATED:
TikToker Bueli recently sparked a heated debate on the platform after stitching another creator who stated, “Nobody is obligated to tip”
Image credits: buelistic
The Florida-based tattoo artist has claimed that she and her friends were denied service at a restaurant because workers believed there was a “non-tipper” in her group
Image credits: buelistic
Image credits: buelistic
You can watch the full video, which got nearly 1 million views, right over here
@buelistic #stitch with @africanbarb 🏁 What makes you leave a nice tip? do you feel obligated?🏁 #ShowOffLandOFrost #MessFreeHero #GenshinImpact #AmazonVirtualTryon #altblackgirl ♬ original sound – Büeli
The video sparked a huge debate in the comment section, illustrating just how many people are divided on the matter. Some TikTokers agreed that tipping should be optional. Some said that the nature of gratuity has changed in the service industry, and businesses are offloading the burden of giving workers a fair paycheck to the customers. And others stated that if you can’t afford a decent tip, you shouldn’t be dining out at all.
Bueli explained that the situation at the restaurant happened the day before she saw the TikTok by @africanbarb where she stated that tips are not owed to anyone. This inspired her to share her story with her followers. “It’s interesting to see how people respond to my TikToks in general. So I really want to figure out what I can do to draw more attention to the topics I actually want to express and draw attention to in my creativity,” she told Bored Panda.
However, she was truly surprised to see her video blow up as much as it did. “I really didn’t expect the comment section to be so active. People with so many different beliefs came through to defend their side of the coin and are still doing it now,” Bueli added.
The creator still feels confused about the whole situation because, personally, she tips everywhere she goes. “I asked the manager at the time if he was refusing service to all of the people at the table or to someone in particular, and the manager told me he wasn’t sure, that it was directed at our table. When we asked to speak to the person who refused service, he told us they don’t want to talk to us,” she clarified a few details from that night.
“I don’t plan on returning because I’d rather not take food from people who have negative energy towards me,” she noted. “Just a belief of mine.”
When asked about her thoughts on the tipping culture in the US, Bueli revealed she was taught to see gratuity as a way of showing appreciation to people providing a service. “I was also taught to tip restaurant servers at least 15%. My meals usually come to almost $100, so it’s usually a $20 cash tip.”
“Tips are more than just appreciating someone for their service,” the creator continued. “Some people aren’t being paid a livable wage from their establishments, and if that is the case, then there is a much bigger issue. No one should have to depend on gambling with tables to find out if you’re going to be able to pay rent this month.”
However, Bueli also didn’t know just how low servers in restaurants are being paid. “Most of my comments were exclaiming $2-$3/hour. That’s not even minimum wage so that just gave me even more reason to continue to tip.”
Tipping has always been a tricky matter of business. Technically, there are no strict rules that require you to tip your server, but as the federal minimum wage for tipped employees is only $2.13 an hour, it is a part of their wage. Whether you love it or hate it, there are tons of food industry workers across the country who rely on gratuities to make ends meet.
In fact, wait staff and bartenders depend on tips for more than half of their earnings. According to Irene Tung, senior researcher and policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project, “Waiters and bartenders earn more in tips than they do from what employers pay them as an hourly base wage. The median share of hourly earnings that come from tips account for 58.5 percent of wait staff’s earnings, and 54 percent of bartenders’ earnings.”
“I am a tattoo artist myself so I have always appreciated when my clients tip me and remind me of the reason I got into this form of work, so please continue to show love to the people putting love into their labor,” Bueli concluded.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this matter down below. Do you think that tips are necessary because servers deserve to be compensated for their time and work? Or do you believe gratuities are only acceptable when the service is amazing? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments!
The video immediately started a discussion in the comments with some users agreeing that tipping is a choice
Others said people should always leave a tip and stay home if they can’t afford it
And some people pinned the blame on restaurants and the service industry as a whole
What do you think ?
Monica Michelle 2 years ago
Us needs to pay living wages instead of asking for salary subsidizing from customers (I still tip at 20-30 but I will die on the hill that restaurants MUST pay a full living wage
Aunt Messy 2 years ago
And these people are phishing hard working individuals that need their tips to pay rent and buy food for their kids.
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Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
OP's comment shows that she's clueless. She commented something like, "Don't servers already make $15/hour minimum wage?" No, they don't. They make $2.50/hour, sweetie. I'm not saying that tipping culture is right, but you won't change it by punishing the underpaid servers.
Cindy Hurd 2 years ago
Thank you! I wanted to reply so bad to that comment but couldnt! When I worked waffle house back in 2004 in Missouri I made 3 dollars an hour cuz owner said the hourly wage plus tips should average 7 an hour. I worked the night shift in a tiny little town where ..no you don't even earn minimum wage. But the owner was pretty cool cuz we could eat all the food we wanted while we were at work plus he was just a cool guy. He even worked the cooks position many times. It was his awesome kind personality that kept us all there but I would not even think about being a server NOW DAYS..no way! So when I do go out which is extremely seldom..i tip BIG cuz I know how hard our servers work and bills are paid by their tips. So hats off to you hard working OVER MINIMUM WAGE DESERVING SERVERS! Thank you for your service! 💜😊😍💜
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Squirrelly Panda 2 years ago
My biggest grumble with tipping is the it shouldn't be required to bring server wages up. My second biggest is how the percentage acceptable keeps going up. When I was young a 10% tip was considered good. 15% exceptional. Now 20% is the norm. 30% exceptional. I expect to see 50% tips common before I retire. I would love to see a reasonable wage paid to servers and tips reduced back to a bonus for extraordinary service rather than the current I pay the servers wages instead of the employer.
Aunt Messy 2 years ago
Right. Prevent them from paying the rent! That'll teach management.
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Jack S 2 years ago
If I go out for eats to a restaurant I'll tip a few quid (yes, I'm British, well observed) because I've had that job, and know how hard it can be (much better in the UK regarding the wage but still pretty s**t). But like someone else says. It shouldn't be upto customers to supplement an employees wages with tips. This is an issue of paying living wages to people in the hospitality industry. And not whether tipping is right or wrong. Both sides need to get off their high horses and see the others point of view.
KING ILLEGAL FOREST 2 years ago
Considering that few restaurants pay more than $4 an hour to servers, I personally think you're a giant as$h*le if you don't tip at all. You're not encouraging restaurant owners to pay their workers a living wage, you're just denying someone the money they desperately need to make ends meet.
Luv Harper 2 years ago
I think so too. I think people who doesn't tip are worse than tight wads . I know some people who would tip $2, and not a penny more. But those that doesn't tip are selfish .
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E Menendez 2 years ago (edited)
If you don't want to tip don't eat out. If the service was poor then give a tip of a couple of dollars and don't go back, or let the management know. There are people who hate the tip culture, but it is what it is. Go to Congress and protest there. Write your congressman. The government is the only thing that will change it. Or financial pressure. Only go to establishment that don't accept tips. Get your friends to do it. Make a movement of you are so passionnate . Saying "I don't tip because..." then posting on tik tok about it. The "social outrage" does no thing.
LittleWombat 2 years ago
THIS!!!!! Not tipping when it's the largest part of the wages of the employee doesn't change the system. It just punishes the individual who is doing their job. Restaurants can and maybe should simply add the 20% to everyone's bill to avoid the tipping game. Or you can just be a decent human being and not make excuses for being a cheap-a** and tip because it's an expected part of the cost of dining out. Especially the comment from the OP about some of her friends "may not have the finances" to tip. Then get your food to go! Or cook at home! Because you can't afford someone to serve you for free - a maid won't do it, a lawn service won't do it, and a food server won't do it! You need to pay for services.
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Mikey Kliss 2 years ago
I think this person is under the impression that servers make minimum wage which is GROSSLY incorrect. I remember minimum wage was $7.50 I believe but we got paid $3.25 since "we'd make minimum wage with tips" Its disgusting but until we change that, we cant punish the servers by not tipping
idrow1 2 years ago
There is 100% more to this than she's letting on. I'm betting someone she was with was known for being rude, high maintenance and a non-tipper. That is absolutely a reason to deny service in the future. Do you *have* to tip servers? No, but they also don't *have* to serve you. Tattoo artists get a living wage to begin with, servers don't. And until that practice changes, you don't have the right to punish your server for a system you deem unjust. If you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to eat out. Stay home and eat or stick to drive-thrus.
Hiker Chick 2 years ago
I do tip, but when they show me the "20%, 25%" etc options, I often accidentally tip less. Like, I might typically give them $5, but if click the 25% option they will only get like $4.13 or something. So while I don't like being asked for a specific tip amount, they kind of make less money from me accidentally.
Anne Reid 2 years ago
Be careful with those…I’ve found some where is the math is off. Instead of what they said was 25%, it was actually over most of the time. Once, it was closer to 19%. I always use a tip calculator on my phone. As a bartender I tend to over tip b/c of where I live….people here are stingy & think 10% is OK REGARDLESS of service quality.
Load More Replies... Donkeywheel 2 years ago
Bored panda saw that any article about tipping is always trending and now we get a new article about it every other day. Just find a random unbeknown tiktoker talking about tipping, copy-paste the content and you’re done. I can’t wait to get the next aita!
Istax 2 years ago
Yep, it feels like no-one's making an effort anymore :(
Load More Replies... LH25 2 years ago (edited)
I also don't like the system of tipping, but PLEASE don't take it out on the servers. Right now, that's how it works in many places. If you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to eat out. It's not fair to punish the servers. And I don't totally get comments that say the customers shouldn't have to pay the staff via tips. One way or another, we are going to pay the staff, tips or higher food prices.
Mia Black 2 years ago
I am definetly for the higher prices (which you already are paying when you get forced to tip that much), so you know exactly what you have to expect to pay beforehand, like in Most parts of europe.
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Brindle Nutter 2 years ago
Honestly, it goes both ways. Businesses can refuse to serve you as well.
CatWoman312 2 years ago
I hate tipping culture, but it is what it is. Tipping your server is part of the experience of dining. If you can’t afford to tip, you can’t afford to dine out so fast food will probably be a better option. To add the non tippers are usually more demanding than normal customers so to know they treat you like a slave only to not tip you in the end is insulting.
Erin Geiger 2 years ago
If you don't want to tip, go to McDonald's. Most states pay a tipped wage which is like $2.15/hr. Tips are the only way they survive. It's gross not to tip, stay home and save everyone a headache.
Mia Black 2 years ago
This culture of people relying on Tips is gross! I am on minimum wage (europe) and don't expect people to tip. Heck Most people never know that I did the work. Why should people with customer contact get Tips and others not? Work is work. And work is paid (if not, it is slavery, if not enough, something is wrong) and i pay for the work to be done. I pay the price i get told (usualy beforehand). I tip if i can afford and the work or Person stands out because it is a Bonus to their work in both ways. The worst comment above is the one saying, that you don't have to tip so the Servers don't have to Server - WRONG! It is their job they are paid for. This is what says you have to! Isn't that Hard to understand... Or somehow it seems, it is... Sad (don't get me wrong, i feel for people with Bad working conditions but it is not up to me, to take care of them if i am not their Boss!!!)
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Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago (edited)
If you "can't afford" to tip, you can't afford to eat at a restaurant. And before anyone whines at me: if they "can't afford" it that means they were *never planning to tip* regardless of the level of service they got.
Brian Keith 2 years ago
It doesn't seem like either of these things are required by law tipping or service. I work in the service industry and can say returning customers who tip well get preferred treatment. I also tip whenever possible, especially if I want good service in my next visit anywhere. I certainly don't want to be remembered as the patron who never tips that's just poor character. I also don't go out much. Going out is expensive, it's not a basic right.
Anony Mouse 2 years ago
Yes, let's have yet another debate about tipping culture that culminates in people bashing the US some more. It's the way thing just are - we don't like it, you don't like it, and it's not going to change. AND - BP we've talked about this. tiktok is intrusive and dangerous. Please lay off the tiktok content. We don't like it.
Mia Black 2 years ago
It could change. Nothing is forever. It is not USA bashing. It is critic at a System that is not good for people. And to speak about it, to realise a problem, is the first step to improve
Load More Replies... Luv Harper 2 years ago
When I was a waitress ,and working my way through school. I had a customer who use to come in with 4 friends take the best table in the restaurant , stay for hours, leave a huge! Mess for me to clean up, and never ever tip. I felt that was rude, and I hated every time they showed up. I didn't want to serve them. No one wanted to wait on them. If they sat at your table you knew that you weren't making any money as long as they were there taking up space.
Lisa Hathaway 2 years ago (edited)
I'm not sure if tattoo artists have to pay *mandatory* taxes on their tips but I know serving staff have to pay mandatory taxes on their tips. Not tipping servers is literally stealing their money.
Gretchen Laughman 2 years ago
I don't think anybody should make a judgment on this until they have walked to one foot in a server's shoes. I personally love waiting on tables and that's why I haven't left the business. In this day and age if people really want to argue about something that is so very ridiculously sad then whatever. Stay home and eat
maxwell hillcrest 2 years ago
Most people don't walk 10,000 steps in a day let alone in a shift. Most people couldn't handle a serving job.
Load More Replies... Luv Harper 2 years ago
It's not just about the living wages. You serve them, and clean up after them . You give great , and exceptional sevice, yet they still don't tip. They are taking up time, and space from someone who would show their appreciation for what you do. I hate people who don't tip.
Adam Leviness 2 years ago
I personally think that it's garbage when a restaurant owner trys to "stand up" for their wait staff by telling their customers "if you can't tip you can't eat here." Like, pay your employers a liveable wage. And, now if you tip with a credit card the house takes part of that, so always pay in cash. And, while it shouldn't be the customer's responsibility to pay their server, that's litterally how EVERY business works, normally that cost is just factored into the price of the goods or services your buying. Until we stand up for servers and make our politicians change the law then yes, you are absolutely responsible for tipping a member of the wait staff who is working in one of the most demanding fields a person can be in making $2 an hour that's going to be taxed. Why don't they just get another job? Because there may not be another job. Pay your server or don't go. Your paying the restaurant for the food the wait staff for the service.
