Content creator Karla Martin, known as @karlybeautyservices on TikTok, shared a personal story about an experience at a Miami restaurant that has ignited significant debate across social media platforms. "Tipping in the U.S. has spiraled out of control," she captioned the now-viral video.
Karla explained that upon arriving at the restaurant at 1 PM, they found five staff members cleaning inside, so they opted to sit on the terrace despite the Miami heat. After waiting 15 minutes without service, she had to get up to request water and utensils herself. Detailing further service delays, Karla expressed her shock when the bill arrived, including a mandatory 20% tip.
Surprised, Karla and her companions questioned the staff and were informed that tipping was mandatory at this restaurant. After requesting to speak with the manager, who never appeared, they managed to get a revised bill without the tip. However, days later, they noticed the 20% tip had been charged to their accounts regardless, prompting Karla to initiate a chargeback.
Karla's story has provoked a wave of reactions and a flurry of opinions among social media users. Some expressed outrage and shared similar experiences: "It's your fault; I would just leave," "I immediately leave and don't buy anything there," "I live in Miami and never sit down without asking about the tip policy first," "I'm a waitress in Connecticut; we only include tips for groups of eight or more," "Tipping is mandatory, but working isn't. The sad reality of what this country has become," "When a tip is mandatory, it's no longer a tip," "The same thing happened to us at Leña y Carbón restaurant, and it's not an exaggeration," "It happened to me, and believe me, I see everyone's effort, but I understand that tips must be earned," "The same thing happened at Red Lobster, and the manager almost hit me," "I leave and pay nothing," "In Latino restaurants in New Jersey, it's a total scam. Tip is included on the bill, and the service is usually very poor."
Others defended the practice of including tips, citing it as a longstanding U.S. custom and a crucial part of waitstaff income: "In the U.S., tipping has always been customary, but newcomers think it's something new," "People don't understand what it means to be a waiter. Waiters share tips with bartenders, busboys, and sometimes a percentage of their total sales," "Tips are mandatory because they are part of their salary," "Many people don't want to tip and think they're not obligated, but if we come to this country, we must follow the rules," "My husband is from here and always says to leave a tip. Waiters only get paid $2 an hour," "When I worked in restaurants, we always left tips, and the service was excellent," "My husband went to buy a cake and was asked to leave a tip. Although it's exaggerated, it's a custom here."
In response to the avalanche of reactions, the TikToker later shared some of the negative comments on her viral post to address them.
Understanding the Controversy Around Tipping in the U.S.
This section aims to address some of the most frequently asked questions and concerns raised by Karla Martin's viral TikTok video about tipping practices in the United States.
Why is tipping considered mandatory in some U.S. restaurants?
In many U.S. restaurants, tipping is considered part of the waitstaff's salary. This practice helps compensate for the low hourly wages that servers typically earn, which can be as little as $2 an hour.
Can restaurants legally enforce mandatory tipping?
While some restaurants include a mandatory tip for large parties, enforcing mandatory tipping for all customers can vary by state and local laws. It's advisable to check the tipping policy before dining.
What should you do if you're unhappy with the service but a mandatory tip is included?
If you're dissatisfied with the service and a mandatory tip has been added, it's best to speak with the manager. In many cases, they may be willing to adjust or remove the tip if your concerns are valid.