The tipping practice in the United States is quite different compared to other countries, and now a server’s video about leaving a tip caused a stir on the social media.
Taking to TikTok, user @mylasoasis_ spoke of the tipping practice and suggested that if you don’t leave a tip of 20% of the bill, you don’t deserve to dine at a restaurant.
In recent years, the topic of tipping has been all over the internet, with many sharing their frustration over the fact that leaving less than 15-20% is considered rude and inadequate.
“Eating out is a privilege, not a right. If you cannot afford to tip 20%, you can’t afford to eat out,” Lillie says in her video.
She then touched the topic of the servers’ wages in the States, saying that no matter how much people argue that owners should give the servers higher salaries, it isn’t the case in America so they are forced to rely on tips.
“You can complain and insist that my employer should pay me a higher wage all you want, but this is America, and that’s not the case, okay?” she explained. “I receive $3.63 from the restaurant I work at. My income, my wage, is derived from tips.”
She added that restaurant menu prices are intentionally kept lower, so that customers leave a tip.
“The food is priced lower because you are expected to leave a tip on it,” she explained. “If you cannot afford to tip, then you don’t deserve to dine out.”
Lillie compared the work of a server with that of a nanny. “It’s the same thing with a nanny. If you can’t afford to pay someone a full salary, you don’t deserve a nanny,” she said.
She ended her video stating that if you can’t tip, then “you literally don’t deserve to dine out.” The TikToker suggested non-tippers choose fast-food places instead of restaurants.
“And to anyone who says we should be getting paid a higher hourly… Okay??? BUT WE AREN’T. Not tipping will only make your dining experience WORSE!!!!”
Needless to say, the video attracted the attention of many who shared their opinion.
“I always tip, but the entitlement is just wild, like, find a different job that doesn’t require you to run around and pays you well hourly,” one person commented.
Another person suggested that if a person isn’t happy with their job, they should seek other options. “If you can’t live off your job pay, find another job. This is ridiculous,” they wrote.
As expected, there were also netizens who agreed with Lillie’s opinion on leaving a tip. “LITERALLY… I make $2.13 an hour, and we literally don’t receive paychecks at all,” someone wrote. “SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK,” another person added.
Someone gave a suggestion, writing, “Go off, girl. If someone doesn’t tip because they believe the employer should pay fair wages, then they should only support businesses that do so.”
There were those who said that they tip based on the service and that the 20% is just ridiculous if the service is not satisfactory.