Why should waiters keep the change? Indian YouTuber calls mandatory tipping culture in US a 'scam’
Chandigarh, August 21
It’s not unusually, but prevalent across the world to tip waiters as a gesture of saying thank you.
But in New York, they have a compulsory tipping culture, where customers are expected to pay extra money for their meals.
This tipping culture has been flayed by an Indian YouTuber who has sparked a heated online debate.
In a viral post, Ishan Sharma shared his experience at a New York City restaurant, where he claimed he was not returned his money after paying $50 in cash for a $45 meal.
His inquiry about mandatory tipping was ignored by the waiter, which left him frustrated.
Calling the New York's tipping culture a "scam", despite his friend, a local, being embarrassed by his refusal to pay more in tips, he wrote: ''Tipping is such a scam in New York! Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages? Ordered a crepe, club sandwich and Panini for $45(Rs.3800). We paid $50 cash and the waiter just took the rest as a tip. I asked for change and she said "You have to pay the tip" and went away. I asked "Is it mandatory?" and she just ignored me. And my friend(a local) felt guilty for not paying at least 20% tip! 20% for what? INSANE".
Tipping is such a scam in New York!💀
Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages?
Ordered a crepe, club sandwich and Panini for $45(Rs. 3800).
We paid $50 cash and the waiter just took the rest as tip.
I asked for change and she said "you have to pay… pic.twitter.com/9ggEZHIoft
— Ishan Sharma (@Ishansharma7390) August 20, 2024
The post has garnered mixed response from online users with some supporting his frustration and others defending the mandatory tipping system.
Below are the reactions:
I don’t know about America;
but shouldn’t tips be given as a way of saying thank you but as a compulsion.
— Sejal Sud (@SejalSud) August 20, 2024
15-20% tip is a customary social custom in the USA. When in Rome do as a Romans do.
If you strongly feel that tipping is wrong then don't order food at a sit down restaurant.
— Jimmy Gandhi (@jimmygandhi) August 21, 2024
You are the reason why the globe is becoming racist against Indians
Stop being fucking cheap
— AJAC (@AJA_Cortes) August 21, 2024
You got away easy with only 10% as a tip. These days it's become a norm to tip at least 15-20% or more.
— Shantanu Goel (@shantanugoel) August 20, 2024
It is mandatory !! When you can afford two sandwich have the decency to tip the waiter
— Nate (@crown1091969) August 21, 2024