Alexa Saltz 2 years ago
I was taught that tipping is optional, a gratuity is not. It is customary upon receipt of exemplary service to consider leaving a tip. If so, today 20% is standard (YMMV, 30+ years ago it was 10%), and leaving 2¢ is giving your opinion/advice on how to improve. I have been employed in positions with minimum wage which hopefully would be subsidized by customers, so I do understand how much they are appreciated. However, tips should never be expected. I don't often dine out or receive services if I am not able to pay a tip on top of the bill. In the rare occasion that I do but can't leave a tip does not mean that I am disrespecting good service - it just means that I am flat out busted and believe me, I already feel horrible if service was great. I should not be shamed for it, I need a little understanding too. If I do tip and it is less than 20% (but more than 2¢), that means I recognize your effort and I am giving all I can. I shouldn't have to avoid going out...
Bridget Connors 1 year ago (edited)
If you are not able to tip on top of the bill, order something cheaper or go to McDonald's. Servers HAVE to pay 8% on every check, whether they get tipped or not, so you not tipping COSTS your server. You SHOULD feel horrible!
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Adam Belaire 2 years ago
I'd want to know a bit more on the story. Let me prefixes by saying I've never worked in the industry but madly respect those that do. Are her two friends decent customers or are they horrible creatures that it's not worth the headaches that will accompany the no tip. I like to believe most people would still do their job even with no tip if the person is nice enough. They probably realize other people are also in tight financial situations and can't always tip.
Beck 2 years ago (edited)
I made $2.13 an hour at cracker barrel. If I did not avergae minimum wage for the week ($7.25) then the business had to make up for it. But I usually only averaged about $9 an hour and sometimes I did not even average minimum wage so the restaurant had to throw me a few extra bucks. No one can live off $7.25 an hour when rent is over $1000 for the cheap places!
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Benji 2 years ago
If you can't tip don't go out to eat . I will die on this hill. There is not a debate on this matter.
Beth 2 years ago
It's up to the employer to pay a living wage. It is not up to the customer to do that. You might want to back up off that Hill. Because it's us being taken advantage of and being put in a position to feel guilty to provide extra money to these companies employees. That's the truth whether you want to believe it or not, that's up to you.
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Lizzardtong 2 years ago
Clearly, the real victim are the customers that suffer from dyscalcula und thus are unable to do the math required to properly tip. Obviously I'm Joking here. Look, I'm European, I'm not used to Americas tipping culture and is also frankly the reason I'll never visit it due to my dyscalcula. But how bad is your situation over there that you slave away your existence for a pittance of payment? I just don't get it, the version of tipping I was taught was always a small payment for a job well done, I mean f**k, it's called Trinkgeld in Germany! Drink-money! The name implies you get enough money to buy a drink!
S 2 years ago (edited)
I think we all agree that servers should be paid a livable wage but the reality is, they don't, and for that reason, I tip regardless of whether the service was good or bad. That's me though, I don't care what anyone else does as it doesn't cause me any pain or distress. I have too many of my own issues to tend to to be worried about what the next table over is doing with their money. If I can't afford to tip, I stay home and eat or go to a drive-thru but again, that's me. This argument will never be settled unless they start paying them properly. As for this particular situation, I don't know that it was fair because the staff had no way of knowing they weren't going to tip this time but also, they get to make the rules at their establishment and that's that. Whether we agree with them or not doesn't really matter unfortunately.
Beth 2 years ago
But if we keep tipping that just shows the employer's that they don't have to pay them a living wage. These companies incorporations have got us by the balls and it shows in how we end up taking on their responsibilities. We've got caught up in the way it is and just accept it. I wish there was a way to change it and make sure the 1% can never take advantage of the rest of us. Just tired of how wrong and messed up the entire system is. As are so many other people.
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Jo Davies 2 years ago
Servers and bar staff don't earn a livable wage here in South Africa. I do realise that this story does not take place here and I am simply sharing. I ran a bar/restaurant for a few years and left because of how the servers were treated. They were assigned shifts, take it or leave it. Did not get a basic hourly pay, and roasted sandwich if they worked over dinner hours and even had to supply theit own order pads, pens and bottle openers! The bar staff that were on less than minimum wage got together and decided all tops wouild be pooled and shared. They always got better tips from sad drunks planted at the bar. I tried, bit after practical begging the owners to change the system, I left. I couldn't be part of that any more.
Eric G 2 years ago
Screw people that don't tip servers. If you can't afford to tip, don't go out to dine in a restaurant. In addition, do the non tippers realize that if you do get served when you come back, there's probably spit (and only spit if you're lucky) in their food?
Choco 2 years ago
It's not the customer's fault, if you're that petty to spit in someone's food, you're a even bigger a*****e, I wanna pay for my meal, not your job
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Shellie Smith 2 years ago (edited)
Not tipping screws the servers with the IRS, as well. Tips must be claimed, if a servers sales exceed the imputed tip income by the IRS, the server must pay out of pocket for tips the IRS assumes they received. This has been the case for decades. So the refusal to tip can actually cost the server money. Take it up with the culture but don't short the server. And we are seeing what happens right now when there aren't enough servers
James Hamilton 2 years ago
Your lack of knowledge and awareness is upsetting. If you don't HAVE to tip, they don't HAVE to serve you. Your argument is invalid and your actions are that of a generally nasty person.
Michelle Woerner 2 years ago
The problem is with people like this is that they expect us to run back and forth for many many many extras extra sauce extra dressing extra this extra that so that we have to spend all our attention on these entitled people that we cannot give good service to our other tables which in turns leaves them to not tip us because we are not giving them good service because we are only paying attention to the table that wants everything and we know that they are not going to tip us at all but we try and we try and we try and we try and we try but again we give terrible service to the other tables who are not as needy as this and we end up working for hours for nothing. Again for the people in the back if the restaurants are going to pay us a living wage then you're f****** prices of all your f****** food is going to double hello do you understand that. How dumb can you be? You are still going to pay for it in the end. And if you don't want to get your own drinks get served your own food or H
Amanda Lynn Walts 2 years ago
I agree tipping culture is not ideal, but if you don't like it boycott the restaurant instead of letting a server suffer for your ideals. Also, as much as you aren't obligated to tip, nobody is obligated to serve you.
Gabriel Gawrada 2 years ago (edited)
If you can only afford your meal, go to the grocery store and cook, set the table and wash dishes for yourself. Until the wage structure changes for servers, they should be tipped according to the service they provide. That includes the guy delivering your pizza. We all pay the price at the pump.
Stephen Lujan 2 years ago
Not only do servers make make like $2 an hour but in many restaurants the bussers and food runners get "tipped out" by the servers a percentage, like 3%, of the bill. The server ends up with a net loss on a customer that stiffs them.
Dean Martin 2 years ago
We wouldn't serve her in our restaurant with or without a tip. Look at the state of her!!. Its enough to frighten the customers and put them off their food!!.
Carolyn Leigh 2 years ago
If you are waited on you should tip if you can't or refuse stay the f&#k home
Tiffany Ann 2 years ago
Just an fyi..People don't realize that most jobs that get tips have to pay the company a percentage. Like hairstylists, nail techs..they don't make the $350 they charge for your hair. They pay the salon usually 50%. Some people think, oh she made $350 from me why should I pay more? Half that goes for products, the salon, etc.
Ricki Stevens 2 years ago
I am a server and make $3 something an hour before taxes. Without tips I would make about $100 for a 40 hour work week ... And I do give my guests a great customer experience. And if I know you don't tip I will pass on serving you. Go through a drive thru if you don't want to tip.
J Matz 2 years ago
There are probably a lot of people that don't know this, but a lot of places, maybe most, make servers "tip-share/tip out" other staff, like bartenders, dishwashers, busboys and hosts. So when you decide not to tip this, at least during my time, $2.15/hr employee, it is actually COSTING them money to serve you. Is tipping obligated, not usually, but it's called a social contract, and your a jerk if you don't do your part. Go to McDonald's if you don't want to tip...
trick miller 2 years ago
I've worked in restaurants and servers don't get a lot of tables always. If you plan on sitting down and staying a long while, but don't plan on tipping, it cuts their pay for the day by a lot. You're not obligated to tip, but they're not obligated to serve you.
Paula Wynn 2 years ago
If you want great service, then TIP! People don't realize how low our menu prices are compared to other countries that include an automatic gratuity. I don't like places that do that in the US because the server can treat you like c**p because they KNOW they're getting that tip. I waited tables in college, and people requested me because they knew I'd take care of them. I made GREAT money, and we'd fight to get the regulars we knew were excellent tippers. There were also people noone wanted because they often came in, ran the server ragged & treated them terribly, then stiffed them. Can you blame us? IMO, tipping covers everyone. I let the person know how valuable their attention to me was--- if you're good, I overtip because I appreciate you. On the flip side, our regular servers give me pretty much whatever I want because of this. I get extras, free samples, etc. If you can't afford to be kind to the person who took care of you, then get takeout. It shows you have CLASS!
Carter Watson 2 years ago
@momma bear If u don't want to tip then simply do NOT enter a tipping establishment. PERIOD. Show the whole world how u r so cheap that only pay for your food, but expect someone to take your order, serve it to u, AND make your meal there a pleasant one. IGNORANCE, PURE IGNORANCE
Jennifer Waggoner 2 years ago
I have worked at the same restaurant for 22 years. We do NOT get paid minimum wage so we do rely on the generosity of our customers. If you are greeted and well taken care of and the server makes you feel at home and/or goes above and beyond to give you a wonderful experience I believe you should make them (the server) feel appreciated. If you don't tip then why do you expect you servers full attention. Most of us make $5.00 an hour. How would you like to go to work and do your job well for 1-2 hours and then have your boss or customer not pay you. I see both sides but I am a server that takes exceptional care of their clients and am well taken care of. Love all of them!
Chrystal Donoho 2 years ago
Okay so say you dont leave a tip..your server is now negative because based on total sales of the evening your server owes a bartender a tip out and sometimes a bus person.So by not tipping you literally just cost them money.Also the manager likes to know how well you are doing in tips because it reflects how well you serve and interact with customers.Low or no tip is really embarrassing and degrading.You have to look real stupid and as if you did something way wrong or your doing a bad job.Its not 100% about the money although it is part wage,its more of a gut punch like what did i do wrong?The industry is set up for 20% of total bill.Your server keeps maybe 10 to 15% as they must tip out others.At times a bartender and one or more bus persons for places that are run correctly.Skip a star bucks or petty purchase and be kind and tip servers.They go above and beyond to be social, friendly,kind,all while trying to do a great job!Not everyone can pull that off!
Joshua Howard 2 years ago
I think what the woman doesn't understand is that, even if someone isn't tipped, they are taxed as though they are. When I was a server, we had to enter the tip amount into the system with every ticket. It literally would NOT ACCEPT the ticket if there wasn't at least $2 in the "tip" line. So we were taxed from our paycheck, even if we made no tips that week. My paycheck at the time put one tank of gas in my car. Bills were paid from tips.
Jason Bailey 2 years ago
If you're "not tipping because you're not subsidizing businesses not paying a living wage"... You are part of the problem. Period. End of story. You are doing nothing to change the system, you are simply hurting the employees that work for that business. If you don't want to tip, don't go to that business!
sharonljeffords@gmail.com 2 years ago
I have read several articles saying Labron James does not tip what the hell is his problem bad service I think not . Tip your servers it's not rocket science if not just stay home. I was a server for 25 years my wage was 2.00 an hour.I made a lot of money in tips it was a great job.
Marko Požarnik 2 years ago
I think servers should not agree to work for a wage below 15 dollars or whatever the standard in the US and then tipping is only the cream, not something servers rely on. In my country no one is tipping and it's not expected. Only foreigners, who don't know that, tip and servers are glad, but they don't count on it. If their employer isn't paying enough, they don't accept the job, end of story. And since covid servers really have a good position because there is chronic lack of them. I would also open a cafe if the wages were as low as in the US, but since I have to pay yhe normal minimum wage with all yhe social security, pension, medical insurance for them, it's much more difficult than in the US.
Alex Freetime 2 years ago
The US tip system is so stupid it makes less sense than not using the metric system
Bunny 2 years ago
If I am entitled enough to make a living wage, then I can tip. Restaurants are not tattoo artists. Even if she did a shitty job she still gets paid servers don't. People who don't tip complain it's the business fault or it's the servers fault for working a low paid job. While people complain that food service workers don't deserve 15 an hr. They don't understand people work min because its the only job they can get. Single parents, ex cons, recovering addicts, the homeless, college students living in their cars, a teen supporting their family, disabled people, immigrants, abuse victims, someone who couldn't afford college, or maybe they just never got a fair shot at job opportunities. Ik my entitlement worked in retail for 4 yrs for scraps, watched my coworker and friends brother take their lives because they got s**t on everyday even they tried there best.Now I make twice much to sit on my a*s. Min wage jobs are the hardest jobs. That why I tip.
Jason Birch 2 years ago
If you can't afford to or don't want to tip, buy your own food, cook it and serve your family, or order from a shop and drive your lazy a*s out there and pick it up. No tipping required. It's that simple. Tipping is part of reality in the US. 15% is fine if it's a big bill and they do thier job. Go more if it's deserved, I've lived on tips delivering on and off for a long time and I usually tip 20% plus. Onee thing I don't do is tip 15% on the total if you got an expensive bottle of wine or something like that. You arent earning 20% of 60-100$ for poping a cork.
Jamie Ferris 2 years ago
Retail is built to cover the costs of the product, supply the product, and have profit left over. As a consumer at a restaurant I am already paying more for my food than my food costs to account for those things. Now, I do tip well because I understand how it works and wouldn't make a server pay for an industry issue, but I've already done my part by paying a large percentage more for my food than what it costs the restaurant owner to purchase it. Your attitude should be with the industry, not the customers.
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Michael Boyle 2 years ago
They have to pay federal taxes on their sales not there tips .so when you don't tip they have to eat that tax burden.
Cat Chat 2 years ago
As is pointed out in the article and comments, here in the US there are 2 different tip cultures. There is the industry such as stylists and tattoo artist who have an income of at least minimum wage and tipping is based on good service. But the restaurant industry is different. Not only are they usually only making $2-3, they often have to split their tips with at least the busboy, sometimes more. So, then it tends to come down to one should pay at least X% then one can add to that based on service (argue amongst yourselves what that X% should be). Sure, they can "rebel" and quit, but there will always be more to take their place. Unless the entire industry strikes at the same time and stands their ground there won't be enough of an impact to change the industry as a whole. Having no waitress unions either, that isn't something that is likely to happen or work (again there's always someone else to take their places). It won't change without laws granting them at least minimum wage.
