Establishments asking for a tip has become the norm. As soon as you swipe your card, we expect the percentage amounts to appear on the screen.
In fact, Pew Research found that 72% of Americans believe that this practice is more prevalent than ever. So, it sends shockwaves if this doesn’t happen. Texas-based TikToker Kaitlin Quick (@kaitlinquick) sure was after she attempted to tip her tailor.
“I just realized how out of control tipping culture has gotten,” she tells more than 4,800 viewers while sitting in her car.
“I just went and picked up my dress from getting altered and I went to tip because I actually had a reason to. He rushed it for me,” she says.
When the content creator was about to express this form of gratitude, her tailor’s response caught her off guard. “He’s like, ‘No tip,’” Quick recounts him saying. As a result, it conjured thoughts about how diluted tipping etiquette has become.
So, she sought advice from over 4,800 viewers. “What are we supposed to tip for and what are we not?” she asks.
Viewers Weigh In
And many did just that, sharing the occasions they chose to leave a tip.
“Industries where people make a normal wage = no tip. Service industry workers who make below minimum wage = tip,” one viewer revealed.
“If the person is running their business then i wouldn’t tip, but if they are working for a business i would,” another shared.
“The best tip is to give him your business again for something else! Or a review on yelp,” a third recommended.
Furthermore, others resonated with Quick’s feelings.
“Don’t ask me, I can’t say no to those ipads. Like why did i just make my own froyo cup and am tipping to checkout,” one commenter remarked.
“It’s so confusing,” a second stated.
So, Do You Tip Tailors?
A viewer tried to reinforce, “You don’t usually tip for alterations! I have gotten dresses rushed in the past and usually they’ll just up the final cost.”
Indeed, this seems to be true, Real Simple echoing that tailors don’t require or even expect it. However, it is an ‘unwritten fashion rule’ to leave a little something extra as a token of appreciation, especially if the tailor went above and beyond. 10%-15% of the total cost is the standard
When Is It Acceptable Not To Tip?
If you feel the rules of tipping are fuzzy, no need to fret. CNBC has you covered by listing five instances where tipping isn’t necessary:
- Professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers, plumbers, and cable techs)
- Counter service (cashiers and baristas)
- Events with open bars
- Auto gratuity (double-tipping)
- Terrible service (not to tipping less than 10% in the restaurant industry is the recommendation)
In a nutshell, it’s not mandatory to tip people who earn a full wage or salary. Nevertheless, if you feel an employee performed excellent service, it’s your discretion to reward them with extra cash.
@kaitlinquick Yet I got asked to tip for someone pouring a singular glass of wine for me the other day #random ♬ original sound – kaitlin quick
The Mary Sue reached out to Quick via email and TikTok comment.
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