Guy Always Leaves A $5 Tip On His $20 Haircut, And His Barber Seems Very Disappointed
Interview
Getting a haircut can be a sacred or a stressful experience. If you don’t have a stylist or barber that you see regularly, every appointment can be anxiety-ridden. Communicating exactly how you’d like your locks to be cut and styled can feel like fumbling your way through a conversation in a foreign language, and every minute you sit in the spinning chair can feel torturous if you’re not sure what you’ll end up leaving the salon looking like. On the other hand, taking a trip to the salon or barber shop can be similar to a mini vacation, if you’re a loyal customer of a stylist you know and trust. You might chat with them the same way you would speak to an old friend, and you can relax knowing that you and your hair will be as gorgeous as ever upon heading home.
When it’s time to pay for the appointment, however, not everyone has the same idea about how much it is appropriate to tip. One might assume that over 20% is always a safe bet, but apparently, even that much won’t satisfy one barber. Below, you’ll find a story that one man recently shared on the Choosing Beggars subreddit, detailing his barber’s less than enthusiastic reaction to receiving her tip, as well as a conversation between him and Bored Panda. You’ll also find some of the responses readers have shared, so you can decide for yourself whether or not the barber responded appropriately. Then, if you’re interested in reading another article featuring the Choosing Beggars subreddit, look no further than right here!
After his barber reacted less than enthusiastically to the tip she received, this client is wondering if he’s obligated to give even more
Image credits: Karolina Grabowska (not the actual photo)
Image credits: zamrznutitonovi (not the actual photo)
Image credits: lazarus870
To gain more insight on this situation, we reached out to Reddit user Lazarus870 and asked what inspired him to share this story. “I just wanted to get to know other people’s opinions. I felt I was in the right, but perhaps I was the one who was wrong on etiquette,” he told Bored Panda. We were also curious how often he gets his hair cut, and he shared that he visits the barber every 3-4 weeks. And when it comes to whether or not this encounter has made him rethink who cuts his hair, he shared, “I think I’ll keep going. She’s so close!” We can’t blame him; convenience is king!
When it comes to tipping culture, many people have differing opinions. Some hairstylists don’t accept tips at all because they work for themselves and charge the amount that they see fit, while others who work for bigger salons rely on tips to earn a substantial paycheck. It’s always appropriate to simply ask your barber or stylist what they prefer, or take the liberty of tipping them a certain amount if you’re satisfied with your service. But when a customer is already tipping 20% or more, it seems rather bold to have a disappointed reaction. The man in this particular story noted that his appointment only takes 20 minutes, so the cutting and styling cannot be extremely labor intensive. And he shared that he always tips at least 20%, which should be adequate.
Depending on who you ask, you might receive a slightly different answer, but according to High End Barber Shop in New Jersey, the general guideline for tipping a barber is to leave between 15-20%. This can vary depending on how satisfied the client is with their service, but that’s the general ballpark to aim for. Certain other factors can come into play though, such as the time of year or whether or not you had extra services performed that day.
Image credits: zamrznutitonovi (not the actual photo)
“During the holidays, it is generally acceptable to tip the normal cost of a visit,” High End Barber Shop explains on their site. “For example, if you normally pay $30 for a haircut, then you should tip them $30 before the holiday. It’s a nice way to say ‘thank you’ for a year’s worth of great hair. If you have a close relationship with your barber or stylist, you might also include a small personal gift that reflects his or her interests as well as a monetary gift.”
When it comes to times where you might not leave a tip, it’s really only if you were extremely dissatisfied with the service and don’t plan to return, or when the stylist does not accept tips. Often, owners of salons don’t take tips, but if you’re unsure, it’s best to take a cue from the receptionist when you pay the bill. If they don’t ask whether or not you’d like to leave a little extra, you are likely not obligated to.
The issue in this particular story, however, is that by most people’s accounts, this client did leave a perfectly acceptable tip. He is not obligated to tip 25% in perpetuity, while the cost of his haircut continues to rise. It is unfortunate that many workers rely on tips to earn decent wages, but 20% is industry standard, especially for an appointment that only takes 20 minutes. It seems like it would be more useful for this barber to build a relationship with her clients to ensure that they keep coming back than to express visible disappointment in the amount that they tip. Perhaps if they don’t feel pressured to tip more every time, they’ll surprise her with much larger tips near the holidays or on special occasions.
