South Carolina Server Waits On ‘Super Giggly’ Male Customer. When The Bill Comes, He Asks To Change The 25% Tip Option, Blindsiding Her

After a Charleston server received a low tip, she asked viewers if it is ever appropriate to confront customers about a below-average tip. While some understood her concern, others grew frustrated with tipping culture.

On Oct. 3, Gabby Kozlowski (@gabbykozlowski) posted a video asking viewers for advice, which has amassed over 33,000 views as of Tuesday.

“I have a question for the servers out there,” she says.

Why Was The Server Frustrated With The Customer’s Tip?

The server said the customer was very friendly and chatted with her throughout the meal. When she handed him the payment tablet, the 25% tip option was already highlighted. However, he asked how to change it, prompting her to explain how to enter a custom tip. She said the customer left $5 on a $55 bill, tipping just over 9%.

The server said she wanted to ask whether something about her service had disappointed him. She explained that she had repeatedly held back from confronting customers over their tips. However, the experience left her questioning whether she should finally speak up.

“My question is, have you ever done that to a table you felt did not tip you appropriately?” she asked viewers.

People Don’t Think It’s A Good Idea

She also wanted to know whether confronting customers had ever resulted in a larger tip or disciplinary action from management. “I’ve never said that to a table before,” she admitted. “I don’t know if I ever will do it.”

Kozlowski’s video prompted strong opinions from both sides, with many service workers echoing her frustration. “I never say anything, but I do cuss them out and damn them in my mind,” said one user.

“My average tip percentage recently has gone from 26% to 14%,” added another. “I think this is just a universal experience for everyone.”

However, many comments expressed a growing dismay toward tipping culture. “The more videos I see like this, the more I no longer want to tip,” wrote one commenter.

“No,” said another. “You don’t ever say it. Bad tips aren’t a reflection on you, and it’s not personal. Move on and enjoy all the awesome tippers because they outweigh three bad ones. And if they don’t, then maybe it IS a you problem.”

Have Attitudes Around Tipping Shifted?

The debate reflects a growing tension between customers who resent rising tip expectations and workers who rely on gratuities to supplement their income. According to the Pew Research Center⁠, 72% of Americans said tipping was expected in more places than five years earlier. The survey also found that 21% of Americans opposed tipping in general.

As tipping has become more controversial, many servers have gone viral sharing tricks they use to ensure good tips. For restaurant workers, however, tips can make a significant difference in pay.

The federal minimum cash wage for tipped employees remains $2.13 an hour, provided their wages and tips meet the applicable minimum wage. The U.S. Department of Labor⁠ outlines the rules governing tipped wages across the country.

BroBible reached out to Kozlowski via TikTok direct message and email.