5 reasons why I won’t tip you if you’re a waiter

It never fails to shock me how a tip is demanded in the US. People simply refuse to listen to reason when we (yes, there are others!) tell them that leaving a tip isn’t necessary. Well, I’m hoping for too much here, but if you’re a waiter, here are 5 reasons why I will try my best not to give any money to you and why the reasons for tipping are crappy.

1. You act as if you’re my best friend

Just leave me alone ok? I don’t want to bloody chit chat with you. I want food. FOOD! Get it? It’s a restaurant. I go there to eat. I go because I want either Italian food, Chinese Food or something else which I can’t get in a McDonald’s. So I come to a restaurant to fulfill my cravings for it. I will pay for what I value – food. Not you.

Christ, you offend me – kneeling down next to my table, pretending to like me and chatting as if you’re my best friend when it’s obvious that all you’re after is the tip! I’m not a bloody money bag you know. I will pay the bill which includes the cost of the food, the environment and the salaries of the people involved – nothing more.

The only way to get money out of me that I don’t have to legally pay is by prying it out of my cold dead hands…

Bottom line: I don’t want to know your name, or interact with you for any longer than I have to in order to place my order. As far as I’m concerned, you’re the equivalent of a conveyor belt that brings me my food and a computer into which I input my order. Of course, I won’t be rude. But don’t expect me to interact with you any more than I would with some stranger.

Image Credit: cafemama

 

Did you earn this tip?

 

2. You don’t get paid enough

And this is my problem how exactly? It’s astonishing that customers are expected to make up for your employer’s cheapness in not paying you a decent wage. Please include the full cost in everyone’s bill thank you very much. I’ll pay it because I have to and the charge is there for me to see.

What’s really funny here is that no one seems to criticize the employers! All criticism is reserved for non tipping customers instead of the owners of the restaurant for not paying a decent wage. Wtf! Could it possibly be because you guys know you can make much more by tips and under report your income to the IRS?

3. You’ll spit in my food if I don’t tip you?

And I’ll shoot your kid if you don’t give me a million dollars. Seriously, am I even hearing this right? You’re actually using the threat of blackmail to make me pay you? Well as long as you’re openly claiming to be a criminal it’s all right I guess.

Fortunately that’s why I prefer buffets. Listen apart from it being illegal, this shows your poor integrity. But if you spit in someone’s food because they didn’t give you money you didn’t earn, then you’re a loser and deserve to be a waiter for the rest of your life.

4. Bringing me my food isn’t worthy of being paid extra

Did you cook it? Did you invent it? No. You picked it up and brought it to me. While it might not be easy, there are plenty of jobs which are much worse – shop floor workers for example. And I’ve been a shop floor manager, so I know. Face it – compared to other jobs, being a waiter is unskilled. You get paid what the market will think your services are worth. You don’t deserve more for your work over and above what your employer should pay you.

5. Money doesn’t grow on trees

I expect you to be grateful and pray for me at night if I tip you 10%. Be happy I gave you anything at all. I worked for the money in my wallet and by giving you some I didn’t have to, I’m doing you a favor. Learn to remember that when people give you something they don’t need to, it’s a favor. You don’t complain that they didn’t give you more!

By the way, the same thing above applies to all professions that demand tips including those on cruise liners.

So now that you understand why I won’t give you money you don’t deserve, stop with the “oh how could you?” attitude. I can. And I will.

Update: Here’s a rebuttal of the many silly justifications for tipping that people have given in the comments section.

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12,129 thoughts on “5 reasons why I won’t tip you if you’re a waiter”

  1. I don’t know about you guys, but when I travel, which is pretty often, I try to learn what is customary in the place I’m traveling to. I try to adhere to those customs as a sign of respect…. But hey, what do I know? I’m just a waitress in America….

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  2. It’s so sad that instead of building people up, we are beating them down. I serve tables, and that pays my way through med school. As a future surgeon, I will statistically make more than 95% of the people on this thread, however, I will never forget where I started. Nor will I lose compassion for the people that are striving for betterment. Instead of bashing someone for what they do, let’s try to encourage others to strive for the best. It is truly sad to see the lack of compassion that people have for others due to the fact that they do not have a “real job.” Serving is a “real job” and it makes “real” money, and for that I am thankful.

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  3. We’re there to try and make the customers experience a bit more pleasurable. Basically the customers hired help for the time they are there, we are at their beck and call. I too work a retail job and have for 5-6 years with also working as a waitress. We run around trying to help everyone because everyone does need something. Working in retail is defiantly not as demanding as being a waitress. I hAve dealt with more than my fair share of customers in retail but dealing with 44+ customers at once as a waitress that are all yelling to grab your attention and poking at you from behind while trying to take down another customers order, plus dealing with in appropriate drunk people is way hectic than retail goes. I get if your server is unpleasant then screw it. But if you don’t want to talk to anyone and have them check to see if your doing ok with your meal or can get you whatever your little heart desires within our power, then maybe you should stick to mcdonalds.