Image credits: wolfhound9111 (not the actual photo)
We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic below, pandas. How much do you tip your hairstylist or barber? And would you feel comfortable if they were less than enthusiastic about your tips? Then, if you’re interested in reading another Bored Panda article discussing etiquette to keep in mind when going to the hair salon, you can find that piece right here!
Many readers assured the client that he had tipped adequately for the service he received, noting that the barber needs to be realistic
Some readers even shared similar stories of their own experiences in hair salons
Tipping culture is getting stupid. End tipping culture.
The Kurdish barbers I go to are great, I have weird hair, and a beard. YThis one guy always cuts it so it looks great for weeks. It's £17 including cutthroat razor tidying up, they sort out eyebrows, nose hair, ears (yes I'm that old). So I give him £20. Everyone's happy, he's very appreciative, don't think many people tip, so it's not expected.
Seems a good deal to me. Been a while, pre-pandemic, since I went to a barbers, got clippers at home, but last time £12, hand over £15 and say thanks. If I only had a £20, they'd hand over change, and I'll give £3 back. Everyone happy.
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I.m so tired of hearing weak people and Europeans complain about tipping. I say weak people because it seems you are too scared to deal with an interpersonal situation in real time. And the Europeans just settle for what a person is willing to do for their fixed wage. This is a country built on entrepreneurship......the person that works harder, smarter, or better develops their skills will prosper. That's how things improve. If I get exceptional service I tip exceptionally, because I want to encourage a high level of service.
Jasmine, these people are employees. In civilised countries it's up to their employer to reward those who work harder, smarter etc by giving them a promotion or a payrise from the money they get by charging reasonable amounts for their business' services. I guess if you have a country full of greedy, cheap, lazy employers it won't work though.
Ignorant response. Tipping in the US is insane. Pay employees a living wage should be the solution. Tipping is then just for exceptional service.
This is the real solution here. Pay your damn employees a living wage so the public doesn't have to subsidize their income! It's insane to me that this is still a thing... why are we attacking the public for not tipping instead of attacking the companies who exploit their workers. This is why capitalism needs to be demolished.
I agree pay restaurant workers and service workers more, I think we should keep tipping it would give motivation for them to also do a good job, this isn't capitalisms fault its the governments fault
How is the government at fault?
David, your average employer would probably have little idea about what would be an appropriate living wage, so it's not realistic to expect an employer to pay a living wage without guidance from the government.
Of course it's capitalism's fault, the profit motive has business owners spending as little as possible on employees to maximize their profit margins. The government enforces and perpetuates the system of capitalism. Granted, it is the government's responsibility as the entity that collects our taxes to construct social safety nets, otherwise the entire system is set to ultimately collapse as the wealth chasm grows too large. The way the system (housing, economy, etc) intersects with service jobs right now, is that without a financial head start or cushion it keeps people working them in a cycle of poverty. There's a time coming soon (already here in most metros) where it'll be impossible to work these jobs and live.
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If you have to “subsidize your income” then maybe you shouldn’t be out spending the money in the first place.
Tipping has gotten ridiculous in the past year or so. Fast-food restaurants are expecting tips now.
Too many business owners seem to love it. It means they can advertise a haircut for $20 and get you in the door, then guilt you for more. If they charged $30 they might not get you in the door at all. Same goes for food outlets I guess. What I don't get is why you tip food-servers and (now it seems) barbers, but you don't tip the checkout operator, or many others who provide a service. So glad it doesn't exist in New Zealand. Spent a few days in Canada many years ago and hated that the price on everything was not its actual price. You had to add tax and then, in some cases, a tip to know if you could afford something. I can do maths, but many people must just get a horrible shock when it comes time to pay.
I've asked why we don't tip cashiers and others who don't get tipped for years. Never got an answer. I'm in the US, and I just don't get it. I also don't get why tips are expected to be 50% or more sometimes; why people who work for tips complain about low- or non-tippers instead of their employers not paying them a living wage; and why for-tip workers say if you can't afford to tip, don't eat out, which is classist. People on disability need to get out now and then, too, including a meal, and it's good for their mental health.
For those who say "if you can't afford to tip, then, don't eat out" I hope they realize that the people who they think can afford to eat out and tip to their liking, may one day decide not to.
