24 March 2023 , 14:15
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When it comes to dining out, customers are encouraged to reward good service with a tip. But unlike in England where this is considered optional, it is an expectation in America, as many of their service workers rely on tips to boost their pay packets.
It has prompted one TikTok user to share how she confronts customers who try to leave her restaurant without leaving her a tip. Kat, who is known as @smarthotties online, said: "$0 tip? No problem. I've been in the service industry for four years - and I've only had this happen to me a handful of times.
"If they haven't left yet, walk up to whoever paid in front of everyone [and say] 'Hey sir/ma'am, I see you didn't leave a tip. Is there anything I could improve on with the service that you feel you could share with me?'."
Kat goes on to explain how "nine times out of 10" the customer comes up with an excuse as to why they didn't leave a tip while reaching for their wallet.
"Worst case scenario, they just give you a tip to improve your service so you can make more money in the long run," she added. "Short story is, just confront them."
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However, not everybody was pleased to hear Kat's advice, as many social media users pointed out the flaws in America's tipping culture.
She believes it's a win-win situation (stock photo) (Getty Images)One user said: "I usually jus think 'Damn that stranger didn't pat my wage for my boss, guess that's how jobs work'."
Another user added: "If you come up to me and I put zero with a slash through it, I'm getting your manager. You shouldn't be putting me out like that if I don't want to tip."
A third user said: "I would get in so much trouble if I did this. Some people just don't tip no matter how good your service was."
It comes after an American waitress slammed holidaymakers for leaving a disappointing tip after claiming to be "over the moon" about the service they received.
The worker explained how she collected a $70 (£56.96) tip on a £700 (£569.57) bill, which is half the amount she was expecting from her table.
Venting her frustrations on Twitter, 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."