A TikTok user has faced intense backlash after sparking a discussion about restaurant customers who dine lavishly but don’t leave tips for the serving staff.
The video, which has gained over 10,000 views, emphasizes the importance of tipping.
In today’s digital era, social media is full of debates about tipping practices in the United States.
Tipping, though optional, has become a heated topic in recent years. Many people are frustrated that the standard tip is usually set at 15-20%, and anything less than 20% is often seen as inadequate.
In a recent video (now removed), a restaurant worker named Lillie, known as @mylasoasis_ on TikTok, made a bold statement. She suggested that if you can’t afford to tip your server, then you probably shouldn’t be eating out at a restaurant.
At the start of her video, Lillie looks into the camera and says, “Eating out is a privilege, not a right. If you cannot afford to tip 20%, you can’t afford to eat out.”
She then dives into the ongoing conversation about servers’ wages in the United States. While some people think servers should be paid differently, Lillie explains that this isn’t the reality for her or the 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 says. “I receive $3.63 from the restaurant I work at. My income, my wage, is derived from tips.”
Lillie adds that restaurant menu prices are kept lower so customers can leave tips. “The food is priced lower because you are expected to leave a tip on it,” she says. “If you cannot afford to tip, then you don’t deserve to dine out.”
She compares this to hiring a nanny. “It’s the same thing with a nanny. If you can’t afford to pay someone a full salary, you don’t deserve a nanny,” she explains. Lillie concludes by saying that if you can’t tip, “you literally don’t deserve to dine out,” and suggests customers choose takeout or fast food instead. Wowzer!
In the video’s caption, Lillie shared her frustration, saying, “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!!!!”
After Lillie’s video, many people left comments sharing their own opinions. Some agreed with her message, while others had different views.
One person, who always tips, was upset about how Lillie presented her message. They said, “I always tip, but the entitlement is just wild. If you don’t like the job, find one that pays better.”
Another person agreed, suggesting, “If you can’t live on your job’s pay, you should find a different job. This is ridiculous.”
But there were also people who supported Lillie’s point of view. One person shared their own experience, saying: “I make $2.13 an hour, and we don’t even get real paychecks.” Another user agreed, saying, “SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK.”
One person offered a suggestion, saying, “If someone doesn’t tip because they think employers should pay better, they should only support businesses that do.”
There was also a comment from someone who always tips but disagreed with Lillie’s idea that a 20% tip is required even if the service isn’t great. They said, “I tip based on service. I always tip 20% or more unless the service was really bad.”
What do you think of Lillie’s words? Let us know in the comments!