I'm in the US and in my 50s. It's always been expected to tip your hairdresser, barber, nail tech, masseuse, server, door man, porter, driver, ect. It IS a new thing to tip for fast food and to go orders.
As soon as minimum wages are enough to support an entire family with one wage earner. As it was INTENDED TO
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That’s NOT what minimum wage was intended to do… ever. In what reality do you live?
Actually, it in fact was, and did so up until late 70s when taxes changed again more in favor of the wealthy.
Yes. Yes it was. Minimum wage is supposed to be enough to support yourself. What reality do YOU live in?
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Lol, this isn’t 1950 anymore.
Although I agree tipping culture has expanded too far, I want to add some perspective to this specific story. At least in the eastern part of the USA, tipping barbers has been common for decades. As a child, my father tipped our barber change, but the haircut was about $1 or $2. As the cost grew, so did the tip. I am now fortunate enough to get a haircut for $20 and my stylist is happy to get a $5 tip.
Right tipping barbers and hairdressers and other salon services is definitely something where tipping is common and I thought expected. BUT I think it's more about the amount that is starting to be expected. I always was under the understanding that 15% is the average amount when it comes to a nice tip. To me anything above that is very generous. Which is nice... But I don't think people should be expected to tip that way all the time. We're all out here trying to just survive I just can't afford to always tip in the 25-30% range. I pay my hair dresser $25 for the cut and a $5 tip. I would never go back to a hairdresser that made me feel bad for that.
It's not a culture; it's extortion, plain as day. Brazen people extorting the clientele on the job as if their choices are somehow my responsibility. In civilised countries, such behaviour is viewed with deep suspicion, as it is fundamentally shady and underhanded.
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@Nathaniel: You wouldn't say that if you had to work as a busboy/server at a restaurant, working your butt off for barely minimum wage. I've known people who had to do jobs like cut hair, bus tables, etc. Tips are what make up for the lousy pay. Period.
That's the employer's responsibility. They advertise a service at a set price. Their employees satisfaction is not my problem
Tipping is crazy. As is displaying pre-tax prices. Charge the amount you want for your products/services, and display THAT amount.
First we need to make sure that people are getting paid a living wage. In some states the minimum wage for tipped employees is really low. Tips are basically part of their wages, which means that tips are for the benefit of employers (called a "tip credit" that the employers get to count towards the minimum wage they pay). https://www.minimum-wage.org/tipped
This is actually wrong. Even if you have a tired minimum wage the employer is still required to pay you regular state minimum wage if your tips don't bring you up to that at least. Stop spreading lies and tell the actual truth.
The actual truth is that how bad people get screwed is up to each state. The tipped minimum for companies with fewer than 10 employees in OK is $2. Yes, people *should* get a payout that brings them up to federal minimum wage, due at least by the time tax remissions are due (hence tip credits, FICA, etc), but until then, you could, technically work your employee for $2, fire them for no cause (because at-will) and they are too poor to sue you for lost wages, because they make $2/hr. The system is messed up.
They did tell the truth, that's how it works. But you're also correct that if with tips the employee doesn't make actual minimum wage it's the employer's responsibility to make up the difference. One problem though, that I personally experienced, is that we had to sign a form that said we made enough tips. If we didn't sign it, we got fired. Since my state is an "at will" state, proving that's why you were actually fired is very difficult. They just label you as a disgruntled former employee and no one takes your complaint seriously after that.
At will employment doesn't make extortion legal. At will employment also doesn't not mean you can't be wrongfully terminated. If they fired you for not agreeing to be an accomplice for their fraud you can absolutely sue them.
it's not "wrong" @Giorgihun. in CA where i lived most of my life, yes, servers make minimum wage. when we moved to FL my husband who serves now makes 6 something & from what I've read the original comment is spot on. basically if a tipped employee DOESN'T make "enough" in tips to meet minimum wage, they can technically go through a process to get extra from the employer to MEET the minimum. not sure what that entails or how much you have to prove etc (which i just realized is what your comment is saying "if tips don't bring you up to that at least...") idk how many tipped employees are aware of the process-my husband wasn't, i looked it up. but he makes well above minimum after tips. &. per OCs point, employers still benefit most from the overall arrangement...
@Giorgihun: NO, it's not wrong. Do some research. The minimum cash wage for servers in Texas is $2.13. It only goes up to $7.25 when tips are added. There are ways employers can and do that: as in the case below, where if there are fewer than 10 employees. That means that the owner of some little dive in a podunk town in that state pays six or seven people LESS than I made as fast food worker forty years ago. "A tired minimum wage": I can't even express how entitled and ignorant that one sentence is. One of my nephews, who had to work as a cook during lockdown, since his regular job -- construction -- wasn't exactly going well in the pandemic, had to deal with this, so I know you're the one who's wrong on this.
This is absolutely not true in Michigan, perhaps it is a law in the state where you live?
But the employer doesn't. When was the last time you worked under a tip system?
even minimum wage is hardly a living wage either though, in most places. not that raising the minimum will help. everything will continue to inflate more than it already is. either way, the "lowly employee" of each industry is screwed. of course the argument i always hear is "minimum wage jobs were never meant for lifelong employees etc" which isn't wrong... idk what the answer is. for people to care more and companies to act less greedy 🤷 but we can't control those things unfortunately...
They aren't meant for life long employment. But that doesn't change the fact that there are people who have no choice but to take those jobs.
I mean its called minimum wage not living wage
The minimum wage was literally designed to be a living wage. Just ask FDR. Roosevelt said, “In my Inaugural I laid down the simple proposition that nobody is going to starve in this country. It seems to me to be equally plain that no business which depends for existence on paying less than living wages to its workers has any right to continue in this country. By business I mean the whole of commerce as well as the whole of industry; by workers I mean all workers, the white collar class as well as the men in overalls; and by living wages I mean more than a bare subsistence level-I mean the wages of decent living.” https://www.lowellsun.com/ci_31328896/fdr-set-precedent-minimum-wage-being-living-wage
This.
I'm so tired of hearing this excuse "wages are so low so you just tip". Don't accept that wage when you accept the job. Do a different job.
Thank you. I live on this day to day and month to month.basis. If you think reducing the tip or not tipping at all is going to get the employer to pay a reasonable wage, you better wake up from your dream. We're there one's getting exploited and pinned with the blame. The most unfortunate part of it, this is the only way we can live comfortably in my home.
Not my problem some states have corrupt laws concerning minimum wage. I no longer tip anyone anywhere. Its a stupid practice.
It is stupid. So you're TOTALLY right to punish the workers for that. It really just makes sense to pay the business all their money and make the employees suffer for rules they didn't make.
No, the wage is written on a paper you signed. If you hope to get tips on top of that, go on, hope! Nobody owes you to make your hopes come true on their money. Tips are earned for doing more than the price covers. If a taxi driver helps me with heavy luggage, that's not covered by the fare, so a tip would pay for that, for example. Ah, you can not make ends meet with the wage you signed for? Why did you signed it, then? Because you hoped? Get smarter, please.
Pre-tax prices are tough, you’d need a different SKU for each item, in each different city, i n order for it to ring up correctly.
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I've always been bad at math and mentally calculating tax is good practice. It's not hard to calculate ten cents for every dollar spent. "Americans are stupid!" "How I calculate sales tax??? Not know!" Get over yourself.
The “Americans are stupid” sentiment is not about not being able to do the math, it’s about the insistence to stick with stupid practices just because we’re American and we are better than everyone else. Tipping culture and pre-tax prices are only the tip of the iceberg.
Except most people hate tipping culture these days cause they can barely afford services
A lot of people "stick" to things like tipping culture because there's often vengeful actions taken for those who fight, and too many people won't join the fight because it often feels hopeless or they even agree, especially if they haven't heard (or cared to listen) to other sides. People who anger a restaurant server (or don't tip well) might have their food spit in (or worse) or otherwise tampered with. They may end up sick because of it. Proving it can be difficult. People often don't have the money to sue. There are exceptions, but in general, if you don't make a lot of money in the US, you have far fewer rights and justice than those who do. Other countries who judge us are sometimes right, but there are a lot of things they don't know or understand. A lot of non-Americans think we're all gun-crazy, disagree with us on free speech, judge us as a whole on things that might depend on region, and form opinions on other things without all the information.
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Unfortunately, it is actually illegal in most US states to have an all inclusive price.
Nope
Congrats Craig you said stupid BS, have a great weekend
In my country (Russia) we only tip on rare occasions, for an exceptional service, and mostly to waiters at that. Why can't the price be final - including all the taxes, tips, etc? It's so much easier.
