As frustration around tipping culture increases, a server sparks discussion—and ideation—on the lengths people will go to earn a better wage.
On June 29, TikTok user Aislin Parker (@aislinmarie) posted a video sharing her unconventional method to garner higher tips. Her video, which has amassed over 2 million views as of Wednesday, has text overlay that reads, “I put my baby picture in my book to look like a single mom who has to provide.”
Speaking to the camera, Parker describes that she puts her own baby picture in her server book to prompt a tragic backstory that earns her higher tips. When customers ask if the photo is of her daughter, she responds by saying, “Yeah, she’s six. I had her when I was 19, dad didn’t want to stay.”
She continues her false server backstory: “I’m a single mom who works two jobs. Please help me support my baby, it’s really tough.”
Viewers supported her creative approach to earning higher tips
“If ur mad ur probably the one who rarely tips,” said one comment.
“Technically, you are working to support the girl that’s in the photo, so you not lying lying you lying just a little,” posited another.
Many who identified as servers also share similar tactics that they and their co-workers have used to receive more tips.
“U already know ‘6’ is the perfect age bc lots of people definitely hear ‘sick,’” shared one individual.
“Every time i mess something up with my table i always say ‘sorry i have a lot on my mind, i’m trying to pay for med school,’” said another.
“A girl I used to work with used to make herself cry before busy shifts so she looked upset and got more tips,” wrote one commenter. “It actually worked every time lmao.”
Tipping culture vs. the server
This video went viral during a time when Americans are becoming increasingly frustrated with tipping culture. A 2024 study by Bankrate showed that 35% of Americans believe tipping culture has gotten out of control. This is a 5% increase from the previous year.
This fatigue around tips is contextualized by the explosion in the expectation of tipping. Since the pandemic, tip screens have been seen everywhere from movie theatre concession stands to doctors’ offices.
Meanwhile, many states still see the presence of subminimum wage. Businesses can pay their employees as little as $2.13/hour so long as they make minimum wage after tips. The federal minimum wage, which is used by 20 states, is $7.25.
@aislinmarie Please donate :( #server #serverhack ♬ original sound – Aislin Parker ?
The Mary Sue reached out to Parker for comment.
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