Tom Burcham 2 years ago
Tip Creep. That's the term I created for how suddenly every single industry and profession thinks they deserve a tip. I will always generously tip waiters and waitresses because they work really hard running on their feet for hours taking care of people. But now I'm starting to see top jars at and am prompted to tip at liquor stores and gas stations and carry-out restaurants! None of that existed in the pass. I'm not tipping to buy a bottle of wine or gas. These store clerks are greedy and insane!
Fair Sparrow 2 years ago
Not from US, but I had minimum wage around 10-15$. Minimum at all was 8$ at this time, like at all, the minimum that you can pay for any job. It worked this way, if you got less than your wage in tips, place will add to close the gap. I had days when restraint will pay everything, and days when I got 30$ per hour only from tips. Now, look. Doesn't matter what I did, I got my money anyway, and customers knew it. So I newer expected tips. But in the situation when waiters get 3$, s**t, you're ovligued to tip. No one should serve you for free, basically. I do feel that US should regulate it.
Francis B 2 years ago
They memtion that the federal minimum wage for tipped workers is lower than the minimum wage, but fail to mention that if tips plus wage don't equal the federal minimum wage that the server will get the actual minimum wage. That, or their employer is committing wage theft, which is a whole different issue entirely. We should be asking these businesses why it is that they don't want their customers to pay their employees instead of them. Still tip. Because the system is broken and wage theft is huge, but do not ever act like this is normal or how it should be.
Kathleen Schmidt 2 years ago
For those that say, "if you can't afford to tip then you can't afford to eat out", can't the same be turned on to the servers? If you can't afford to live on your pay, don't be a server. I tip. I always tip, but I get tired of getting crappy attitudes & crappy service & then giving more of my families hard earned money to servers who act entitled & like they are doing me such a huge favor by doing their job. Yes, a restaurant has the right to refuse service to anyone, but there are not a lot of servers that get to refuse to do their job too many times & still keep it. Also, why, in states & places that servers make at least minimum wage are we still automatically expected to tip for crappy service? Honestly, I've about had it with rewarding c**p service with extra money out of my pocket. At some point something's gotta give. I have a feeling that people are going to start keeping their money on their pocket before servers finally raise up & actually fight for decent pay.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
Duh? For some people serving is the only job that they can get. They aren't turning down vice-presidencies in Fortune 500 companies to serve you soup, you f*****g idiot.
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C Hypercube 2 years ago
Do you like to tip the owner of the restaurant? Because that's what you do. If you follow the flow of money, you can see that you're actually tipping the owner of that business who won't pay the staff because he knows they get tips. I always leave a tip but now I'm sick of the increasing amount of extra money I have to pay all the time. At least the fancy restaurants where they charge you an arm and a leg for a few tiny items on a plate should be able to pay their servers properly...and some, they do. But it's something that's taken roots in our mentality as a society. Now I'm tipping the hairdresser when I get a haircut. The taxi driver, or the Uber driver, and so on. I've been working hard for years in different jobs, architecture, designer for low wages and not once I expected or got a tip. People here on comments say "if you can't afford the tip, you shouldn't go out". Well, one could also say "if you don't like the working condition, find another job". It's the road to fair wages.
maxwell hillcrest 2 years ago
Yeah you tip for services. And as a server I cut my own hair because that too is as simple as making a meal at home is for me. I'm sure waiters will go the way of the machine pretty soon but not before they go first for the jobs of architects and lawyers and corporate bs jobs that do nothing but make people money for pushing papers around a building. No one likes working conditions in dealing with cranky hungry Karen's all day long clammering with their 5 kids climbing all over the tables bitching about her quinoa bowl coming out with pesto still in it because she wants to go vegan for the month so we have to throw away an entire plate of food to remake one just to cater to her vegan lifestyle which is the complete opposite of veganism. Servers have to feed stupid people all day long and listen to them complain about and try to fix what is wrong with the stuff they are going to s**t out in a day. That alone is a requisite for getting 20% added on to the bill.
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Coco Junior 2 years ago
Only a handful of US states have a $2.13 minimum wage. All others, the business owner must pay at least the federal minimum wage (if tips do not add up to it) or greater. Tipping makes absolutely no sense. The onus should be on the business owner to pay their employees a proper wage. With the current expected percentage, what makes a $100 meal worth a $20 tip whereas a $20 meal would be $4? Is there any difference to the effort of the servers? If your business model relies on tipping to pay your employees, then you shouldn't be in business. Adjust the prices accordingly and pay people a proper wage. The majority of the world has this figured out, it's past time that the US should. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/minimum-wage/tipped
David McCormick 2 years ago
Sure, that IS what the law says. In practice, the employer can get away with not paying out more for low tips for a handful of reasons which basically boil down to the server not wanting to lose their job over a pay dispute.
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Pam Nocerino 2 years ago
I worked at a place many years ago that made their fortune off the backs of the help, 2 dollars an hour!!! they also hired illegal aliens that didnt get paid too well,horrible owners If not for the great tips I wouldnt be able to support myself! also nooo benefits!!
Shauna Hayden 2 years ago (edited)
The restaurant should be named and shamed and boycotted. Intolerable entitlement! Someone won't serve you because u won't pay for your meal and half again for their pocket? Something that would be never tolerated out of the US. Yeah the wages suck, but serving is their job! You can't just decide not to do it because you don't like how much money a person tips! Ridiculous it happened and that the manager tolerated it.
maxwell hillcrest 2 years ago
All restaurants should be boycotted just for their environmental toll alone. But yes serving is their job and wages for that job come from tips if they know that they are not going to get tipped why should they have to serve them. So they can tip out extra to the runner, busser and bar on sales they accrued but didn't get tipped on. No thanks why lose money to be someones slave. Don't be lazy cheapskate tip or cook your own damn food at home
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Creature Cargeaux 2 years ago
..... so punishing the people who are the sole reason you have a job just because your restaurant doesn't pay you enough? Don't get me wrong. I always tip. However, if you're a d**k or you're just like... messing everything up beyond a reasonable amount & you're making my meal that im paying for miserable.... ? Nah. You're getting a shitty too. Sorry. Not sorry. I worked as a delivery driver. A bartender. A waitress. A stripped. I been working for tips.... but im not entitled to anyones money. Especially if I didn't earn it. Im not going to refuse service to someone because I assume they're not going to tip. If you don't wanna worn for tips... find a place that pays a better hourly wage. It's not the customer's responsibility for to pay your bills. It's your place of works responsibility to pay their workers. The entitlement in people these days is gross.
Virgil Blue 2 years ago
Man to a non American the whole way topping works over there seems horribly exploitative and just an excuse to get low looking prices on a menu at the possible cost to the servers.
Gary Geracci 3 months ago
I once worked in the Food industry.My wage was 9.00 plus Tips. Now, point, Public doesn't know, tips must be shared with Sommelier, Chef, and Busboy too! Yup! This was a mandatory regulation in that place, now I will say this. My Nightly average after sharing was usually two to three hundred Bucks. Many of MY Customers, were doers and Shakers in the Film Industry, From Actors to Producers and Directors as well!
Diane Knight 2 years ago
Do you get that there's more to this story, or is it jest me? If two were guilty of some misdeed, they would have told before they sat. I'm getting a vibe that something else occurred and this was the fallout/consequences. So if a guy leaves out the detail of looking at his phone during a date to see it from a woman, he claims he just looked, the date said he quickly responded but then turned the phone off. Intent to play two gals is poor form. omitting the full story is as well.
Miguel Cavazos 2 years ago
Servers pay into a tip pool based on their sales in many (not all) establishments, typically more corporate or efficiently run places. That means if you don’t tip your server, or under tip, they end up paying to serve you. I pay into a tip pool as a percentage of my total SALES, not tips. This provides extra tips for the host, some back of house, bussers, runners and bartenders. If your bill is $100, I typically pay out around $10-$15 depending on which work groups are pooling on that shift. Pooling in this way is not optional for us, it’s an industry norm that ensures support staff also gets the benefits of gratuities because we all work as a team to make your experience happen. I say just ask your server, we will be honest with you about how we have to share tips, some places only pool based on tip totals (but that leaves room for fudging numbers paid in cash) and others enforce more uniformity (like tip pools based on sales) to prevent problems and retain all the necessary staff.
Dawnieangel76 2 years ago
We all know how pay SHOULD be, but we also know it's NOT. Therefore, if you go out for a meal or a service, you pay AND tip. If you don't, knowing full well people are depending on tips, you're a selfish, condescending a*****e. If you can afford to get the meal or service, you damned well can afford to tip!
JP Purves 2 years ago
Three people were at a table and they were refused service because one of them was known by the restaurant not to tip? This doesn't sound right. I'm guessing that the three people at the restaurant were black and the servers/management were racist and refused them service for that reason.
Dave Black 2 years ago
Only in North America is this tipping culture a thing. My sis has been in Australia for the past year and they don't tip AT ALL, granted they pay their service workers an ACTUAL livable wage. She tried to tip at a restaurant she went to with friends and the server just stared at her like "whats this".
Thomas Fischer 2 years ago
The main issue is that the restaurant owners didn’t follow the law to pay their workers the minimum hourly rate!
Jake Wheeler 2 years ago
Short version of all this: Nobody has to do anything. If you own a retail business you get to choose your employees, you get to choose your customers. If you are an employee you can stay or you can go. If you are a customer you can go to a place but then leave. Or you can eat at a place but not pay or not tip or both. Nobody has to do anything so everyone just be nice to everyone else. And build a history of being nice because people remember. They can tell you no service just as you can tell them you want a different server. Even a different cook. And once everyone knows what everyone wants, nobody has to do anything. Nothing at all. That's choice. That's liberty. That's freedom. Be nice. Tip.
Wednesday Anderson 2 years ago
Waiters will make even less money if the restaurant pays them the same hourly wage as the cook. The restaurant will keep them on for longer hours as well, so they won’t hire as many workers. The servers will be overworked, and you will no longer have “service”. Think of it as those banquet restaurants. The customer will have to pay more for food with less service in the end. So, yeah, let’s make a BIG stink about not tipping.
Cory Willson 2 years ago
If you live in the USA them youre obligated to tip. Change the system and demand laws so service industry workers have the same minimum wage as everyone else then and only then you dont have to be obligated to tip anymore
Karrezza O'Sullivan 2 years ago
It's true. It's not required but it's bullshiiit that in some states wait staff still earn like only $3 or less an hour because of the fact they get tips. That basically is making customers pay for their staff.
Rasheeda Shaheen 2 years ago
Some waitress or waiters try to assume who will give you a good tip. Me and my daughter would go to Eat n park every Sunday after church. This one day this waitress was stated to another there's no way I am taking them they probably only leave $2. Well the other waitress was our normal waitress she said o I will take them. She was my neighbor she knew how I tip. So did others that served in the evening. She is always upbeat and happy. Stays on top of our drinks being refilled. Very respectful, a lot of restaurants wants you to tip with your card if you are paying with a card. They takes taxes out of it, so wrong. Well our food comes up to $15 I will tip the recommendation tip with my card than leave $5 in cash. I watch my waitress go up to the other waitress and show her how much I tip. When the older white Americans patron was leaving only $2-3 for their order. Next Sunday the waitress that didn't want us try to take us I said I am fine and asked the manager for our normal server.
Rasheeda Shaheen 2 years ago
I don't know I just don't like not tipping it's just sad. But to be force to tip because they refuse to pay them more money is just even more sad. They raise the prices of food decrease how much you get and your telling me these servers still haven't gotten a raise.? That's highway robbery. For bad service I tip 10% for good service I tip 20%.
M 2 years ago
You don't tip at places like McDonald's, Burger King, Arby's. Why? Because they are paid to be there and many do serve and bring your food and such. Time for all restaurants to pay their employees like any other job. You get served by tech people coming to do installs and such, you don't go tip your ISP. Work is work. Pay your employees before you no longer have a business. A tip is just that a thank you for service, it should have never been allowed to slip into a place where a person who works somewhere can't even eat there. We have all these stupid federal regulations and laws but nothing to protect workers. It is beyond ridiculous.
Carter Watson 2 years ago
@momma bear https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0D6UQQdLtzLa2yhujyoeY56YpWteWi5F5DzJQB4k6iJmgrV6RCeWEfcL3HDWiKpu1l&id=100005588023816
Antoine Simmons 2 years ago
Since Covid struck, I stopped dining in. I was at one point 20+% tipper. I had already become annoyed at the expectation of a tip by the industry, so when I stopped dining in, it was relieving.... until I started seeing the tip screen on the little Ipad they use with recommended tip amounts when all you are doing is coming in to pickup your food. Thats when I knew this had gotten way out of hand. Now I'm seeing tip suggestions at Chipotle, Panera, etc. Like, all of them pay real minimum wage, why am I tipping? Why am I tipping?
Elizabeth Fowlkes 2 years ago
I used to be a server and worked at a restaurant that paid $2.13hr. I remember many nights eating very little or living off Ramen to survive because I needed those tips. I truly believe restaurant's need to give a living wage and stop depending on tips. My opinion was formed because of one particular day. This happened to my coworkers not myself. We were told to expect 30-40 people and 2 servers were assigned to take care of them and only them. They cared for the group through the entire shift and in the end the table tipped nothing. Two servers went home only earning $10.65 for 5 hours of work. One of the servers also bartended so she was upset but fine. The other needed the money so she could eat that night and to get a ride home that night. Tipping is considered the social norm and you should tip for service but you shouldn't have to fork over $20 so that the server can survive. They are living people who deserve a living wage from their employers.
YELLING!!! 2 years ago
A person's living wage shouldn't be the responsibility of the customer. This is the responsibility of the business owner. When we give Tips it encourages staff abuse buy reducing the Owner responsiblity to provide a living wage.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
And again, for the slow kid in the back: when you eat out and *don't* tip, you still encourage the staff abuse, because you're still giving the restaurateur his cut. All your tightfistedness is doing is punishing the server for being caught up in the system.
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Adeline Bennett 2 years ago
I tip. But I've honestly noticed a growing sense of entitlement among servers to the point where a lot seem to balk at 20%. I'm sorry but you're not getting 25% out of me for anything less than STELLAR service.
