A TikTok user sparked a fiery debate online after sharing a video about people who dine lavishly at restaurants but don’t leave tips for the servers. The video, which quickly got over 10,000 views, highlights why tipping is so important.
In today’s digital age, tipping practices are a hot topic on social media, especially in the U.S. Tipping is a voluntary tradition, but many folks are frustrated because the standard tip is usually 15-20%, and anything below 20% often feels like an insult.
The controversy started with a video from a restaurant worker named Lillie, known as @mylasoasis_ on TikTok. In her now-deleted video, Lillie made a bold statement: “If you can’t afford to tip your server, then you probably shouldn’t be eating out at a restaurant.”
She began her video by saying, “Eating out is a privilege, not a right. If you cannot afford to tip 20%, you can’t afford to eat out.”
Lillie delved into the debate about servers’ wages in the U.S. While some argue that servers should get a higher salary, she pointed out the harsh reality for her and over 1.6 million other servers across the country.
“You can complain and insist that my employer should pay me a higher wage all you want, but this is America, and that’s not the case, okay?” she explained. “I get $3.63 from the restaurant I work at. My income, my wage, is from tips.”
She also mentioned that restaurant menu prices are kept lower to allow for tips. “The food is priced lower because you are expected to leave a tip on it,” she said. “If you cannot afford to tip, then you don’t deserve to dine out.” She even compared it to hiring a nanny. “It’s the same with a nanny.
If you can’t afford to pay someone a full salary, you don’t deserve a nanny,” she said. Lillie concluded by saying, “If you cannot tip, then you literally don’t deserve to dine out,” suggesting people stick to takeout or fast-food spots instead. Wow!
In the caption, Lillie made her point clear: “And to anyone who says we should be getting paid a higher hourly… Okay??? BUT WE AREN’T. Not tipping will only make your dining experience WORSE!!!!”
Her video sparked a flood of comments. Some agreed, while others disagreed with her approach. One person, who always tips, commented, “I always tip, but the entitlement is just wild, like, find a different job that doesn’t require you to run around and pays you well hourly.” Another user suggested, “If you can’t live off your job pay, find another job. This is ridiculous.”
However, many supported Lillie’s message. One person shared, “LITERALLY… I make $2.13 an hour, and we literally don’t receive paychecks at all.” Another user shouted, “SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK.”
Some even had suggestions: “Go off, girl. If someone doesn’t tip because they believe the employer should pay fair wages, then they should only support businesses that do so.” Another commenter said, “I tip based on service. I always tip 20% or more unless the service was exceptionally bad.”
So, what do you think of Lillie’s message? Should we always tip 20%, or does service quality matter? Let us know in the comments!
2 thoughts on “Serve says people who can’t afford to tip 20% “don’t deserve” to eat out at restaurants”
It’s up to me if i want to tip or not don’t tell me wany i got to do.
In Europe, servers are paid an equitable wage and tips are limited to 5-10 percent, only for excellent service. A much better system that should be adopted in the U.S. and Canada.