Waitress Is Fuming After This Couple Left Only A 10% Percent Tip After Spending 6 Hours At The Restaurant
InterviewIn many countries in the world, you are not expected to tip a person that has provided you with a service because it’s their job and their employer is paying them to do it. But everyone has probably already heard that that’s not how it works in the US.
Even though it’s not mandatory to tip there, you’re pretty much forced to do it because you know how little the servers get paid because employers take into account the tips their employees get. And when you don’t, servers are pretty irritated as they often depend on those tips and want to be rewarded for their good service.
This TikTok user shared her experience of serving a couple and dedicating her whole attention to them just to get a small tip, so she shared her frustration with the internet and made a follow-up video explaining why she expected more.
More info: TikTok
Server was so done with this couple who spent 6 hours at the restaurant and on top of that, they left only a 10 percent tip
Image credits: Emilio Labrador
The TikToker is named Kristina Withers and she has been a waitress for almost 15 years, having started when she was 14. Even though being a server isn’t Kristina’s full-time job, she likes it because of how quickly she can earn money from tips.
Because she has worked as a server for so long, she is confident in her skills and knows that she does a good job, so for that, she would like to be compensated. So she gave her all for this one couple who arrived even before she came to work and sat there until the restaurant closed but didn’t leave the standard 20 percent tip.
The couple came into the restaurant even before Kristina started work at 5:30pm. They were already checked out and were just sitting there, but at 7 o’clock, they asked if they could get a server as they wanted to order more.
As Kristina was working until closing time, she took their table and served them. They ate their tacos and finished their drinks and continued sitting at the table without ordering more. The restaurant was already empty and Kristina gave them her whole attention as she didn’t have anything else to do.
When Kristina came to work, she noticed a couple there who had already finished their meal and paid but wasn’t leaving
Image credits: @krisswith
Image credits: @krisswith
Finally, the couple left, but what Kristina was angry about was that after this exceptional service, the customers left a 10 percent tip which, for some, might seem generous, but in the US, it is considered small.
However, Kristina was happy to even get that because it meant that the couple was leaving, despite being frustrated that they occupied the table for so long and didn’t even order that much.
Bored Panda got in touch with Kristina and she explained to us what an exceptionally good service looks like, “Average service is bringing you drinks and delivering food. Going above and beyond by identifying special occasions, recommending a drink or entree without being asked, going out of their way to accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions (example is instead of offering something off the menu that fits their restrictions, working with the kitchen to develop a more diverse dish that they can have), and overall just making the guest feel special. Anyone can serve a table, but having seamless service where the entire table is happy, laughing, and having a good time takes work, and more importantly time. If I’m taking extra time on a table, I hope to be rewarded with a tip. Because I could have spent that time with other tables making extra money as well.”
After a couple of hours, they approached Kristina and asked for a server as they wanted to order more
Image credits: @krisswith
Not everyone who saw the video understood where this frustration was coming from, so Kristina made another video. She explained that servers know that tipping is not mandatory and that employers should make sure that the servers are receiving a decent wage, but in the current system, that responsibility falls on the customer.
In her opinion, if a customer doesn’t want to tip a server, the server has the right to not give their best service. But customers wouldn’t announce it in advance because they know that no tip means mediocre service.
That said, Kristina realizes that not everyone can afford to tip and she personally would still give such people good service if they confessed it right away and were pleasant people. She has the biggest problem with people who are both rude, annoying, demanding and don’t tip on top of making the server work more.
Kristina brought them their drinks and their food and was actually serving only them as they were nearing closing hours so there were no more people inside
Image credits: @krisswith
Kristina explained what she would do if a customer warned her in advanced that she won’t be tipped in more detail, “If a table told me that they were not going to tip me before I started service I would not go out of my way to do anything for them. I would still give them basic service, but they’re getting charged for sauces, I’m taking my time to get them things if they are running me around, I’m not fake laughing at jokes or making conversation, and I am putting other customers needs first. An exception to this would be if a table explained to me that they were out for dinner (for a birthday for example) and couldn’t afford a tip- I would still go out of my way to go above and beyond for them. It’s more about treatment of your server as well. If you’re nice and honest and treat us like humans, we’ll do the same in return!”
The server thought she was doing a great job as she was giving the couple her whole attention so she was very disappointed to get only a 10 percent tip
Image credits: @krisswith
At the end of the day, servers just want to be treated with respect and politeness, “The people who comment negatively on my serving videos always do it with a bad attitude. Again, all your server wants is to be treated like an actual person and not a servant. Having to deal with being literally snapped at, whistled at, yelled at, or being treated lesser because I’m doing my job is not ok. Another thing people need to understand, is that everyone gets frustrated with their job. I understand tipping is not a requirement, and I am not entitled to anything. But it would frustrate anyone to waste 6 hours of your work day on something, when you could have been doing something else to make more money.”