In Poland we also only tip for exceptionally good service, and that is how I believe it should be. A tip should be something additional, a sign of appreciation and fully voluntary!
100% agreed... I tip my Son's stylist for her wonderful service and she's never asked for one either...
Yes, that's what it's meant to be. I'm not against tipping, just forced, manipulated, or guilt-induced tipping.
I think those QR codes directing to the tip app are quite good since no one forces you to do that - they just give you the check after you've paid and then you can send something to the waiter. It's not like they are keeping you hostages
Yea but it still makes you feel like you need to do it which isnt your job its like your taxing yourself to go pay for something
Yeah include the friggen taxes. I wanna know how much I'm paying before I pay. The whole thing feels dishonest
Not when they are adding a tip that is just unreasonable. Me I will stick with paying the Worker personally. How many stories have you heard of Bosses stealing that tip money? Or maybe that Worker doesn't deserve that 20%. My call. Not someone else's.
Tipping was meant to be optional, and as a "thank you" for exceptional service (you're supposed to give good service by default, but you should also be paid a living wage [at least!]). It went crazy somewhere.
Trust me alot of us do exactly as you because thats what it originally was
And then there's "toll for a present to our teacher/for classroom renovation" time...
Here's a tip.... get out of Ukraine.
I'm already in Russia, and never been in Ukraine.
This comment has been deleted.
Tipping culture is getting stupid. End tipping culture.
The Kurdish barbers I go to are great, I have weird hair, and a beard. YThis one guy always cuts it so it looks great for weeks. It's £17 including cutthroat razor tidying up, they sort out eyebrows, nose hair, ears (yes I'm that old). So I give him £20. Everyone's happy, he's very appreciative, don't think many people tip, so it's not expected.
Seems a good deal to me. Been a while, pre-pandemic, since I went to a barbers, got clippers at home, but last time £12, hand over £15 and say thanks. If I only had a £20, they'd hand over change, and I'll give £3 back. Everyone happy.
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I.m so tired of hearing weak people and Europeans complain about tipping. I say weak people because it seems you are too scared to deal with an interpersonal situation in real time. And the Europeans just settle for what a person is willing to do for their fixed wage. This is a country built on entrepreneurship......the person that works harder, smarter, or better develops their skills will prosper. That's how things improve. If I get exceptional service I tip exceptionally, because I want to encourage a high level of service.
Jasmine, these people are employees. In civilised countries it's up to their employer to reward those who work harder, smarter etc by giving them a promotion or a payrise from the money they get by charging reasonable amounts for their business' services. I guess if you have a country full of greedy, cheap, lazy employers it won't work though.
Ignorant response. Tipping in the US is insane. Pay employees a living wage should be the solution. Tipping is then just for exceptional service.
This is the real solution here. Pay your damn employees a living wage so the public doesn't have to subsidize their income! It's insane to me that this is still a thing... why are we attacking the public for not tipping instead of attacking the companies who exploit their workers. This is why capitalism needs to be demolished.
I agree pay restaurant workers and service workers more, I think we should keep tipping it would give motivation for them to also do a good job, this isn't capitalisms fault its the governments fault
How is the government at fault?
David, your average employer would probably have little idea about what would be an appropriate living wage, so it's not realistic to expect an employer to pay a living wage without guidance from the government.
Of course it's capitalism's fault, the profit motive has business owners spending as little as possible on employees to maximize their profit margins. The government enforces and perpetuates the system of capitalism. Granted, it is the government's responsibility as the entity that collects our taxes to construct social safety nets, otherwise the entire system is set to ultimately collapse as the wealth chasm grows too large. The way the system (housing, economy, etc) intersects with service jobs right now, is that without a financial head start or cushion it keeps people working them in a cycle of poverty. There's a time coming soon (already here in most metros) where it'll be impossible to work these jobs and live.
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If you have to “subsidize your income” then maybe you shouldn’t be out spending the money in the first place.
Tipping has gotten ridiculous in the past year or so. Fast-food restaurants are expecting tips now.
