Saw a sign yesterday that literally made me stop and read it twice: “DO NOT order if you’re not leaving at least a 25% tip.” Not suggested. Not appreciated. Not earned. Required. And at that point… is it even a tip anymore?
Because last time I checked, a tip was supposed to be something you leave after the service based on how you were treated. That was the whole point. It was meant to reflect the experience. But when a business demands it upfront before you’ve even ordered, before anyone has served you, before you know if the service is good, bad, or nonexistent, that stops feeling like appreciation and starts feeling like a forced charge with a nicer name.
And that’s where this whole thing gets weird. Why are customers being expected to guarantee part of someone’s pay before the service even exists? If the real cost of running the business is higher, then just raise the prices and be honest about it. Put it on the menu. Build it into the cost. Stop pretending it’s optional when you’re clearly treating it like a requirement.
Because once a “tip” becomes a condition of ordering, it’s not really a tip anymore. It’s just an extra fee dressed up to sound more acceptable. Am I wrong for thinking that the second a restaurant demands 25% upfront, the whole meaning of tipping is gone? Would you still order there, or walk right back out?
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Would not have walked past the sign into the restaurant.
ReplyDeleteYou ain't wrong and that restaurants' days are numbered unless it's in a liberal neighborhood. I once left a nickel because a waitress was so rude and seemed angry we even dared to order.
ReplyDeleteCalled in an order. The kid at the cash register walked 8 feet to the pick up window and back with my order. Card reader display demanded a tip, starting at 25%. Told him I wanted a discount because I had to walk 4 times farther to get my order. Never going back.
ReplyDeleteNo way would I order at a place with a sign like that. On the other hand, what are they going to do if I don't leave a 25% tip???
ReplyDeleteWalking right out. This "tipping" bullshit is getting stupid.
ReplyDeleteIt is caused by the Govt taxing tips. In Govt fashion it is 25% of the bill as assumed tip and the employer pays it regardless of actual tip. Govt is assuming the tip is un reported in most cases so it flat out taxes and the taxes are paid by the business as the withholding for IRS.
ReplyDeleteOnce again government fucking with something that was kindness.
That place would never get my business.
ReplyDeleteNormally I'm a generous tipper but I maintain a simple rule. If I have to stand while placing a food order and I'm not seated while receiving said order, then there's nothing there worthy of a tip. It's that simple. This panhandling has gotten way out of hand.
ReplyDeleteFuck the owners. Assholes! I hope they go outta business for pulling that shit. Eddie
ReplyDeleteANY restaurant that establishes a minimum mandatory "tip" needs to go bankrupt.
ReplyDeleteHi Joe!!
ReplyDeleteDepends on the "COLOR"of your customers?? 'I help out a friend of mine that's a bartener.. I'm his "Bar-back" .. the troops at the bar .. any color.. are usually known... but in the dining area.. who knows?/ one thing for sure.. and the servers.. both "Black and White!!!!.... always say the blacks!! always leave 'zero' tip no mater how big ..or small!!!... the bill.... Whites always leave at least 10% if not more!!!!!!
Go figgure???????????????????????
skybill
As the '60s song put it "Walk on by..."
ReplyDeleteI noted that Dominos charges a $2.50 delivery fee, and wanted me to tip a percentage to the driver in addition.
ReplyDeleteWhat???
Steve
Was on a family trip, 2 different places to eat & at one place no tip because the service was awful. 2nd place left a generous tip. My children questioned that move about tips and I told them that tips depend on the service you receive and by leaving a tip your saying Thank You for good service especially if the place is super busy. To this day that is how they tip.
ReplyDeleteJust piling on here..... yeah, wouldn't even walk into that place. When it becomes mandatory, it is entitlement, not a tip.
ReplyDelete