Customer was planning to tip in cash until he saw the server’s handwritten note on the bill
The server presumed they would not be receiving a tip and left a harsh 2-liner, leaving the internet to ponder.
The idea of tipping was initially a gesture of gratitude, but over time, it has commercialized into a huge debate. A man named Lionell Carr (@lionellsaidit2) shared on Instagram Threads how he was called out for not leaving a tip with the bill. In a post shared on Threads, the man noted he was on vacation and stopped by a restaurant for breakfast. Although he intended to leave a tip in cash after paying for the meal, the server immediately assumed he wasn’t going to tip and got agitated. They left a rude handwritten note on the bill, and it seriously pushed the internet to reflect on the changing reality of the tipping culture.
The man explained that he had just stopped by for breakfast, and his bill came to around $33. He mentioned in his caption that he was going to leave a tip in cash, but before he could, the bill was returned with a rude 2-liner from the server. It read, “Learn to tip. It is not my job to serve you for free.” The words left the customer stunned. “These servers are out of control. A lot of times, they block their blessings for greed,” Carr wrote, understandably upset by the server’s actions. Just to imagine reading such an ungrateful message when you intended to tip calls for feeling frustrated. And he’s not the only customer.
According to research published by the Pew Research Center, Americans revealed that the idea of tipping is no longer voluntary or a preference. Most servers and restaurants expect diners to tip by default. 72% of Americans noted that tipping is expected in more places than before. While we initially would leave a few cents or dollars for exceptional service, now people are told to leave tips regardless of whether the service was great or good. As long as there is no problem, a tip is deemed necessary. This has caused a lot of confusion in the consumer market. Lu Lu, an associate professor at Temple University, revealed that the tipping culture is getting more and more frustrating. Many are being introduced to the idea of "pre-tipping" before they can even be served, and customers are asking how it even matches the idea of a tip.
With people expecting tips in the service and other industries, too, only 34% of people know how to make that decision to leave a few dollars. 29% of Americans noted that they feel an obligation to pay a tip rather than giving it out of goodwill. 7 in 10 adults said that they’re not in favor of automatic tips added to the order ahead of payment, regardless of quality of service, number of people, and other factors. “If this is the direction the hospitality and tourism industry is moving, we need to educate ourselves on how to provide a better service experience for consumers,” Lu said. And many on the internet agreed with these stats. Commenting on Carr’s case, many felt offended by the words written on the bill.
@gaga.looie wrote, “If you're not getting paid by your employer, that's your fault. Tipping is optional.” @gurungmin70 was shocked to visit the US and see the tipping culture. He wrote, “If the waiting staff doesn't like their job and the salary, just quit and find a job that suits you! Shocking culture!” @trice_the_bea remarked, “U.S.A. should start learning how to pay its workers. Tips should be a reward for kind service, not their paycheck.” @heartmcarie added, “It’s not your job to pay their salary. They'd better take it up with their employer. The hell!”
You can follow Lionell Carr (@lionellsaidit2) on Instagram Threads for more content on lifestyle.
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