A waitress has sparked debate after complaining about a tip left on a £569 restaurant bill, despite the diners praising her service and telling management they were 'over the Moon' with their experience.
Waitress Slams Holidaymakers for Meager Tip
The server revealed her customers had been extremely complimentary about the service, yet left just $70 (£56.96) on a $700 (£569.57) bill - half what she had anticipated. Taking to Twitter to air her grievances, she said: 'This table just left $70 on a $700 check after chilling for hours. My manager even asked about their service and they were over the Moon about my service so he explained the customary tip is 20 per cent and they were like 'OK' and left.'
She added: 'Oh God I already know that this is going to get the most insufferable 'tipping isn't mandatory, just get a new job or magically change the laws overnight, I am such a genius to say this' type of replies imaginable.'
Tipping Customs Around the World
Unlike in England, where tipping is more of a personal decision than an expectation, American servers usually expect an additional 15 to 20 per cent on top of the overall bill to compensate for their service. Offering guidance for tourists on how tipping varies across the world, a statement from the UK Post Office reads: 'In most of Europe, tipping is very common. In many cases, it's just built into part of the bill – very similar to the UK. Tip sizes vary from country to country, but if you get stuck or you're strapped for cash – just add on 10 per cent, or round the bill up to the nearest €5 or €10.'
'As in all countries, it's polite to tip porters, taxi drivers and the people cleaning your hotel room – the expected tip is much smaller than the standard in bars and restaurants. If the service has been poor, don't hesitate to hold back on the tip. As in the UK, it's meant to be a reward for good service.'
Social Media Reactions
Commenting on the American waitress' post, one social media user said: 'Only Americans would complain about a $70 tip.' Another user added: 'Your beef should be with your boss and your country's outdated, nonsensical tipping system.' A third user said: 'If the bill is $700, then you have every right to complain about a $70 tip if you're an American waiter. And one should learn the tipping customs of places one is visiting.'
Countries Where Tipping Is Considered Rude
However, there are countries - such as Japan - where tipping is seen as rude and insulting because 'they value dignity and respect much more than tipping', according to Link Japan Careers Inc. A statement reads: 'The one place you should definitely not tip in is restaurants. The majority of waiters and other restaurant staff would see tipping as not only unnecessary, but quite insulting! We know it may be difficult, especially when thinking about what you would do back home, but tipping is seen as rude in restaurants and should be avoided. If you want to show your respect, simply say thank you – or arigato gozaimasu.'