Too many business owners seem to love it. It means they can advertise a haircut for $20 and get you in the door, then guilt you for more. If they charged $30 they might not get you in the door at all. Same goes for food outlets I guess. What I don't get is why you tip food-servers and (now it seems) barbers, but you don't tip the checkout operator, or many others who provide a service. So glad it doesn't exist in New Zealand. Spent a few days in Canada many years ago and hated that the price on everything was not its actual price. You had to add tax and then, in some cases, a tip to know if you could afford something. I can do maths, but many people must just get a horrible shock when it comes time to pay.
I've asked why we don't tip cashiers and others who don't get tipped for years. Never got an answer. I'm in the US, and I just don't get it. I also don't get why tips are expected to be 50% or more sometimes; why people who work for tips complain about low- or non-tippers instead of their employers not paying them a living wage; and why for-tip workers say if you can't afford to tip, don't eat out, which is classist. People on disability need to get out now and then, too, including a meal, and it's good for their mental health.
For those who say "if you can't afford to tip, then, don't eat out" I hope they realize that the people who they think can afford to eat out and tip to their liking, may one day decide not to.
I'm in the US and in my 50s. It's always been expected to tip your hairdresser, barber, nail tech, masseuse, server, door man, porter, driver, ect. It IS a new thing to tip for fast food and to go orders.
As soon as minimum wages are enough to support an entire family with one wage earner. As it was INTENDED TO
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That’s NOT what minimum wage was intended to do… ever. In what reality do you live?
Actually, it in fact was, and did so up until late 70s when taxes changed again more in favor of the wealthy.
Yes. Yes it was. Minimum wage is supposed to be enough to support yourself. What reality do YOU live in?
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Lol, this isn’t 1950 anymore.
Although I agree tipping culture has expanded too far, I want to add some perspective to this specific story. At least in the eastern part of the USA, tipping barbers has been common for decades. As a child, my father tipped our barber change, but the haircut was about $1 or $2. As the cost grew, so did the tip. I am now fortunate enough to get a haircut for $20 and my stylist is happy to get a $5 tip.
Right tipping barbers and hairdressers and other salon services is definitely something where tipping is common and I thought expected. BUT I think it's more about the amount that is starting to be expected. I always was under the understanding that 15% is the average amount when it comes to a nice tip. To me anything above that is very generous. Which is nice... But I don't think people should be expected to tip that way all the time. We're all out here trying to just survive I just can't afford to always tip in the 25-30% range. I pay my hair dresser $25 for the cut and a $5 tip. I would never go back to a hairdresser that made me feel bad for that.
It's not a culture; it's extortion, plain as day. Brazen people extorting the clientele on the job as if their choices are somehow my responsibility. In civilised countries, such behaviour is viewed with deep suspicion, as it is fundamentally shady and underhanded.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
@Nathaniel: You wouldn't say that if you had to work as a busboy/server at a restaurant, working your butt off for barely minimum wage. I've known people who had to do jobs like cut hair, bus tables, etc. Tips are what make up for the lousy pay. Period.
That's the employer's responsibility. They advertise a service at a set price. Their employees satisfaction is not my problem
Tipping is crazy. As is displaying pre-tax prices. Charge the amount you want for your products/services, and display THAT amount.
First we need to make sure that people are getting paid a living wage. In some states the minimum wage for tipped employees is really low. Tips are basically part of their wages, which means that tips are for the benefit of employers (called a "tip credit" that the employers get to count towards the minimum wage they pay). https://www.minimum-wage.org/tipped
This is actually wrong. Even if you have a tired minimum wage the employer is still required to pay you regular state minimum wage if your tips don't bring you up to that at least. Stop spreading lies and tell the actual truth.
The actual truth is that how bad people get screwed is up to each state. The tipped minimum for companies with fewer than 10 employees in OK is $2. Yes, people *should* get a payout that brings them up to federal minimum wage, due at least by the time tax remissions are due (hence tip credits, FICA, etc), but until then, you could, technically work your employee for $2, fire them for no cause (because at-will) and they are too poor to sue you for lost wages, because they make $2/hr. The system is messed up.
They did tell the truth, that's how it works. But you're also correct that if with tips the employee doesn't make actual minimum wage it's the employer's responsibility to make up the difference. One problem though, that I personally experienced, is that we had to sign a form that said we made enough tips. If we didn't sign it, we got fired. Since my state is an "at will" state, proving that's why you were actually fired is very difficult. They just label you as a disgruntled former employee and no one takes your complaint seriously after that.
