The most awkward part of a meal out is undeniably paying. But if your server whips out a Toast tablet instead of the classic pen and paper so that you can settle the check and tip, there might actually be a hidden meaning.
This hidden meaning was explained by Andrea (@theitalianserver), who is known on TikTok as “The Italian Server.” The TikToker often shares insights into server life, but this video, which has garnered 30,000 views, has especially resonated with fellow servers.
He begins the clip by saying, “Servers that use Toast handhelds, please tell me I’m not the only one doing this. I don’t always let guests pay the same way. If you use Toast handhelds, you’ll know you can either hand off the machine to the customer to pay or do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper.”
“If I expect an average or mediocre tip, because something went wrong or the table felt off, I’ll hand them the Toast machine, which usually comes with three buttons,” he added. “At my current restaurant, for example, it’s 20%, 22%, and 25% for tipping, and there is a no tip and a custom tip button as well. Now, to leave less than 20%, the guest would need to go out of the way and spend a lot of effort while the server is waiting, which is very unlikely unless something really bad happens.”
He continued, “If I expect a good or exceptional tip, I’ll bring paper and pen instead, for the same exact reason. A very happy guest might stop at the 25% button, while on paper there’s no limit. Thats usually where magic happens. I always wonder, am I the only one doing this? And by the way [holds up Toast machine] I love this machine.”
In an Instagram conversation with BroBible, Andrea said he’s “always been fascinated by how technology changes traditional jobs, and serving is a perfect example.”
“For years, paying the check was always done with a pen and paper, but now restaurants have another option,” he explained. “I made the video because I was curious to see how many other servers had experienced the same thing and whether they’d appreciate the strategy and discussion behind it.”
He went on to add that the reception to the video has been “incredible” and “much bigger than [he] ever expected.”
“Tipping is always a topic that gets people talking, so I wasn’t surprised to see a lot of discussion,” he added. “Many people agreed with my perspective, while others shared different points of view, which led to some really interesting conversations. I think that’s what made the video resonate with so many people.”
When it comes to maximizing tips, he added that “the most important factor isn’t the payment method… it’s the passion and dedication you bring to the job.”
“When you genuinely enjoy hospitality and focus on making people feel welcome, you’ll naturally provide great service, and great tips will usually follow,” he said.
“That said, I actually don’t think handhelds always lead to higher tips. Americans are incredibly generous, and sometimes the preset tip options on a handheld can actually limit that generosity. With the traditional pen-and-paper method, guests have complete freedom to leave whatever they feel is appropriate, which is why I think the old-fashioned way can sometimes result in even better tips.”
In terms of advice for other servers looking to get more tips, Andrea says his “number one piece of advice is simple: provide great service and always greet your guests with a genuine smile.”
“In two words: great hospitality,” he added. “That’s what consistently leads to better tips.”
“Beyond that, there are a few small strategies that can make a difference,” he said. “For example, older guests often appreciate the traditional pen-and-paper method more than a handheld device. On the other hand, if you work in a fast-paced restaurant, handhelds can save you a lot of time and help you be more efficient.”
He continued: “Another tip is for large parties with an automatic service charge. In those situations, I prefer bringing a paper receipt instead of the handheld. I’ll often write a simple “Thank you!” with a smiley face on the check. People rarely leave an additional tip on the handheld once they’ve seen a service charge, but with a paper receipt, I’ve received plenty of pleasant surprises.”
“At the end of the day, though, no payment method will ever replace genuine hospitality,” he concluded. “If guests leave the restaurant feeling like you truly cared about their experience, the tips will take care of themselves.”
What Did Commenters Say?
Fellow servers shared their takes in the comments. “People go out of their way to under tip me on the machine when I’m standing right there after I gave them fantastic service,” one wrote. “It is so bizarre to me.”
“Same!!” a second said. “This is my exact method.”
While a third shared, “At my restaurant the tip percentages on the handheld are calculated on the total PRE tax, while on pen and paper most people tip on the total including tax. I tested both options exclusively for a week and found that even when consistently getting 22-25% tips, I was actually making less money using the handheld. It’s good to check how your handhelds calculate the percentages before using them for transactions.”
And a fourth admitted, “We’re not supposed to do it the old fashioned way. But when I have an elderly guest that was struggling with the menu I’ll usually bring them the pen and paper. Makes it easier for them because it’s what they know and faster me because busy.”
How Do You Get More Tips As A Server?
More generally, servers have flocked to TikTok to share their most useful life hacks to maximize tips. While some of these tips can be morally questionable, others are more universal. In a viral TikTok, @amfglow asked viewers to share their tips for getting… well, tips. Or, more specifically, a “guaranteed 30% tip.” She began by sharing her own tip in the video description, stating how she starts every service with “Hey beautiful people,” though she admitted she needs “new lines to drop.”
Servers then flocked to the comments with their own tips and tricks. Some suggested humor. For instance, one server suggested drawing the table “really badly” while pretending to write down their orders. Another suggested more cheesy jokes, such as, “When putting down multiple plates say ‘this one is hot,’ then the next plate ‘and this one has a nice personality.'”
Taking the cheesy part literally, a third sever said, “If you have to grate cheese on a dish, I like saying ‘Don’t worry I’m here until *closing time.'”
At the end of the day, while subtle hacks like the Toast tablet can clearly make a difference, getting tips is arguably more about charm than anything else.
@theitalianserver This one is for servers whose restaurants use Toast handhelds. 🤣 Sometimes I hand guests the machine, sometimes I bring the paper check. Speed plays a role, but yes… there’s also a little strategy involved. 😅 Servers, tell me I’m not the only one doing this. 👇 #serverlife #toast #handhelds #theitalianserver #serverstrategy