Melissa Cavanaugh 2 years ago
A tip is also known as gratuity. As in "gratuitous". In addition to, but not required. When I dine out, I to based on service. Normal, competent service gets 20% from me. Superb service can get as much as 50%. Always in cash, so they don't have to report it to the government jerks who allow them to be paid so little. Crappy service gets you zero percent. But that's me. Nobody is *entitled* to gratuities. It's not about whether I can afford it. If I'm with a group, we discuss how things are handled. It's a shame when they tack on a *required gratuity* for groups because they would otherwise get more $ from us.. But requiring that "tip" is so petty, that's all they get from me. (Also petty, I know, but there it is.) I would be thrilled to go to a restaurant where they charge higher prices, but you are not supposed to tip because the employees are paid well. Imagine that kind of stress free environment and experience that would be! For workers and diners alike.
that.bitch.mae 2 years ago
The tipping situation in the US really is a no win one. If you don't tip, you're considered an a*****e; if you do tip, there's no reason for the restaurant to stop their gross practices. If you just don't go to the restaurant, the server's definitely not getting a tip regardless of your own beliefs. I wish federal wage would go up first of all cause it's still like $7 which probably works in some states but def not others. I wish there were a bill that would keep restaurants from paying their employees under that min wage just because "they should make up the rest in tips". Tips aren't a guarantee so they shouldn't be counted. The server is paid to serve, a tip is gratuity, not "part of the dining experience". It's extremely problematic that servers are not getting paid properly yet still expected to do their job properly. It's even dumber because restaurants could just raise their prices (like we know they definitely already do) and pay their employees more. But why do that when those
that.bitch.mae 2 years ago
greedy f*****s can just guilt their own customers into determining whether a server will be able to pay rent this month. Tipping is gross gross gross gross gross. But even then I'm not gonna not tip, the servers I've come across at restaurants are so so kind despite their horrible circumstances. Now, and this one might rub people the wrong way, something I'm definitely hesitant on tipping on is food delivery. The prices are exorbitant already and then I'm meant to leave a tip on top of that? In my state is why I have a problem with this though, because there was actually a proposition where these people would have to get the benefits of other workers, including minimum wage. But thanks to Uber and Lyft and maybe some other third one spending like $1B, they fooled enough people into turning down the prop. And I'm extremely disappointed because if you just paid attention, you'd understand you'd be in a better position if you forced those companies to just pay you instead of forcing the
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Averil Rosenburgh 2 years ago
I tip on service; but, I also understand that, bartenders and waiters rely on tips heavily. I also understand that most establishments pay EXTREMELY low. If waitstaff can't live off of $2.13/hr., then they should never have accepted the job. The flip side of the coin is: the PATRON, decided to "go out", therefore, they were in acceptance that they would be spending money and should "shut-up & suck it up". In my experience, MOST waitstaff provide ample service and deserve a tip !...(unless they do something atrocious). True, Noone is obligated to tip, but Noone is obligated to expect something for nothing, either. In short, "you get out of it, what you put into it"...and that is a two way street factual statement.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
They should never have accepted the job? What if it's the only job they can get? Should they sit at home on benefits when they want to work?
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Isn't it supposed that the owner makes up for what the servers don't make in tips to reach the general minimum wage? Please correct me if I am wrong.
that.bitch.mae 2 years ago (edited)
They're supposed to but I don't think they do it properly. I think someone else was talking about how sometimes with tips they'd make $9/hr and since that's technically over $7.25, the federal min wage, the owner didn't have to make up for anything.
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Eve Bell 2 years ago
Strongly feel like the server profiled these people as "non-tippers" because of how they look. In that case, I'd put their asses on blast and definitely not go to the restaurant again. Judgmental assholes have no business working in the service industry, and that's just that.
Jb Dean 2 years ago
As long as we continue to support the tipping policy in the United States, we continue to aid & abet employers who are not paying a living wage! I’m not saying we should never tip, but I am saying that the tip should not be a burden on the customer. The customer is paying for their food & that food is handled by a server but that’s all part of the restaurant experience. The server is hired by the employer, which is the restaurant, & therefore the employer-as w any employer-is responsible for paying their employees. There are many jobs where someone interacts w the public, but they don’t get tips. Why is that? Because they are paid a decent wage. A perfect example is a receptionist or or a customer service rep in retail. They’re interacting w the public nonstop but if they give good information or good service to the ppl that approach them, why don’t they get a tip? In Europe tips are unaccepted and servers are paid a decent wage. That’s how it’s done.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago (edited)
As I've already pointed out a dozen times, you continue to aid and abet those employers whether you tip or not, because the employer still gets paid. By being too miserly to tip all you do is screw the serving staff.
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Michael Pattow 2 years ago
If you can't afford to tip don't go out. Tipping is still the expectation. I just can't go to the grocery store and say that I don't agree with the sales tax so I'm not gonna pay it. It's part of the cost of going out to eat period. Until they change the rules , it's how servers make money. Also servers would generally make less money if they were paid a "living wage". Servers at the last 3 restaurants I worked made over $30/ hour. And they only work like 4 or 5 hour shifts.
Sean Murphy 2 years ago
Professional waiter. If you cant tip dont go out. It's the way it's set up. Waiters make an hourly wage ( in most states) 2/3 of minimum wage. I work high end ( works out to about $50-70 hour. If you want restaurants to cover that by charging more, see how many of you go out. If its slower I dont make as much. I bet those who dont tip or only tip for " outstanding" service enjoy running people ragged, dont want to acknowledge you when we're at the table and cant even bother to thank you. I forgot your lemon?, no tip right. We can pick you out a mile away. If you got rid of tipping, the good ones will quit. And dont compare us to tattoo or hair stylist. It's set up differently. Go to McDonald's if you dont want to tip or stay home
Rose Cruzan 2 years ago
Tipping across the board is not even. You cannot compare food service at the same level as tattoo artist or nail technician. The serving staff makes about $2 an hour, and their tips rely on the kitchen, hostess, bar tenders, etc. If the kitchen sends food out cold, the servers tip suffers. Tattoo artist, salon techs, are getting about 50% of the charged price. Although keeping in mind, they are probably paying rent on their chairs and spaces. But their tips solely rely on their services and not on a whole chain of other staff involved, like food service. I base my food service tips on the server. So they have a lot of tables? Do they check back after food is delivered to make we have everything? When my wine glass is sitting empty and i have to move it to the edge of the table for 20 minutes..yep, tip goes down. I do not blame servers for slow bartending our food coming out wrong.But, take our orders and don't check back after 20 minutes to see if we need more drinks?? Not good service
Chrissy Boyd 2 years ago
Ok so here is my story about tipping. First let me say I always tip whether it's a restaurant or a liquor store because I go to the same one everytime. So I went to the same liquor store and the cashier was drunk and I was fine with that until she started an argument with me over what I was ordering so I was like ok whatever. So I paid for my stuff and was waiting for my change back (was like $3) she looks at me and says you might as well leave cuz that's my tip for servicing you. I was like I tip you and all the cashiers here but you just stole from me and I called her manager and she got fired and I started going to another liquor store.
fhqwhgus 2 years ago
If you can't tip, you can't dine in. There are plenty of fast food places where you can get food and not tip. If someone is serving you in a sit-down restaurant, you tip them in the U.S. - full stop. If you think that your server isn't attentive enough, call for a manger and switch to a different server. But before you complain about "I shouldn't have to tip because my service wasn't good," remember that someone is STILL cooking for you, and STILL cleaning up BEFORE and AFTER you. Unless you're busing your own table, cooking your own food, bringing it out to your table, and washing your own dishes, you are getting plenty of service. And I'm not in food service. But I was raised to be aware of people outside of myself. Some of y'all are just out here announcing that you weren't raised right.
Joe's Milk 2 years ago
I think that restaurants should get their act together and tipping shouldn't be people's main source of income. But if you don't have the money to tip, then you probably don't eat out all too often anyway so it doesn't really matter.
Julia G 2 years ago
This tipping culture is bs. I recently, fell exhausted from home life and decided to book a spa day, which includes a facial and massage. When I came to the counter to pay my bill was close to $300 only for her to pass me the pay machine for a minimum tip of 18%. I am working mom with a family, how the hell am I supposed to afford $54 extra on my bill? Mine you she is a RMT , I do massage for medical purposes. I sure don't tip my dentist or medical professionals so why in hell am I obligated to tip my registered massage therapist a minimum 18% tip for a 45min service that cost me over $100? I have no issue tipping my server who probably makes minimum wage but when I am asked to tip professionals who are making liveable income that is where I draw the line. Fyi..... this is an American culture. I have travelled to various countries where tips are considered insults.
Samantha Casset 2 years ago
I am not tipping just because, sorry not doing it. If it is the way you earn your money, then earn it. I get horrible service, yet cause you make a low wage I need to feel sorry and tip you anyway, nope. If I suck at work I get fired not paid.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
You could have just written "I am a tightfisted ar$ehole" and saved a lot of typing.
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Eliza May 2 years ago (edited)
"As a hairdresser, who was a server, servers don't need to serve you". SERIOUSLYTHAT IS YOUR VERY JOB. If I go for a haircut, I pay for a haircut. If I go out to a sitdown restaurant to eat, YOU are the server, it's your JOB TITLE. DO NOT TAKE A JOB YOU DON'T LIKE THE TERMS OF or are being taken advantage of in, or disrespected by your employer. Would you wash dishes for $3 an hour? Or pump gas, or mow lawns? Then why serve for that pittance? That is on YOU, letting an employer BRIBE YOUA with the lure of *possible* (but not guaranteed) tips. But still you took a job to serve. Don't get petty with your patrons, get pissed at your employer, or yourself for accepting this, or govt for allowing it. When I was young (40 years ago) my mother waitressed they all got MINIMUM WAGE plus tips. This is on employees as much as the businesses to have allowed and tolerated this downslide.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
Or maybe, and here's a new thought for you, serving is the only job some people can get.
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Dave Jones 2 years ago
If I was a server I wouldn't serve their deadbeat asses if I didn't have to either. The tipping system sucks but it is what it is and if you want to eat out you tip properly. Period.
Aunt Messy 2 years ago
If you can't afford a tip, you can't afford to eat out at all. You can whine all you want that waitstaff need to be paid a living wage, but choosing to punish them instead of the management that refuses to pay them is tacky and cruel.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
Absolutely. It's just people making excuses for their own stinginess.
Load More Replies... Diemond Star 2 years ago
I think if you can't leave a tip then just go eat fast food. Servers work very hard for their money and deserve a tip. But the manager the telling the guests that they will not be served at this restaurant because they are non-tippers is just rude and disrespectful.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
The manager is totally at liberty to say who he does and doesn't want eating in his establishment.
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Cookie Barnes 2 years ago (edited)
Totally my opinion. When someone says if you cant afford to tip then you cant afford to go out to eat...if you cant afford to live off the base wage you make then get a different job. Both sound wrong. I tip based upon the service i get. If your servixe is crappy then im not going to tip you. If your service is average the. I tip average. Superior service youre getting paid.. if ypu dont want to wait an hour because there arw no servers it will catch 22 back to the owner to have to pay better. We arent fixing the i itial problem. Labor costs are part of doing business. Raise the prices . Pay your staff accordingly and then it truly becomes a matter of being able to afford to eat out.
Jamie Ferris 2 years ago
There is zero excuse for an entire industry not paying minimum wage. I tip because I understand how it works, but it's not my obligation to do so. My job is to pay for my food. That food is marked up to cover the cost of running the business and for making a profit- just like everything in the retail world. No other industry gets away with not paying employees. Denying service based on a lack of OPTIONAL tip should not be allowed and neither should mandatory tipping. I would never make my server go without because I disagree with how it works, but I do disagree with how it works.
BeegtymeRawkstah 2 years ago
>Story about terrible customers who won't tip >They're black No surprises here
Benno Virnig 2 years ago
Why is it everyone thinks you have to tip. If it was MANDATORY to tip it would be included with the bill and not left to choice. There are tons of jobs if your employer is not paying atleast minimum wage. Quit and find a new job. Servers are hired to serve the customer. Not pick and choose. The fact most people think it's required shows the entitlement they live in. There probably a Karen too.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago (edited)
In the real world it's never as easy as "quit and find a new job". People have responsibilities, debts, time constraints. Saying "f**k your job" is a luxury. And there's an endless supply of people who need the money.
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Sholto Keet 2 years ago
Sounds like their business plan conflicts with federal regulations and is repugnant to the Constitution. A business plan has to abide by federal law to include non discriminatory practices. A business can only act on legal precipice and cannot deny service unless there is legal standing to to so that is not bias. Because it is a violation of ethics you can have their business license removed and you can sue them for civil and human rights violations according to Marbury vs Madison (1803) "All laws which are repugnant to the Constitution are null and void." This includes legal standings for business, federal agencies and all forms of government.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
Don't take legal advice from someone who writes "legal precipice" when they mean "precedent".
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Alya 2 years ago
I think tipping should be between the server and the customer. It should be a "thank you for being great" not some requirement. The company should have nothing to do with it and should pay their workers. Also the whole "don't go out to eat if you can't afford to tip" is a bit frustrating because do poor people not deserve to eat something they enjoy? Especially where I live, they can't pay less than minimum wage (as far as ik) so the servers are essentially making the same as me
Alya 2 years ago
It's a really hard topic because people will act like I'm a sh*tty person if I don't just fully agree with tipping and then I start to wonder if I am a sh*try person. But it's the whole system that's messed up
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Jeff Coleman 2 years ago (edited)
I’ve lived in the Philippines for 3 years and you are encouraged NOT to tip here. I’ve always tipped based on customer service, and at first it felt odd not leaving a tip. I plan on moving back home to the USA in a year, and I definitely will scrutinize the option of whether I WANT to leave a tip or not.
SweetsEve 2 years ago
When I was coming up wait staff may of had to rely on tips, but they put earned a lot of other 9-5s with tip proceeds. Both of my brothers worked in restaurants while in college and they were never broke. Every day they came home with hundreds of dollars. They started at little places like Pizza Hutt worked their way into fine dining and before my older brother graduated he had worked his way into a position at a private box at an arena. He'd make over $900 for one event. I never heard him complain about tip culture. After college he became a real estate agent and he still has never been broke. My parents always taught us being broke is a mindset. You never put someone else in control of your ability to produce what you need for yourself. Anyway I am surprised reading all the concern over wage and tipping. Do wait staff not bring home good money anymore? Seems there are more foodies than ever.
sharonljeffords@gmail.com 2 years ago
So a living wage is put in place then the price of dinners go up then what you can afford to eat but not tip. There is reason it's this way. Servers tip out bartender busboys and runners.and sometimes the hostess I am so glad I waited on people that got this. 25 years never got a paycheck but I lived a great life waitressing.
