Observation is a key skill many servers master on the job. If you work in the restaurant industry long enough, you will likely start to notice patterns in customer behavior.
For example, a Colorado server noticed that customers who dine alone and order more food than they can eat is a telltale sign that they are ready to skip out on the check. Another server claims she can tell what type of customer a person will be based on their beverage choice.
Virginia-based server Hannah (@hannah__lynn16) thinks she has a way to tell if a customer will be a bad tipper.
“What’s one thing that a table does that tells you they’re not gonna tip you?” she starts her video.
Do You Respond To A Server’s Greeting?
One of the signs is not being responsive to her greeting.
“When I go greet a table, and I’m happy. I’m smiley, and I’m bubbly. And I ask how they’re doing, and I get zero response,” she says. “Or attitude right off the bat or complaining about something.”
She continues, “I understand people don’t want a full-blown conversation with their server, but it costs you absolutely nothing to be respectful and kind to strangers, especially to someone who is handling your food.”
Do You Send Food Back?
Hannah says one other customer behavior—in her experience—guarantees no tip.
“When we’re nearing the end of their dining experience, and they’ve eaten the majority of their food,” Hannah starts. “They tell me they don’t like it, and they want to send it back.”
Usually, customers who complain at the end of their meals not only want to get out of tipping, but they are likely looking to get out of their entire bill.
“Normally, this happens after I’ve brought their check and they’ve seen what their total is,” she says. “And they just so happen to not like something. This one happens a lot.”
Other Bad Tipper Signs
Hannah’s video garnered over 267,000 views. Fellow servers resonated with her, revealing their own warning signs.
“Hot water for their silverware which they don’t realize isn’t actually hot enough to sanitize said silverware,” one viewer shared.
“SUPER SUPER FRIENDLY. The quietest or less talkative tip the most,” another stated.
“When a customer orders a 6 ounce sirloin well done. i will not be elaborating further,” a third commented.
“Girl, every time I get that card that says chime,” a fourth said.
“If it’s a party, and one person speaks for the group that everyone is drinking [water]. That’s how I know lol,” a fifth revealed.
The Price Of Not Tipping Your Server
Although these customer traits aren’t one-size-fits-all, as every server has subjective encounters. However, one thing is certain: Tipping has an impact on servers’ wages. Approximately 15 states pay tipped employees $2.13 per hour. If the tip amounts don’t reach the federal minimum hourly wage of $7.25, the establishment has to make up the difference.
On top of that, some businesses expect the server to tip out a portion to other workers who assist them in the service process, like the cooks or bussers. Essentially, they may walk out with very little.
So, if the service is satisfactory, tipping 15% is the standard, per Food & Wine.
BroBible reached out to Hannah via email and TikTok comment.