Image credits: @krisswith
In a different video Kristina made an analogy by comparing restaurant servers with other workers such as the ones that come to work on your house. They are getting paid not only for the materials they use, but also for their labor.
It’s the same with tips, according to the waitress. The food in this case would be the materials and the service is the labor. Only in this case, you can choose what amount you want to pay. Kristina lists that you are paying for the server’s recommendations, exceptional service and a fun time.
The woman fully realizes that tips aren’t mandatory and the customer can choose how much they can tip, but after her good service, this felt like a joke to her
Image credits: @krisswith
At the same time she acknowledges that restaurants should pay their workers more and believe that people are partially right when they say that they aren’t the ones who should be paying for servers to do a good job, bet the reality is different, “Tip culture is something that is alive and well in America. The federal and state governments set a different minimum wage because they are expecting servers to be tipped. If all of us went and got another job because of it, there would be no servers when people went out to eat. No to mention that a lot of us tip out other members of our team on our sales, so if a table has a $100 tab, I have to tip out a percentage of that and if I get no tip, I’m paying out of pocket. There’s more that goes into it than people think.”
She believes that customers would never tell the servers they weren’t tipping in advance because they know that tips mean good service and a good time
Image credits: @krisswith
Image credits: Sarah Sphar
But what it comes down to is being human and treating others as such
Image credits: @krisswith
It is true that most states don’t require minimum wage for employees whose job specifically includes tips. According to the law, an employee is considered to be a tipped employee if they regularly receive at least $20-$35 per month in tips depending on the state.
The tipped minimum wage is the lowest amount that an employee can earn per hour. It is determined by state, but it can’t be lower than $2.13 per hour, which is set by federal law. In addition to that, if employees don’t reach the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25, even when they take into account the actual tips, the employer has to compensate for the difference.
Kristina personally would still give her best to a person who wanted to eat out but didn’t have money to tip and was a pleasant person
Image credits: @krisswith
However, servers usually do reach the federal minimum wage with tips and almost 60 percent of their wage actually is paid by the customers in tips. Obviously, the tips depend on what industry, what state and what city you work in, but according to Adia, the median average of tips per day is $100 in the US. By hour they earn from $5.77 to $23.80.
Tips initially were introduced as motivation and incentive. It was a way for a customer to show that they liked the server and wanted to reward their effort and skills. But recently it became the only way working people can actually survive. Now if customers don’t tip, servers feel like they’ve wasted their time.
She has the biggest problem with people who are rude, make her work more and don’t tip her for fulfilling their demands
Image credits: Trysil
Image credits: @krisswith
Here you can listen to the story of customers sitting in the restaurant for 6 hours
@krisswith Like please leave 🥲🙄 #fyp #serverlife #serverproblems #10% #keepit #gtfo #6hours #forreal ♬ original sound – Kristina Withers
Do you find the tipping culture and the way that it is implemented in the laws in the US problematic? Do you feel that Kristina has a point and if you get good service, you should leave a good tip? Do you agree with people who say that good service is in their job description and it isn’t the customer who should pay their wages? We would love to hear your thoughts and if you’ve ever worked in the industry, don’t hesitate to share your view.
Entitled much? The server, I mean. Yeah, we know how poorly paid you are, tale it up with management. This couple did nothing wrong, just took their time, enjoyed their meal and drinks, and left a tip. Perfectly reasonable.
Did nothing wrong? Taking up a table for six hours? Okay, don't tip. But get you cheapskate a*s out of there timely so they can seat someone who will. That simple.
Load More Replies...Where does she work, so I can be sure not to go there? She's complaining about her ONLY TABLE (she literally said they were her only customers of the night). I mean, I get it if the restaurant is full and they're taking up space from other customers, but she said they were her only table. And they DID leave a tip, just not as much as she wanted. Get over it.
Additionally, them being the only table (of two people) causing her to have to work for two hours longer than perhaps the case could have been also means two hours of extra pay for minimum effort. I understand the tipping culture in the US, but it's still not an obligation for guests, especially if they were only with two. Devil's advocate, I know, but still.