David McCormick 2 years ago
Great idea! We should all get real jobs. Then there won't be anyone there to serve you when you go in to the restaurant. Nobody to seat you, nobody to take your order, nobody to bring you your food. At least you won't have to worry about tipping, if there's nobody serving you.
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Christopher Admire 2 years ago
I tip if I can afford it in addition to what I'm already paying for my food. It's not on me to pay your wage via tip. If you're a server and you can't live in your base pay, quit. If Every service worker was being paid a fare wage tipping would go away. If you're not getting a base pay that's livable, quit and find something else. If there were no servers willing to work for tips as a wage it'd go away and you'd be paid luje a regular human being.
David McCormick 2 years ago
There is always going to be enough desperate people for restaurant owners to exploit. Always. For some, it's the only job they can get. Some people are desperately trying to make ends meet, forced to take any job they can get. And they land in a serving job. Making $2.13/hr, which basically pays only their taxes. The rest of their wages comes from tips. And they have to make the best of it, because it's what they have. They live day to day, praying that the business is going to be good that day, so they have more opportunities to be tipped. Praying that there's enough tippers coming in that they can pay their rent. Praying that they make enough above that to eat. And it hurts them every time you come in, thank them for the 'wonderful service', and then leave without thanking them properly with a tip. But they can't let it show. They have to serve the next person that may or may not tip them. And they do all this while smiling, because that's part of the service too.
Load More Replies... Monica Michelle 2 years ago
Us needs to pay living wages instead of asking for salary subsidizing from customers (I still tip at 20-30 but I will die on the hill that restaurants MUST pay a full living wage
Aunt Messy 2 years ago
And these people are phishing hard working individuals that need their tips to pay rent and buy food for their kids.
Load More Replies... Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
OP's comment shows that she's clueless. She commented something like, "Don't servers already make $15/hour minimum wage?" No, they don't. They make $2.50/hour, sweetie. I'm not saying that tipping culture is right, but you won't change it by punishing the underpaid servers.
Cindy Hurd 2 years ago
Thank you! I wanted to reply so bad to that comment but couldnt! When I worked waffle house back in 2004 in Missouri I made 3 dollars an hour cuz owner said the hourly wage plus tips should average 7 an hour. I worked the night shift in a tiny little town where ..no you don't even earn minimum wage. But the owner was pretty cool cuz we could eat all the food we wanted while we were at work plus he was just a cool guy. He even worked the cooks position many times. It was his awesome kind personality that kept us all there but I would not even think about being a server NOW DAYS..no way! So when I do go out which is extremely seldom..i tip BIG cuz I know how hard our servers work and bills are paid by their tips. So hats off to you hard working OVER MINIMUM WAGE DESERVING SERVERS! Thank you for your service! 💜😊😍💜
Load More Replies... Squirrelly Panda 2 years ago
My biggest grumble with tipping is the it shouldn't be required to bring server wages up. My second biggest is how the percentage acceptable keeps going up. When I was young a 10% tip was considered good. 15% exceptional. Now 20% is the norm. 30% exceptional. I expect to see 50% tips common before I retire. I would love to see a reasonable wage paid to servers and tips reduced back to a bonus for extraordinary service rather than the current I pay the servers wages instead of the employer.
Aunt Messy 2 years ago
Right. Prevent them from paying the rent! That'll teach management.
Load More Replies... Jack S 2 years ago
If I go out for eats to a restaurant I'll tip a few quid (yes, I'm British, well observed) because I've had that job, and know how hard it can be (much better in the UK regarding the wage but still pretty s**t). But like someone else says. It shouldn't be upto customers to supplement an employees wages with tips. This is an issue of paying living wages to people in the hospitality industry. And not whether tipping is right or wrong. Both sides need to get off their high horses and see the others point of view.
KING ILLEGAL FOREST 2 years ago
Considering that few restaurants pay more than $4 an hour to servers, I personally think you're a giant as$h*le if you don't tip at all. You're not encouraging restaurant owners to pay their workers a living wage, you're just denying someone the money they desperately need to make ends meet.
Luv Harper 2 years ago
I think so too. I think people who doesn't tip are worse than tight wads . I know some people who would tip $2, and not a penny more. But those that doesn't tip are selfish .
Load More Replies... E Menendez 2 years ago (edited)
If you don't want to tip don't eat out. If the service was poor then give a tip of a couple of dollars and don't go back, or let the management know. There are people who hate the tip culture, but it is what it is. Go to Congress and protest there. Write your congressman. The government is the only thing that will change it. Or financial pressure. Only go to establishment that don't accept tips. Get your friends to do it. Make a movement of you are so passionnate . Saying "I don't tip because..." then posting on tik tok about it. The "social outrage" does no thing.
LittleWombat 2 years ago
THIS!!!!! Not tipping when it's the largest part of the wages of the employee doesn't change the system. It just punishes the individual who is doing their job. Restaurants can and maybe should simply add the 20% to everyone's bill to avoid the tipping game. Or you can just be a decent human being and not make excuses for being a cheap-a** and tip because it's an expected part of the cost of dining out. Especially the comment from the OP about some of her friends "may not have the finances" to tip. Then get your food to go! Or cook at home! Because you can't afford someone to serve you for free - a maid won't do it, a lawn service won't do it, and a food server won't do it! You need to pay for services.
Load More Replies... Mikey Kliss 2 years ago
I think this person is under the impression that servers make minimum wage which is GROSSLY incorrect. I remember minimum wage was $7.50 I believe but we got paid $3.25 since "we'd make minimum wage with tips" Its disgusting but until we change that, we cant punish the servers by not tipping
idrow1 2 years ago
There is 100% more to this than she's letting on. I'm betting someone she was with was known for being rude, high maintenance and a non-tipper. That is absolutely a reason to deny service in the future. Do you *have* to tip servers? No, but they also don't *have* to serve you. Tattoo artists get a living wage to begin with, servers don't. And until that practice changes, you don't have the right to punish your server for a system you deem unjust. If you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to eat out. Stay home and eat or stick to drive-thrus.
Hiker Chick 2 years ago
I do tip, but when they show me the "20%, 25%" etc options, I often accidentally tip less. Like, I might typically give them $5, but if click the 25% option they will only get like $4.13 or something. So while I don't like being asked for a specific tip amount, they kind of make less money from me accidentally.
Anne Reid 2 years ago
Be careful with those…I’ve found some where is the math is off. Instead of what they said was 25%, it was actually over most of the time. Once, it was closer to 19%. I always use a tip calculator on my phone. As a bartender I tend to over tip b/c of where I live….people here are stingy & think 10% is OK REGARDLESS of service quality.
Load More Replies... Donkeywheel 2 years ago
Bored panda saw that any article about tipping is always trending and now we get a new article about it every other day. Just find a random unbeknown tiktoker talking about tipping, copy-paste the content and you’re done. I can’t wait to get the next aita!
Istax 2 years ago
Yep, it feels like no-one's making an effort anymore :(
Load More Replies... LH25 2 years ago (edited)
I also don't like the system of tipping, but PLEASE don't take it out on the servers. Right now, that's how it works in many places. If you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to eat out. It's not fair to punish the servers. And I don't totally get comments that say the customers shouldn't have to pay the staff via tips. One way or another, we are going to pay the staff, tips or higher food prices.
Mia Black 2 years ago
I am definetly for the higher prices (which you already are paying when you get forced to tip that much), so you know exactly what you have to expect to pay beforehand, like in Most parts of europe.
Load More Replies... Brindle Nutter 2 years ago
Honestly, it goes both ways. Businesses can refuse to serve you as well.
CatWoman312 2 years ago
I hate tipping culture, but it is what it is. Tipping your server is part of the experience of dining. If you can’t afford to tip, you can’t afford to dine out so fast food will probably be a better option. To add the non tippers are usually more demanding than normal customers so to know they treat you like a slave only to not tip you in the end is insulting.
Erin Geiger 2 years ago
If you don't want to tip, go to McDonald's. Most states pay a tipped wage which is like $2.15/hr. Tips are the only way they survive. It's gross not to tip, stay home and save everyone a headache.
Mia Black 2 years ago
This culture of people relying on Tips is gross! I am on minimum wage (europe) and don't expect people to tip. Heck Most people never know that I did the work. Why should people with customer contact get Tips and others not? Work is work. And work is paid (if not, it is slavery, if not enough, something is wrong) and i pay for the work to be done. I pay the price i get told (usualy beforehand). I tip if i can afford and the work or Person stands out because it is a Bonus to their work in both ways. The worst comment above is the one saying, that you don't have to tip so the Servers don't have to Server - WRONG! It is their job they are paid for. This is what says you have to! Isn't that Hard to understand... Or somehow it seems, it is... Sad (don't get me wrong, i feel for people with Bad working conditions but it is not up to me, to take care of them if i am not their Boss!!!)
Load More Replies... Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago (edited)
If you "can't afford" to tip, you can't afford to eat at a restaurant. And before anyone whines at me: if they "can't afford" it that means they were *never planning to tip* regardless of the level of service they got.
Brian Keith 2 years ago
It doesn't seem like either of these things are required by law tipping or service. I work in the service industry and can say returning customers who tip well get preferred treatment. I also tip whenever possible, especially if I want good service in my next visit anywhere. I certainly don't want to be remembered as the patron who never tips that's just poor character. I also don't go out much. Going out is expensive, it's not a basic right.
Anony Mouse 2 years ago
Yes, let's have yet another debate about tipping culture that culminates in people bashing the US some more. It's the way thing just are - we don't like it, you don't like it, and it's not going to change. AND - BP we've talked about this. tiktok is intrusive and dangerous. Please lay off the tiktok content. We don't like it.
Mia Black 2 years ago
It could change. Nothing is forever. It is not USA bashing. It is critic at a System that is not good for people. And to speak about it, to realise a problem, is the first step to improve
Load More Replies... Luv Harper 2 years ago
When I was a waitress ,and working my way through school. I had a customer who use to come in with 4 friends take the best table in the restaurant , stay for hours, leave a huge! Mess for me to clean up, and never ever tip. I felt that was rude, and I hated every time they showed up. I didn't want to serve them. No one wanted to wait on them. If they sat at your table you knew that you weren't making any money as long as they were there taking up space.
Lisa Hathaway 2 years ago (edited)
I'm not sure if tattoo artists have to pay *mandatory* taxes on their tips but I know serving staff have to pay mandatory taxes on their tips. Not tipping servers is literally stealing their money.
Gretchen Laughman 2 years ago
I don't think anybody should make a judgment on this until they have walked to one foot in a server's shoes. I personally love waiting on tables and that's why I haven't left the business. In this day and age if people really want to argue about something that is so very ridiculously sad then whatever. Stay home and eat
maxwell hillcrest 2 years ago
Most people don't walk 10,000 steps in a day let alone in a shift. Most people couldn't handle a serving job.
Load More Replies... Luv Harper 2 years ago
It's not just about the living wages. You serve them, and clean up after them . You give great , and exceptional sevice, yet they still don't tip. They are taking up time, and space from someone who would show their appreciation for what you do. I hate people who don't tip.
Adam Leviness 2 years ago
I personally think that it's garbage when a restaurant owner trys to "stand up" for their wait staff by telling their customers "if you can't tip you can't eat here." Like, pay your employers a liveable wage. And, now if you tip with a credit card the house takes part of that, so always pay in cash. And, while it shouldn't be the customer's responsibility to pay their server, that's litterally how EVERY business works, normally that cost is just factored into the price of the goods or services your buying. Until we stand up for servers and make our politicians change the law then yes, you are absolutely responsible for tipping a member of the wait staff who is working in one of the most demanding fields a person can be in making $2 an hour that's going to be taxed. Why don't they just get another job? Because there may not be another job. Pay your server or don't go. Your paying the restaurant for the food the wait staff for the service.
Alexa Saltz 2 years ago
I was taught that tipping is optional, a gratuity is not. It is customary upon receipt of exemplary service to consider leaving a tip. If so, today 20% is standard (YMMV, 30+ years ago it was 10%), and leaving 2¢ is giving your opinion/advice on how to improve. I have been employed in positions with minimum wage which hopefully would be subsidized by customers, so I do understand how much they are appreciated. However, tips should never be expected. I don't often dine out or receive services if I am not able to pay a tip on top of the bill. In the rare occasion that I do but can't leave a tip does not mean that I am disrespecting good service - it just means that I am flat out busted and believe me, I already feel horrible if service was great. I should not be shamed for it, I need a little understanding too. If I do tip and it is less than 20% (but more than 2¢), that means I recognize your effort and I am giving all I can. I shouldn't have to avoid going out...
Bridget Connors 1 year ago (edited)
If you are not able to tip on top of the bill, order something cheaper or go to McDonald's. Servers HAVE to pay 8% on every check, whether they get tipped or not, so you not tipping COSTS your server. You SHOULD feel horrible!
Load More Replies... Adam Belaire 2 years ago
I'd want to know a bit more on the story. Let me prefixes by saying I've never worked in the industry but madly respect those that do. Are her two friends decent customers or are they horrible creatures that it's not worth the headaches that will accompany the no tip. I like to believe most people would still do their job even with no tip if the person is nice enough. They probably realize other people are also in tight financial situations and can't always tip.
Beck 2 years ago (edited)
I made $2.13 an hour at cracker barrel. If I did not avergae minimum wage for the week ($7.25) then the business had to make up for it. But I usually only averaged about $9 an hour and sometimes I did not even average minimum wage so the restaurant had to throw me a few extra bucks. No one can live off $7.25 an hour when rent is over $1000 for the cheap places!
Load More Replies... Benji 2 years ago
If you can't tip don't go out to eat . I will die on this hill. There is not a debate on this matter.
Beth 2 years ago
It's up to the employer to pay a living wage. It is not up to the customer to do that. You might want to back up off that Hill. Because it's us being taken advantage of and being put in a position to feel guilty to provide extra money to these companies employees. That's the truth whether you want to believe it or not, that's up to you.
