When you’ve worked as a server long enough, you may have perfected the ability to spot a bad tipper. For some, certain mannerisms can be a dead giveaway.
For example, one Virginia-based server noticed that customers who ignore her greeting or complain about their food only after the check arrives tend to not leave a tip. Now, Florida Keys server and bartender Hunter (@bubblesxxoo) shares bad tipping patterns she has seen among her clientele.
“These are the types of customers that are most likely to tip less than 10%,” she starts.
The 6 Types Of Poor Tippers
First up are customers she dubs the “Lemonade Makers.” These are guests who ask for free items to craft their own DIY lemonade. “‘Can we get extra waters with extra lemons with sugar packets?’” she mimics.
Next are impatient, frugal drinkers; she calls these customers “Time Travelers.” “‘Can’t you make the drinks now and then just ring them when it’s happy hour?’” the content creator imitates.
Then, Hunter complains of the “Verbal Tippers,” who shower her with flattery, thinking their verbal praise is enough of a tip. “‘You are the best waitress we have ever had. So, serious. Everything has been phenomenal. Also, you are so pretty,’” she portrays.
From her experience, the “In My Country” customers, specifically European tourists she’s encountered, tend to skip the tip altogether. They, she says, make the excuse that in their country, tipping culture is not as prevalent.
Finally, she wraps up with those who prioritize playing card games over ordering, calling them “Table Gamers,” and the not-so-easy “Self-Proclaimed Easy Customer.”
Other Servers Weigh In
Hunter’s video racked up over 191,000 views, with many fellow servers joined the conversation by sharing their bad tipping red flags.
“‘Can I get plastic ware please and hot water to soak my silverware,’” one viewer commented.
“‘Are the drinks free refills ?’ immediately I already know,” another shared.
“I had [a guy] ask me what the numbers [were] that were next to the meal. Sir those are the prices. I just knew he wasn’t going to tip. Zero on a $70,” a third recalled.
“For me it’s always the ones who insist on covering the bill for their friend ahead of time. Gives me the card and everything to leave me 8%,” a fourth revealed.
“It was always the ‘don’t worry, I’ll take care of you’ customers that never did end up taking care of me,” a fifth stated.
@bubblesxxoo Don’t get mad at me #restaurant #florida #summer #bartender #waitress
Is It Ever OK To Tip 10% Or Less?
According to a Bankrate survey, 58% of respondents still tip based on service. In the U.S., servers aren’t paid a standard wage and are instead dependent on tips for their income. Businesses are legally able to pay them $2.13 an hour but must make up the difference if the tips don’t come out to the $7.25-an-hour federal minimum wage.
Therefore, a tip that’s 10% or less is only acceptable in tipping etiquette if a server was rude or disrespectful and delivered subpar services, according to Food & Wine. Thus, leaving the 10% tip amount is enough to send a clear message of dissatisfaction without leaving nothing.
On the other hand, if you feel your server went above and beyond, a 20% tip is more than sufficient.
BroBible reached out to Hunter via Instagram direct message and TikTok comment.