Tipping has been a hot-button topic on social media for years.
Because servers rely on gratuities as a significant part of their income, they have posted on how to ‘properly.’ Instead of gaining sympathy, it has done the opposite. Not only has it created division between servers and customers, but Fast Company reported that tipping is at a seven-year low due to ‘tip fatigue.’ An East Los Angeles waitress sparked viewers’ ire by adding another no-no to the list: paying a bill in both cash and card to reduce her tip.
In a skit with over 51,000 views, server Megan Farley (@itsmeganfarley) portrays herself and a customer.
“So, we’re gonna do 175 in cash and the rest on card,” the “customer” says with a smile. “Sure, I’ll be right back,” she replies, walking away, flashing a fake grin with the checkbook in hand.
“You know what that means,” the content creator writes in the text overlay, knowing she is about to get skipped. When she’s alone with the ‘staff,’ she expresses her frustration. “Guys, they’re doing cash first and then card,” Farley states, annoyed, and facepalms into the checkbook.
Farley blasts these types of customers in the caption, “They know what they’re doing.”
What did viewers say?
The comments section was split. Some who sided with Farley revealed they use this payment option without jipping the server.
“I always tip on the full amount even if I split it between cash, card, or gift card,” one viewer shared.
“I wrote the cash amount on the cc receipt haha,” a second said.
However, the skit only evoked anger from others, reducing the incentive to tip more.
“The service people make up so many rules, just do your job without all these fake rules and watch your tips go UP,” one commenter remarked.
“I tip 0% every day that I see nonsense videos from waitstaff on this app lol,” another stated.
Can splitting payments affect tipping?
Regardless of whether you’re splitting the transaction between one person or many, it can lower the tip. For a large party, dividing the bills can create confusion about how much to tip, according to Toast. Consequently, it can lead to a smaller and disproportionate gratuity. This could apply to a person splitting a payment using two different methods. When this happens, the customer may end up tipping only on the card amount rather than the total.
“The cash is going to decrease the balance on the receipt they sign on and then they’re only going to tip on the amount they put on the credit card and not the full amount of the bill,” one viewer explained.
To ensure the server receives the full tip, request a receipt for both payment options. Then, multiply the bill by the desired amount using a decimal. For example, 0.20 is the decimal form of 20%, and your bill is $100. To calculate it, $100 x 0.20 = $20.
@itsmeganfarley They know what they’re doing #server #restaurant #serving #sketch #comedy ♬ original sound – Megan Farley
The Mary Sue reached out to Farley via TikTok comment and direct message.
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