Tipping has long been debated in many parts of the world. While some countries view it as a norm or a gesture of appreciation, others find it rude or unnecessary.
The United States, in particular, has a deep-rooted history with tipping, tracing back to its codification as part of The New Deal in 1938.
Despite its long-standing presence, tipping, especially in fast-casual restaurants where sit-down service isn’t standard, often faces scrutiny.
The Social Media Debate
A recent post by a user on a popular social media platform sparked a debate on the topic. The user boldly stated, “nobody is obligated to tip,” emphasizing the voluntary nature of the act. Another user, Bueli, echoed this sentiment, who shared a personal experience to shed light on the matter.
Bueli, a tattoo artist by profession, expressed that while she encourages her clients to tip, she acknowledges it’s not required. She shared a recent incident where she and a friend invited another friend to dine at a restaurant.
Surprisingly, the staff was reluctant to serve them. The reason? Their guest was known for not tipping.
Bueli pondered on the fairness of denying service based on one’s tipping history, especially when the service quality isn’t always consistent.
The Changing Nature of Tipping
The discussion on the platform revealed a shift in the perception of tipping in the food service industry. Many users felt that businesses have exploited the tipping culture, using it as a means to offset employee costs, thereby burdening the customer.
This shift has led to a growing sentiment that if one can’t afford to tip, they shouldn’t dine at establishments that rely on servers.
One comment reads,
“My mom always says don’t go out to eat if you can’t afford to tip.”
Another one added,
“A lot of waiters and waitresses honestly need to just quit because they’re not gonna fix this until they have no workers.”
A user also expressed his own sentiment saying:
“I personally won’t dine in if I’m not planning to tip my waiter. That’s just me. I tip everywhere I go.”
An interesting comment also added:
“I think we really should be looking to change wage for waiters. Tipping was supposed to just be extra for great service, not the way people get paid.”
The Nuances of Tipping In Modern Times
In today’s society, tipping has expanded beyond traditional settings like restaurants and barber shops. The rise of “tipflation,” as termed by etiquette expert Thomas Farley, has seen customers being prompted to tip in places like convenience stores and self-checkout kiosks.
This has led many to question the necessity of tipping and whether businesses should simply pay their employees more. However, there are still situations where tipping isn’t mandatory. For instance, professionals like doctors, lawyers, and plumbers who earn a salary shouldn’t be tipped.[1]
Similarly, counter service workers, such as baristas, are independent of tips as a significant part of their income. At open-bar events, the host usually covers the tip. It’s also essential to avoid double-tipping and to understand when a service charge is applied.
Lasty, while poor service doesn’t mandate a tip, it’s crucial to discern if the fault lies with the server or other factors. In such cases, addressing the management is advisable.
The Debate on Tipping Is Multifaceted
On the one hand, there’s the argument that servers invest their time and effort and should be compensated accordingly. On the other, there’s the belief that tips should be reserved for exceptional service.
So, where do you stand?
Do you believe tipping should always be expected due to the hard work servers put in? Or should tips only be given when the service truly stands out?
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Sources
- cnbc.com/2023/07/05/etiquette-experts-when-its-ok-not-to-tip.
This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter. It was inspired by this video:
@buelistic
#stitch with @africanbarb What makes you leave a nice tip? do you feel obligated?
#ShowOffLandOFrost
#MessFreeHero
#GenshinImpact
#AmazonVirtualTryon
#altblackgirl
♬ original sound – Büeli
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.