Not Tipping Servers Is (Almost) Never The Answer
Start writing a post
food

Sorry, It’s Really Not OK To Not Tip Your Servers


Why do you go out to eat if you can't afford to spend more than what your food costs?

40
Sorry, It’s Really Not OK To Not Tip Your Servers

For as long as I can remember, I have always been told to tip my servers every time I go out. It's a mindset I was raised with.

Less than 10 percent of the time have I found reasons to not tip, but if you don't receive a tip from me, you did something wrong and probably pissed me off.

I've worked in over 10 restaurants since I was 15 years old, and every time but three of those times, I've been a server. Over time, I've managed to make really good money at more than 80 percent of these establishments.

I've worked everywhere — from Buffalo Wild Wings, McDonald's, Joe's Crab Shack and Red Robin all the way to Romano's Macaroni Grill. I've served the "rich," the "poor" and everyone in between.

If you go into a restaurant and you "look like you're not going to tip" or "like you're not going to be a good table," unfortunately, some servers won't even want to take you. And oftentimes, behind your back, they'll switch with someone else in a section close by.

In my experience, more times than not, that table they didn't want to take always tipped fat. I've done it about two times, and if I can remember correctly, it was because I was closing and had already worked over nine hours with one 15 minute break.

I love my money, and I'm not about to mess around with it — especially with how many bills I have.

Yesterday, I read an article from another creator, talking about not having to tip. They wrote that just because they go out to eat, that doesn't mean they need to tip.

I'm sorry, what?

If you're going out to eat because you don't want to cook or eat at home, and someone is waiting on you — refilling your drinks, grabbing all the sides and condiments you need, while you're sitting there talking and hanging out or playing on your phone — I really hope the reason you don't tip is valid.

I'm not saying any reason someone doesn't tip is invalid, but what makes you not tip? Why do you go out to eat if you can't afford to spend more than what your food costs?

Unless your server spat in your food in front of you, or tossed profanities at you, why aren't you going to tip?

They were taking too long? They don't have just you.

And if it doesn't look like they have any tables beside yours? It's called side-work, helping other servers around us and running food for other servers to other tables.

We're probably restocking.

We're probably trying to box up another table's food in the back.

We're probably looking for someone else to sing "Happy Birthday" for us.

There is so much that goes into being a server, especially when it comes to being the most successful one you can be. I feel like no one truly understands it unless they've been a server before.

If you're not tipping your server, and your bill is $30 for your family of three, your server is paying for your food and is even leaving with less money then they had before. Not only are they paying for your food because of the taxes, but they're forced to tip out to their bartender, their bussers, their food runners and whoever else is on shift with them.

It's an endless cycle of taxes and money, and if you're not tipping them, then the money they're tipping out is coming from their own pocket.

Sure, you're probably thinking, "Well, get another job" or "That's not my fault," or whatever other close-minded thoughts you have. But the truth of the matter is that almost every person who is working in that restaurant you're eating at has another job, and that job is probably a full-time job.

Hell, they might even have another serving job, but they're there for a reason. And you're not helping the stigma behind bad tippers.

This isn't Europe. Just because they don't tip doesn't mean you don't need to tip.

By no means am I telling you what to do, but if you can't afford it, don't go out to eat. It's not that difficult.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

934498
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

111088
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

61339
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments