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Anika Markle
A restaurant server recently took to TikTok to voice his frustration with customers who don’t tip at least 20%. His video quickly went viral—not because everyone agreed with him, but because many people felt he went too far.
He called out people who leave a $5 or $10 tip on a $200 bill, saying that kind of tip “isn’t cute” anymore. “It’s not the 2000s,” he said, insisting that anything under 20% is not enough. He even showed viewers how to calculate a 20% tip to make it easier.
Tap the video to play.
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Viewers Push Back: “It’s What I Want to Give, Not What I Have to”
But the internet had mixed feelings. While some agreed, many felt the server sounded too demanding.
One viewer said, “We always tip 20%, but this video rubbed me the wrong way. It’s what I want to give, not what I have to.” Another added, “I’m so tired of servers acting entitled. Inflation affects all of us.”
Some pointed out that servers shouldn’t expect a big tip just because the bill is high. “Serving a $50 plate isn’t more work than an $8 plate,” one person commented. The server replied that higher bills often mean more items and more effort.
The Tipping Question: Appreciation or Expectation?
Many viewers felt the heart of the issue is about appreciation. One comment summed it up: “A tip should be appreciated no matter the amount.” Another added, “Tipping has gotten out of hand.”
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Others shared that they only tip more when the food and service are outstanding. “You’re not entitled to 20%. If you don’t like it, maybe find a different job,” one person wrote.
Should We Rethink Tipping Altogether?
This viral moment has people talking about bigger questions. Should tips be expected—or should they be earned? Would it be better if restaurants paid servers a full wage so they didn’t have to rely on tips at all?
At the end of the day, most people agree that good service deserves recognition.
But how much to tip? That depends on who you ask—and what kind of dining experience you have.
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