Load More Replies... Lizzardtong 2 years ago
Clearly, the real victim are the customers that suffer from dyscalcula und thus are unable to do the math required to properly tip. Obviously I'm Joking here. Look, I'm European, I'm not used to Americas tipping culture and is also frankly the reason I'll never visit it due to my dyscalcula. But how bad is your situation over there that you slave away your existence for a pittance of payment? I just don't get it, the version of tipping I was taught was always a small payment for a job well done, I mean f**k, it's called Trinkgeld in Germany! Drink-money! The name implies you get enough money to buy a drink!
S 2 years ago (edited)
I think we all agree that servers should be paid a livable wage but the reality is, they don't, and for that reason, I tip regardless of whether the service was good or bad. That's me though, I don't care what anyone else does as it doesn't cause me any pain or distress. I have too many of my own issues to tend to to be worried about what the next table over is doing with their money. If I can't afford to tip, I stay home and eat or go to a drive-thru but again, that's me. This argument will never be settled unless they start paying them properly. As for this particular situation, I don't know that it was fair because the staff had no way of knowing they weren't going to tip this time but also, they get to make the rules at their establishment and that's that. Whether we agree with them or not doesn't really matter unfortunately.
Beth 2 years ago
But if we keep tipping that just shows the employer's that they don't have to pay them a living wage. These companies incorporations have got us by the balls and it shows in how we end up taking on their responsibilities. We've got caught up in the way it is and just accept it. I wish there was a way to change it and make sure the 1% can never take advantage of the rest of us. Just tired of how wrong and messed up the entire system is. As are so many other people.
Load More Replies... Jo Davies 2 years ago
Servers and bar staff don't earn a livable wage here in South Africa. I do realise that this story does not take place here and I am simply sharing. I ran a bar/restaurant for a few years and left because of how the servers were treated. They were assigned shifts, take it or leave it. Did not get a basic hourly pay, and roasted sandwich if they worked over dinner hours and even had to supply theit own order pads, pens and bottle openers! The bar staff that were on less than minimum wage got together and decided all tops wouild be pooled and shared. They always got better tips from sad drunks planted at the bar. I tried, bit after practical begging the owners to change the system, I left. I couldn't be part of that any more.
Eric G 2 years ago
Screw people that don't tip servers. If you can't afford to tip, don't go out to dine in a restaurant. In addition, do the non tippers realize that if you do get served when you come back, there's probably spit (and only spit if you're lucky) in their food?
Choco 2 years ago
It's not the customer's fault, if you're that petty to spit in someone's food, you're a even bigger a*****e, I wanna pay for my meal, not your job
Load More Replies... Shellie Smith 2 years ago (edited)
Not tipping screws the servers with the IRS, as well. Tips must be claimed, if a servers sales exceed the imputed tip income by the IRS, the server must pay out of pocket for tips the IRS assumes they received. This has been the case for decades. So the refusal to tip can actually cost the server money. Take it up with the culture but don't short the server. And we are seeing what happens right now when there aren't enough servers
James Hamilton 2 years ago
Your lack of knowledge and awareness is upsetting. If you don't HAVE to tip, they don't HAVE to serve you. Your argument is invalid and your actions are that of a generally nasty person.
Michelle Woerner 2 years ago
The problem is with people like this is that they expect us to run back and forth for many many many extras extra sauce extra dressing extra this extra that so that we have to spend all our attention on these entitled people that we cannot give good service to our other tables which in turns leaves them to not tip us because we are not giving them good service because we are only paying attention to the table that wants everything and we know that they are not going to tip us at all but we try and we try and we try and we try and we try but again we give terrible service to the other tables who are not as needy as this and we end up working for hours for nothing. Again for the people in the back if the restaurants are going to pay us a living wage then you're f****** prices of all your f****** food is going to double hello do you understand that. How dumb can you be? You are still going to pay for it in the end. And if you don't want to get your own drinks get served your own food or H
Amanda Lynn Walts 2 years ago
I agree tipping culture is not ideal, but if you don't like it boycott the restaurant instead of letting a server suffer for your ideals. Also, as much as you aren't obligated to tip, nobody is obligated to serve you.
Gabriel Gawrada 2 years ago (edited)
If you can only afford your meal, go to the grocery store and cook, set the table and wash dishes for yourself. Until the wage structure changes for servers, they should be tipped according to the service they provide. That includes the guy delivering your pizza. We all pay the price at the pump.
Stephen Lujan 2 years ago
Not only do servers make make like $2 an hour but in many restaurants the bussers and food runners get "tipped out" by the servers a percentage, like 3%, of the bill. The server ends up with a net loss on a customer that stiffs them.
Dean Martin 2 years ago
We wouldn't serve her in our restaurant with or without a tip. Look at the state of her!!. Its enough to frighten the customers and put them off their food!!.
Carolyn Leigh 2 years ago
If you are waited on you should tip if you can't or refuse stay the f&#k home
Tiffany Ann 2 years ago
Just an fyi..People don't realize that most jobs that get tips have to pay the company a percentage. Like hairstylists, nail techs..they don't make the $350 they charge for your hair. They pay the salon usually 50%. Some people think, oh she made $350 from me why should I pay more? Half that goes for products, the salon, etc.
Ricki Stevens 2 years ago
I am a server and make $3 something an hour before taxes. Without tips I would make about $100 for a 40 hour work week ... And I do give my guests a great customer experience. And if I know you don't tip I will pass on serving you. Go through a drive thru if you don't want to tip.
J Matz 2 years ago
There are probably a lot of people that don't know this, but a lot of places, maybe most, make servers "tip-share/tip out" other staff, like bartenders, dishwashers, busboys and hosts. So when you decide not to tip this, at least during my time, $2.15/hr employee, it is actually COSTING them money to serve you. Is tipping obligated, not usually, but it's called a social contract, and your a jerk if you don't do your part. Go to McDonald's if you don't want to tip...
trick miller 2 years ago
I've worked in restaurants and servers don't get a lot of tables always. If you plan on sitting down and staying a long while, but don't plan on tipping, it cuts their pay for the day by a lot. You're not obligated to tip, but they're not obligated to serve you.
Paula Wynn 2 years ago
If you want great service, then TIP! People don't realize how low our menu prices are compared to other countries that include an automatic gratuity. I don't like places that do that in the US because the server can treat you like c**p because they KNOW they're getting that tip. I waited tables in college, and people requested me because they knew I'd take care of them. I made GREAT money, and we'd fight to get the regulars we knew were excellent tippers. There were also people noone wanted because they often came in, ran the server ragged & treated them terribly, then stiffed them. Can you blame us? IMO, tipping covers everyone. I let the person know how valuable their attention to me was--- if you're good, I overtip because I appreciate you. On the flip side, our regular servers give me pretty much whatever I want because of this. I get extras, free samples, etc. If you can't afford to be kind to the person who took care of you, then get takeout. It shows you have CLASS!
Carter Watson 2 years ago
@momma bear If u don't want to tip then simply do NOT enter a tipping establishment. PERIOD. Show the whole world how u r so cheap that only pay for your food, but expect someone to take your order, serve it to u, AND make your meal there a pleasant one. IGNORANCE, PURE IGNORANCE
Jennifer Waggoner 2 years ago
I have worked at the same restaurant for 22 years. We do NOT get paid minimum wage so we do rely on the generosity of our customers. If you are greeted and well taken care of and the server makes you feel at home and/or goes above and beyond to give you a wonderful experience I believe you should make them (the server) feel appreciated. If you don't tip then why do you expect you servers full attention. Most of us make $5.00 an hour. How would you like to go to work and do your job well for 1-2 hours and then have your boss or customer not pay you. I see both sides but I am a server that takes exceptional care of their clients and am well taken care of. Love all of them!
Chrystal Donoho 2 years ago
Okay so say you dont leave a tip..your server is now negative because based on total sales of the evening your server owes a bartender a tip out and sometimes a bus person.So by not tipping you literally just cost them money.Also the manager likes to know how well you are doing in tips because it reflects how well you serve and interact with customers.Low or no tip is really embarrassing and degrading.You have to look real stupid and as if you did something way wrong or your doing a bad job.Its not 100% about the money although it is part wage,its more of a gut punch like what did i do wrong?The industry is set up for 20% of total bill.Your server keeps maybe 10 to 15% as they must tip out others.At times a bartender and one or more bus persons for places that are run correctly.Skip a star bucks or petty purchase and be kind and tip servers.They go above and beyond to be social, friendly,kind,all while trying to do a great job!Not everyone can pull that off!
Joshua Howard 2 years ago
I think what the woman doesn't understand is that, even if someone isn't tipped, they are taxed as though they are. When I was a server, we had to enter the tip amount into the system with every ticket. It literally would NOT ACCEPT the ticket if there wasn't at least $2 in the "tip" line. So we were taxed from our paycheck, even if we made no tips that week. My paycheck at the time put one tank of gas in my car. Bills were paid from tips.
Jason Bailey 2 years ago
If you're "not tipping because you're not subsidizing businesses not paying a living wage"... You are part of the problem. Period. End of story. You are doing nothing to change the system, you are simply hurting the employees that work for that business. If you don't want to tip, don't go to that business!
sharonljeffords@gmail.com 2 years ago
I have read several articles saying Labron James does not tip what the hell is his problem bad service I think not . Tip your servers it's not rocket science if not just stay home. I was a server for 25 years my wage was 2.00 an hour.I made a lot of money in tips it was a great job.
Marko Požarnik 2 years ago
I think servers should not agree to work for a wage below 15 dollars or whatever the standard in the US and then tipping is only the cream, not something servers rely on. In my country no one is tipping and it's not expected. Only foreigners, who don't know that, tip and servers are glad, but they don't count on it. If their employer isn't paying enough, they don't accept the job, end of story. And since covid servers really have a good position because there is chronic lack of them. I would also open a cafe if the wages were as low as in the US, but since I have to pay yhe normal minimum wage with all yhe social security, pension, medical insurance for them, it's much more difficult than in the US.
Alex Freetime 2 years ago
The US tip system is so stupid it makes less sense than not using the metric system
Bunny 2 years ago
If I am entitled enough to make a living wage, then I can tip. Restaurants are not tattoo artists. Even if she did a shitty job she still gets paid servers don't. People who don't tip complain it's the business fault or it's the servers fault for working a low paid job. While people complain that food service workers don't deserve 15 an hr. They don't understand people work min because its the only job they can get. Single parents, ex cons, recovering addicts, the homeless, college students living in their cars, a teen supporting their family, disabled people, immigrants, abuse victims, someone who couldn't afford college, or maybe they just never got a fair shot at job opportunities. Ik my entitlement worked in retail for 4 yrs for scraps, watched my coworker and friends brother take their lives because they got s**t on everyday even they tried there best.Now I make twice much to sit on my a*s. Min wage jobs are the hardest jobs. That why I tip.
Jason Birch 2 years ago
If you can't afford to or don't want to tip, buy your own food, cook it and serve your family, or order from a shop and drive your lazy a*s out there and pick it up. No tipping required. It's that simple. Tipping is part of reality in the US. 15% is fine if it's a big bill and they do thier job. Go more if it's deserved, I've lived on tips delivering on and off for a long time and I usually tip 20% plus. Onee thing I don't do is tip 15% on the total if you got an expensive bottle of wine or something like that. You arent earning 20% of 60-100$ for poping a cork.
Jamie Ferris 2 years ago
Retail is built to cover the costs of the product, supply the product, and have profit left over. As a consumer at a restaurant I am already paying more for my food than my food costs to account for those things. Now, I do tip well because I understand how it works and wouldn't make a server pay for an industry issue, but I've already done my part by paying a large percentage more for my food than what it costs the restaurant owner to purchase it. Your attitude should be with the industry, not the customers.
Load More Replies... Michael Boyle 2 years ago
They have to pay federal taxes on their sales not there tips .so when you don't tip they have to eat that tax burden.
Cat Chat 2 years ago
As is pointed out in the article and comments, here in the US there are 2 different tip cultures. There is the industry such as stylists and tattoo artist who have an income of at least minimum wage and tipping is based on good service. But the restaurant industry is different. Not only are they usually only making $2-3, they often have to split their tips with at least the busboy, sometimes more. So, then it tends to come down to one should pay at least X% then one can add to that based on service (argue amongst yourselves what that X% should be). Sure, they can "rebel" and quit, but there will always be more to take their place. Unless the entire industry strikes at the same time and stands their ground there won't be enough of an impact to change the industry as a whole. Having no waitress unions either, that isn't something that is likely to happen or work (again there's always someone else to take their places). It won't change without laws granting them at least minimum wage.
Tom Burcham 2 years ago
Tip Creep. That's the term I created for how suddenly every single industry and profession thinks they deserve a tip. I will always generously tip waiters and waitresses because they work really hard running on their feet for hours taking care of people. But now I'm starting to see top jars at and am prompted to tip at liquor stores and gas stations and carry-out restaurants! None of that existed in the pass. I'm not tipping to buy a bottle of wine or gas. These store clerks are greedy and insane!
Fair Sparrow 2 years ago
Not from US, but I had minimum wage around 10-15$. Minimum at all was 8$ at this time, like at all, the minimum that you can pay for any job. It worked this way, if you got less than your wage in tips, place will add to close the gap. I had days when restraint will pay everything, and days when I got 30$ per hour only from tips. Now, look. Doesn't matter what I did, I got my money anyway, and customers knew it. So I newer expected tips. But in the situation when waiters get 3$, s**t, you're ovligued to tip. No one should serve you for free, basically. I do feel that US should regulate it.
Francis B 2 years ago
They memtion that the federal minimum wage for tipped workers is lower than the minimum wage, but fail to mention that if tips plus wage don't equal the federal minimum wage that the server will get the actual minimum wage. That, or their employer is committing wage theft, which is a whole different issue entirely. We should be asking these businesses why it is that they don't want their customers to pay their employees instead of them. Still tip. Because the system is broken and wage theft is huge, but do not ever act like this is normal or how it should be.
Kathleen Schmidt 2 years ago
For those that say, "if you can't afford to tip then you can't afford to eat out", can't the same be turned on to the servers? If you can't afford to live on your pay, don't be a server. I tip. I always tip, but I get tired of getting crappy attitudes & crappy service & then giving more of my families hard earned money to servers who act entitled & like they are doing me such a huge favor by doing their job. Yes, a restaurant has the right to refuse service to anyone, but there are not a lot of servers that get to refuse to do their job too many times & still keep it. Also, why, in states & places that servers make at least minimum wage are we still automatically expected to tip for crappy service? Honestly, I've about had it with rewarding c**p service with extra money out of my pocket. At some point something's gotta give. I have a feeling that people are going to start keeping their money on their pocket before servers finally raise up & actually fight for decent pay.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
Duh? For some people serving is the only job that they can get. They aren't turning down vice-presidencies in Fortune 500 companies to serve you soup, you f*****g idiot.
