A disheartened waitress from New York recently shared her frustration on Twitter when she received a mere $70 tip on a $700 bill, despite receiving high praise for her service from a group of European customers.
The crestfallen server from the Big Apple narrated her experience on social media, expressing her disbelief and disappointment over the meager tip, which amounted to only half of the 20% customary tip in the United States.
Although her empathetic manager intervened and explained the American tipping custom to the European patrons, the customers remained unyielding and left without increasing their tip.
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The server’s poignant story sparked a heated debate online, with some arguing that customers should not be responsible for paying employees’ wages. In contrast, others insisted that tourists should acquaint themselves with local tipping customs before traveling.
While views were certainly divided, the whole situation surely did not site well with the waitress who felt stiffed after giving what she believed to be great service.
In her emotional Twitter thread, the waitress lamented, “I can’t believe this group of Europeans left a mere $70 tip on a $700 bill after spending hours at my table. My manager even asked about their experience and they were absolutely thrilled with my service. He kindly explained that a 20% tip is customary here, but they just nodded and left without giving more.”
She further added, “I know I’ll get a barrage of ‘tipping isn’t mandatory, just get a new job or change the laws overnight’ comments, but I wish they’d understand the situation.”
The waitress acknowledged that cultural differences might explain the Europeans’ behavior, but wished they would at least tip appropriately in return for her dedicated service.
Her heartfelt tweets garnered over 40 million views, 16,000 comments, and 32,000 likes. Tipping customs vary worldwide, with some countries incorporating gratuity into the bill or expecting a smaller percentage than the typical 20% in the US.
Many commenters sympathized with the server but also highlighted the need for employers to pay fair wages rather than relying on customers’ generosity. Some users argued that tourists should research and respect local customs when visiting another country.
In the end, the waitress’s story serves as a reminder that understanding and respecting cultural differences can go a long way in making the world a more empathetic and harmonious place.
What are your thoughts on this? How much do you typically tip when you go out to eat? Do you think tipping culture needs to change, or its fine the way it is? Let us know in the comments!
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