Tipping has always been a topic of conversation, especially here in the United States. Recently, a TikTok user named Lillie sparked a discussion with her strong opinion about customers who don’t leave tips for restaurant servers. While her statement caused quite a stir, let’s dive deeper into the issue and understand the perspectives of both the servers and the customers.
In her video, Lillie boldly claimed that “eating out is a privilege, not a right. If you cannot afford to tip 20%, you can’t afford to eat out.” She explained the common practice of tipping in restaurants and how servers heavily rely on these tips to make a living. In America, servers often receive a low base wage and depend on tips for their livelihoods.
Lillie also pointed out that restaurant menu prices are intentionally kept lower to accommodate tipping. If customers can’t afford to leave a tip, she suggests considering other dining options like takeout or fast-food. She compared it to hiring a nanny – if you can’t afford to pay a full salary, you might need to rethink having a nanny.
While some viewers agreed with Lillie, others expressed frustration with her viewpoint, accusing her of entitlement. Some even suggested that servers should find better-paying jobs if they’re struggling financially. However, it’s essential to recognize that the current system in the United States places the responsibility of fair wages on the customers rather than the employers.
Ultimately, the decision to tip and the amount you choose to tip is a personal choice. However, it’s crucial to remember that servers rely on tips to support themselves. It’s essential to be mindful of this when dining out and consider leaving a fair and reasonable tip for the service provided. By doing so, you not only support the servers, but you also contribute to a positive dining experience for yourself.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this issue! Let us know in the comments section below.