Load More Replies... C Hypercube 2 years ago
Do you like to tip the owner of the restaurant? Because that's what you do. If you follow the flow of money, you can see that you're actually tipping the owner of that business who won't pay the staff because he knows they get tips. I always leave a tip but now I'm sick of the increasing amount of extra money I have to pay all the time. At least the fancy restaurants where they charge you an arm and a leg for a few tiny items on a plate should be able to pay their servers properly...and some, they do. But it's something that's taken roots in our mentality as a society. Now I'm tipping the hairdresser when I get a haircut. The taxi driver, or the Uber driver, and so on. I've been working hard for years in different jobs, architecture, designer for low wages and not once I expected or got a tip. People here on comments say "if you can't afford the tip, you shouldn't go out". Well, one could also say "if you don't like the working condition, find another job". It's the road to fair wages.
maxwell hillcrest 2 years ago
Yeah you tip for services. And as a server I cut my own hair because that too is as simple as making a meal at home is for me. I'm sure waiters will go the way of the machine pretty soon but not before they go first for the jobs of architects and lawyers and corporate bs jobs that do nothing but make people money for pushing papers around a building. No one likes working conditions in dealing with cranky hungry Karen's all day long clammering with their 5 kids climbing all over the tables bitching about her quinoa bowl coming out with pesto still in it because she wants to go vegan for the month so we have to throw away an entire plate of food to remake one just to cater to her vegan lifestyle which is the complete opposite of veganism. Servers have to feed stupid people all day long and listen to them complain about and try to fix what is wrong with the stuff they are going to s**t out in a day. That alone is a requisite for getting 20% added on to the bill.
Load More Replies... Coco Junior 2 years ago
Only a handful of US states have a $2.13 minimum wage. All others, the business owner must pay at least the federal minimum wage (if tips do not add up to it) or greater. Tipping makes absolutely no sense. The onus should be on the business owner to pay their employees a proper wage. With the current expected percentage, what makes a $100 meal worth a $20 tip whereas a $20 meal would be $4? Is there any difference to the effort of the servers? If your business model relies on tipping to pay your employees, then you shouldn't be in business. Adjust the prices accordingly and pay people a proper wage. The majority of the world has this figured out, it's past time that the US should. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/minimum-wage/tipped
David McCormick 2 years ago
Sure, that IS what the law says. In practice, the employer can get away with not paying out more for low tips for a handful of reasons which basically boil down to the server not wanting to lose their job over a pay dispute.
Load More Replies... Pam Nocerino 2 years ago
I worked at a place many years ago that made their fortune off the backs of the help, 2 dollars an hour!!! they also hired illegal aliens that didnt get paid too well,horrible owners If not for the great tips I wouldnt be able to support myself! also nooo benefits!!
Shauna Hayden 2 years ago (edited)
The restaurant should be named and shamed and boycotted. Intolerable entitlement! Someone won't serve you because u won't pay for your meal and half again for their pocket? Something that would be never tolerated out of the US. Yeah the wages suck, but serving is their job! You can't just decide not to do it because you don't like how much money a person tips! Ridiculous it happened and that the manager tolerated it.
maxwell hillcrest 2 years ago
All restaurants should be boycotted just for their environmental toll alone. But yes serving is their job and wages for that job come from tips if they know that they are not going to get tipped why should they have to serve them. So they can tip out extra to the runner, busser and bar on sales they accrued but didn't get tipped on. No thanks why lose money to be someones slave. Don't be lazy cheapskate tip or cook your own damn food at home
Load More Replies... Creature Cargeaux 2 years ago
..... so punishing the people who are the sole reason you have a job just because your restaurant doesn't pay you enough? Don't get me wrong. I always tip. However, if you're a d**k or you're just like... messing everything up beyond a reasonable amount & you're making my meal that im paying for miserable.... ? Nah. You're getting a shitty too. Sorry. Not sorry. I worked as a delivery driver. A bartender. A waitress. A stripped. I been working for tips.... but im not entitled to anyones money. Especially if I didn't earn it. Im not going to refuse service to someone because I assume they're not going to tip. If you don't wanna worn for tips... find a place that pays a better hourly wage. It's not the customer's responsibility for to pay your bills. It's your place of works responsibility to pay their workers. The entitlement in people these days is gross.
Virgil Blue 2 years ago
Man to a non American the whole way topping works over there seems horribly exploitative and just an excuse to get low looking prices on a menu at the possible cost to the servers.
Gary Geracci 3 months ago
I once worked in the Food industry.My wage was 9.00 plus Tips. Now, point, Public doesn't know, tips must be shared with Sommelier, Chef, and Busboy too! Yup! This was a mandatory regulation in that place, now I will say this. My Nightly average after sharing was usually two to three hundred Bucks. Many of MY Customers, were doers and Shakers in the Film Industry, From Actors to Producers and Directors as well!
Diane Knight 2 years ago
Do you get that there's more to this story, or is it jest me? If two were guilty of some misdeed, they would have told before they sat. I'm getting a vibe that something else occurred and this was the fallout/consequences. So if a guy leaves out the detail of looking at his phone during a date to see it from a woman, he claims he just looked, the date said he quickly responded but then turned the phone off. Intent to play two gals is poor form. omitting the full story is as well.
Miguel Cavazos 2 years ago
Servers pay into a tip pool based on their sales in many (not all) establishments, typically more corporate or efficiently run places. That means if you don’t tip your server, or under tip, they end up paying to serve you. I pay into a tip pool as a percentage of my total SALES, not tips. This provides extra tips for the host, some back of house, bussers, runners and bartenders. If your bill is $100, I typically pay out around $10-$15 depending on which work groups are pooling on that shift. Pooling in this way is not optional for us, it’s an industry norm that ensures support staff also gets the benefits of gratuities because we all work as a team to make your experience happen. I say just ask your server, we will be honest with you about how we have to share tips, some places only pool based on tip totals (but that leaves room for fudging numbers paid in cash) and others enforce more uniformity (like tip pools based on sales) to prevent problems and retain all the necessary staff.
Dawnieangel76 2 years ago
We all know how pay SHOULD be, but we also know it's NOT. Therefore, if you go out for a meal or a service, you pay AND tip. If you don't, knowing full well people are depending on tips, you're a selfish, condescending a*****e. If you can afford to get the meal or service, you damned well can afford to tip!
JP Purves 2 years ago
Three people were at a table and they were refused service because one of them was known by the restaurant not to tip? This doesn't sound right. I'm guessing that the three people at the restaurant were black and the servers/management were racist and refused them service for that reason.
Dave Black 2 years ago
Only in North America is this tipping culture a thing. My sis has been in Australia for the past year and they don't tip AT ALL, granted they pay their service workers an ACTUAL livable wage. She tried to tip at a restaurant she went to with friends and the server just stared at her like "whats this".
Thomas Fischer 2 years ago
The main issue is that the restaurant owners didn’t follow the law to pay their workers the minimum hourly rate!
Jake Wheeler 2 years ago
Short version of all this: Nobody has to do anything. If you own a retail business you get to choose your employees, you get to choose your customers. If you are an employee you can stay or you can go. If you are a customer you can go to a place but then leave. Or you can eat at a place but not pay or not tip or both. Nobody has to do anything so everyone just be nice to everyone else. And build a history of being nice because people remember. They can tell you no service just as you can tell them you want a different server. Even a different cook. And once everyone knows what everyone wants, nobody has to do anything. Nothing at all. That's choice. That's liberty. That's freedom. Be nice. Tip.
Wednesday Anderson 2 years ago
Waiters will make even less money if the restaurant pays them the same hourly wage as the cook. The restaurant will keep them on for longer hours as well, so they won’t hire as many workers. The servers will be overworked, and you will no longer have “service”. Think of it as those banquet restaurants. The customer will have to pay more for food with less service in the end. So, yeah, let’s make a BIG stink about not tipping.
Cory Willson 2 years ago
If you live in the USA them youre obligated to tip. Change the system and demand laws so service industry workers have the same minimum wage as everyone else then and only then you dont have to be obligated to tip anymore
Karrezza O'Sullivan 2 years ago
It's true. It's not required but it's bullshiiit that in some states wait staff still earn like only $3 or less an hour because of the fact they get tips. That basically is making customers pay for their staff.
Rasheeda Shaheen 2 years ago
Some waitress or waiters try to assume who will give you a good tip. Me and my daughter would go to Eat n park every Sunday after church. This one day this waitress was stated to another there's no way I am taking them they probably only leave $2. Well the other waitress was our normal waitress she said o I will take them. She was my neighbor she knew how I tip. So did others that served in the evening. She is always upbeat and happy. Stays on top of our drinks being refilled. Very respectful, a lot of restaurants wants you to tip with your card if you are paying with a card. They takes taxes out of it, so wrong. Well our food comes up to $15 I will tip the recommendation tip with my card than leave $5 in cash. I watch my waitress go up to the other waitress and show her how much I tip. When the older white Americans patron was leaving only $2-3 for their order. Next Sunday the waitress that didn't want us try to take us I said I am fine and asked the manager for our normal server.
Rasheeda Shaheen 2 years ago
I don't know I just don't like not tipping it's just sad. But to be force to tip because they refuse to pay them more money is just even more sad. They raise the prices of food decrease how much you get and your telling me these servers still haven't gotten a raise.? That's highway robbery. For bad service I tip 10% for good service I tip 20%.
M 2 years ago
You don't tip at places like McDonald's, Burger King, Arby's. Why? Because they are paid to be there and many do serve and bring your food and such. Time for all restaurants to pay their employees like any other job. You get served by tech people coming to do installs and such, you don't go tip your ISP. Work is work. Pay your employees before you no longer have a business. A tip is just that a thank you for service, it should have never been allowed to slip into a place where a person who works somewhere can't even eat there. We have all these stupid federal regulations and laws but nothing to protect workers. It is beyond ridiculous.
Carter Watson 2 years ago
@momma bear https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0D6UQQdLtzLa2yhujyoeY56YpWteWi5F5DzJQB4k6iJmgrV6RCeWEfcL3HDWiKpu1l&id=100005588023816
Antoine Simmons 2 years ago
Since Covid struck, I stopped dining in. I was at one point 20+% tipper. I had already become annoyed at the expectation of a tip by the industry, so when I stopped dining in, it was relieving.... until I started seeing the tip screen on the little Ipad they use with recommended tip amounts when all you are doing is coming in to pickup your food. Thats when I knew this had gotten way out of hand. Now I'm seeing tip suggestions at Chipotle, Panera, etc. Like, all of them pay real minimum wage, why am I tipping? Why am I tipping?
Elizabeth Fowlkes 2 years ago
I used to be a server and worked at a restaurant that paid $2.13hr. I remember many nights eating very little or living off Ramen to survive because I needed those tips. I truly believe restaurant's need to give a living wage and stop depending on tips. My opinion was formed because of one particular day. This happened to my coworkers not myself. We were told to expect 30-40 people and 2 servers were assigned to take care of them and only them. They cared for the group through the entire shift and in the end the table tipped nothing. Two servers went home only earning $10.65 for 5 hours of work. One of the servers also bartended so she was upset but fine. The other needed the money so she could eat that night and to get a ride home that night. Tipping is considered the social norm and you should tip for service but you shouldn't have to fork over $20 so that the server can survive. They are living people who deserve a living wage from their employers.
YELLING!!! 2 years ago
A person's living wage shouldn't be the responsibility of the customer. This is the responsibility of the business owner. When we give Tips it encourages staff abuse buy reducing the Owner responsiblity to provide a living wage.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
And again, for the slow kid in the back: when you eat out and *don't* tip, you still encourage the staff abuse, because you're still giving the restaurateur his cut. All your tightfistedness is doing is punishing the server for being caught up in the system.
Load More Replies... Adeline Bennett 2 years ago
I tip. But I've honestly noticed a growing sense of entitlement among servers to the point where a lot seem to balk at 20%. I'm sorry but you're not getting 25% out of me for anything less than STELLAR service.
Melissa Cavanaugh 2 years ago
A tip is also known as gratuity. As in "gratuitous". In addition to, but not required. When I dine out, I to based on service. Normal, competent service gets 20% from me. Superb service can get as much as 50%. Always in cash, so they don't have to report it to the government jerks who allow them to be paid so little. Crappy service gets you zero percent. But that's me. Nobody is *entitled* to gratuities. It's not about whether I can afford it. If I'm with a group, we discuss how things are handled. It's a shame when they tack on a *required gratuity* for groups because they would otherwise get more $ from us.. But requiring that "tip" is so petty, that's all they get from me. (Also petty, I know, but there it is.) I would be thrilled to go to a restaurant where they charge higher prices, but you are not supposed to tip because the employees are paid well. Imagine that kind of stress free environment and experience that would be! For workers and diners alike.
that.bitch.mae 2 years ago
The tipping situation in the US really is a no win one. If you don't tip, you're considered an a*****e; if you do tip, there's no reason for the restaurant to stop their gross practices. If you just don't go to the restaurant, the server's definitely not getting a tip regardless of your own beliefs. I wish federal wage would go up first of all cause it's still like $7 which probably works in some states but def not others. I wish there were a bill that would keep restaurants from paying their employees under that min wage just because "they should make up the rest in tips". Tips aren't a guarantee so they shouldn't be counted. The server is paid to serve, a tip is gratuity, not "part of the dining experience". It's extremely problematic that servers are not getting paid properly yet still expected to do their job properly. It's even dumber because restaurants could just raise their prices (like we know they definitely already do) and pay their employees more. But why do that when those
that.bitch.mae 2 years ago
greedy f*****s can just guilt their own customers into determining whether a server will be able to pay rent this month. Tipping is gross gross gross gross gross. But even then I'm not gonna not tip, the servers I've come across at restaurants are so so kind despite their horrible circumstances. Now, and this one might rub people the wrong way, something I'm definitely hesitant on tipping on is food delivery. The prices are exorbitant already and then I'm meant to leave a tip on top of that? In my state is why I have a problem with this though, because there was actually a proposition where these people would have to get the benefits of other workers, including minimum wage. But thanks to Uber and Lyft and maybe some other third one spending like $1B, they fooled enough people into turning down the prop. And I'm extremely disappointed because if you just paid attention, you'd understand you'd be in a better position if you forced those companies to just pay you instead of forcing the
Load More Replies... Averil Rosenburgh 2 years ago
I tip on service; but, I also understand that, bartenders and waiters rely on tips heavily. I also understand that most establishments pay EXTREMELY low. If waitstaff can't live off of $2.13/hr., then they should never have accepted the job. The flip side of the coin is: the PATRON, decided to "go out", therefore, they were in acceptance that they would be spending money and should "shut-up & suck it up". In my experience, MOST waitstaff provide ample service and deserve a tip !...(unless they do something atrocious). True, Noone is obligated to tip, but Noone is obligated to expect something for nothing, either. In short, "you get out of it, what you put into it"...and that is a two way street factual statement.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
They should never have accepted the job? What if it's the only job they can get? Should they sit at home on benefits when they want to work?