Load More Replies...Stop complaining the customer doesn't give enough tips, start complaining why your employer doesn't give you a living wage without tips included
Whilst I feel they could have left a better tip, the fact that the service is dependent on how much of a tip is left ... is all kinds of wrong. I know servers rely on tips but I feel this is really selfish of the server. Her job is to be professional and serve people. I also dont feel anyone needs to explain why they are only leaving so much of a tip. I'm well aware they dont get paid enough, but the entitlement of how much of a tip to expect is just that, entitlement.
In canada they make 15 plus tips and will pay coworkers to take their shifts if they wont have a busy day. My fiance makes like 200-300 or more a shift on top of her hourly wage.
Load More Replies...I'd never, ever click on a tiktok (data mining, identify theft, security risks - all the stuff bored panda is exposing their readers to), but if I were going to? This would be the last one. The whininess came through clearly in the extra-long rant. The last thing I would want is to have to listen to it.
a 10% tip is fine. Did they eat and drink for 6 hours? No they just stayed awhile.
She said the couple had already paid a bill before she arrived, so they must've eaten and had drinks. And then around 7pm they ordered dinner and a few more cocktails and paid another bill. No telling if they tipped their first server. I'm sure they did.
Load More Replies...Why was it her only table? If the restaurant was mostly empty what difference does it make how long they sat there. If anything it would at least make the place look open and a viable place to eat if there are patrons. Can't understand this at all. Also wonder if the attitude of the server was obvious and put other people off eating there. Alternatively, given they were drinking through the night more than eating the couple may not have thought much of the food and that would affect their willingness to tip more.
Sounds like this couple are new in their relationship. Perhaps a first or second date that went so well they just didn't want it to end. They even ordered 2 meals and drinks, and paid 2 restaurant bills, AND tipped. Oh, but it's still not enough for this entitled waitress, who admits she doesn't rely on tips to afford her essentials. So... what's the issue? They were her only customers for the night. I'm sure there were plenty other free tables, so them taking up the only table is not the issue. Some people just really hate feeling being rushed through a meal and being rushed out. There are restaurants out there that don't hustle their diners for space and time. The couple seemed to not have been causing problems other than being a presence. If they had left before this waitress started her shift, since it was so dead there she wouldn't have gotten any tip.
Yet one more reason why I'm glad I didn't grow up / don't live in the US. Their tipping culture is just terrible. If the customer doesn't give you as much of the *extra money you want*, that is absolutely not their problem. I get that restaurants in the US often pay their servers awful wages, but she even says she's not dependent on tips, so this video just comes off as pure entitlement. And what is this nonsense about "if you're not required to tip me, then I'm not required to give you great service"? So her willingness to do her job is on the customer, not her employer? Ridiculous.
She should become a bus driver, get abused, spat at, assaulted, threatened and then have to clean peoples s**t and (I do mean s**t) as well as vomit, used diapers etc and not get tipped at all. While all the time being told by the company you have to smile and be polite 100% of the time and have company spies (secret passengers) marking you on it.
Anything someone does on tiktok means nothing. No one needs to know your life or your "trials and tribulations" They spent a lot and i would only ever leave 15% She has other tables that are giving her tips as well
go f**k yourself, you brought over two plates and 3 drinks that's all, they were there to enjoy their time together not worry about your shift clearly this is a s****y place if they were the only customers there
I was a server once and I NEVER stayed at one job long at all if I had one entire table from 5:30-10 and then have the audacity to complain about the tip? Girl needs to come down off the high horse and either A- go back to the real income job and leave the serving jobs alone or B- deal with that 10% tip and be thankful you got that! I used to wait tables from 11-3 and 5-9 on Sunday’s and huge church groups and get $1 a table! I was happy I had a job because the other days I worked paid off and made up for the ones who put in the offering plate at church. Last server job was at TGIF and I’m not lying from the time we opened til the midnight hours, we never stopped! I had a party of 20 walk in and guess who’s turn it was??me 😨 and we closed at midnight along with the kitchen but they walked in just in time lol. I ended up making BANK from them and my shift. Be thankful you have a job because I sure wished o could go back to work today and do mythang!
If the place isn't crowded and other people aren't waiting, what the heck is the problem?
Load More Replies...Entitled much? The server, I mean. Yeah, we know how poorly paid you are, tale it up with management. This couple did nothing wrong, just took their time, enjoyed their meal and drinks, and left a tip. Perfectly reasonable.
Did nothing wrong? Taking up a table for six hours? Okay, don't tip. But get you cheapskate a*s out of there timely so they can seat someone who will. That simple.
Load More Replies...Where does she work, so I can be sure not to go there? She's complaining about her ONLY TABLE (she literally said they were her only customers of the night). I mean, I get it if the restaurant is full and they're taking up space from other customers, but she said they were her only table. And they DID leave a tip, just not as much as she wanted. Get over it.
