A TikTok user faced significant online criticism after starting a conversation about restaurant patrons who enjoy lavish meals but neglect to tip the serving staff.
The video, viewed over 10,000 times, emphasizes the significance of tipping.
In the digital age, social media platforms often host heated debates about tipping etiquette in the United States.
@mylasoasis_
Tipping, once considered optional, has become a hotly debated topic in recent years. Many express frustration that the standard tip is generally expected to be between 15-20%, and tipping below 20% is often perceived as inadequate.
In a now-deleted video, a TikTok user known as Lillie, using the handle @mylasoasis_, made a bold statement. She suggested that if someone cannot afford to leave a tip for their server, perhaps dining out at a restaurant is not within their current financial means.
Lillie starts her video by addressing the camera, stating: “Eating out is a privilege, not a right. If you cannot afford to tip 20%, you can’t afford to eat out.”
The TikToker delves into the ongoing debate about servers’ wages in the United States. While some advocate for alternative pay structures for servers, Lillie clarifies that this isn’t the current reality for her or the over 1.6 million servers nationwide.
The TikToker discusses the ongoing debate about servers’ wages in the United States. While some advocate for different salary structures for servers, Lillie explains that this isn’t the reality for her or the over 1.6 million servers across the nation.
“You can complain and insist that my employer should pay me a higher wage all you want, but this is America, and that’s not the case, okay?” she clarifies. “I receive $3.63 from the restaurant I work at. My income, my wage, is derived from tips.”
Lillie further explains that restaurant menu prices are deliberately set lower, with the expectation that customers will leave tips. “The food is priced lower because you are expected to leave a tip on it,” she asserts. “If you cannot afford to tip, then you don’t deserve to dine out.”
She draws a situation to hiring a nanny. “It’s the same thing with a nanny. If you can’t afford to pay someone a full salary, you don’t deserve a nanny,” she states. Lillie finishes off by declaring that if you cannot tip, then “you literally don’t deserve to dine out,” suggesting customers opt for takeout or visit fast-food instead.
In the video’s caption, Lillie continues to vent her frustration: “And to anyone who says we should be getting paid a higher hourly… Okay??? BUT WE AREN’T. Not tipping will only make your dining experience WORSE!!!!”
After Lillie’s video, many viewers shared their opinions in the comments section. One person, while acknowledging their consistent tipping habits when dining out, criticized the way Lillie conveyed her message.
“I always tip, but the entitlement is just wild, like, find a different job that doesn’t require you to run around and pays you well hourly,” they remarked.
Another user agreed, suggesting that if the job’s pay is insufficient, a person should seek alternative employment. “If you can’t live off your job pay, find another job. This is ridiculous,” they remarked.
Of course, there were users who supported Lillie’s message. One person shared their experience, saying: “LITERALLY… I make $2.13 an hour, and we literally don’t receive paychecks at all.” Another user added enthusiastically: “SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK.”
One user proposed a solution: “Go off, girl. If someone doesn’t tip because they believe the employer should pay fair wages, then they should only support businesses that do so.”
There was also someone who mentioned their dedication to tipping but disagreed with Lillie’s assertion that a 20% tip is obligatory, even for subpar service. “I tip based on service,” they said. “I always tip 20% or more unless the service was exceptionally bad.”
What are your thoughts on Lillie’s perspective? Share your opinions in the comments!