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  4. So here is what we will do. We will cut your fucking wages and say “Alright bitch, make your tips.” Is what you do any more worthy of receiving a tip? No; because you probably have some desk job that you get to avoid society in a desolate hole. Well if serving food isn’t worthy of a tip, dealing with as asshole like you definitely IS. You don’t know what a person is going through in their life. Maybe they have a full time job that pays well but you know what dick?! SOMETIMES THAT’S STILL NOT ENOUGH TO COVER ECONOMY COSTS. Sometimes single moms out there with kids that have deadbeat so called dads that walked out, have other mouths to feed and in case you don’t know this kids are expensive. and don’t even make a comment about not having kids if you can’t support them because shit happens like divorce. People who are apparently not as fortunate as you need the extra money. You act as if this tip concept is new. Honey it’s been around a long time. Lets adapt shall we? Don’t like to socialize? Stay the fuck home prick.

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  5. The worst part of this entire rant is that you understand the way the industry and system works to know tipping is expected when you patronize a restaurant of that type. If you don’t want to tip get it to go. Part of the atmosphere and experience is the friendliness of the staff. By not tipping you are not only ignore the system of paying for the the experience that is expected at a restaurant, but also taking money out of their wallet to cover the tip out to food runners, bussers, bartenders and host who that server are required to give a percentage of their sales to. SALES not tips so that money that doesn’t grow on trees is coming out of their pocket just because they were unfortunate enough to have you as their guest. If you don’t want the experience I will reiterate my previous statement of get the food to go, it will make both you and the poor soul who has to deal with your horrible attitude a lot happier.

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    • In reply to Leigh

      A server by law is only taxed on actual wages including tips. Tipping out or taxed on actual sales is against the law. You’re so simple I am sure you confuse the two. The other thing you are confused about is the experience. The experience is the gourmet food that is served. You are just the failure of society that brings it to me like a dog. Your delusions of grandeur probably make you feel that you’re important. http://www.dol.gov/whd/state/tipped.htm in case the next thing you tell us is that you don’t make minimum-wage. I have provided you a reference that explains you make minimum-wage no matter what. Good thing, I will never tip you. It is a miracle you are even entitled to minimum wage.

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      • In reply to Tax Guy

        Please never refer to a server as being “my dog” that is disrespectful and uncalled for. You are free to do with you tip as you see fit. But you need to understand that if you sit as my bar, with that attitude, you will be served last. It’s not because you aren’t tipping, it’s because you think you are better than I.

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    • In reply to Leigh

      This entire article is sad & I feel sympathy for this author. He knows not what he writes. If you don’t have personal expeirence in the industry or haven’t walked in the shoes of those who are servers, then you have no business writing such an article. This entire article is written in what appears to be bitterness and anger. It’s not a well argued article and I can’t find a reason to take it seriously because of this authors rather dim approach. Its so sad seeing how ignorant, close-minded and rude many people are on here. If everyone acted like some of the more negative individuals on here did, this world would be an absolutely atrocity.

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  6. I find this a bit offensive, but I will not stoop to name calling and things of that nature. Instead I would rather educate you on what people in the service industry go through. Imagine you are putting yourself through school and you are just barely making it living payday to payday. Or imagine you are a single parent with a sick kid. Or imagine you are someone who got laid off and now the bills are piling up and it just seems that there is no way out. It is pretty easy to get a service job so many people are ushered into that profession. I worked as a server/delivery driver for a total of 8-9 years. I can’t tell you how many times I came up short every month because people thought the way you wrote here. And I also can remember the kind and compassionate individuals, who could see my night was not going so well, decided to lift me up a bit with an extremely generous tip. I want you to think about something. The next time you decide not to tip and you think that because you don’t believe in tipping and that the employer should pay out (which by the way you are right on regarding the employer…they are very cheap), but the next time you think that way, just think about that single mother, that because of people who do not believe in tipping, has to go the next day without eating because she only has enough money to feed her child and not her. Think about the college kid who is working to put himself through a solid education that may not be able to buy the necessary supplies or books for his or her courses because of your cheapness. Think about the father who just got laid off with a wife and three kids, a mortgage, two car payments, and because of his situation has to resort to working in the service industry after losing a great job. And that because of your cheapness, he has to sell one of his cars so now his wife cant work. He has to sell his home and move his large family into something much smaller, inefficient, and cheaper, and perhaps his hopes of sending his children to higher education is now gone because of people like yourself. You don’t see the damage you cause because you are in and out….but after a server’s shift…take a look at a bad night when they sit there crying because they don’t know what to do anymore. But you are right…it is your money. You spend it the way you want. But let me tell you a few things….(1) The server isnt asking for a handout…they work their asses off. You don’t see it because you are busy eating a filet mignon and drinking cocktails. and (2) You can’t take your money with you to the grave. They bury people….not money. Your extra money is not there for you to horde. It is given to you by God so that when the opportunities arise to help someone in need…you have that ability. And believe me, God in turn gives you back tenfold….not just spiritually, but also materially even though the material world is not important. To whomever wrote this, I hope this finds you well, and I pray that you have a change of heart for those less fortunate than you. I also pray for you personally, that your heart may be opened to understand this, and that you never have to experience what people in the service industry have to experience. Because believe me when I tell you, unless you are working as a server just for kicks on a Friday night….a bad night is devastating because you just worked 8-10 hours for absolutely nothing. Think about that the next time a server waits on you. Have a good evening sir.

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    • In reply to Mike Pic

      I want you to go to the library and get a dictionary. In between the words shit and syphilis you will find the word (sympathy). Get a better job. Your bills are not my problem. Don’t have enough money to eat, I don’t care. Don’t have kids if you can’t afford them. You’re stupidity got you in this mess, I don’t care not my problem. Stupid people have hard lives. I don’t tip and I am proud of it. I save that money and spend it on my family that I can afford.

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      • In reply to Violin player

        Stupid people do not know the difference between “you’re” and “your” …idiot. Also, did you ever think that maybe they had enough income to afford having children, then a tradgic event struck and a death in the family caused their income to be cut in half? IGNORANT people have hard lives, and assholes like you go to hell.

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      • In reply to Grammar Police

        My tiny violin plays for you. I don’t care about your bills or if you can eat. Because you’re poor and I don’t care. Did you like my grammar this time?

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      • In reply to Violin player

        Let me just start off with this: Violin, you make me sick. You truly do. It’s not their fault they have that job! It’s not their fault that they don’t get paid enough! Most people work as a waiter because they HAVE to. They can’t just “find a job.” There are no better jobs out there! The middle class is being wiped out and adults are forced to take what was designed to be unskilled, entry-level jobs. You think you’re so high and mighty? You know NOTHING. They NEED that tip. Because of they don’t, they can’t make the day-to-day. Tell me, is it their fault they have bullshit employers? Tell me, is it their fault they can’t afford to feed themselves? No, it’s your fault. You aren’t the origin of the problem, but you damn well make it a problem.

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      • In reply to Violin player

        I’m surprised you even know what the word sympathy looks like, because there is not a sympathetic bone in your body. The worst part is, you’re proud of it. When you’re in a place where you need sympathy and support, don’t expect it. I’m not surprised, however, that you looked up “shit” and “syphilis” in the dictionary because you’re a piece of shit and you probably have syphilis.

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      • In reply to Violin player

        So as a college student how am I supposed to get a better career if I can’t pay for my tuition or books? My parents don’t have money and I’m trying to get a better job for my future. You have obviously never worked in the service industry. Try working a 10 hour shift of constant food running, bussing, and certain kitchen duties that come with being a server, to come back home and write an essay or study for an exam. I have/never will spit in anyone’s food, I kill bitter people like you with kindness. A good server will sense how their customer is, and whether they want to be socialized or not. It is our job to make customers feel comfortable as part of the atmosphere one pays for. You sir are best described as Mr. Scrooge, and I SYMPATHIZE with your poor attitude and small heart. Yes employers are cheap, but did you know that servers are paid a lower salary far below minimum wage. I make $3.10/an hour with taxes removed. In America the service industry has worked this way for years. You tip for friendly service and hot food being brought to you. As well as any questions answered concerning the menu, specials, and drink options, which we have to memorize. Plus constant refills, pre bussing, running your bill through, while doing the same thing with 6 other tables at one time. I agree with most other accusations against you, and almost didn’t say anything in fear of a negative comment in response, but I had to voice my opinion as the hard-working 18 year old that sees you for the cold person you so proudly claim to be. I hope others see this comment and realize how wrong you are. Who knows, maybe I have changed someone else’s opinion and they will tip better; however, I know I have not changed yours because you are one of those people that just doesn’t get it. Let’s acknowledge the people who do. Here’s to the hardworking people out there, and the others who have kindness in their hearts to help a college student or struggling single mother…etc.
        Keep your faulty pride, what goes around comes around, and life is about giving and loving; not what one can do for oneself.

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  7. I’ll tip if I feel the service was good. But I have had MANY servers who never come back to the table while my soda ran dry or no ketchup for my burger. In that case, NO TIP! I won’t take it out on you if the food is bad because you didn’t cook it, but bad service….better earn your tip!

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    • In reply to Djk

      I agree with you Djk. This guy is an asshole. I have worked in the service industry for a long time. I started as a server and now I have an excellent career within the industry. I learned a lot of values and work ethic in this industry. I’ve learned that people like this guy are so miserable in their shitty lives that they take it out on anyone that seems vulnerable. Guess what bro, you can fuck yourself and stick those pennies up your ass because we don’t want your shitty tip.

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  8. Since nobody is resorting to name calling I guess that leaves me. I hope ISIS kidnaps you and cuts your head off. What kind of faggot bitch writes this and thinks he’s trumped tipping. Douchebag. Servers work their asses off and should get an academy award “pretending” to like you. Hope you come into our establishment and voice this idiotic shit—I’ll punch you so hard in the grill you’ll be shitting teeth for a week.

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  9. All I want to point out, is how you kept your name private because you know what kind of backlash you would receive for sharing such a blasphemous way of thinking. You are the reason we drink so much after our shift.

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