At will employment doesn't make extortion legal. At will employment also doesn't not mean you can't be wrongfully terminated. If they fired you for not agreeing to be an accomplice for their fraud you can absolutely sue them.
it's not "wrong" @Giorgihun. in CA where i lived most of my life, yes, servers make minimum wage. when we moved to FL my husband who serves now makes 6 something & from what I've read the original comment is spot on. basically if a tipped employee DOESN'T make "enough" in tips to meet minimum wage, they can technically go through a process to get extra from the employer to MEET the minimum. not sure what that entails or how much you have to prove etc (which i just realized is what your comment is saying "if tips don't bring you up to that at least...") idk how many tipped employees are aware of the process-my husband wasn't, i looked it up. but he makes well above minimum after tips. &. per OCs point, employers still benefit most from the overall arrangement...
@Giorgihun: NO, it's not wrong. Do some research. The minimum cash wage for servers in Texas is $2.13. It only goes up to $7.25 when tips are added. There are ways employers can and do that: as in the case below, where if there are fewer than 10 employees. That means that the owner of some little dive in a podunk town in that state pays six or seven people LESS than I made as fast food worker forty years ago. "A tired minimum wage": I can't even express how entitled and ignorant that one sentence is. One of my nephews, who had to work as a cook during lockdown, since his regular job -- construction -- wasn't exactly going well in the pandemic, had to deal with this, so I know you're the one who's wrong on this.
This is absolutely not true in Michigan, perhaps it is a law in the state where you live?
But the employer doesn't. When was the last time you worked under a tip system?
even minimum wage is hardly a living wage either though, in most places. not that raising the minimum will help. everything will continue to inflate more than it already is. either way, the "lowly employee" of each industry is screwed. of course the argument i always hear is "minimum wage jobs were never meant for lifelong employees etc" which isn't wrong... idk what the answer is. for people to care more and companies to act less greedy 🤷 but we can't control those things unfortunately...
They aren't meant for life long employment. But that doesn't change the fact that there are people who have no choice but to take those jobs.
I mean its called minimum wage not living wage
The minimum wage was literally designed to be a living wage. Just ask FDR. Roosevelt said, “In my Inaugural I laid down the simple proposition that nobody is going to starve in this country. It seems to me to be equally plain that no business which depends for existence on paying less than living wages to its workers has any right to continue in this country. By business I mean the whole of commerce as well as the whole of industry; by workers I mean all workers, the white collar class as well as the men in overalls; and by living wages I mean more than a bare subsistence level-I mean the wages of decent living.” https://www.lowellsun.com/ci_31328896/fdr-set-precedent-minimum-wage-being-living-wage
This.
I'm so tired of hearing this excuse "wages are so low so you just tip". Don't accept that wage when you accept the job. Do a different job.
Thank you. I live on this day to day and month to month.basis. If you think reducing the tip or not tipping at all is going to get the employer to pay a reasonable wage, you better wake up from your dream. We're there one's getting exploited and pinned with the blame. The most unfortunate part of it, this is the only way we can live comfortably in my home.
Not my problem some states have corrupt laws concerning minimum wage. I no longer tip anyone anywhere. Its a stupid practice.
It is stupid. So you're TOTALLY right to punish the workers for that. It really just makes sense to pay the business all their money and make the employees suffer for rules they didn't make.
No, the wage is written on a paper you signed. If you hope to get tips on top of that, go on, hope! Nobody owes you to make your hopes come true on their money. Tips are earned for doing more than the price covers. If a taxi driver helps me with heavy luggage, that's not covered by the fare, so a tip would pay for that, for example. Ah, you can not make ends meet with the wage you signed for? Why did you signed it, then? Because you hoped? Get smarter, please.
Pre-tax prices are tough, you’d need a different SKU for each item, in each different city, i n order for it to ring up correctly.
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I've always been bad at math and mentally calculating tax is good practice. It's not hard to calculate ten cents for every dollar spent. "Americans are stupid!" "How I calculate sales tax??? Not know!" Get over yourself.
The “Americans are stupid” sentiment is not about not being able to do the math, it’s about the insistence to stick with stupid practices just because we’re American and we are better than everyone else. Tipping culture and pre-tax prices are only the tip of the iceberg.
Except most people hate tipping culture these days cause they can barely afford services