Additionally, them being the only table (of two people) causing her to have to work for two hours longer than perhaps the case could have been also means two hours of extra pay for minimum effort. I understand the tipping culture in the US, but it's still not an obligation for guests, especially if they were only with two. Devil's advocate, I know, but still.
Load More Replies...Stop complaining the customer doesn't give enough tips, start complaining why your employer doesn't give you a living wage without tips included
Whilst I feel they could have left a better tip, the fact that the service is dependent on how much of a tip is left ... is all kinds of wrong. I know servers rely on tips but I feel this is really selfish of the server. Her job is to be professional and serve people. I also dont feel anyone needs to explain why they are only leaving so much of a tip. I'm well aware they dont get paid enough, but the entitlement of how much of a tip to expect is just that, entitlement.
In canada they make 15 plus tips and will pay coworkers to take their shifts if they wont have a busy day. My fiance makes like 200-300 or more a shift on top of her hourly wage.
Load More Replies...I'd never, ever click on a tiktok (data mining, identify theft, security risks - all the stuff bored panda is exposing their readers to), but if I were going to? This would be the last one. The whininess came through clearly in the extra-long rant. The last thing I would want is to have to listen to it.
a 10% tip is fine. Did they eat and drink for 6 hours? No they just stayed awhile.
She said the couple had already paid a bill before she arrived, so they must've eaten and had drinks. And then around 7pm they ordered dinner and a few more cocktails and paid another bill. No telling if they tipped their first server. I'm sure they did.
Load More Replies...Why was it her only table? If the restaurant was mostly empty what difference does it make how long they sat there. If anything it would at least make the place look open and a viable place to eat if there are patrons. Can't understand this at all. Also wonder if the attitude of the server was obvious and put other people off eating there. Alternatively, given they were drinking through the night more than eating the couple may not have thought much of the food and that would affect their willingness to tip more.
Sounds like this couple are new in their relationship. Perhaps a first or second date that went so well they just didn't want it to end. They even ordered 2 meals and drinks, and paid 2 restaurant bills, AND tipped. Oh, but it's still not enough for this entitled waitress, who admits she doesn't rely on tips to afford her essentials. So... what's the issue? They were her only customers for the night. I'm sure there were plenty other free tables, so them taking up the only table is not the issue. Some people just really hate feeling being rushed through a meal and being rushed out. There are restaurants out there that don't hustle their diners for space and time. The couple seemed to not have been causing problems other than being a presence. If they had left before this waitress started her shift, since it was so dead there she wouldn't have gotten any tip.
Yet one more reason why I'm glad I didn't grow up / don't live in the US. Their tipping culture is just terrible. If the customer doesn't give you as much of the *extra money you want*, that is absolutely not their problem. I get that restaurants in the US often pay their servers awful wages, but she even says she's not dependent on tips, so this video just comes off as pure entitlement. And what is this nonsense about "if you're not required to tip me, then I'm not required to give you great service"? So her willingness to do her job is on the customer, not her employer? Ridiculous.
She should become a bus driver, get abused, spat at, assaulted, threatened and then have to clean peoples s**t and (I do mean s**t) as well as vomit, used diapers etc and not get tipped at all. While all the time being told by the company you have to smile and be polite 100% of the time and have company spies (secret passengers) marking you on it.
Anything someone does on tiktok means nothing. No one needs to know your life or your "trials and tribulations" They spent a lot and i would only ever leave 15% She has other tables that are giving her tips as well
go f**k yourself, you brought over two plates and 3 drinks that's all, they were there to enjoy their time together not worry about your shift clearly this is a s****y place if they were the only customers there
I was a server once and I NEVER stayed at one job long at all if I had one entire table from 5:30-10 and then have the audacity to complain about the tip? Girl needs to come down off the high horse and either A- go back to the real income job and leave the serving jobs alone or B- deal with that 10% tip and be thankful you got that! I used to wait tables from 11-3 and 5-9 on Sunday’s and huge church groups and get $1 a table! I was happy I had a job because the other days I worked paid off and made up for the ones who put in the offering plate at church. Last server job was at TGIF and I’m not lying from the time we opened til the midnight hours, we never stopped! I had a party of 20 walk in and guess who’s turn it was??me 😨 and we closed at midnight along with the kitchen but they walked in just in time lol. I ended up making BANK from them and my shift. Be thankful you have a job because I sure wished o could go back to work today and do mythang!
If the place isn't crowded and other people aren't waiting, what the heck is the problem?
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