ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / ECONOMY & WORK

TikTok Video on Tipping Habits Exposes the Hardships Faced by Restaurant Workers

Understanding the financial hardships faced by servers can foster a more empathetic and generous tipping culture.
PUBLISHED JAN 31, 2024
Cover Image Source: TikTok | @7am.thepoet
Cover Image Source: TikTok | @7am.thepoet

The perpetual "tipping debate" continues to stir conversations on social media platforms, often sparked by servers expressing frustration over inadequate gratuities or customers questioning the necessity of leaving tips for various services. The unpredictability of tips can be particularly challenging in restaurants that experience fluctuating customer traffic, such as those relying on tourists or dealing with seasonal variations. While some patrons stick to customary tipping percentages, others might not be familiar with gratuity practices or may choose to tip less than expected. A TikTok video recently sparked conversations about the challenges faced by those working in the food service industry.

Image Source: TikTok | @7am.thepoet
Image Source: TikTok | @7am.thepoet

In a video response to a complaint about a meager tip left by a table of nine, @7am.thepoet shared a story about a friend whose experience as a waiter at Applebee's altered his perception of tipping. The initial complaint stemmed from a table that ordered $212.78 worth of food and drinks but left only a $5 bill as a gratuity. For servers accustomed to a 20% tip for stellar service, this was far from satisfactory.

Image Source: TikTok | Corinne Montgomery
Image Source: TikTok | Corinne Montgomery

@7am.thepoet agreed with the frustration surrounding low-tipping customers and revealed how a conversation with his waiter friend who used to work at Applebee's reshaped his entire attitude towards leaving tips in the food service industry. The TikToker recalled asking his friend about the seemingly excessive tipping practices questioning the need to go above and beyond the customary gratuity.

Image Source: TikTok
Image Source: TikTok | Jadaloca

His friend's response provided a profound insight into the harsh reality faced by servers. Despite the perception of restaurant staff earning a decent wage, the TikToker's friend disclosed that waiters and waitresses often receive a meager hourly wage of $2.30. This information forced a paradigm shift in the TikToker's understanding of the tipping culture.

Image Source: TikTok | @7am.thepoet
Image Source: TikTok | @7am.thepoet

The TikToker elaborated on his friend's experience, sharing a scenario where a waiter received a $140 check for two weeks of work even after factoring in the taxes deducted. This revelation highlighted the stark contrast between public perceptions of restaurant wages and the financial struggles faced by those in the service industry. The video aimed to debunk the misconception that waiters and waitresses earn a substantial income through their hourly wages. It emphasized the critical role tips play in supporting these individuals who rely heavily on gratuities to make ends meet.

Image Source:10'000 Hours/Getty Images
Many restaurant workers depend heavily on tips | Getty Images | 10'000 Hours

The conversation didn't shy away from addressing concerns about tipping individuals with less-than-ideal attitudes. This TikTok revelation is a poignant reminder of the unseen challenges within the food service industry. It encourages patrons to reconsider their tipping habits, appreciating the vital role tips play in supporting individuals working in establishments where hourly wages are far from sufficient. By broadening our understanding of the economic realities faced by servers, we can collectively contribute to a more compassionate and fair tipping culture.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
It was the perfect gift for her mother's birthday and also mother's day which wasn't far away.
5 hours ago
Steve Harvey's death stare to the contestant after hearing the answer was beyond priceless.
6 hours ago
Seacrest usually is kind and always smiling, but on this one occasion, he could not hide his feelings.
10 hours ago
The guest's mother had initially advised her father against purchasing it but he did it anyway.
1 day ago
The entreprenuer knew he had an ace up his sleeve and he played it to perfection.
1 day ago
Thankfully, the contestant was up for the task and was able to silence any doubters on the show.
1 day ago
Things could have been real messy had the host not reacted in time and prevented the setback.
1 day ago
The product had its doubters, but, in the end, the entrepreneurs were able to make a lasting impact.
2 days ago
Things were not looking too good at one point as most of the sharks had backed out... until the end.
3 days ago
A number of episodes with the icon reprising his role as host will be released this year.
3 days ago
She had only believed that her items were worth a thousand bucks and that was not the case.
3 days ago
The host wasn't expecting such unusual answers to be among the top options.
3 days ago
He was able to get the puzzle right just in the nick of time in order to win a significant amount of cash.
3 days ago
The host seemed pretty confident that the answer was in no way going to be correct.
4 days ago
The history attached to the flag is tragic, and it personally affected the guest.
4 days ago
The product was unique and could help millions of new mothers around the globe.
5 days ago
Viewers believe that the game show sometimes doesn't allow participants to win multiple prizes.
5 days ago
Harvey was clearly annoyed by the answer and refused to buy any explanation.
5 days ago
After his impressive 74 winning streak, Ken Jennings has been hosting the show since 2022 with a $4 million paycheck.
5 days ago
Drew Carey was supposed to look scary, but the host ended up being funny and awkward.
5 days ago