Why I Never Tip When I Eat Out
For most people, tipping after a meal is the most normal thing in the world. Or is it? Patrick never tips. ‘Every time I eat out, there comes a moment when the bill is placed on the table. Most people briefly look at the total, add a percentage for the tip, and put the money down without giving it another thought. But me? I never tip, and I have a good reason for that.’
‘Tip? I Wouldn’t Know Why’
‘It’s not that I don’t appreciate what the servers do. I understand that they work hard and that the hospitality industry isn’t an easy sector. But for me, it’s about the principle behind it. When I go to a restaurant, I expect the price on the menu to reflect the full cost; that’s why it’s called the “price”.
Why should I have to give extra money on top of the bill? In my view, the service is part of the experience I’m already paying for, and that’s how it should be.
Not Stingy
Some people call it stingy, but I see it differently. Why has it become normal to give an extra percentage of the bill, purely because that’s the unwritten rule? What is this, some kind of American nonsense? When I buy a product in a store, the salesperson doesn’t ask me for extra money just because they were friendly or helped me well, do they? Why should it be any different in a restaurant?
The Employer’s Responsibility
In addition, I believe it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that their staff are paid fairly. If tipping becomes the norm, it places an unnecessary burden on the customer and gives the employer an excuse to keep paying low wages. If we all stopped tipping, employers would be forced to raise wages and pay their staff properly for the work they do.
I know my position isn’t popular. Many people see tipping as a way to show their appreciation, but for me, it’s important to make it clear that I’m already paying for what I receive. It shouldn’t be the customer’s responsibility to supplement the income of the serving staff. That is the restaurant’s responsibility.
What Percentage Should You Tip?
Moreover, who decides what the right tip is? Is it 10%, 15%, or 20%? And why does it now appear on a card machine? I find that rude. Expectations are so vague and differ from place to place, making it difficult to know what is appropriate. Instead of constantly worrying about whether I’m leaving the right tip, I choose not to tip at all and to place the responsibility where it belongs: with the employer.
If I receive truly bad service somewhere, I will certainly report it to the manager. But if I’m served well, I believe the waiters and waitresses should simply receive a fair salary without me, as a customer, having to contribute extra. That’s why I don’t tip when I eat out. And no, I’m not ashamed of it.’
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Patrick’s name has been changed for privacy reasons. His real name is known to the editorial team. Would you also like to share a personal story (anonymously!)? You can email us at info@favorflav.com