Load More Replies... BakedKahuna 2 years ago
Isn't it supposed that the owner makes up for what the servers don't make in tips to reach the general minimum wage? Please correct me if I am wrong.
that.bitch.mae 2 years ago (edited)
They're supposed to but I don't think they do it properly. I think someone else was talking about how sometimes with tips they'd make $9/hr and since that's technically over $7.25, the federal min wage, the owner didn't have to make up for anything.
Load More Replies... Eve Bell 2 years ago
Strongly feel like the server profiled these people as "non-tippers" because of how they look. In that case, I'd put their asses on blast and definitely not go to the restaurant again. Judgmental assholes have no business working in the service industry, and that's just that.
Jb Dean 2 years ago
As long as we continue to support the tipping policy in the United States, we continue to aid & abet employers who are not paying a living wage! I’m not saying we should never tip, but I am saying that the tip should not be a burden on the customer. The customer is paying for their food & that food is handled by a server but that’s all part of the restaurant experience. The server is hired by the employer, which is the restaurant, & therefore the employer-as w any employer-is responsible for paying their employees. There are many jobs where someone interacts w the public, but they don’t get tips. Why is that? Because they are paid a decent wage. A perfect example is a receptionist or or a customer service rep in retail. They’re interacting w the public nonstop but if they give good information or good service to the ppl that approach them, why don’t they get a tip? In Europe tips are unaccepted and servers are paid a decent wage. That’s how it’s done.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago (edited)
As I've already pointed out a dozen times, you continue to aid and abet those employers whether you tip or not, because the employer still gets paid. By being too miserly to tip all you do is screw the serving staff.
Load More Replies... Michael Pattow 2 years ago
If you can't afford to tip don't go out. Tipping is still the expectation. I just can't go to the grocery store and say that I don't agree with the sales tax so I'm not gonna pay it. It's part of the cost of going out to eat period. Until they change the rules , it's how servers make money. Also servers would generally make less money if they were paid a "living wage". Servers at the last 3 restaurants I worked made over $30/ hour. And they only work like 4 or 5 hour shifts.
Sean Murphy 2 years ago
Professional waiter. If you cant tip dont go out. It's the way it's set up. Waiters make an hourly wage ( in most states) 2/3 of minimum wage. I work high end ( works out to about $50-70 hour. If you want restaurants to cover that by charging more, see how many of you go out. If its slower I dont make as much. I bet those who dont tip or only tip for " outstanding" service enjoy running people ragged, dont want to acknowledge you when we're at the table and cant even bother to thank you. I forgot your lemon?, no tip right. We can pick you out a mile away. If you got rid of tipping, the good ones will quit. And dont compare us to tattoo or hair stylist. It's set up differently. Go to McDonald's if you dont want to tip or stay home
Rose Cruzan 2 years ago
Tipping across the board is not even. You cannot compare food service at the same level as tattoo artist or nail technician. The serving staff makes about $2 an hour, and their tips rely on the kitchen, hostess, bar tenders, etc. If the kitchen sends food out cold, the servers tip suffers. Tattoo artist, salon techs, are getting about 50% of the charged price. Although keeping in mind, they are probably paying rent on their chairs and spaces. But their tips solely rely on their services and not on a whole chain of other staff involved, like food service. I base my food service tips on the server. So they have a lot of tables? Do they check back after food is delivered to make we have everything? When my wine glass is sitting empty and i have to move it to the edge of the table for 20 minutes..yep, tip goes down. I do not blame servers for slow bartending our food coming out wrong.But, take our orders and don't check back after 20 minutes to see if we need more drinks?? Not good service
Chrissy Boyd 2 years ago
Ok so here is my story about tipping. First let me say I always tip whether it's a restaurant or a liquor store because I go to the same one everytime. So I went to the same liquor store and the cashier was drunk and I was fine with that until she started an argument with me over what I was ordering so I was like ok whatever. So I paid for my stuff and was waiting for my change back (was like $3) she looks at me and says you might as well leave cuz that's my tip for servicing you. I was like I tip you and all the cashiers here but you just stole from me and I called her manager and she got fired and I started going to another liquor store.
fhqwhgus 2 years ago
If you can't tip, you can't dine in. There are plenty of fast food places where you can get food and not tip. If someone is serving you in a sit-down restaurant, you tip them in the U.S. - full stop. If you think that your server isn't attentive enough, call for a manger and switch to a different server. But before you complain about "I shouldn't have to tip because my service wasn't good," remember that someone is STILL cooking for you, and STILL cleaning up BEFORE and AFTER you. Unless you're busing your own table, cooking your own food, bringing it out to your table, and washing your own dishes, you are getting plenty of service. And I'm not in food service. But I was raised to be aware of people outside of myself. Some of y'all are just out here announcing that you weren't raised right.
Joe's Milk 2 years ago
I think that restaurants should get their act together and tipping shouldn't be people's main source of income. But if you don't have the money to tip, then you probably don't eat out all too often anyway so it doesn't really matter.
Julia G 2 years ago
This tipping culture is bs. I recently, fell exhausted from home life and decided to book a spa day, which includes a facial and massage. When I came to the counter to pay my bill was close to $300 only for her to pass me the pay machine for a minimum tip of 18%. I am working mom with a family, how the hell am I supposed to afford $54 extra on my bill? Mine you she is a RMT , I do massage for medical purposes. I sure don't tip my dentist or medical professionals so why in hell am I obligated to tip my registered massage therapist a minimum 18% tip for a 45min service that cost me over $100? I have no issue tipping my server who probably makes minimum wage but when I am asked to tip professionals who are making liveable income that is where I draw the line. Fyi..... this is an American culture. I have travelled to various countries where tips are considered insults.
Samantha Casset 2 years ago
I am not tipping just because, sorry not doing it. If it is the way you earn your money, then earn it. I get horrible service, yet cause you make a low wage I need to feel sorry and tip you anyway, nope. If I suck at work I get fired not paid.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
You could have just written "I am a tightfisted ar$ehole" and saved a lot of typing.
Load More Replies... Eliza May 2 years ago (edited)
"As a hairdresser, who was a server, servers don't need to serve you". SERIOUSLYTHAT IS YOUR VERY JOB. If I go for a haircut, I pay for a haircut. If I go out to a sitdown restaurant to eat, YOU are the server, it's your JOB TITLE. DO NOT TAKE A JOB YOU DON'T LIKE THE TERMS OF or are being taken advantage of in, or disrespected by your employer. Would you wash dishes for $3 an hour? Or pump gas, or mow lawns? Then why serve for that pittance? That is on YOU, letting an employer BRIBE YOUA with the lure of *possible* (but not guaranteed) tips. But still you took a job to serve. Don't get petty with your patrons, get pissed at your employer, or yourself for accepting this, or govt for allowing it. When I was young (40 years ago) my mother waitressed they all got MINIMUM WAGE plus tips. This is on employees as much as the businesses to have allowed and tolerated this downslide.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
Or maybe, and here's a new thought for you, serving is the only job some people can get.
Load More Replies... Dave Jones 2 years ago
If I was a server I wouldn't serve their deadbeat asses if I didn't have to either. The tipping system sucks but it is what it is and if you want to eat out you tip properly. Period.
Aunt Messy 2 years ago
If you can't afford a tip, you can't afford to eat out at all. You can whine all you want that waitstaff need to be paid a living wage, but choosing to punish them instead of the management that refuses to pay them is tacky and cruel.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
Absolutely. It's just people making excuses for their own stinginess.
Load More Replies... Diemond Star 2 years ago
I think if you can't leave a tip then just go eat fast food. Servers work very hard for their money and deserve a tip. But the manager the telling the guests that they will not be served at this restaurant because they are non-tippers is just rude and disrespectful.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
The manager is totally at liberty to say who he does and doesn't want eating in his establishment.
Load More Replies... Cookie Barnes 2 years ago (edited)
Totally my opinion. When someone says if you cant afford to tip then you cant afford to go out to eat...if you cant afford to live off the base wage you make then get a different job. Both sound wrong. I tip based upon the service i get. If your servixe is crappy then im not going to tip you. If your service is average the. I tip average. Superior service youre getting paid.. if ypu dont want to wait an hour because there arw no servers it will catch 22 back to the owner to have to pay better. We arent fixing the i itial problem. Labor costs are part of doing business. Raise the prices . Pay your staff accordingly and then it truly becomes a matter of being able to afford to eat out.
Jamie Ferris 2 years ago
There is zero excuse for an entire industry not paying minimum wage. I tip because I understand how it works, but it's not my obligation to do so. My job is to pay for my food. That food is marked up to cover the cost of running the business and for making a profit- just like everything in the retail world. No other industry gets away with not paying employees. Denying service based on a lack of OPTIONAL tip should not be allowed and neither should mandatory tipping. I would never make my server go without because I disagree with how it works, but I do disagree with how it works.
BeegtymeRawkstah 2 years ago
>Story about terrible customers who won't tip >They're black No surprises here
Benno Virnig 2 years ago
Why is it everyone thinks you have to tip. If it was MANDATORY to tip it would be included with the bill and not left to choice. There are tons of jobs if your employer is not paying atleast minimum wage. Quit and find a new job. Servers are hired to serve the customer. Not pick and choose. The fact most people think it's required shows the entitlement they live in. There probably a Karen too.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago (edited)
In the real world it's never as easy as "quit and find a new job". People have responsibilities, debts, time constraints. Saying "f**k your job" is a luxury. And there's an endless supply of people who need the money.
Load More Replies... Sholto Keet 2 years ago
Sounds like their business plan conflicts with federal regulations and is repugnant to the Constitution. A business plan has to abide by federal law to include non discriminatory practices. A business can only act on legal precipice and cannot deny service unless there is legal standing to to so that is not bias. Because it is a violation of ethics you can have their business license removed and you can sue them for civil and human rights violations according to Marbury vs Madison (1803) "All laws which are repugnant to the Constitution are null and void." This includes legal standings for business, federal agencies and all forms of government.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
Don't take legal advice from someone who writes "legal precipice" when they mean "precedent".
Load More Replies... Alya 2 years ago
I think tipping should be between the server and the customer. It should be a "thank you for being great" not some requirement. The company should have nothing to do with it and should pay their workers. Also the whole "don't go out to eat if you can't afford to tip" is a bit frustrating because do poor people not deserve to eat something they enjoy? Especially where I live, they can't pay less than minimum wage (as far as ik) so the servers are essentially making the same as me
Alya 2 years ago
It's a really hard topic because people will act like I'm a sh*tty person if I don't just fully agree with tipping and then I start to wonder if I am a sh*try person. But it's the whole system that's messed up
Load More Replies... Jeff Coleman 2 years ago (edited)
I’ve lived in the Philippines for 3 years and you are encouraged NOT to tip here. I’ve always tipped based on customer service, and at first it felt odd not leaving a tip. I plan on moving back home to the USA in a year, and I definitely will scrutinize the option of whether I WANT to leave a tip or not.
SweetsEve 2 years ago
When I was coming up wait staff may of had to rely on tips, but they put earned a lot of other 9-5s with tip proceeds. Both of my brothers worked in restaurants while in college and they were never broke. Every day they came home with hundreds of dollars. They started at little places like Pizza Hutt worked their way into fine dining and before my older brother graduated he had worked his way into a position at a private box at an arena. He'd make over $900 for one event. I never heard him complain about tip culture. After college he became a real estate agent and he still has never been broke. My parents always taught us being broke is a mindset. You never put someone else in control of your ability to produce what you need for yourself. Anyway I am surprised reading all the concern over wage and tipping. Do wait staff not bring home good money anymore? Seems there are more foodies than ever.
sharonljeffords@gmail.com 2 years ago
So a living wage is put in place then the price of dinners go up then what you can afford to eat but not tip. There is reason it's this way. Servers tip out bartender busboys and runners.and sometimes the hostess I am so glad I waited on people that got this. 25 years never got a paycheck but I lived a great life waitressing.
David McCormick 2 years ago
Great idea! We should all get real jobs. Then there won't be anyone there to serve you when you go in to the restaurant. Nobody to seat you, nobody to take your order, nobody to bring you your food. At least you won't have to worry about tipping, if there's nobody serving you.
Load More Replies... Christopher Admire 2 years ago
I tip if I can afford it in addition to what I'm already paying for my food. It's not on me to pay your wage via tip. If you're a server and you can't live in your base pay, quit. If Every service worker was being paid a fare wage tipping would go away. If you're not getting a base pay that's livable, quit and find something else. If there were no servers willing to work for tips as a wage it'd go away and you'd be paid luje a regular human being.
David McCormick 2 years ago
There is always going to be enough desperate people for restaurant owners to exploit. Always. For some, it's the only job they can get. Some people are desperately trying to make ends meet, forced to take any job they can get. And they land in a serving job. Making $2.13/hr, which basically pays only their taxes. The rest of their wages comes from tips. And they have to make the best of it, because it's what they have. They live day to day, praying that the business is going to be good that day, so they have more opportunities to be tipped. Praying that there's enough tippers coming in that they can pay their rent. Praying that they make enough above that to eat. And it hurts them every time you come in, thank them for the 'wonderful service', and then leave without thanking them properly with a tip. But they can't let it show. They have to serve the next person that may or may not tip them. And they do all this while smiling, because that's part of the service too.
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